The Other Chance

Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I do not own anything connected with Persona, Atlus or ancient deities used for cultural influence. I only own myself. Hell yeah.

Author Note: Thanks to everyone who reviewed. You guys are all great. It gives me the courage to continue. Keep it up. Thanks again.

Chapter 9: And This Is Only The First Floor!

April 21, 2009: Velvet Room

Akio again found himself in the comfy chair of the Velvet Room. Igor stared at him, still grinning wildly.

"I've been waiting for you," the long-nosed man informed his guest.

"That's kinda creepy…" Akio said grimacing.

Igor ignored his words, "The time has come for you to wield your power."

"Oh joy," the young man responded, "And here I thought I was getting off easy." Akio's sarcasm did nothing to halt Igor's explanation.

"The tower that you are about to venture into…" Igor began, "How did it come to be? For what purpose does it exist?"

Akio could help but raise an eyebrow at him. "Does it really matter?" Akio posed to Igor. "Regardless of its origins…I'm still connected to it…Aren't I?" Akio asked the question both to the long-nosed man and himself.

He felt, for whatever reason, that his fate was intertwined with the tower…No matter how much he wanted to believe otherwise, he knew that this tower was significant to his destiny.

Igor snickered at his conundrum. Akio was indeed a most interesting guest. Always had been. Ever since the first time…

"So my power…my Persona. What exactly is it?" the brave young man questioned.

Igor gently placed his hands in front of his long nose and glared at Akio. "Your power is…unique. More so than any that has come before."

"Again, you're not answering the question," Akio fumed, "Answer the goddamn question!"

Long-nose continued unabated. "Your power is the ability to harness the power of other Personas," he said, utterly confusing Akio.

Not only was the answer confusing, but that fact that Igor answered it so plainly also struck him. "And…that means I can…steal power from other Personas?" Akio asked, trying to understand.

"Your Arcana is the 13th: Death. The most powerful Personas are of this Arcana. However, since your Arcana has no weaknesses or strengths, it can draw on the power of others to sustain itself." Igor explained in his own cryptic way.

Akio thought for a moment. "So…I can learn the ability of other…Personas to increase my power?"

"Exactly." Long-nose answered.

"Would it really have been so hard just to say THAT?" Akio questioned the room caretaker.

Once again, Igor ignored his comment and continued. "Your power will grow accordingly…Be sure to keep that in mind."

"So, even if I don't learn new abilities from other Personas, I'll still get stronger." The young man said, fully considering the long-winded explanation. As he thought more on it, he began to realize how much time was going by.

"Thanks for the…lecture. But I need to get back," Akio said abruptly standing and heading for the door behind him. He wondered how he knew it led out but chalked it up to intuition.

"Please, come again of your own accord," Igor called after him, making Akio stop. "Then, I'll tell you of my true role…the manner in which I can best assist you."

Akio studied him cautiously but to no avail. Long nose was like a wall, unreadable and hard to understand. "Thanks," Akio called back.

"One moment," Igor stopped him again. "I believe I still need to introduce you to my assistants."

Akio turned back to see a tall young man and shorter young woman, both dressed in elevator attendant clothing. They both smiled warmly at him and Akio was shocked by their apparent affection for him.

"Good to see you again, Master" they said in unison, which frighteningly reminded Akio of his siblings. But then he thought, 'Again…Why is it always again?...Damn.'

Before could ponder more they introduced themselves.

"My name is Theodore, but please, feel free to call me Theo," the tall young man said.

"Hello, my name is Elizabeth. It's nice to meet you," the shorter young woman added.

"I'm Akio," he found himself saying automatically.

"Oh, we know," Elizabeth informed him.

"Our Master has spoken of you often," complimented Theo.

"My assistants will aid you as well," Igor said indicating them. "Until then…Farewell."

Akio felt like asking questions but knew time was short so he settled for, "Next time…Just tell it to me straight…" he said as he approached the exit. "I prefer it that way." And with that, he opened the door and proceeded through it.

After the door closed, Elizabeth turned to Theo and said, "He hasn't changed much, has he?"

"No," Theo responded, "But his attitude remains the same."

They both laughed lightly, recalling memories that neither should have.

April 21, 2009: Dark Hour

Akio pushed open the door and found everyone looking at him.

"Hey, are you alright?" Yukari suddenly asked Akio as he exited the door.

"Yeah, what's up?" Junpei chimed in. Akio looked at them confused.

"What'd you mean?" he asked them, not understanding their stares.

Mitsuru approached him. "You've been in a daze for about a minute," she informed him.

"Yeah," Minako said concerned, "You were like a zombie."

"We called out but you didn't seem to hear us," Minato added.

Akio glared at them for a moment before answering, "I just opened the door and…"

Everyone became more confused. Akio noticed it and turned around, indicating the door behind him. "This door, right behind me," he told them.

Everyone looked to each other before turning back to him. "What door?" Yukari asked.

"I don't see any door," Junpei added. Akio turned to confirm. Sure, enough. There it was. Staring him in the face. He could see it. He pressed his hand to it. He could feel it. But no one else seemed able to register it.

Minato put a hand on Akio's shoulder. "Are you okay, Bro?" he asked concerned.

Akio turned back to see everyone staring at him with distress in their eyes. Suddenly, Akio felt guilty.

"I'm fine," he assured them. "Must be nerves or something."

His answer satisfied most of them, but not Mitsuru or Akihiko. They looked to each other and nodded. They had decided to say nothing for now. Luckily for Akio, Junpei once again ruined the mood.

"Dude, you're s'posed to be our leader," he signed.

Surprisingly, Minako jumped aboard with him. "Yeah! Get your head in the game," she shouted jokingly. Akio snapped out of his funk and grinned back.

"Well, I told you I didn't wanta be the leader…" Akio began sarcastically.

"Too late now," Minato said patting him on the back.

"Yeah," Akio confirmed, "I kinda screwed the pooch on this one, didn't I?"

Everyone smiled and laughed. Then, one by one, they all shifted their gaze to the entrance to the horrific tower.

"Come on," Akio said getting their attention. "Let's go."

Akio walked past everyone, leading them up the stairs. Mitsuru and Akihiko watched them climb the stairs and enter the tower.

"Do you think they'll really be alright?" Akihiko asked Mitsuru, worried.

"I think they'll be fine," she responded. "After all, he's with them."

Akihiko laughed a bit but he agreed. Akio was certainly not the type to go down easy, especially if he was watching over everyone else. That guy's protective instincts alone were enough to kill an elephant. Give him a sword, and there's nothing that can stop him. At least, that's what Akihiko perceived of him.

Mitsuru adjusted her equipment as Akihiko took a seat nearby. He felt useless but he knew his time would come soon enough.

The inside of the tower was just as plain as the entrance. At least, in Akio's eyes. Sure the walls were creepy and the floor had random blood puddles but that was normal in the Dark Hour. The only odd thing was that it remind him of the hallway in their school, which made complete sense.

Everyone began looking around, spreading out.

"So, this is it, huh?" Junpei said unimpressed. "I hope I don't get lost," Yukari muttered.

Suddenly, a voice sounded through the area. "Can you all hear me?" They all jumped a little but Akio recognized the voice.

"Mitsuru…That you?" Akio asked cautiously. "Yes, it's me," she answered.

"I'll be providing audio backup from here on out," she explain further.

"Wait…does that mean you can…see us?" Minako questioned.

Akio could almost hear Mitsuru smile, "It's my Persona's ability." She informed them. Akio was glad about that. Having someone to keep watch over you in a place like this was a god send.

"I'd like to join you, but the structure of Tartarus changes day to day. That's why outside support is imperative," she told them, trying to be assuring.

"Well, THAT make me feel a whole lot better…" Yukari whispered under her breath. Minato caught it but said nothing. He didn't want to openly point it out. Last thing he wanted was to embarrass her, or give her a reason not to hang out with him.

Meanwhile, Mitsuru continued, "Based on your current location, you can expect to encounter enemies at any moment. They shouldn't be too tough, but proceed with caution."

"Practice makes perfect," Akio said, inadvertently taking the words out of Mitsuru's mouth.

Everyone nodded or vocally confirmed before the voice became silent. Yukari hung her head a little.

"Why is she always like that…?" she muttered again. Minato noticed it again but this time he was not silent.

"Does it really bother you that much?" he asked concerned. Yukari shot her head up and looked at him, embarrassed he heard her.

"Yeah," she slowly replied. She didn't want to lie to him. He was only concerned for her after all. "I'm okay," she reassured him. She smiled at him and he responded in kind. Yukari noticed how this smile was different from his usual one. It was…warm and inviting. She wondered why she had never seen it before. But believed it was because she just wasn't paying close enough attention.

She was mistaken though. This was a smile Minato had previously only shown to his siblings. He didn't even realize he was doing it for her, which made it all the better.

Minako and Akio noticed the exchange while Junpei practiced swinging his broadsword. Minako and Akio grinned to each other.

"Well," Akio shouted, getting attention, "Might as well do this thing." He drew his sword, the blade shimmering in the little light they had. Everyone followed suit and took an active stance. Akio moved to the front and proceeded forward, Junpei nipping at his heels, Minako right behind him, and Minato and Yukari bringing up the rear.

Akio instructed everyone to stay close and they did. They moved through the twisted halls until they just about rounded the first corner when Mitsuru's voice echoed again.

"Be careful," she warned, "I sense a Shadow ahead."

Akio couldn't stop himself from grinning. "Thanks for the warning."

Akio jumped out from behind the corner to face his opponent and was incredibly…underwhelmed. Before him was a single, solitary, puddle. A puddle that was pure black, holding a mask and moving by clawing at the ground, but a puddle nonetheless.

Everyone else rounded the corner and Yukari and the sibling stopped dead in their tracks. The Shadow looked incredibly similar to the ones they had nearly been defeated by.

"Look out!" Minako shouted at Akio. Akio however, turned back to them, gaping.

"What!" he gasped. He pointed at the oblivious Shadow. "It's. A. Puddle." Akio emphasized.

Minato backed-up his sister. "It's a lot more dangerous than it looks."

Akio stared skeptically at both of them. "Not you, too," he signed before continually pointing at the Shadow. "It's. A. Freaking. Puddle!" Akio practically shouted at them.

The Shadow finally noticed them just in time to see Akio dash up to it, swing his katana upward and send it flying back into a wall. The Shadow dissipated almost instantly, leaving everyone, except Junpei, flabbergasted.

"Told ya!" Akio declared. "A freaking puddle."

The siblings and Yukari could hardly believe it. What they had struggled against so viciously, Akio had killed in one hit. They considered the fact that it was different than the ones they had faced but it was still stunning.

Junpei watched the scene with utter fascination. He was ready and eager to pound the Shadows too.

Akio slowly walked up to Yukari and his siblings. He glared right at them. "The trick is not to fear them," he said, shocking everyone. "As long as you're confident you can win, you will. If you let yourselves get bogged down by fear…you're dead. Don't let it happen."

Akio's brazen confidence was infectious. Junpei felt it instantly and Minako followed soon after. Minako was, usually, always confident but the attack on the roof had shaken her. She hated that. She hated feeling weak. She hated being afraid. She knew what she needed to do.

She walked right up to Akio and glared up at him.

"The next one's mine," she demanded. Akio grinned at her bravery. "Count me in, too." Junpei said behind her. Behind them, Yukari struggled not to shake. They might not have been afraid but she was. She had nearly died last time because of her indecisiveness. She didn't want to hold anyone back but after not being able to help before…

Yukari felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Minato smiling at her. That warm smile that could give an ant the courage to take on a giant. Yukari settled herself and nodded to him determined. He did the same and moved toward the group with her.

Akio noticed all of these exchanges and unknown to everyone else…it gave him courage. As long as he knew that everyone would be there with him, he knew he could withstand anything.

Akio had never really considered himself to be strong. He was strong only when people needed him. It had gotten him this far and he hoped that it would help him be an effective leader.

"Alright," Akio said to Minako and Junpei. "You're on deck. Make me proud."

Minako and Junpei nodded to each other and moved to the head of the group. They led the way, followed by Akio and then Minato with Yukari.

As they moved further down the hallway, Mitsuru's voice rang out again.

"There should be a set of stair leading to an upper level coming up," she informed. "For now, please stay on this level. I can't see that far ahead yet."

The group nodded in confirmation and instead proceeded down the side hall next to the stairs. As they reached another corner, Minako pressed her back against the wall and cautiously peered around the corner.

"See anything?" Junpei asked, trying to contain his excitement. She did. Two large Shadowy birds. They carried lanterns in their claws and flew in a circle, as if they waited for something.

"Yeah," she finally answered. "A couple of birds."

Junpei's excitement faded. "Birds?" he asked disappointed.

Akio crept past both of them and took a look for himself. To him, they were a real threat. He remembered that his sister and Junpei wanted the next enemies and began to worry and regret. But he knew he had no choice.

"Alright," he said to the two eager Persona-users. "Be careful."

Minako was taken aback by the warning. "You're more worried about a couple of birds and a puddle with claws?" she chided him.

"Yes," the elder brother answered. "Birds, by nature, are more vicious than puddles!"

Minako had finally had enough. She grabbed Junpei and pulled him around the corner with her. The birds instantly became aware of them. They flew right for Minako, beaks pointed ready to impale the crimson-eyed girl. Minako positioned her weapon and waited.

Right before the birds got to her; she swung her naginata and split one of them in half. The other flew away in shock but it was too slow. Junpei saw his moment and leapt into the air and brought his broadsword crashing down on top of it. He slammed the bird right into the ground with a sickening crack.

The Shadows dissipated instantly and Minako and Junpei cheered in excitement. Minako and Junpei turned back to a stunned Akio, grinned and made V-sign with their hands.

"How'd ya like that!" they yelled at him. Akio snapped out of his amazement.

"See, it's not that hard, is it?" he said not really asking.

"I'll admit, it's a little scary," Junpei confessed, "But once you're out there fightin' it all seems to melt away!"

"Totally," Minako agreed.

Akio smiled at them. He knew they could hold their own and watch his back. Well…he did now anyway.

Meanwhile, Yukari and Minato watched the entire affair and felt great relief. If Minako and Junpei could easily defeat these Shadows, then they could too. Akio turned back to them grinning.

"Looks like you're up," he told them. For a moment, they hesitated. Suddenly, Yukari grabbed Minato's hand and pulled him to the head of the group. Minato didn't want her to let go and would have followed her anywhere. Akio and Minako snickered to themselves as Yukari pulled him with her as they led the group.

Junpei was too excited by his victory to even pay attention, all he was concerned with was the incredible feeling of fighting the Shadows.

It took quite a while before Yukari realized that she was still holding Minato's hand. When she did she instantly retracted it, blushing. Minato didn't seem to mind so she pretended it didn't happen. Even though she knew it would bother her for a while.

Yukari had her bow already notched with an arrow and Minato his short sword drawn. The group approached another corner. Akio mentally noted that there were far too many corners to this place.

As Yukari peered around it, she was suddenly attacked by a trio of…puddles. She jumped back and fired an arrow…she missed. The puddles rushed her all at once. She screamed. Akio was about to charge in when Minato jumped in front of her and slashed at the Shadows. He didn't connect but the fierceness of his attack made the Shadows back up.

Minako and Junpei started toward them but Akio held a hand out in front of them. He glared at them as if to say, "stay out of it". Minako and Junpei reluctantly backed down as Minato kept swinging his blade at the Shadows.

Yukari quickly regained her wits as she saw Minato defending her, again. Furious with herself, she stood up grabbed another arrow. She notched it, aimed carefully and let it fly.

At that moment, a Shadow pounced at Minato. Minato didn't have time to put up a guard. He watched as the Shadow nearly met him but it suddenly flew back. Minato turned to see Yukari, grinning to herself, notching another arrow. This act was all the encouragement Minato needed.

He continued his assault on the remaining Shadows. Yukari successfully landed another hit on one and Minato finished it off. The last Shadow cowered in fear. Minato and Yukari turned to it as it fled as fast as its shadowy hands could pull it.

Everyone, especially Akio, breathed a huge sigh of relief. Immediately, Minato and Yukari's demeanor changed. They jumped up into the air cheering.

"We did it!" Yukari shouted.

"Hell yeah, we did!" Minato shouted agreeing.

They jumped around more before rushing to each other and hugging. They continued to jump up and down still hugging and celebrating. Akio smiled gently at them. It wasn't often people came together this easily or this quickly. He could have attributed it to the desperateness of the situation but he just couldn't.

There was a deep friendship forming between them all and regardless of the circumstances, he knew it would be enough to see them through this ordeal.

And once again, Junpei ruined the moment. "Hey, you guys sure those rumors aren't true!" he shouted at the couple jokingly. Yukari and Minato suddenly became very aware of who they were hugging and instantly parted, muttering excuses.

Akio turned back to Junpei but Minako beat him to it. She smacked Junpei so hard his hat fell off his head. Before he could respond she yelled in his face, "IDIOT!"

Junpei struggled to speak but she stormed off furious. After he regained his wits, and his hat, Junpei approached Akio and asked, "What'd I do?".

Akio didn't even bother to look at him. "Don't look at me. I wanna hit you too."

And with that Akio also stormed off, leaving Junpei in both physical and mental distress.

After, partially, forgiving Junpei, the group kept encountering more small groups of Shadows on the first floor. Their fear was beginning to dissipate as rapidly as the Shadows.

Yukari and Minato fought a few more battles alone to build a solid form of fighting and defending against the Shadows. Soon, Akio resumed leading the group and they all attacked in a large group. It was safer that way after all.

After a few more encounters they got into a good rhythm. Akio lead the group from the front. Junpei and Minako helped by attacking as a team. Minato and Yukari defended and healed as necessary, occasionally leading the attack themselves.

Just as Akio felt that they were really working well as a team, Mitsuru shattered his world.

"Since you've all gained some battle experience, why don't you all split up to search for the device that will lead you back to the entrance?"

All color drained from Akio. He hated that idea. It was the worst idea anyone had ever come up with.

"That sounds like a great idea," Minako agreed, much to Akio's shock and horror.

Slowly, everyone agreed with Mitsuru. Even Yukari readily agreed to it, shattering Akio's idea of using her as an excuse to stay together.

It wasn't that he was directly opposed to the idea. He just didn't want to be too far away from them in case something…unexpected happened. His stomach churned as everyone turned to him with excitement in their eyes. He knew they wanted his approval and he didn't want to give it. But he did anyway.

"Alright, but we go in pairs," he demanded. No one argued with that, thankfully.

The pair were easy. Minako and Junpei, Minato and Yukari, Akio and…himself. The others, especially the twins, were abrasive about letting Akio go alone but he assured them he was tough enough to handle himself.

"However…Mitsuru," he called out getting her attention. "I want you to keep tabs on all of us. If any of us need help, let ALL of us know. Understand." His tone indicated that "no" was not an option.

"Of course," she replied immediately. She could feel his nervousness and didn't want to aggravate him. Besides, she completely agreed.

They then decided where they would all search. Minako and Junpei would double back to check a hallway they passed but didn't inspect. Minato and Yukari would take a left at the upcoming fork, while Akio would take the right path.

"Meet back in ten minutes at the latest," Akio warned. They group dispersed immediately, leaving Akio alone and worried. More for his friends and siblings than himself.

After a good five minutes Akio was getting really worried. He kept telling himself not to be so concerned. It did nothing for him, though. He reached the end of his path in moments and returned back to the meeting place. Evidently, he had chosen the shortest hallway in the entire tower.

He considered going after one of the groups but he knew it would only cause strife within the group. So he patiently waited for the others to return. Suddenly, he heard Mitsuru.

"Are you really that worried?" she asked him. When he didn't respond she continued. "Don't worry. Only you can hear me right now." Another long moment of silence.

"I'm a big brother…I'm always worried," he responded finally. "I can't stand feeling guilty. I can't stand letting other people get hurt when I could be there to help." His tone was hard and serious.

Mitsuru didn't respond for a moment. "Isn't that what trusting people is all about?" she asked him. "If you never let people in how are you supposed to be able to protect them?"

Her questions hurt. They hurt a lot. He always had worries and trust issues. He thought he finally had control over them and then this happened. It was in that moment he realized how selfish he really was. And how not in control he was over his siblings…or his own life for that matter.

"You're right," Akio agreed. "Doesn't mean it's not still hard to do though."

"Akio," she began again before gasping loudly. Akio's head shot up, "What!" he shouted.

"They're heading back!" she yelled at him. Akio was about to question the severity of her voice when she continued, "And they're being chased by Shadows!"

Akio bolted to the center of the hall scanning all direction. "Which group!" he yelled.

"Both!"

Akio heard footsteps coming from all direction. 'This is why I didn't want to split up….DAMN!' he shouted inside his head.

He notices Minako and Junpei first. Behind them, quite a ways, was a trio of Shadow birds. As they get closer, Akio takes his evoker out of his holster and presses it to his head.

"DOWN!" he screams at Minako and Junpei. They dive and hit the floor. Akio pulls the trigger and once again, the world changed. Thanatos roared to life and lunged for the birds. With a broad swing, the Persona of Death slashed the panicked birds. As Thanatos slowly retreated back to Akio's mind, the birds dissipated.

Suddenly, Akio was exhausted. Just summoning Thanatos once was enough to drain him. 'Well, at least I stayed conscious this time…damn,' he though as he fell to his knees. Minako and Junpei stood and rushed to him.

"Akio!" Minako screamed at him.

"You okay, man!" Junpei added.

Akio didn't have time to speak. He turned back to the direction Minato and Yukari are coming from. He didn't have the energy to even stand. Was it the effect of the Dark Hour? Or was it something else?

Akio knew the Death Arcana was powerful but if it immobilized him this much…how would he be able to protect everyone, let alone himself? He didn't have time to come up with an answer. In the distance, Minato and Yukari came into clear view.

As soon as they spotted Akio on the ground they run up to him. As they reached him, they whirled around to face their own opponent. It was then that Akio heard a strange clanking noise. Finally, Akio found his voice.

"Oh, that can't be good," he says aloud. As he spoke, Minako and Junpei join Minato and Yukari in defense of their weakened leader. The clanking sound gets louder and louder.

"That REALLY can't be good," Akio emphasizes. From out of the darkness comes a lion. A very large lion with a ball and chain attached to its neck. Akio gapes at it.

"Its. A. Lion!" he unbelievable shouts.

"Thanks bro, we got that!" Minato yelled back at him, readying himself for battle.

Minako stepped in front of everyone and shouted, "Everyone form up on me!" The other did as she instructed and formed a solid line in front of Akio.

Akio was not impressed by their decision and began to shout, "What do you…?" However, Minako cocked her head back to him and yelled, "Just shut up!"

Akio was speechless. Minako however, was high on adrenaline and had no trouble laying down the law.

"We can handle this," she spoke fiercely to him, "We don't need to rely on you all the time. How are we supposed to be a team when you take all glory, huh!" Akio opened his mouth but once again was shut off.

"This is why we came here!" Junpei added his voice to his female companion's passion. "Just look at you, you can't even stand up!"

Their words did nothing to reassure Akio and it was evident on his face. Minako had finally had enough of his doubt.

She pulled out her evoker and turned back to the Lion Shadow. "We're not little kids anymore!" she shouted, "So get over yourself!"

She pulled the trigger and the world shifted again. Her Orpheus emerged and hovered over her for a moment. The Lion Shadow stopped it's advance. Minako's Orpheus grabbed it's harp and violently strummed the chords. From the chords shot a blaze of fire.

The flames crashed directly into the beast. The beast howled but did not relent. It slowly began to press through the flames.

"Hermes!"

Suddenly an even bigger set of flames engulfed it. Akio looked to Junpei, his evoker placed at his head with his Persona floating above him.

The beast howled in pain but did not rest. It roared. The sound blasted through the area and the flames suddenly vanished. The Shadow was indeed powerful if it could disrupt the flames with only a single roar.

Akio tried to stand but Minato abruptly pushed him down again. Akio looked to his little brother as he too, drew his evoker. Minato pulled the trigger and his Orpheus came out, swinging his harp fiercely.

The Lion Shadow didn't have time to recover before Minato's Orpheus smashed its musical weapon into the side of its face, sending it flying.

Needless to say, Akio was beyond shock. They were winning. Without him. It was a foreign concept he had never experienced. He couldn't believe it.

Akio thought that it was his duty to protect everyone. It was his responsibility to keep them all save. It fueled him. Gave him courage. But now seeing this, he felt…weak.

They had to protect him because he had overexerted himself needlessly protecting them. He had, once again, let his assumptions of him being in control over power his judgment. It was not a pretty sight.

Akio was not one to let these emotions affect him but now, sitting on ground while his younger siblings and friends defended him, he began to feel regret. Did he deserve to be leader? He couldn't help but notice how well Minato and Minako seemed to pull everyone together as well as he did.

Perhaps they didn't really need him anymore. Perhaps he was the one holding them back.

Before his negative thoughts consumed him, he felt a rush of energy.

"Io"

He turned to look up at Yukari, her Persona already in the process of healing him.

"Are you alright?" her question burned his ears, "I don't know how much longer we can keep this up."

Akio was about to say some negative comment he would probably latter regret, when he heard his sister scream.

His eyes focused on his sister as she was propelled backward by the force of the Lion Shadow's attack. She slowly got back up and prepared for another assault. Junpei and Minato distracted the beast while she recovered and returned to the fight.

Akio stood up too quickly and felt dizzy. He fell to his knees gasping for air.

"You need to take it easy!" Yukari practically yelled at him. He didn't listen. Or rather, he forced himself not to listen. The fight had turned against them. Fatigue was evident on all their faces. They wouldn't last much longer. None of their attacks seemed to damage the beast anymore.

'If only we had time to weaken it…damn!' Akio's mind screamed. Then, he had an epiphany.

"Mitsuru!" Akio yelled, "Can you see any weaknesses?" Akio was grasping for hope, a chance, a single, solitary glimmer that just maybe she could see something they couldn't.

"Hold on a little longer!" Mitsuru's voice called back, "I think I've almost got it!" Akio let himself feel a slight amount of relief. She was already looking for a way to help. It gave Akio more courage to know that they were not alone inside this hell hole.

All Mitsuru needed now was more time. Unfortunately, time was not something they had. The beast was still attacking and showed no signs of stopping.

Junpei and Minato suddenly charged it, trying to buy time. While Minako prepared to use the last of her energy to use her evoker again.

The beast roared again and Minato and Junpei were sent flying back. They crashed into Minako before she could summon Orpheus. They all landed in a heap in front of Akio. The Lion Shadow resumed its slow advance.

Pure fear gripped Akio as he watched the Shadow advance on his comrades. He was ready to make a deal with the devil if it would save them but it wasn't the devil that came to his aid.

The Lion Shadow abruptly reared back in pain, an arrow in its eye. Yukari jumped in front of everyone, another arrow already notched.

She fired again and struck the beast in the chest, causing it to howl and retreat slightly. Akio's happiness could not be contained.

"Yeah! Great shot, Yukari!" he encouraged her. She nodded in response, not wanting to break concentration. As if to bless this rescue, Mitsuru's voice thundered around them.

"I've got it!" her voice mainly reached Yukari, "Takeba! Wind! Your Persona can contour wind! This Shadow is weak to any type of fierce wind attack!"

Yukari began to shake nervously. "But…I-I don't know how to…"

"Just concentrate," Akio spoke to her, trying not to sound panicked. "All you need to do is focus on unleashing you power. You can do it. I know you can!"

The Lion beast was slowly regaining its wits and would not be halted for long. Yukari grabbed her evoker and placed it to her head. She began breathing very heavily. Attacking was much harder than healing. When she was healing it was easy to summon her Persona but now…

Yukari felt a hand on both shoulders. She turned to see Minato and Minako standing behind her. Even Junpei was getting back up for the fight. In that moment, Yukari realized she wasn't alone. Everyone was there, right next to her, giving her strength. And that was all she needed.

She closed her eyes, braced herself and pulled the trigger.

To Be Continued…

Wow, that was a long chapter. I agonized over this chapter so much but it finally came out the way it needed to. Sorry for the long wait on updates but I had a family emergency over the holiday break. I'm back now so I hope you'll all keep reading and reviewing. Thanks to my reviews and readers. Flames will be used for bon fires.