Memento Mori: Ch. 10 "Beginning of the End: Last Quarter"

Minato's POV

The hierophant had been waiting for us. It looked to me like a fat man in a suit of armor with a masked lady on a throne wan crossed on either side. The Arcana was a creepy one to try and figure out. I yelped as the shadow preformed Mazionga, the bolt hit only two inches in front of me. I needed to be careful; several of us were weak to electricity, me being one of them. I heard Yukari scream as she was hit, followed by the shattered glass. "Careful Yuka-Tan… you don't want to hurt yourself. Hermes, use Blade of Fury!" Junpei called to his Persona after teasing the poor girl. Hermes sliced at the shadow while Cerberus cast an Agidyne.

I looked back to the fallen girl; Ken had used Diarahan to heal her wounds. I silently thanked the brunette child. I twitched slightly as Artemisia flew past, attempting to use Tentarafoo. Like that ever works… I must have muttered some of that aloud because I didn't expect Mitsuru to lightly smack my head. "Watch it Arisato," she said warningly. I grasped my head in my palm, slightly glaring at the elder girl. I turned back and watched Pharos perform Marakunda and Spirit Drain to help the battle, Alice wasn't meant for shadows that blocked Dark based spells. "Arisato, we need to get you, Yukari, and Aigis out of this fight." I pouted, why did I have to leave? "You're weak to its strikes, now go!" I huffed; upset I was being sent off.

I got to Fuuka and had her relay the message to the electricity weak Personas. Juno's Support Scan did little to actually help us with assaults. Eventually, the three girls were waiting towards the stairs, helping with healing and support skill. Despite Mitsuru's commands, I jumped back into the war zone. Pharos and Minako ended up in the back protecting the girls at the stairs while doing some support as well. Koromaru was wresting one of the crosses while Ken and Chidori attacked the other. Junpei, Ryoji, and Mitsuru fought the Arcana shadow alternatively.

I quickly used my evoker to summon Orpheus to use Swift Strike. "Dude, what are you doing down here?" I ignored Junpei as I flipped myself out of the way of an incoming Zio skill. I suddenly realized why humans couldn't turn like that. I did dodge the bullet but ended up flailing backwards. How the shadow could cast spell after spell without a real stop was a technique I'd like to learn. I shut my eyes and waited for the painful impact. I cautiously opened my eyes when nothing happened. Artemisia was blocking all the attacks aimed for me.

"Arisato, I told you to stay put!" Mitsuru's voice clearly displayed her annoyance. I hated not being allowed to confront my own battles. "Iori, Mochizuki, get him out of here! Have everyone continue up the tower!" She pulled me to my feet and pushed me into Junpei. The younger wasn't expecting my sudden weight and I was too disoriented to keep balance. Thankfully, Ryoji steadied us before rushing off to gather the others. The elder girl turned back to face us, "Arisato… you're in charge." I blinked at her questioningly; the seriousness in her voice was unsettling. "You are the true leader, yet you seem to follow my lead… Now, you're on your own." She nodded to me and turned back to the fight. I reached out to her, intending to pull her back with us. Junpei halted my movement, shaking his head sadly. I glanced between him and Mitsuru until the male gently tugged me along the path to the others. Why does it hurt my soul when I leave someone behind? It's like my bonds are becoming strained…I shouldn't think about this.

The floors flew past my eyes, had I really stopped paying attention? "Minato-San," I turned back to the youngest brunette. I motioned for the others to continue on ahead while I listened to whatever Ken wished to say. "Minato-San… It seems like… It seems like the shadows are trying to separate us." He swept his eyes up from the floor to lock with mine. "I think, maybe, it wants you alone. Without each other we're not as strong…" I'll admit I was having the same thoughts but I couldn't tell him that. I patted his head softly, jumping when he latched onto my waist. "Minato-San… I don't want to die…"

"I know," I whispered, a shudder went down my spine at the thought. I wasn't going to let anyone die, not in here… but how do I protect those I've already left? "No one wants to die… no one will die, I promise." He didn't seem convinced but accepted my encouragement. We had already been separated from some of our friends, not knowing their fate. Ken pulled away hesitantly; fear still had a hold of him. He dipped his head, silently saying we could regroup with the remaining team.

We walked down the eerie hallways; I stayed close to him for support. We found the others near a rather large room; Fuuka was the first to inform us of the situation. "There's a shadow around the corner… we thought it would be best to wait for you guys." I nodded and walked to the entrance, I cautiously peaked around the corner, yelping as the Lovers Arcana cast Marin Karin on my unsuspecting form. I didn't realize she literally meant 'right around the corner'. I was now fighting the effects of Charm and losing badly, my uncontrollable body was violently hurting my own teammates mercilessly. I was eternally grateful to Isis and Yukari for using Charmdi. The flying, bloody heart was already bothering me; I preferred to not be Charmed and attacking my friends. "This is like the full moon battle…" I winced as the memory surfaced; that had been an awkward night.

Ken used a Ziodyne to distract the shadow while Chidori followed up with an Agidyne. Their skills missed the target, allowing the Lovers to cast Holy Arrow. The pierce damage was small, so that wasn't something to worry about. However, when I shifted to look behind me and noticed Minako was charmed… well that caused big complications. Athena used Akasha Arts to buy Yukari time to help my sister. The Arcana dodged and preformed Heartbreaker; the almighty skill caused triple damage to Miko since she was under the influence of charm. I remember screaming her name as I watched her fall to the ground. Aigis, Junpei, and the last of Strega resumed fighting, trying to hold off further attacks. I was beside her in a heartbeat, the two youngest boys at my side. Koromaru was nuzzling her head trying to awaken her. Ryoji brushed my hair back and lightly kissed my cheek… I thought I seen a deep sadness in his blue orbs.

I focused back on my twin; I assumed my love rejoined the battle. I placed my ear to her chest… nothing… I didn't hear anything. I couldn't feel her breath or a pulse… I clutched her tightly in my arms, liquid trails seeped into her brunette hair. Minako was just killed and I was to slow to stop it. Where the hell is Yukari?! The healer could bring her back with Samarecarm, why wasn't she over here? "Onii-Chan… that hurts…" I quietly said sorry and loosen my iron grip…only to gasp and hug her tighter. I turned to find Yukari and thank her but she was nowhere around us. Isis was healing Aigis and Junpei right now, so how…? "Have you already forgotten…? Messiah has Enduring Soul… remember?" I glared at the weakly smiling girl, so what if Messiah could revive you once from death… I was still worried!

I released my glare and smiled; "I'm glad you're alright Miko…" she nodded. I helped her to her feet and guided her to Ken and Pharos. "Please, get her to safety and protect her." They bowed in understanding. I watched the two children navigate her safely to the stairs. I looked back to the conflict; I could easily tell we weren't doing so well… the shadow kept floating away from our attacks. "Everyone fall back to the stairs! We can retreat from there if we need to!" Junpei voiced his thoughts at that; the shadow would just follow us. I growled under my breath, I'll figure this out later.

"Minato-Kun, please be careful; it's going to use Maragion!"

I expected a slight feeling of fire surrounding me but the flames never appeared. Ken had used Cruel Attack and knocked it off balance. "I can do this, I'll stay this time." The orange-vested boy was between me and the stairs, I was worried and I didn't want to leave him alone. An explosion from behind ushered me forward a little; the boy rushed into my arms, holding tightly to my abdomen. "Minato-San… I'm not scared anymore… not really." He paused for a moment, "I don't want to see anyone else get hurt so please… let me do this." I stroked the kid's hair anxiously, what should I do?

"I'll stay with him, Minato-Kun." I gazed up at Fuuka; guess I didn't have a choice now. I nodded nervously, fearful that I was making a mistake. I feel like a jerk for leaving an elementary school boy to face a 'bloodthirsty demon' practically alone. Juno can't fight but she can support and scan… I just hope they're alright.

The jog up the stairs was getting old; if we're not in battle then we're running. I silently signaled to walk quietly as we approached the next stage. "It's waiting for us in the next clearing…" Chidori's voice was light and mysterious; her warning was something I should have foreseen. She was just like Fuuka, only Medea can combat the enemy. I decided to stay back this time and not get attacked right off, instead I pushed Ryoji forward. He'll deny that squeak later, but he did as the shadow used Evil Smile on him. With the surprise element gone, we started our assault.

Koromaru cast Agidyne, the Chariot was the lower half of a tank and this one wasn't weak to anything… that I remember. Yukari used Patra to cure the scarfed male of his fear the shadow caused. The seventh Arcana shadow executed a Swift Strike; I barely dodged it, I'm not sure about the others. "Hey, maybe I should stay with this one while you guys go on!" Junpei's joking suggestion left me worried and hesitant. I really didn't want to leave my best friend behind. Aigis said it would be a good idea… so we could reach the top. She also mentioned leaving the true incarnation of Death behind, she must still hold a grudge. I grasped the younger male's jacket sleeve, intent on telling him to stay. "This is for the best, dude… You guys need Yuka-Tan, you won't leave Ryoji or Minako, and I'm not leaving Koro-Chan." He made me release him from my iron grip. I'm starting to feel worse about my decisions; my bonds feel strong yet broken.

"I'm staying as well." I turn to stare at the last remaining member of Strega. The gothic Lolita walked to our side, determination on her otherwise emotionless face. Junpei began protesting, insisting on keeping her safe. "This is not open for discussion Junpei. If you're going to fight then I am too…" her stern tone silenced his objections. I watched like a third wheel as they gazed into each other's eyes, it was like they were communicating… I frowned, did most people act like that? Was I like that with Ryoji? "I wouldn't have continued with you instead of staying with Strega if I was going to leave without you now…"

Chidori's vocals had dropped into a soft whisper, her eyes shone with the emotion she couldn't display. They really were in love, like Ryoji and I. "Chidori… I'd love for you to stay with me…" a small smile graced my lips, I was happy for these two… I just wished they could have sent me away first. I tapped their shoulders, hesitant to break the tender moment; I've never seen them turn so red. "Minato… I forgot you were still here…"

"Be careful, okay?" I gave him a quick hug, I wanted them to be safe, and especially with the way my Social Links have been feeling lately. I turned to the redhead, "take care of him for me… and take care of yourself." She nodded, understanding my meaning to be safe. There wasn't anything else I could do except hope for the best. With one last glance at the two I said goodbye and rushed to the remaining group. We were going to continue and get to the top; our destiny had been decided a long time ago… I just hope I'm not alone.

I felt bad leaving Junpei and Chidori with the Chariot but it had been our only choice… right? Something had seemed off but I couldn't place what exactly it was. I didn't put too much thought into it; after all, all we needed to do was defeat the shadows right? I seemed to be asking that a lot lately… am I right, was I right? What if I'm wrong and this isn't how the events are supposed to be played. I didn't have Mitsuru's guidance anymore, nor did I have Shinjiro or Akihiko… After Ryoji, I was the oldest. I'm responsible for the outcome of this battle. Koromaru's haunting howl snapped me from my thoughts; the hall was widening into a room, it seemed to be barren of shadows. Without Fuuka's insight, it was hard to tell what was going to happen. Orpheus, can you tell what's around us?

'I sense something is near but cannot tell what… I am not a surveillance type Persona…' I sighed and noddeed to myself. I needed to scan the area, Fuuka was our greatest investigator, followed by Strega's Chidori; without those two we were walking blind. "I detect a shadow is nearby…" I turned to Aigis, her metallic body was walking beside me, mechanical voice laced with a hint of worry. I'd forgotten she was able to do some scanning since she was an anti-shadow weapon. "The shadow is coming… be cautious." We hesitantly started into the next chamber, carful and very tense. Rapid gunfire shots echoed down from above us as the Justice Arcana's Myriad Arrows hit Minako making her scream.

"Minako-Chan!" loud shouts and gun shots followed. Pallas Athena started with a Swift Strike proceeded by a Tempest Slash from Thanatos and Agidyne from Cerberus. Yukari and I used Dia skills to help my sister; I rushed over and knelt beside her. I carefully placed my hand on her shoulder, silently asking if she was alright. My brunette twin peered up at me from behind her bangs, slightly nodding. Yukari was beside us now, checking over the girl like a worried mother. I turned back to the battle behind us; Justice was defiantly stronger than last time. Pharos had Alice cast Marakunda on our enemy, lowering their defense. The other three used a variety of spells to limit the shadows movement.

I was stunned when the Arcana preformed a Twin Shot on Aigis, only for her to shrug it off like nothing. The elder android could block pierce attacks, she was lucky and probably the only one I'm confident leaving to handle this. Of course, I'm not leaving until I'm forced to. "Maybe we should… I don't know… run the other way!" Ryoji yelped as he rushed past me, Poison Mist following his trail. I thought it could only do that when it's combined with the Chariot? Perhaps, standing here like an idiot thinking about this isn't such a great idea. I squeaked as I started running after my other half, the girl had already moved to a safer location.

"Minato-Kun… Please be more careful!" Aigis was worried about me, which was nice but it was still kind of painful to be tackled by a machine. I grunt in minor pain and mutter thanks between gasps as I shook off the throbbing in my skull. Fighting shadows really hurt sometimes and I was usually the target… though, it seemed like Minako was being targeted a lot too. The blond android tapped my shoulder lightly to avoid further injury. "I believe you should continue onwards while I finish here." I didn't want to leave her here alone either, but what choices did I have? I told her, I'd get the others out as quickly as I could. She smiled, relief that I didn't argue in her inhuman pools. "I bid you farewell… my Minato-ninja."

I chuckled at her honorific and her possessiveness; she came up with that honorific during a movie marathon I took her to in the original timeline. I hugged her and wished her good luck before I sprinted back towards the others. I signaled for the group to continue upwards, Pharos and Yukari already had my sister safely up the steps. At my signal Koromaru and Ryoji started that way, I summoned Orpheus to help Aigis keep everyone safe for the time being. Like Fuuka had said during our first battle, the Arcana shadows had more than tripled their power and life span; it would be difficult to overpower one alone. Since Aigis can block most of Justice's attacks, she will be safer than most at this point. Fear overpowered me as a Vile Assault hits Orpheus causing him to disintegrate back into my psyche, I felt the pain from the musician but without his protection it felt a thousand times worse. I couldn't help the agonizing scream I produced at that moment.

The physical onslaught halted abruptly as Pallas Athena attacked it with a skill I couldn't make out. My body felt heavy and I knew people were calling out to me. I held my blade in my hand as I slumped to my knees. I heard Yukari shout something to her Persona, and then I felt relief. The pain subsided quickly as I hesitantly got to my feet. I glanced at Yukari to confirm my thoughts; Isis had used Mediarahan to heal our decreasing health and my near death like state.

I grasped my short sword tighter in my palm; my evoker pressed against my temple, preparing to summon Orpheus again to get some pay back. A soft hand gently wrapped around my wrist and pulled the gun away from my head. I turned to Yukari in mild confusion and curiosity; her eyes were downcast and her hand tangled with mine. She finally looked up at me, fear mixed with an unidentifiable emotion in her brown orbs. I blinked; despite my concern for the girl beside me, I really didn't want hit with another Vile Assault. I was clueless and afraid when she had me place my evoker to her head and pull the trigger. I feared that I'd just killed her before the sacred shattered glass filled the air and Isis confronted Justice with a Garudyne.

"I think it's my turn to stay and fight…" she trailed off and looked to the floor again. Yukari winced as a pierce attack hit her Persona; it had blocked the attack intended for me. "Good luck Minato, I…" she glanced back up, determination and affection shown brightly in her deep pools. "I wish you the best." She leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on my cheek; the healer pulled back slowly, tears building within her eyes. Does she know something I don't? I questioned myself, not expecting an answer since Orpheus had opted to remain silent. "I'll stay with Aigis…" a choked sob abruptly ended her sentence. A final hug, then she hesitantly started towards the elder android twin. "Sayonara Minato…" she took off into a sprint, down to the blond girl while I was left standing there watching her. I felt frozen, why was she crying? I kept asking questions I had no way to answer; Orpheus refused to make a sound.

I felt a hand grasp my own and pull me back. "Come on Onii-Chan… we need to go…" Minako's voice was soft and gentle, ushering me to move forward. My body started to move but I still questioned the facts I've been given. What am I missing? As we rushed up the neon staircase my thoughts remained on the last stage and Yukari's reaction.

What's going on?

To Be Continued in Chapter Eleven:

"Beginning of the End: Final Flight"