15 April 2012

Disclaimer: I do not own Persona or any of its characters.

Chapter 10: The Ugly Truth

It took a while before everyone got settled down for the arranged meeting. Mitsuru looked at the persona looming behind Minato in discomfort.

"Can't you dismiss him?"

Prometheus hissed at Mitsuru and the great eagle flew over to her shoulder.

Minato simply shrugged nonchalantly. "I dunno. He just won't go back."

Minako stared in awe at Prometheus who was perfectly aware and was shifting on his feet in discomfort. "Maybe he wants to join the meeting."

Minato looked up at the persona, ignoring pleas of help from Mitsuru. "Seems like it." He waved his hand and grinned. "Never mind him, lets carry on."

Akihiko seemed to be the only one who wasn't affected by his presence. He turned to Minato with a somber look. "It's regarding the girl who was found by the front gate."

"What about her?", prodded Yukari.

"Well, there's this rumor that it's the work of an angry spirit from this one ghost story", said Junpei.

"H-Hey, come on. No one believes in that stuff!" stuttered Yukari.

Mitsuru glanced at Yukari wearily. "I do. Now, if you would just help me with this-"

No one paid any attention to her since the eagle seemed somewhat content with Mitsuru. Akihiko looked at Junpei in amusement. "So what's this ghost story about?"

Yukari turned pale. "I-It's probably made up, so why bother?"

"It seems interesting. Go on, tell us."

Yukari was clearly uncomfortable with the situation, especially when the lights went off and Junpei shone the light on his face. It would have been the perfect atmosphere for a spooky ghost story if only the golden armor on the persona's body wasn't so bright. Minako covered him with a thick black cloth but it still shone brightly that even some of the light went through the cloth, excluding the fact that the fire burning in his hands helps add on to it.

Just as Yukari was beginning to feel much assured, they decided to change locations from the dining table to the command room where Prometheus found himself locked outside, staring at the door.

The lights were off again and the torchlight shone its beam onto Junpei's face. He wore a comical expression as he leaned forward and spoke in a mysterious voice, "Good evening-"

"It's night already," said Minako.

Junpei cleared his throat and began. "Good night-"

Minato yawned and rested his head on the armrest. "Good night."

"Hey!" Junpei groaned when he didn't get a response. "Forget about them, welcome to Junpei's 'Believe it or Don't'. Now, we have many strange things in this world-"

"You mean like this creepy bird on my shoulder?"

Mitsuru massaged her temples in annoyance when the eagle screeched in pride as everyone turned to it. Junpei scratched his chin and cocked his head. "Err, maybe. But according to one story, if you get caught at school late at night, you'll be devoured by a maniacal ghost that roams the halls!"

Minato snorted hearing how farfetched it sounded. "You sure that isn't the same ghost that has been told in various school ghost stories around the globe? Heck, I bet that abandoned building at the corner of our school has tons."

Akihiko blinked, so did Yukari, Junpei and Mitsuru."There's an abandoned building at our school?"

"It's just really old and damaged." Minato grinned and grabbed the torchlight from Junpei. "Legend says that whoever manages to make it out alive will be granted infinite wealth!" He narrowed his eyes, shifting his line of sight from left to right. "But those who don't, will be trapped in there forever, burnt alive, then resurrected, and burnt again for eternity!"

Yukari screamed and hugged Mitsuru, scaring the eagle off much to the red-head's relief.

Junpei laughed and snatched the torchlight back from the cackling blunette with a slight tinge of annoyance. "Now back to MY story, the other day, this friend of mine, let's call him Shu, he said to me, 'Junpei, I saw something strange.'" He paused dramatically. "He sounded serious and being the best friend one can ever have, I asked him what he'd seen. He said it was about the girl in 2-E, claiming he saw her go to school on the night of the incident." His eyes widened. "I couldn't believe it. She doesn't seem like the kind of girl to be out at night. But Shu was as white as sheet, insisting it to be true. Then it hit me."

Minato stretched his arms and yawned. "Shu hit you?"

He flailed his arms in annoyance. "No! That ghost must've tried to make-"

"Shu its dinner and to save his sorry ass, Shu pushed the girl to the suspiciously maniacal ghost when Shu himself was suspicious enough to be at school late at night? That's how the story is? You sure have one weird friend there Junpei."

Sighing, Junpei surrendered. "You continue it."

Minato grinned and took the torchlight. The eagle on his arm fluttered, its gold eyes shining in the dark eerily. "I felt warmth run down my spine, and I broke into a warm sweat. I simply hugged my friend and patted his back, telling him to go see a doctor for his own good." The blunette nodded gravely. "Yes, there are not just strange things in this world, but strange people as well. Believe it or believe."

Mitsuru nodded deep in thought. "What do you think Akihiko?"

The boxer gave her a blank look. "Well, we were given only one option so, I believe."

Prometheus suddenly stormed in and slapped the poor bird. He picked up the fallen bird and stormed out of the room again.

Akihiko sighed. "Why is he so strange?"

"It's one of the strange things in this world." said Minato.

Mitsuru nodded. "It's worth investigating."

"Let us begin by stripping that golden armor off its body," suggested Junpei.

Minako nodded. "Then we shall dress him with nothing but a loincloth!"

Akihiko looked pleased with her. "Excellent suggestion. That'll confirm all our suspicions on his underneaths!"

Yukari fidgeted. "Uh, isn't that kinda uncalled for?"

Junpei pointed an accusing finger at her. "Your face is uncalled for!"

Akihiko scowled. "Like your face isn't uncalled for."

Minako stared at them, her brow knitted in confusion. "Whose face is uncalled for?"

Mitsuru blinked. "And why is it uncalled for?"

"Hello, don't you think we're forgetting something here?", groaned Minato.

Everyone turned to him with a confused look.

Suddenly, Mitsuru snapped her fingers. "Of course, the test subject! Quick, someone go fetch him! Iori, it's your turn to shine!"

Junpei stood up and saluted. Minato facepalmed. "No, I meant the missing girl?"

Stopping in his tracks, Junpei smacked his forehead. "Ack, how could I forget about the damsel in distress!"

Mitsuru gasped. "How careless of me to get carried away, curse that bir-" She stopped halfway and coughed. "I mean, yes, let us investigate this matter."

Junpei chuckled. "But wow, I didn't know you were afraid of ghosts, Yuka-tan. That's kinda funny."

She smacked him. "Hey, watch it!" Everyone turned to give her suspicious looks and she muttered, "Fine, then let's investigate. We'll each ask around for the rest of the week. I'll prove that this story is just an urban legend."

Mitsuru smiled. "I appreciate that. The story's a bit unnerving."

Minato pointed at the two seniors. "That includes the two of you too. Don't make it sound like the responsibility is all ours."

Mitsuru stood up in a hurry. "What! Why?"

"Cause you suggested it?"

"Oh come on, we've got homework and studying to do!"

Minato raised a brow. "And you think we don't?"

Fuming, Mitsuru grumbled, "Fine, be that way."

Minato grinned. "Yes, be my way."

Akihiko laughed. "I don't mind. Just, make sure you sleep with one eye open."

Yukari squeaked and Minako laughed. "That's not called sleeping!"

Minato didn't really bother to put Prometheus to test since the persona in question is nowhere to be seen. He was more worried that the persona had ran away and caused trouble out in the public.

But when he woke up the next morning, he regretted not bothering to find them. Prometheus sat on the floor crossed-legged while the eagle's tail was in flames and appeared to be crying pitifully. Then he saw why it couldn't escape; it was chained to a rock where Prometheus set his tail alight and whenever it extinguished, he would set it on fire again. Minato was somewhat worried when he felt the persona laughing maniacally. Then again, if he were to relate it to the myth, Prometheus was tortured by the eagle every day so it's only natural that he would want to take revenge by doing the same to it someday.

But putting that aside, it's Saturday! The destined day for the union of Minato Arisato and Lambo Theodore!

And no, that's not its name, not on his life. It's just, what's its name again? Eventore, Adventore, Advanced Theodore? No, the blunette couldn't seem to remember the name, let alone how to twist his tongue just to say its name. And actually, Advanced Theodore doesn't sound half bad…

At that very moment, the doorbell rang and Minato simply zoomed downstairs, in his pajamas and all.

He opened the door and was greeted with the most beautiful sight he had ever seen, together with an unexpected heap of freebies in his arms. After signing what seemed to be millions of papers, the man in black suit handed him his key and a small velvet box.

"Once again, we're sorry for the delay."

Minato couldn't be bothered and the man knew it, probably used to handling over excited customers. From above, Minako watched the man bow and take his leave. Minato bounded into the dorm and dumped the load on the floor then hopped into his car. Minako watched him speed off and with a sigh, she decided to rummage through the mysterious heap of boxes on the floor.

Minato loved the sound of the engine starting. He loved the feel of the smooth leather steering under his skin, the way the car roared and jerked forward as he stepped on the accelerator, and most certainly, how he loved that he had a car, at long last.

After a short spin around Iwatodai, he remembered that school was still on as usual and he zoomed back to the dorm, only to find his sister sprawled on the ground with numerous Italian branded clothing and accessories around her. Due to her over excitement, Minako wasn't quite aware of his presence. She opened the final box and a pair of black leather gloves stared at her. Minato swore she was puking rainbows as she pulled on the gloves and admired it.

He picked up an article of clothing and slipped it over his T-shirt. "I thought we're supposed to buy these? I saw them online, not cheap too."

Minako jumped back and hissed at him before realizing who it was. Laughing sheepishly, she removed the gloves and handed it to him. "Nice stuff though."

Minato shrugged and glanced at the clock. "Holy Igor, it's that late already? Quick, get ready!"

Shirts flew and Minako was back in her uniform. "Not anymore." Minato turned to her in confusion. With a smirk plastered on her face, she twirled his car keys around her finger.

Road drivers were simply astonished to see a car moving on reverse, on the highway. The car being a Lamborghini was bad enough but the driver looked impossibly young, what with that stylish sunglasses and black gloves that waved at them as he passed each one of them.

The students at Gekkoukan were no different as they gaped and gawked at the mysterious driver that professionally reversed his car all the way into the school. Who is he? What is he? A student? A teacher? Like fire, word spread, and fast. Before they knew it, the windows of the building that overlooked the school entrance were filled with faces of curious students. And when it's filled, it's filled all the way up to the rooftop.

Talk about scary.

Then came the epic moment where the scissor doors were slid up and a leg stuck out of each side, one with black pants over it and the other being smooth and fair. It seemed rather over exaggerated but they felt like the entire school held their breaths as they slowly stepped out of the car. After that, came the screams of crazed fan girls and shouts of wild fan boys that filled the entire school. Minato tossed his sunglasses and gloves back into the car, grabbed their bags and pulled down the door.

As they walked to their classroom, they could not ignore how people were throwing themselves at their feet, hailing them like they were some sort of legendary god. To be honest, both hated it. The screams made their heads throb, the hands that reach out to grab them felt freaky and the amount of stares and glares that they received where much, much worse than when Nyx Avatar stared them down. Just when they thought they could escape it all once they stepped into the classroom, their classmates intruded on their privacy, asking questions, after questions, and took what seemed to be millions of photographs with their flashy phones and whatnot.

It was then they agreed that being a celebrity would be the worst possible job in the entire world.

The bad news didn't end there. Minato had completely forgotten that the election was today had no one sign up for that position, which was weird, because he'd think at least one person, better known as the Disciplinary Committee Member of Gekkoukan High, Hidetoshi Odagiri would've jumped at that chance. But no, and when he asked the man in question about it behind the auditorium before making his entrance as Gekkoukan's Student Council President, all he got was a grin, a handshake, and an 'I'm not fit to have that title. You made me realize that,' speech.

Minato was still fuming even though he is already standing at the podium, even managed to sneak a few quick glares at the few fan girls he knew to have contributed to the vote. Mitsuru had a smug smile on her face as he scowled and pulled the microphone nearer to him to make his speech.

"Allow me to be honest. I really don't understand why you had to choose me of all people." And being the charismatic person he is, he pulled a student up on stage. "Tell me, what is your reason?"

The girl blushed and mumbled. "You're smart, rich and handsome?"

The other fan girls turned jealous and the entire auditorium was filled with foul thoughts. Minato made her return to her seat for her sake and continued his speech. "It turns out that the incident this morning has clearly changed everyone's perception about me, and my sister." He heaved a sigh. "Perhaps you should all understand that there is more than it meets the eye." Minato grinned. "Now that there is nothing I can do to change this terrible decision, I shall hereby begin my true speech as Student Council President." He moved nearer to the microphone and cleared his throat. "It is my firm belief that studying is derived from the term 'students dying' but fortunately, I am born a genius. I need not study. I know every single thing of the world!" The blunette laughed maniacally on the stage while his audience simply looked at him with bemused expressions and utter silence. Abruptly, he then stopped laughing and cleared his throat awkwardly, his face having shifted back to its usual emotionless expression. "I'm sorry, got a little carried away there, and here's my introduction. You know my name, most probably even know where I live and who I live with, I am in fact, twenty-one years old, likes people who respect me and my privacy, dislikes people who don't, now what else…"

A male student suddenly raised his hand and yelled out, "Is that your car?"

Minato frowned. "That does not relate to this introduction but I will answer it anyway. Yes, that's my car and if you want to know the cost, don't. I will be driving to school in that as of today and thou shalt not touch thy Lamborghini! If thou have such itchy hands, thou shalt receive punishment." His face suddenly turned serious. "And I mean it. If I find a single scratch on my car, made by anybody be it a girl or a boy, I will not hesitate to take action." He was aware of how much he made it a big deal but he didn't care. After all, wasn't he forced into this? Yes, he is that much of a douchebag, as stated by the girls of Iwatodai Dorm. "I have special eyes on that car so don't you try to be funny with me. Any other questions?"

"Youuuu woorrk duuuuudee?" Screamed some random guy at the back of the auditorium.

The blunette grinned. "Good question. Yes I do, I work at night," He winked. "If you know what I mean."

The students became distressed and Minato was starting to have a headache from being on stage for too long. Perhaps it was the light that shone on him so intensely or simply just his eyes unable to look at so many people at once, but whatever it is, all he wanted was to get off stage. "However, you may rest assured. Due to an agreement I have yet to make with a certain someone, you have my word that I will carry out my duties as Student Council President, no matter how busy I am and definitely no matter how much of a douche I am."

And with that, the blunette suddenly slapped the microphone away from its place on the podium and shouted to the stunned audience, "Let us begin by replacing this microphone that is overly far from the speaker! IT'S A DISGRACE AND A BOTHER TO THE SPEAKER! IT IN TURN, IS A DISGRACE TO GEKKOUKAN! I WILL SHAPE THIS SCHOOL TO LIVE UP TO THE GEKKOUKAN STANDARD! ALL HAIL GEKKOUKAN! ALL HAIL GEKKOUKAN!"

It didn't take long for the students to get caught up in his momentum and they started chanting along with him. But in actual truth, the cackling blunette simply wanted to try it out someday before his death. Feeling like an emperor, he stepped away from the podium and they somehow started screaming 'All Hail Minato' instead of 'All Hail Gekkoukan'. If this means, increasing his popularity yet, Minato swore he's going to find a way to rewind time and simply stand on stage like a mute person. He saw Mitsuru beckon to him and he followed the red-head out of the auditorium.

The silence was disturbingly awkward as they walked down the empty hallway. Was the hallway always this long? Darn, this school's too huge. Must. Resist. Urge. To. ABUSE POWER!

"I was rather surprised with your speech."

Minato blinked at the sudden conversation, his plans to minimize the school blocks flying out of his mind. "In what way?"

Mitsuru shrugged. "Minus the extravagant introduction about you and your car, I'd say it's impressive."

Minato held his chin and crammed his eyes shut, trying to remember what he said. "You mean the 'All Hail Gekkoukan'? I just wanted to try that, really."

Mitsuru rolled her eyes. "Sounds more like you're trying to bring up some sort of rebellion for your election."

Suddenly, they were standing in front of the Student Council room and Minato dismissed his suspecting thoughts. Mitsuru showed him his new place next to hers. Minato pulled out the chair and rested his feet on the table. Mitsuru crossed her arms and motioned to him to get his feet off the table.

"Now, you have to carry out your responsibilities as promised. Name your conditions."

Minato smirked as he reluctantly put his feet down. "I'm sure you should've expected this sooner when you told me to take responsibility for my-"

Minato stopped at the sound of a girl crying. He frowned at the strangely familiar sobs and turned to the door.

Once their eyes met, the long haired girl turned and ran away. Minato rolled his eyes and groaned. "Cut me some slack, it hasn't even been a minute since we started talking! Why does she always appear and misunderstand whatever I say?"

Mitsuru looked at him amusingly. "I don't know what your relationship with her is but I think you should go after her. We'll continue this tonight."

The blunette had an apologetic smile. "We barely discussed anything. We'll continue it back in the dorm, that is, if I can remember."

"Whatever. If you don't, I'll execute you! There, now you'll remember. Get going, you'll miss her."

Minato nodded and got up to leave. When he stepped out of the student council room, he banged head-first into Hidetoshi who gave him an odd look.

Minato was about to leave after apologizing but Hidetoshi placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Minato-kun, I didn't know you had that kind of relationship with Kirijo. I thought it suspicious that you two disappeared after your speech but I didn't know you were going to…" Hidetoshi let his sentence hang in the air with uncertainty. "If you had needed private time together you should've told me. It's not like you don't have the power to do so, am I right?"

Minato threw his hands up in annoyance. "Stop it will you? I don't have that kind of relationship with her! Why are you and Chihiro the same?"

Hidetoshi looked at the annoyed blunette storming off, confusion written all over his face.

"So you're not business partners?"

Minato was tired of running. If it weren't for what he liked to call the one-sided-human-tracking-device that came in the form of an invisible sunglass, he would have no idea where the girl went, what with Hidetoshi and the other fan girls returning to class distracting him along the way. Honestly, he wasn't really chasing her because Mitsuru told him to. The answer was simple, Chihiro didn't deserve this and he didn't like it. He had always felt all these social links were more like using people as his puppets to gain power.

And then he saw her, standing by the persimmon tree and he can't help but crash into her, again.

And due to the few first-years that were giving him odd looks from the gym, he had to make it look like a back-hug, again.

But Chihiro was angry and hurt. She tore his hand away and slapped him in the face, hard. The wind blew slowly and a leaf fell on her shoulder.

He turned to look at her in the eye, his fallen bangs covering an eye. "If slapping me helps you feel better, continue what you were doing."

Chihiro sobbed and pounded on his chest. "Why? Am I not good enough for you?"

Not knowing what to say, Minato remained silent. Even if he'd try to explain, she would either think of it as an excuse or refuse to believe him altogether. Minato was tired, so tired from the running, the windy environment only making him sleepier.

She continued rambling, "I want to believe you but what can you say about that?"

He shook her shoulders. "Will you listen to me, because there is no point telling me to explain when you'll end up denying it later?"

Chihiro nodded and Minato took a deep breath. After one long sentence of explanations, Chihiro nodded and Minato looked at her with hope. And then she suddenly pulled him down and kissed him.

Minato was more than shocked. Horrified, guilty, miserable, numb, yes, he felt numb as he stared at the giggling girl stupidly. He wanted to push her away and call her a fool, but in the end he was the fool. He was still devastated when she walked off with a bounce in her feet. He leaned on the tree and slumped to the ground. Minako poked her head around the tree and made a sympathetic chuckle.

"How could she?"

Minako sat next to him and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, she does love you."

"But I don't, and I never will."

Minako pushed his face up and smiled at him. "Don't worry, I'm here for you, like always."

The picture was almost perfect. Brother and sister sitting by the tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g.

Holy Maras, that didnt sound right.

Wait, what?

Minato blinked from the impact sent to his face and slowly averted his gaze from the concrete wall to the crying girl through his one uncovered eye.

"Minato, I hate you!"

Time stopped and his vision blackened out. The Justice card appeared and gave a spin in front of him. Then to his horror, it glowed red and inverted itself.

You have created a weird tension between you and Chihiro...

Your relationship is changing...

Due to your Social Link having maxed out, your relationship is not entirely severed…

The Social Link has become reversed!

Until you reconcile, your relationship cannot move forward...

With that, Chihiro ran away, leaving a shell-shocked blunette by the persimmon tree.

Happy that it wasn't broken but unhappy that it reversed, Minato slumped against the wall. He buried his face in his hands and groaned. "What did I just do?" Then he remembered about his dream, the kiss and Minako. He looked around but she wasn't even there. He gritted his teeth and crunched his knuckles. "That girl, she must've been fooling with me!"

"What?"

Minato eyed his sister with a glare. Minako frowned and pinched his cheek. "You sure you weren't just dozing off? You used to do that a lot in the first journey. Don't you remember?"

Minato scowled and rubbed his cheek. "But you're the only suspect here. Don't try to push the blame to me!"

Yukari peeled her eyes away from the snake-long notes Ekoda is writing on the blackboard and cocked her head at Minato with a confused frown. "How would Minako be able to come into your dreams even if she wanted to?"

Junpei too turned around and gave Minato a blank look. "Yeah, that's self-delusional stuff man. You been playing too much games or something? Heck, you should stop. Can I have your Playsexy 3 then?"

Yukari smacked Junpei. "Besides, what's that about a first journey?"

Minako laughed and waved her hand about. "It's just that train ride we had when we were younger."

Junpei didn't look convinced. "Is that so?"

Ekoda sneezed and all four turned silent. After he had turned back to the board, Yukari and Junpei turned around for their answer.

Minako nudged her brother and he scowled. "Yes it is! Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got pressing matters to attend to. And Junpei? No, you won't be having my Playsexy 3, never. Not even my Playsexy Portable."

Ekoda started a fuss while Yukari huffed as the doors slid shut. "What's so important that he has to leave class halfway?"

Junpei snorted. "I was just trying to help him!"

Minako had a frown etched on her forehead as she pondered about his story earlier. Ekoda grumbled and threw a fit when she too got up and abruptly left the classroom.

It didn't take too long to find the two by the staircase leading to the rooftop considering how Minato had his human-GPS activated earlier, probably looking out for her and waiting for her to approach the toilet. Sometimes he was more like an open book and sometimes he was plain unpredictable but that's all normal. Being the one who've lived with him all her life, she knew him as well as her own self. Minako hid at the lower stairs and peeked.

Minato grabbed her hand and said in between breaths, "Listen to me-"

"No."

"Please, just listen-"

Chihiro slapped his hand off and crossed her arms. "I have nothing to hear about. If you would stop disturbing me in the middle of class, it would be much better. Not everyone is as smart as you."

"Chihiro, come on! Give me a chance. I need just one minute."

She looked at her watch. "Alright, time's ticking. Tick tock, tick tock. Time's up."

Minato looked at her deadpanned. "You know that's not even a minute."

At this point, Minako had a box of popcorn in hand and a pair of 3D glasses over her eyes. "This is truly fascinating, 3D movies are awesome!"

Suddenly Minato's visor bleeped at the familiar presence and he scowled. Minako's listening and having a good time out of it, but he is not going to let her have it.

"Not that I'm trying to blame anyone but it was Minako's fault. You have to believe me."

Chihiro raised an eyebrow at him. "Blaming people now huh? What does Minako got to do with this?"

Minako stopped munching when she heard herself in topic.

Knowing that his twin sister is probably fuming, he smirked. Chihiro looked annoyed and the blunette got worried. "Listen, could you tell me what I did so I can explain the reason behind each thing I did in detail?"

But the simple truth was he didn't really know what he did.

And Minako knew that fact.

And he knew this could be a dangerous move, like a paper in scissors. Say one more thing to offend the hidden girl, and she'd snip off his relationship with Chihiro without so much as the feeling of pity.

Chihiro brought a finger to his face. "First one, you were mumbling about Minako."

"She was doing something silly behind you."

Chihiro stuck out another finger. "But you were calling her name while attempting to kiss me."

The twins were dumbfounded. Minato laughed nervously. "You know, I never kissed you before right? I thought perhaps it's better to chant Minako's name to myself for assurance since I'm more used to her. She's been around me since birth you know?"

She stuck out yet another finger and Minato gulped. "That's an acceptable excuse. But you fail to mention your eyes were closed."

Minato scratched his head. "I just thought closing your eyes when kissing is proper ethic. It's not?"

Chihiro rolled her eyes and extended the finger count to four. "I'm pretty certain you have lots of experience with females given your popularity and the way you're so familiar about their ways. It is almost impossible that you wouldn't know the ethics at all."

Minato groaned and turned her fourth finger down. "That has nothing to do with the earlier incident!"

Chihiro stuck out her pinky. "Fifth, that's for talking back to me."

"Once again, that has absolutely nothing to do with this."

Chihiro partially pouted. Minato smiled and pinched her cheek. "You know, you're cute when you're angry."

The girl placed her hands on her hips. "Oh yeah? Then I'm about to get really adorable."

Minato chuckled. "Please do. I'd be the luckiest man alive to see his girl getting all cute."

Chihiro blushed and smacked him playfully. "No, this is not supposed to happen!"

Much to Minato's relief, the Justice card reappeared, its red glow fading and the card rotated back to its original position.

You sense warmth from Chihiro.

The two of you have reconciled.

As a result, the social link has been restored!

Time resumed its pace and Minato beamed at the girl. "Alright, let's go back to class. Let me escort you."

"No, it really isn't necessary."

Grinning, he bowed and offered a hand. "No, I insist."

The girl giggled. "No silly, I need to get to the washroom."

"I'd follow you in then."

Chihiro smacked him playfully. "You wish. Very well, wait for me then."

Minato grinned. "The pleasure's all mine. Now, shall we go milady?"

Chihiro blushed and took his hand shyly. As they passed Minako, Minato shot a tongue out. Minako scowled and proceeded to walk back to class.

"Your brother's a real piece of work, huh?"

Minako spun around and her eyes widened. She grabbed the little stick hidden beneath her skirt and spat, "What do you want, coming all the way to my school?"

Takaya leapt from the window and landed swiftly on his feet. He smirked at her. "My, my, why the hostility?"

The moment she looked into his eyes, Minako saw a flash of events before her. So familiar, so real, and so frightening, it sent her into a flurry of nerves. She frowned at him. "You remember everything, don't you?"

Takaya grinned. "How clever indeed, or perhaps it is your mind-reading abilities that aided you?"

"Don't change the topic. What do you want, coming all the way here?"

Takaya pointed his revolver at her. "To eliminate the one that hogs the entire food chain to themselves and to balance out the ecosystem of the Universe once and for all."

Minako threw a punch and a kick to his body when Takaya pulled the trigger, sending him crashing to the wall while the bullet hit the floor next to her foot. She clicked a button where the small stick extended into a full length naginata. They stood a metre apart, Takaya coughing up blood with a bloodthirsty grin on his face.

"I won't let you repeat history, Takaya.", hissed Minako.

Takaya laughed. "I know you won't, and neither do I. That is why I have taken drastic measures this time."

All of a sudden Jin leapt in through the same window, followed by Chidori. Takaya smiled, his pale skin giving him the familiar sickly look. "Unfortunately, these two have no recollection of the past you and I, as well as your brother share."

Takaya reached for his revolver again and fired it at her without hesitation. Minako evaded the bullet and slashed the gun out of his hand. Takaya howled in anger when his beloved revolver flew out of the window. Chidori dove to grab her leg and Jin, her hand. Takaya's anger soon evaporated and he smiled again. Minako stared in disbelief when he produced yet another black revolver, similar to his former but in a different way, this one coated with gold plating around the sides. She kicked Jin's face and evaded another bullet to her head. She then clamped Chidori's head in between her two feet and somersaulted, bringing Chidori down on her back with a crack of a bone. By then, the gunshots had alerted the entire school. They fought their way up the stairs leading to the rooftop and locked the metal door behind them to continue their brawl.

Metal clashed with metal as Minako deflected the bullets with the small blade of her naginata. At one point, Takaya ran out of bullets and he scowled. Minako smirked and ran towards him in full confidence. As soon as the sharp cold blade was by his throat, Takaya pulled out a small pistol and pointed it at her face in all its glory. Minako was caught off guard. Takaya pulled the trigger without a second of hesitation and she tried evading the bullet, but in vain. The two staggered back and glared at each other, one holding the wound running down his shoulder blade, all the way to his ribs while the other held her shoulder where blood oozed out like there is no tomorrow. The metal door suddenly burst open and Minato ran in. Once he saw Takaya, Minato gave a cry and lounged at him. The pale faced man's face twisted from horror into a crooked smile and Jin appeared in front of him, ninja-style. Chidori appeared behind the surprised blunette and handcuffed his hands with strong grip. Takaya barked orders and Jin ran towards her, a knife in hand. Minako braced the pain in her shoulder as she stabbed the blunt end of her naginata into Jin's abdomen, sending him crashing into Takaya while Minato made a futile effort in ridding himself of the girl. Jin was up in no time, what with Takaya yelling at him to get his butt off his face. Jin aimlessly slashed his knife at her while she held him off with great difficulty. Seeing that she could not hold up any longer, Minato used all his strength and brought Chidori up and over his head, twisting his arms a painful 360 degrees. Once again, she crashed onto the floor on her back. Heck, Minako was surprised when she could still stand up and glare at them.

It didn't take long for Takaya to realize that his two comrades are at the brink of losing. He pulled put his pistol and fired it at one of the twins. Bullet after bullet, his shots missed, depleting his remaining source of ammunition in no time. He scowled and pulled out a knife. He ran towards them and slashed Minako who failed to evade the attack from both Jin and Takaya. Chidori slunk down as the pain from the blunette's quick string of punches began to sink in, leaving two remaining undefeated enemies. Minato went to Minako's aid and fought off the two knife-welding opponents. Sweat mixed with blood glistened on her skin as Minako evaded the flurry of slashes. Due to her lagged movement, Jin managed to get several more slashes on her. The skin soon repaired itself, though the pain was still there. Minako didn't know to be happy or frustrated at the flaw in the damned self-healing ability. Not only did the pain remain, now she had absolutely no idea how to treat it. On the other hand, Minato fared better against his opponent. Though he depended on his fists and kicks, the knife never got into contact with his skin. It was only when the fight edged on for several more minutes did the fatigue start to sink in.

His limbs were numb. He could no longer feel them as he forced his legs back and forth. His punches missed more often now, so did the lack of power in them due to the extreme twist earlier. Either Takaya had improved his stamina or he was simply getting weaker. Minako had it worse though. Her heart could not keep up with the rate she was losing blood. Her vision blurred and began to black out little by little. Each movement she made was slow. Each attack she made was clumsy. Every effort to defend herself from Jin's knife was futile. In the end, her nerves shut themselves down and her entire body was now numb. The bullet she had taken to the shoulder earlier drove itself deeper into her flesh from the excessive movement. It was a feat itself, trying to stab herself in the gunshot wound to prevent the skin from growing over it while being constantly on the move, battling the giddiness and her desire to just fall into a stream of unconsciousness.

Pools of blood stained the white floor of the roof. Takaya and Jin were having the upper hand, though both were badly injured. Within seconds, the tables have turned. None of the desirable power they had could help them in this situation. Even if it could, the pain and exhaustion made their minds foggy. They knew then what they needed: backup. Personas would be useless out of the Dark Hour. Bringing Junpei, Mitsuru, Akihiko or Yukari into the fight would be out of the question for Takaya could easily slay them there and then, despite his bruised condition. If it were anything, only one thing came to mind; Prometheus.

It took them long enough, for Akihiko and Mitsuru to rush up, flushed and panicked. Both didn't know what to make out of the situation but upon seeing the bloodied mess, it was obvious who is friend and who is foe. Leaving them to take over the fight, Minako dropped down against the wall and immediately stuck a finger into her shoulder. She shoved a handful of painkillers down her throat and bit her hand to withstand the pain as she fumbled around for the bullet. At that moment, Junpei rushed up and fainted when he saw Minako. Yukari wasn't any better. She screamed, causing Minato to experience dizziness and expose himself to a few precious seconds of vulnerability while Minako accidentally dropped the bullet back into the wound in shock. And then there was a loud screeching and every fighter on the roof turned to look at the sky.

The black eagle gave a loud screech and swooped down, digging its claws into Jin who was restraining Minato, causing him to scream in pain and release his hostage in an effort to rid himself of the bird in his face. Knowing that he was outnumbered, not to mention was in no condition to fight, Takaya grunted. He leapt and landed on the edge of the fence. He smirked and much to everyone's horror, Takaya stretched out his hands and leaned backward, slowly falling away from the rooftop, away from their sight. Jin grabbed the unconscious Chidori and jumped after him. Minato was about to jump down after them if it weren't for Mitsuru and Akihiko who held him back in fear for his life. Minato gave a frustrated cry and slammed his fist on the stone bench, instantly breaking it to half.

The bullet had managed to penetrate deep inside, making the wound deep and painful. Minako had to grit her teeth to prevent herself from screaming out in pain with every passing second. Blood continued soaking her uniform until the skin eventually grew over it, covering it once and for all.

Minako grabbed a new roll of bandages from the infirmary's supplies and tore it. Minato merely sat on the opposite stool, tending his to own injuries without a word.

She threw the bloodied bandage into the bin and looked at Minato gravely. "Things have taken a turn, Takaya's retained his memories."

Minato stared at her deadpanned as he gingerly lifted his arm and tested it. "You gotta be kidding me. I thought it was just us?" The blunette ruffled his hair. "That shithead Takaya, he'll get it."

They sat in silence, both in deep thought.

Minako is the one to break the silence. "Takaya's more prepared now than you think. He's got more guns up his sleeve, more bullets, more power. Thankfully it isn't the Dark Hour. Did you see his persona level? It's 235!" She threw the roll of bandage on the floor in frustration. "We're not even there Minato, not the least close! Takaya's been training and we've been fooling around, thinking we are the strongest in the world. " Minako took in a deep breath. "The fact that he can even jump off the building without a single hesitation shows how determined he is to live and finish us. Don't you understand what this all means?"

"I know."

Minako nodded. "We'll need a new plan. Using Strega is out of the question now."

Minato growled, "I'll kill Strega before they kill us."

"Don't. I have a feeling they will come in handy later on."

Minato gave her a bewildered stare. "As in what? You saw how they assaulted us, even when we're in school! Takaya can't wait for us to perish, don't you get it?"

"Of course I do, he even told me straight in the face!" Minako took a sharp intake of breath and frowned. "But it's just, something, something that's been nagging at me, that Takaya knows something we don't, and that information he knows is somewhat important."

"If that is so, very well then." Minato glanced at his watch and heaved a sigh. "Now that school has been announced over since the attack started, you get home and get some rest now. No, go see a doctor. We need to make sure you're alright."

Minako nodded and walked to the sliding doors. She paused and turned back. "You know, we really have to get training as soon as possible. Even Jin's persona is stronger than Mitsuru's. At this rate, we will never make it."

The metal door slid shut. Minato sighed and stared at the blood-soaked bandage in the metal bin.

Theo was browsing through Minako's compendium when he heard the click of a key. He got up to see his favorite guest coming in. Joy filled his heart as he ran to meet her.

Theo flailed his arms about. "Master Minako! Have you come for me to-"

Stopping in his tracks, he looked at the auburn haired girl, his joyful heart shattering.

Minako looked at the trembling man in amusement. "What's the matter Theo? Not having spasms are you?"

Theo went up to her and examined her in concern. "Master Minako, you're terribly hurt! Please, allow me to treat you! Look at that blood! My poor Master Minako!"

Before she could protest, Minako blinked when she was suddenly pushed onto a chair where Theo slipped off his white gloves and proceeded to peel off the school blazer that hid her injury beneath the blood-stained blouse. Minako slapped his hand away in between chuckles. "Relax Theo, it's healed already!" She smacked her shoulder and grinned. "See? Not painful at all!"

Theo ignored her and frantically ran to who knows where. Once he was out of sight, Minako rubbed her shoulder and winced.

One of the doors suddenly creaked open and Elizabeth walked out while yawning. "Oh Minako, you're here. Thought I heard your voice. Say, where's your brother?"

Theo came back with several suspicious bottles. Minako deadpanned. "Somewhere on Earth, if it isn't obvious to all."

Elizabeth stared at her and Theo smiled sinisterly. "I think all that sleep has made you rather stupid, hasn't it?" He raised his hands and shook his head. "Common sense. Where else would he be, if it isn't Earth?"

Elizabeth frowned. "I did not just hear that, my dear baby brother."

The younger sibling gasped. "And I did not just hear that, my wonderful inferior sister."

Minako sighed when the two Velvet siblings started rolling around while trying to get hold of each other's throats. When they rolled towards her, she stuck out a foot and both fell over.

"Say Eli, can I have a look at Minato's compendium?"

Elizabeth stuck a tongue out at a scowling Theo and smiled. "I reckon it is regarding the recent addition to his persona repertoire?"

Minako nodded. The thick book appeared in her hands and Minako took the hovering object.

Elizabeth shoved Theo who was making faces at her and coughed awkwardly. "So, where's Minato?"

Minako stared at the page with Prometheus's profile on it. "At Kirijo Group's laboratory, getting his car modified for the Dark hour." She shut the book and handed it back to her. "Where's Igor by the way?"

Theo rolled his eyes. "Prank calling. He'd taken a liking to prank call people during his free time. Quite the expert now."

Minako snorted. "If I get a prank call from him, he's gonna get it."

Theo dismissed Minako's compendium and turned to her. "By the way, I have been told you would be getting your own persona. However, I would like for you to remember to accept the persona into your heart."

When Theo got a strange look from the girl, Elizabeth elbowed him. "Minato's unable to dismiss Prometheus due to-"

Minako grew inpatient when Theo elbowed her back. It was clear they weren't supposed to say anything but they can't escape the fact that they are simply two mischievous kittens. What more are the Velvet Residents hiding from them anyway?

That evening, Minako lay on her bed, absent mindedly watching some random channel on the TV. Her mind chewed on and on about Takaya's assault. Something is up their sleeve and for some reason, she had a bad feeling about it, a very bad feeling. The door slammed open and Minako frowned. At this point, Fuuka would've been bullied and there was nothing she could do to prevent her bullying and yet allow her to be locked up.

"Feeling bad?"

Minako nodded. Takaya knows Fuuka will be trapped in Tartarus sometime this week and who knows what he'll do once he finds her.

Grabbing the remote, she sat up and tugged on her brother's sleeve. "It's no good, we've got to get Fuuka before the full moon."

Minato threw his tie on the chair. "Why? How will she awaken then?"

That's right. Her awakening. The Emperor and Empress shadow, that stupid Paradigm Shift. Minako groaned, earning a concerned and strange look from her twin.

It had really only dawned on her that she had done nothing to change the future, except living normally and fooling around like how she usually did during the first journey. She slammed a fist on the bed in frustration, though the action hurt her arm despite the soft material.

Minato sat on the edge of her bed and looked her from top to toe. "What's on your mind?"

She told him what she thought and Minato nodded. "We should deal with Strega first. It'll take things off our mind."

"Tail them, find out what they're up to. That'll be our agenda first thing tomorrow."

Then he for the first time, as though he'd just noticed, he stared at her from top to toe. "What's with the extreme bandages?"

Minako looked down at herself, almost, if not utterly mummified. She shrugged. "Doctor did this to me."

Minato stared at her in bewilderment. "Which doctor, in his right mind would do this?"

"Alright, so the doctor didn't exactly do this to me." When the blunette gave her a questioning look, she grinned. "I guess you could say I was playing doctor."

"You were playing doctor?", choked Minato.

Minako frowned for a moment, as though trying to recall the memory. "Well, I'm the patient."

"That's not any better!"

"True. It wasn't the best feeling when you're injured and all, the moment the doctor spills all his liquid on your body by accident." The blunette jaw dropped. "Plus, the moment he inserted it into me, it was painful as hell."

"H-H-He inserted it? Into you?"

Minako nodded. "Then the horrid liquid seeped into my wounds and it was like aww yea!"

"It was nice?"

"Of course! When that white liquid flows out of your wounds, you know you're gonna feel heavenly later."

"Ugh, I get the feeling I'm not quite on the same boat with you."

Minako raised an amused brow. "You want some of that liquid too? I can give you some."

The blunette blushed a deep shade of red. "No, I don't. I'm fine!"

Minako laughed when he left the room in a hurry.

Back in the Velvet Room, Igor practices his card shuffling techniques while the two Velvet residents played tag with Philemon. Just as he was beginning to get the momentum, a card slips out and falls on the ground. The old long nosed man grunted and bent down, only to be interrupted by a pair of brown leather shoes before his nose. A hand reached down to pick up the card. Igor chuckled and took the card presented to him. "I suppose your presence to the Velvet Room means it's begun?"

The figure grinned. "Yes, it's time. I trust you to do as I've said before?"

Igor smiled. "It is of my utmost importance to assist them."

"Excellent."

The figure stepped out and shut the door behind him. Leaning against the wall of the back alley, he clenched his fist and slammed it on the wall, causing it to crack and drop small pieces of dried paint. The veins on his neck were clearly visible as his cobalt blue eyes turned crimson red. He grits his teeth and swore.

"You won't get away with this."

A/N: Alright, so this chapter aint funny and some things are uncalled for. It's not that long either, nor is it very laughable. No. It's because this chapter is one of those serious chapters. And you know the thing with serious chapters: important plots, and lesser reviews. So there. 10th chapter is a failure. . But let us look on the bright side, things are bound to get interesting from here onwards! :D Actually, I wish the plot moves faster. I really want to get to the later parts because it's much more thrilling. Trust me. Now is just the boring same old stuff, the usual persona 3 plot and yada yada. Bah, I won't be wasting any more seconds of your life reading this little note.

Oh and, if you don't mind, review and tell me what I'm doing wrong so I can improve! If you do mind...

:okay: