Here's chapter 10, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3/FES/Portable, if I did then Shinjiro would have been a playable teammate longer than a month, I also don't own any of the videogames/songs I might use. The only thing I own are my OCs, and my copy of Persona 3 Portable!
Main Pairings: Minato/Yukari, Shinjiro/Angel, one sided Akihiko/Angel, Mitsuru/Jason, Alissa/Akihiko, more will be added as the story goes on.
just a warning there might be some OOC ness, i did the best i could to keep everyone in character...
*persona 3 is awesome* is a Persona speaking telepathically to his/her other half
-text messages-
Chapter 10 starts now!
~November 3, Moonlight Bridge, Dark Hour~
Although SEES was still a little shaken up from seeing Strega jump off the bridge, there was still an Arcana Shadow to fights, so they were forced to focus on their task. Fuuka had summoned Juno and was scanning the Shadow's movements
"The Shadow up ahead isn't moving at the moment." Fuuka informed them "It'll all be over if you can defeat them."
"You guys ready?" Minato asked, receiving nods of confirmation "Good. Well then, I'll be taking Yukari, Aigis, and Mitsuru-senpai. This is the battle that counts. If we lose this, the world is destined for tragedy. Are you ready?" The three of them nodded, and followed Minato, as he led them to where the gigantic black Shadow was hovering above. It had a ring of wings attached to the cross on its back, and a white mask with the number XII on the front. There were 3 statues standing below it.
"This is it..." Fuuka's voice echoed "I'll do everything in my power to help you. Just promise me you'll be careful!"
"Let's go!" Minato said, getting into his battle stance. The others nodded and did the same "I think the floating thing is your main target, but it's out of your attack range. Give me a minute, I'll see what I can find out."
"Hmm... try hitting the statues. See that that does." Minato ordered, pulling out his Evoker "Orpheus, Maragidyne!" Orpheus appeared, and sent three huge fireballs at the statues. One of them toppled over and disappeared. The metal cross attached to the Hanged Man groaned, and the Shadow sank a little lower to the ground.
"Alright, I think I can do this!" Yukari said, shooting herself with her Evoker "Io, Garula!" Yukari's Persona appeared, and a powerful gust of wind obliterated a second statue, and making the Hanged Man sink even lower to the ground. It was just barely out of reach now.
Mitsuru understood what to do as well "Penthesilea, Bufula!" A column of ice shot up from under the last statue, piercing it from underneath. With the last statue destroyed, the Hanged Man let out a cry of rage, as the four large, circling wings that held it up started to slow, and then stop. The huge Shadow fell to the ground, finally within SEES' attack range.
"It's within reach! Attack!" Fuuka called.
"Understood." Aigis said "Palladion, Fatal End!" Aigis' Persona rammed down onto the Hanged Man. "Io, Garula!" Io blasted the Hanged Man with a strong wind. "Penthesilea, Bufula!" Bullets of ice pelted the Hanged Man, who was struggling to get back up
"Orpheus, Gigantic Fist!" Orpheus slammed its lyre onto the Hanged Man, making it scream in agony and sick back down "Again!" Once again, the Shadow was hit with Orpheus' lyre. It seemed to have taken quite a bit of damage by now.
The Hanged Man roared in fury, and slammed two fists on the ground, summoning another 3 statues. The circle of wings started to revolve once again, lifting it back up in the air, where it hung from its cross.
"No matter how many times you summon those statues, we'll destroy them all the same!" Yukari yelled, summoning Io, who cast a Magarula on all three statues
"Penthesilea, Mabufula!" Columns of ice hit each statue. "Palladion, Heat Wave!" an invisible force slammed into the statues, making each one topple over and disappear. The Hanged Man fell once more, lying motionlessly on the ground
"Alright, it's almost dead!" Minato stated in a happy tone "Orpheus, Gigantic Fist!" The lyre slammed down on the Hanged Man's head.
"Io, Garula!"
"Penthesilea, Bufula!"
"Palladion, Swift Strike!"
Two types of bullets, columns of ice, a pillar of wind, and an invisible fist slammed the Hanged Man. Letting out a roar of rage, the Hanged Man summoned a gold fist that hit Minato, winding him. He stumbled backwards, clutching his stomach in pain.
Seeing their leader fall, Mitsuru summoned her Persona to heal him "Diarama!" She commanded. A green light bathed Minato, replenishing some of his lost energy. However, having used a very draining move like Gigantic Fist, he wasn't fully healed, and had an exhausted expression on his face. Noticing it, Mitsuru had her Persona use Diarama again, giving Minato enough energy to summon Orpheus again, and having him use Gigantic Fist once more.
Minato grinned, and took a deep breath as he backed away from the Hanged Man's attack range "Everyone, fall back!" "What? Why? It's almost dead!" Yukari protested. "Unless you want to be caught up in this attack, you'll get out of the way. Now!" "Fine, fine." Yukari grumbled, falling back to where Minato was. Mitsuru and Aigis were already back, though they had puzzled looks on their faces.
"Orpheus, Ragnarok!"
Orpheus came forth, and summoned four columns of fire, one by each of the Shadow's limbs. Then, it started to play its lyre. The melody was so beautiful it brought tears to Minato's eyes. He looked around and saw that Yukari and even Mitsuru were tearing up.
The flames started to close in on the Hanged Man, who swatted at one of them experimentally. It howled in pain, and when it retracted its arm, it was smoking and glowing red.
With a loud strum, the flames morphed into ferocious tigers, who leapt onto the Hanged Man, scorching everything they touched. Unable to take the pain any longer, the Shadow roared and crumpled to the ground, where it slowly started to disintegrate, leaving only a puddle of blood behind. The fire beasts turned to face Minato, sunk into a submissive bow, and melted away.
"Damn…" Minato muttered under his breath as he sunk to his knees, his sword the only thing keeping him from face planting on the ground. "Minato-san!" Aigis rushed to his side "Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Just tired. I tried that move out just to see what it would do, but I didn't think it'd leave me this drained." he said, squeezing Aigis' robotic arm "Thanks for worrying." The rest of S.E.E.S. crowded around where Aigis was holding Minato.
"Is it over?" Junpei asked
"Yeah." said Minato weakly
"Operation completed." Aigis smiled "Or should I say 'Mission Complete'."
"Yes... It's finally over." Mitsuru said
"Minato-san, I believe a celebration is in order. What will be our victory cheer?"
Minato thought for a moment then locked eyes with Angel who grinned and nodded "Let's eat!" the leader and second in command cheered. Everyone stared at the two for a moment and Shinjiro lightly wacked his girlfriend on the head. "What? We're hungry." The leaders replied and Angel glared playfully up at her boyfriend.
"1...2...3... Let's eat!" Aigis cheered
"Let's... eat?" Yukari said
"Let's eat!" Junpei laughed
Fuuka chuckled "Let's eat!"
"So, uh, senpai. You're gonna throw us a party tomorrow, right?" Junpei nudged Mitsuru.
"You don't waste any time, do you?" Mitsuru sighed "Well, I supposed I could arrange for it."
"Ooo, in that case, how 'bout sushi!" he suggested
"Sushi huh... it's been a while..." Akihiko said reminiscely "Well, I've got dibs on the halibut and sea urchin!"
"Oh, then I call the fatty tuna." Yukari said quickly, not wanting her favorite sushi to get stolen
"Um, we're divvying it up already?" Fuuka said, flustered "In that case, save me the salmon roe."
"H-hey, wait a minute! You can't do that!" Junpei complained
"I reserve the shrimp, squid, scallop, and sea eel." Aigis ordered
"Hey! That's not fair! You don't even eat!"
"You should all be ashamed of yourselves, fighting over sushi." Ken chuckled. Koromaru and Kira barked in agreement "Senpai, please order tamago for me. They say you can tell a chef's skill by how he prepares eggs."
"Um, how old are you again?" Yukari laughed.
Angel started waving her arms to get Mitsuru's attention, "Suru-nii, I want chicken strips!" she wined childishly, causing her team mates and boyfriend to laugh at her, "Shut it ya big meanies! I don't like sushi all that much!"
"Okay okay, I'll have the very best sushi and chicken delivered tomorrow." Mitsuru smiled. "For real? Aw man, it's great to be alive." Junpei grinned happily. "Don't get too excited, Junpei. You're getting the leftovers." Yukari said, wagging a finger at him.
"What? But it was my idea in the first place!" Everyone laughed at the shocked look on Junpei's face
"I guess it's time to say goodbye to the Dark Hour." Mitsuru said at last "Even though it seemed like a curse, for some reason, I'm reluctant to let it go."
"Yeah..." Akihiko agreed. "We really did it, didn't we?" Yukari said quietly.
"Yes. We saved the world, even if no one knows it." Mitsuru said, glancing at the eerily large moon for what she thought would be that last time
"Yeah..."
"Minato-san! Minato-san, are you okay?" Aigis suddenly exclaimed when Minato slid onto the ground from her grip.
"I'm fine." Minato insisted "I just used up too much energy. I never knew casting a Ragnarok would burn so much energy... Then again, I did use Gigantic Fist four times in a row before that..."
"We need to get him to a hospital!" Mitsuru said
"I said I'm fine!" Minato meant to shout, but his voice was a whisper "I'm just... tired. Just let me rest and I'll be fine. I don't want to ruin the party tomorrow."
"I'm not sure about this..." Akihiko said doubtfully. "Really, all I need is rest." The leader said.
"Well, I suppose we could let you have the day off tomorrow." Mitsuru said hesitantly "I'm sure he can take care of himself while no one else is home." "Woof!" Koromaru and Kira barked. Yukari laughed "Of course, he'll have the both of you, Koro-chan, Kira-chan."
"Yeah, that'd be good." Minato mumbled, as he closed his eyes and the world became a sea of black before his eyes.
~November 4th, Minato's Room, Daytime~
Minato opened his eyes to the black and white outfit of Pharos, "Are you alright?" he asked "You seem sick" "Mmm... I'm fine..." Minato said, trying but failing to sit up. "You don't look fine to me. You should rest."
"I will, thanks. Am I dreaming or something, or are you actually here during a time of actual light?" Pharos chuckled "I am indeed here. Nice weather, isn't it? This is indeed a new day, for both of us. As difficult as it may be, I must tell you something."
Minato became immediately focused, as Pharos took a deep breath "I am afraid... this is goodbye. I want you to know, for me, our friendship was a miracle. But miracles don't last forever... if only they did..."
"You…won't come to talk to me anymore?" Minato asked, wide eyed.
"I shall treasure our conversations always. Even if today is the end, the bond between us can never be severed. Remember that." Pharos was holding back tears.
DEATH SOCIAL LINK RANK 10
Thou art I... and I am thou...
Thou hast established a genuine bond...
The innermost power of the Death Arcana hath been set free.
We bestow upon thee the ability to create Thanatos, the ultimate form of the Death Arcana...
"It was fun while it lasted." Pharos said with a sad smile "Farewell." Just as Pharos was about to leave, Minato grabbed his arm. "What is it?"
Minato managed to sit up, and gathered him into a hug "I'll miss you, Pharos." he whispered, his tears flowing freely onto Pharos' shirt
Tears leaked from Pharos' eyes "I... will never forget you, My Friend." he pulled away, wiping his tears "Farewell, Minato."
"Farewell, Pharos..." Minato sniffed, as he watched the small, blue eyed boy dissapear, uncertain if he would ever see him again.
Minato slept for another two hours, then padded down the stairs to look for something to eat.
~Dorm Lounge, Afternoon~
"Good afternoon, Koro, Kira." Minato smiled, bending down to pet the two dogs.
"Ruff!"
"Did they feed you this morning? Since it's usually my job, I didn't know if anyone else would." Koromaru whined while Kira hopped onto one of the couches and fell asleep. "No? Man, they sure are irresponsible. I'll make you something to eat, kay?"
"Woof!" Koromaru licked his face affectionately.
"Good boy." Minato laughed, scratching the dog's head "Oh, could you wake me up when the sushi gets here? I'll probably be sleeping, but I'll leave my door open for you. Okay?" Koromaru barked his yes. Minato smiled "Alright. You hungry for some beef today, Koro?"
~Dormitory Lounge, Evening; Angel's PoV~
Just as Mitsuru promised, the finest sushi was laid out on the round dining table.
"Man, I'm starving! Can we eat yet?" Junpei said, reaching out for a piece of Cucumber Maki
"Wait your turn!" Yukari said, slapping his hand away "But man, these slices are huge!"
"Hey where are Aigis-san and Ikutsuki-san?" Ken asked, noticing their absence
"Ah, he took her to the lap for a tune-up or something." Akihiko told them "He said they'll join us later."
"The Chairman just can't stay away from the lab, can he?" Fuuka giggled "Speaking of absences, where's Koro-chan?" Yukari asked looking around for the dog.
"Who knows?" Junpei shrugged "Anyways, can we eat yet?" 'stupid Stupei, always thinking with his stomach…' I thought as I rolled my eyes and curled up against Shinji on the couch.
"Koro is hurt at your non-existent concern for him, Junpei. I can't believe none of you guys remembered to feed him this morning." Minato grinned, walking down the stairs.
"No one fed him? Really? Aww, I'm sorry, Koro-chan." Fuuka apologized, petting the dog. Koromaru whined. "Minato! Are you feeling alright?" Junpei said worriedly
"I'm fine. I told you that sleep would help. Oh god, the sushi smells delicious. When can we eat?" He asked eagerly, I nodded mutely and quickly snatched a chicken strip and put it in my mouth which caused Shinji to chuckle and place a kiss on my forehead making me blush.
Mitsuru laughed "Trust our leader to ask about food the moment he recovers from fatigue."
"There's top grade sushi here! How am I supposed to resist thinking about food then THAT'S laid out before me?"
Skreech
"Oh, that must be my father." Mitsuru said, striding towards the doors. Takeharu stepped in with two men in black behind him. "We've been waiting for you."
"So it's over at last, huh..." Takeharu said. "Wh-who's he?" Ken stuttered. "Can't you tell? That's Mitsuru-senpai's dad. She looks exactly like him." Junpei whispered.
"R-really?" Ken stared puzzled at father and daughter.
"Congratulations, everyone. You've done well. There are no words to express my gratitude." Takeharu said with a faint hint of happiness in his voice, "Though you will never receive the recognition you deserve, it is undoubtedly a monumental achievement."
"Thank you." Akihiko bowed politely.
"To you, I owe a special thanks, for lending us your power until the very end." Takeharu took Yukari's hands and clasped them firmly. "Oh, it's... it's no big deal." Yukari blushed
"The 12 Shadows that were the cause of all our troubles have been destroyed, thanks to your efforts. You needn't bear this burden any longer. You deserve a chance to enjoy the joys of youth. The Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad will be dissolved as of midnight tonight." Takeharu announced.
"Dissolved?" Yukari said incredulously. "I-I see..." Junpei said sadly.
"No longer must you put your lives on the line in battle. Tomorrow, you can triumphantly return to a normal school life." An uncomfortable silence filled the room "Is something the matter?" Takeharu asked
"Oh." Akihiko snapped out of his thoughts "...It's nothing."
"Alright everyone, it's time to celebrate! Your feast awaits you. There's no need to hold back; eat as much as you'd like." Mitsuru smiled
"Sweet! I've been waiting for you to say that!" Junpei grinned grabbing a California roll and throwing it in his mouth "This is delicious..."
"Get a plate, pig." Minato said, taking an inarizushi for himself.
"Says the one who still has half of their sushi sticking out their mouth." Junpei laughed. Minato swallowed his sushi, and stuck his tounge out at the idiot.
"Listen up, everyone!" Junpei shouted "Now that we're all stuffed, how 'bout we take a picture together?"
"Huh?" Yukari looked up at Junpei.
"Actually, I tried to take one last night, but I forgot it wouldn't work during the Dark Hour."
"You mean, you brought a camera with you into battle?" Akihiko asked disbelievingly. 'damn Junpei really is an idiot…' I thought as I chowed down on my chicken with Kira
"Well, it was our LAST battle after all." Junpei walked over to one of the men in black, and handed him a camera "'Scuse me mister! Would you mind taking our picture?"
"I feel like such a tourist." Yukari sighed "But I kinda admit, I'd kinda like a picture too."
"I'd love to have a picture of Yukari-chan and our leader?" Fuuka giggled
"Oh wait, Ikutsuki-san and Aigis aren't here. I guess we'll hafta take another one later. Alright, everyone get together!" Junpei shrugged. We look the picture by the wall opposite of the lounge area.
Ken and Fuuka stood in the middle, with Minato beside Ken and Mitsuru beside Fuuka. Ken was holding Koromaru, and Takeharu was behind his daughter. Yukari stood behind Ken, and Akihiko and Junpei were behind her, I was in front of Minato with Shinji behind me and Kira in my arms.
"C'mon, squeeze tight! Everyone come in closer to me!" Junpei said. "...Does that include me too?" Akihiko asked awkwardly. "Uh, no. Not you."
"Geez, let's not keep this poor guy waiting all day and take the picture! Hey, we're good to go! You can take the picture anytime!" Yukari called. "Time to strike a pose!"
"Ah- Hey, get your hand out of my face!" Akihiko punched Junpei out of the way
Click
Once the picture was taken, everybody went over to take a look. Junpei was falling back into the wall, and Akihiko's fist was by his head. Everyone else had turned to see what was going on. Koromaru had barked right at that moment, and Ken was struggling to keep hold on him.
"Is it just me... or did this not get my good side?" Junpei sighed "W-we're gonna take another one once Aigis and Ikutsuki-san get back, alright?"
"Yes, yes, we hear you." Mitsuru laughed "I could get used to a worry free life like this."
"How about you, Koro-chan? Are you glad to get all this meat?" Fuuka giggled looking down at the silver dog. "Woof!" Koromaru barked in agreement.
The party went on with loads more laughter. and after stuffing himself with all the various kinds of sushi laid out on the table, Minato fell asleep, curled up by the end of the couch.
"H-hey, come on nobody's eating? Don't tell me you're full already?" Junpei said
"Are you kidding? I'm stuffed! And obviously our leader agrees." Yukari motioned to the sleeping Minato "Me too. Ugh, I couldn't eat another bite..." Fuuka mumbled.
"How 'bout you, senpai?" Junpei turned to Akihiko, Mitsuru and Shinji.
"Mmm..." Mitsuru groaned. "I'm good for now." Akihiko said. "I'm fine." Shinji grunted as I shoved another strip of chicken in my mouth.
"Alright." Junpei shrugged, as a smirk crept up to his face "Wanna try some, Koromaru?" "Woof!" Koromaru barked excitedly. "Don't give the dog raw fish, you'll make him sick!" Shinji growled. Koromaru whimpered
"I wonder what's taking those two so long... It's almost midnight." Junpei wondered aloud, checking the clock.
At that moment, the men in black that escorted Takeharu to the building turned into huge, red, coffins.
"The hell?" Junpei yelled
"The guys in suits... they've transmogrified..." Ken said in horror. Koromaru barked threateningly
"I thought we ended the Dark Hour! Senpai, what's going on?" Junpei whipped around to face Mitsuru.
"I don't know." Mitsuru said weakly. "Apparently I was right to have my doubts." Akihiko said. "Yeah, something didn't feel right..." Ken agreed.
"No way..." Yukari and I mumbled softly.
Gong... Gong...
"Hey... do you hear that? It sounds like a bell, but... where's it coming from?" Yukari asked, straining her ears to hear it. "Where's Ikutsuki? Well?" Takeharu said suddenly "Why is he late? He's got Aigis with him, doesn't he?"
"Mitsuru." Akihiko said, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Everyone, prepare for battle. We're heading for Tartarus." Mitsuru ordered, rising from her seat
"Um, to do what?" Fuuka asked
"I don't know, but that's where the sound is coming from. We have to find out what's going on."
"What about Minato?" Akihiko asked looking over at our sleeping leader.
Mitsuru bit her lip "We'll just have to leave him here. Koromaru and Kira will take care of him."
"Woof!" Koromaru and Kira raced to Minato's side.
"Alright, let's go! Hurry!"
'Take care of him you two…' I thought as I followed the others to Tartarus.
~Tartarus; End Angel's PoV~
"Agh!" Aigis chopped the back of Akihiko's neck, and he joined the unconscious bodies of Mitsuru, Ken, Yukari, Junpei, Fuuka, Shinjiro and Angel.
"Restrain him, Aigis." Ikutsuki ordered, pointing at Takeharu.
"Understood." In a flash, she was behind the man, holding his arms behind his back
"What are you planning, Ikutsuki?" Takeharu demanded
"Nothing a man soon to be dead should know." he smirked.
~Gekkoukan Observatory; Angel's PoV~
"Fool! You are but a nuisance now." Ikutsuki hissed "Aigis! Go on ahead, and give the man his honorable 'deliverance'!"
"Wait! Please Aigis, No!" Mitsuru cried, struggling against her bonds. "Ngg..." Aigis hesitated."What are you doing, Aigis?" Ikutsuki demanded. "I... am..." Aigis struggled against Ikutsuki's control, lowering her guns in confusion.
"Tch... Fine, I'll do this myself!" Ikutsuki grunted, and pulled out a gun. "Ten years! I've wasted ten long years! I'm not like your father. I won't make any exceptions!" he pointed his gun towards Takeharu
'This won't end well, will it?' I thought sadly as I pulled at the bonds holding me.
Takeharu pulled free of Aigis' grip, and pulled out a gun of his own.
Ikutsuki chuckled and the two men shot at each other. "Father...?" Mitsuru whispered quietly. Takeharu slumped to the ground, clutching his bloody chest "Father! Takeharu-san!" Mitsuru and I screamed.
"Aigis... We'll end this..." Ikutsuki panted "Execute the sacrifices, now!" Aigis' body shook, as if trying to repel his control, but she still managed to make her way over to the crosses. "Finish it, Aigis!"
"Snap out of it!" Junpei yelled
"Finish them, Aigis!" Ikutsuki screamed
"Aigis!" I Shouted "Get a hold of yourself!"
Bam bam bam bam bam bam bam bam bam bam
The sound of Aigis' machine guns resounded through the air. I could hear the shackles binding the others fall off.
"Dammit!" Ikutsuki said through gritted teeth "Y-you defective machine! Fine, I'll do it myself!" he took out a box from his pocket. Suddenly, a flash of silver snatched the box away from him. "What the-?"
Koromaru landed, and held his head up high. "Koromaru!" Ken sighed, relieved. "Grrrrr... Woof Woof!" he barked. "Father!" Mitsuru ran over to Takeharu's side. Shinji walked over to me and I wrapped my arms around his neck and cried.
"You don't get it do you?" Ikutsuki coughed "This useless pathetic world will gradually fester over time! Only its destruction can bring about its salvation." Ikutsuki raised his gun, and pointed it at the us, "At long last, I will rule over the new world." Ikutsuki laughed hysterically "I was so close..." he said, as he backed off the edge, and slowly fell off the observatory. Mitsuru clutched her father's eye patch.
"One time, my father made a promise." Mitsuru said, as Shinji picked me up bridal style and walked over to her with the others, my face still buried in his chest. "He swore that he would atone for endangering our generation, even if it cost him his life... But I... I wanted him to live. I... I became a Persona user... to protect him..." Silent tears began to fall from Mitsuru's eyes, which soon turned into sobs. None of the others could find any words to comfort her or me.
"We should call the hospital as soon as the Dark Hour ends." Akihiko grunted, picking Mitsuru up. She had apparently fallen asleep, drowsy from the tears she shed. "We've got to make up some good excuses for this, though I'm sure the Kirijo group will cover a lot of it up. Tomorrow's gonna be a busy day..."
We all nodded, as we cast one final glance at the bloody body of Takeharu Kirijo, and walked down the stairs of the observatory.
~End of chapter 10, stay tuned for chapter 11!~