The Other Chance

Chapter 11

Disclaimer: I do not own anything connected with Persona, Atlus or ancient deities used for cultural influence. I only own myself. That's right.

Author Note: Sorry for the late update but finals are no over so I have time to write again. YAY! Thanks for the support my friends. Enjoy the story.

Chapter 11: Uncertain But Not Unsure

April 22, 2009: Gekkoukan High

Akio officially hated school. It's not like he ever liked it in the first place but before he was able to sleep through it. Now that Mitsuru had taken away his precious "sleepy time", he felt like he had less energy.

He did. There was no mistaking that.

It didn't help that Mitsuru would occasionally glanced at him to make sure he was awake. He felt like a death row inmate that needed to be observed for signs of suicide. Which at the moment didn't sound all that horrible to him.

After final bell rang, Akio let out the loudest sigh this world has ever heard. He let his head fall onto his desk with a sickening thud. He was content to just stay there but he felt Mitsuru approach him. It was after class though, so he figured he was, relatively, safe from her wrath.

"Looks like you went the entire day without falling asleep," she said as she approached, "Don't worry. You'll get used to it." She had meant it as a kind of joke. Akio could have found more humor in politicians talking about the weather.

"You keep saying that," he said, his face still imbedded into the desk, "I'm starting to believe it's a lie!"

Mitsuru laughed a little at his comment. "We'll, I've got a Student Council meeting today so I have to be leaving now," she patted him on the shoulder, "I'm sure you'll be able to adjust. I have faith in you." She was being sincere and Akio knew it. Despite that, it was salt in the wound to him and all he did was groan.

Mitsuru departed and Akihiko came over and patted him on the back. "Looks like you survived…at least for now."

Akio shot his head up at him. "How do you this everyday!" Akio never knew school was so...so…boring! It was not only difficult but boring. How did anyone manage to survive this cruel form of torture that made Tartarus look like a day at the park?

Akihiko shrugged, "I don't know. After a while you just learn to tune them out." That made sense. Akio just needed to endure this torture until he learned not to listen to the instructors. It was the perfect plan. It would require time and energy, the two things Akio valued more than most other things. But this was his challenge. Besides, if his siblings found out he was scared shitless by Mitsuru…he shuddered at the thought.

"Come on, man," he heard Akihiko call to him, "Let's go already." Akio sluggishly picked himself up and clomped after his friend.

When they reached the gate they were swarmed by Akihiko's fangirls. Akio was thrilled at the attention but soon found it was only for Akihiko.

"Come on, man. Share the love," Akio said leaning toward his friend.

"There's no love to share," Akihiko retorted, "I don't even know their names."

Akihiko pushed through the swarm and Akio followed, more than a little disappointed. Akio made his feeling clear, scowling most of the way home. Akihiko took notice.

"What's with you?" he asked concerned. Akio glared at him.

"You wasted a very good opportunity for me," he shot back. Akihiko glared back at him.

"Are you really that shallow? Those girls don't like ME. They like the guy who wins boxing matches," Akihiko retorted.

Akio grinned which surprised Akihiko. "All I'm saying is if you don't like them that much…just push them off on me! I'll take good care of them. Everybody needs a rebound guy."

The boxing champ was beginning to understand. Akio's humor was…different. He knew it would take time for him to become accustomed to his new friend's…antics. But in a strange way it felt good. Perhaps having someone so relaxed would help him to loosen up too. It had been too long since he'd had a real friend.

"I'll keep that in mind next time," he finally answered, grinning himself. He and Akio walked home together, discussing ways to hook Akio up with two or three or twelve of the fangirls.

Meanwhile, Minato, Minako, Yukari and Junpei waited at the front gate for Akio to arrive and walk home with them…

April 23, 2009: Paulownia Mall

Akihiko took Akio, his siblings, Yukari and Junpei to meet Officer Kurosawa. Akihiko explained that the officer knew about their circumstances and would assist them as best he could. It seemed that the weapons they used were obtained through Officer Kurosawa and if they needed replacements, he as the guy to come too.

Akihiko gave each of them 50,000 yen from Ikutsuki saying, "He felt you all deserved it." It wasn't an awful lot of money but more than enough for karaoke, if they pooled their money together.

Minako had suggested it, of course. Telling everyone it built character to sing loudly in front of people. Minato tried to back out but his determined twin wanted him to sing a duet with her. Akio perceived this as an "elaborate" scheme to help Minato and Yukari grow closer. No way he'd miss this. Junpei was just excited to be doing something with friends.

Akihiko had to leave because of boxing practice saying he'd join another time.

As they all headed toward the Karaoke place, something caught Akio's eye. A blue butterfly. He stopped in place. It was the exact same one he'd seen on the train when they first arrived. He was sure of it.

"What's up, bro?" Minato asked him. Akio turned back to everyone. They were almost there. All he had to do was say, "It's nothing" and keep going but for some reason he knew he couldn't.

"I gotta check on something. I'll be right there!" he shouted heading for the butterfly. "Minako, get my fav ready for me!" The twins knew he'd never miss his favorite song. It was insurance to make sure they knew he was planning on coming back.

Akio chased the butterfly into a back alley. It was strangely lit with an ominous blue color that Akio knew he'd recognized. The butterfly landed on the back wall. A bright blue light engulfed the area. Akio shielded his eyes. When the light died down, there stood a blue door.

"Oh joy," the young man sighed as he approached it. Igor was calling him. And no matter how much he wanted to ignore it, he knew he had unfinished business with the long nosed freak.

He pushed open the door and passed through it.

April 23, 2009: Velvet Room

"Welcome back, Master Akio" Elizabeth and Theo echoed together.

"'Sup." Akio took his seat and glared at Igor. Igor merely stared at Akio behind his large hands and gargantuan nose. After nearly a full minute of silence, Akio was ready to explode.

"Well…" he began but stopped. He had expected Igor to be more animated than his. They way he kept staring at him was like a stalker closing in on his victim. Another minute of silence. Akio was fed up with the pointlessness of his summons.

He stood up from his chair and made his way to the door. Elizabeth and Theo gasped. Akio ignored them. He reached for the door handle when the creeper finally spoke.

"I'm sorry to have upset you so," long nose said, almost apologetically. "I was merely taking the time to observe you."

Akio whirled around, "And just what do you need to OBSERVE exactly!" He hadn't meant to shout but did anyway.

Again Igor became silent, further infuriating Akio. Elizabeth slowly approached him. "It seems that the Master is concerned for your health." Akio glared at her but she continued. "You have come into possession of a very rare power."

Suddenly, Akio recalled his last discussion with these three. He had demanded answers. Something seemed different this time. It was like they set up this event just to get him to ask his questions. Most likely, Igor's silence was part of this. Though Akio couldn't fathom why.

"I shall explain," Theo said crossing to the other side Igor. "We residents of the Velvet Room are not allowed to speak of events beyond our control."

"What the hell does that mean?" Akio questioned.

"It means that we are unable to speak freely about the…nature of your power without first being asked." Theo's words may have been cryptic but also enlightening. Akio was beginning to place the puzzle together. They could only answer his questions directly. Unless he asked, they could not speak of it.

'So, they weren't keeping the truth from me. They just couldn't talk about it…damn.'

He felt like a jerk now. Yelling at them for something that was, partially, his fault. Well, now he at least could get some answers. Or so he hoped.

"Okay," he said loudly. "First off: Why do you all keep talking to me as if you know me? I don't remember meeting any of you before, so how is it you know me?"

Elizabeth and Theo looked to each other frowning. It seemed that the only one allowed to answer this question was Igor himself. This time, the long nose freak did not remain silent.

"I'm afraid that all I am allowed to tell you is that we have indeed met before. Under similar circumstances."

So much for getting answers. Akio was somehow not surprised. This whole thing felt so familiar and nostalgic but he could not understand why.

"Why can't you tell me anymore?" Akio asked curiously.

Igor sighed, "I have been forbidden from revealing any more. Do not ask whom has forbidden me, for I cannot say."

Akio grinned, it unsettled the assistants. "Does that mean that if I find out more on my own you can confirm or deny the information?"

Igor smiled against his better judgment. This young man was truly a most unique guest. No other being had ever considered Igor to play such a role. It was invigorating for the butler-esque man.

"I suppose that can be arranged," Igor replied, his assistants visible relaxing.

"Alright," Akio continued, "Second: Beyond information. You said you had some other role to play in all this. What is it?" It wasn't a burning question but Akio still wanted an answer.

Igor's smile faded. "I am here to help infuse your Persona with the power of other Personas."

"And how do we do that?"

"I'm not quite sure."

Akio was stunned at that answer. "You're really not helping. I hope you know that."

Long nose set his hands down on the table, revealing his entire face. "Normally, I am able to fuse different Personas together to create new Personas. However, since you are only capable of summoning Thanatos, it is unlikely you will have need of this skill."

Akio considered what he meant. Fusing Personas seemed tricky anyway. Trying to somehow use that power to strengthen him seemed…unreal. Theo then chimed in.

"So, if Thanatos is the only Persona he can summon then…fusing it with other Persona shouldn't actually change Thanatos. It should only give the previous Persona's power to Thanatos. Am I right?" Everyone turned to Theo who now felt embarrassed. "It was only a suggestion…"

"Actually…" Igor began, "It would be possible in a sense." Akio turned to Igor as he continued. "Each time Thanatos slays an enemy, he absorbs part of their power. I could use my ability to fuse this power with him and therefore give him the powers of those he defeats."

Akio liked were this was going. Having an all-powerful Persona sounded like a slice of heaven after the fiasco of the other night. None of them had dared go back so soon after that night. None of them felt ready for it. But with this new found power maybe…

"I must warn you though," Igor's voice cut off his thoughts. "The more power Thanatos obtains, the more it will take a toll on you." Akio raised an eyebrow at him. Take a toll on him, what was that supposed to mean? Akio then thought back to fainting episodes and Igor's observation of him when he entered. Once again, Akio felt they were keeping something from him.

"By, 'take a toll' you mean…" he left the question open for any of them to finish. Elizabeth and Theo looked away from him. Only Igor held his gaze. Igor replaced his hands back in front of his face before he spoke.

"The mere fact that you can summon Thanatos is incredible. But that doesn't mean it's without a price," Igor informed his guest. Akio stood fast, listening intently. "Just summoning the Death Arcana is dangerous, especially one so powerful as Thanatos. Because of that, this Arcana requires much more energy than other Personas."

Akio was quickly beginning to understand. It wasn't like he hadn't noticed. Each time he summoned Thanatos it felt like something inside him was draining away. He tried to ignore it but it was evident that it was a threat to his life.

"So, you're telling me if I overuse Thanatos…" he began but choked back halfway through.

"It will destroy you," Igor said plainly. The assistants couldn't bear to see Akio's reaction. This wasn't the kind of thing a young, 17 year old boy ever had to deal with. Just using his exceptional power would kill him. It must be so hard for him.

Then they heard laughing. Akio was laughing. Not out of sadness or pity but of amusement. He laughed louder and louder until they all stared at him like he was Sasquatch. His laughter died down somewhat and he spoke.

"To be honest, I kind of expected this," Igor and the assistants were shocked. "After you told me that my Arcana was Death…I got to thinking: 'What power could equal that of Death?'. The only answer is life! It makes sense that it is powered by MY life!" He smiled to himself, genuinely. "Believe it or not…I'm okay with this. If that's what it takes to keep them safe…then I think it's worth it."

The Residents could barely believe their ears. One so young was so willing to give up his life for others. If they hadn't been fully aware of who this young man was, they would have thought him insane.

"There is some good news," Theo said, not wanting all hope to be lost. Akio turned back to him, still smiling. It reassured the assistants. "Even though this power does require life, it will regenerate over time."

"Oh, well that's good," Akio nodded, slightly surprised and relieved.

"As long as you give yourself time to recover you should eventually be able to use it without much fear of losing your life," Elizabeth further explained.

Akio could have hugged them. "Well, this day just keeps getting better and better." He turned to Igor whose expression was hidden behind this large hands and nose. Akio could not see the small man grinning at him, obviously pleased.

Akio truly was the only one with the chance to change their fates. Of this, Igor was not certain.

"So, how do we this thing?" Akio rubbed his hands together approaching Igor, shocking him.

"Do what?" Igor asked. Akio grinned at him. "Make Thanatos the Jesus of Personas, of course!" he shouted at long nose.

"Well, I'm afraid that at the moment you haven't defeated enough opponents for me to attempt my fusion." Igor was very pleased that Akio was so enthusiastic but he knew the young man needed more time before he was ready to do that.

Besides, Igor wasn't completely sure he could pull it off either. He'd need to test the idea first and there was no way he'd let Akio know that. The boy wasn't exactly the most patient or level-headed person when it came to such delicate matters.

"Alright," Akio conceded, "I suppose that's enough for today then." Akio strode toward the door but was stopped by the assistants again.

"Please wait," Elizabeth called to him. He turned back to them.

"If it's not too much trouble…" Theo began, "We would like to request your services."

"My services," Akio grinned sheepishly.

"Yes," Elizabeth continued, "You see, we are unable to leave this place at this current time so…"

"We would request that you help us with a few…errands. If you will," Theo finished.

Akio's expression hardened a bit. The assistants felt maybe it was going too far but he had been very accommodating before…

"I draw the line at grocery shopping." His answer was accompanied with a smile. The assistants were ecstatic. Not vocally but Akio could see it in their faces. He'd made their day.

"Well, if that's all…I have to go watch my little brother fall into a trap," he said as he opened the door. "Later!" he shouted as he closed the door behind him.

The Residents of the Velvet Room were very pleased. It seemed that he was truly the same man they had always known him to be.

April 23, 2009: Paulownia Mall

Akio arrived at Karaoke just in time for Minato and Minako's duet. However, Minako suddenly had to pee and graciously asked Yukari to take her place. Yukari fervently denied but Minako's persistence won the day.

As she passed Akio, Minako winked at him and he smiled at her. Maybe she was going too far with the "hook up Minato and Yukari" plan but damn if it wasn't amusing. Akio watched as they awkwardly sang a party song together and Akio was very pleased that his sister had not chosen a sappy love song. It would have killed the mood.

Strangely enough, when the song was over, neither of them complained.

Minako returned just in time for Akio's favorite song to come on. Which he sang with more passion than an arrogant pop-rock star. Junpei tried to outdo him but failed miserable, not only at singing but at dancing. It hurt to watch, literally.

It was a really good day for all of them. Even though they all had a negative thought chewing at the back of their minds. Little did they know that it was all for the same reason.

April 24, 2009

The day passed quickly. Even with Akio forcing himself to stay among the living during class. It was difficult concentrating when all he was concerned about was the tower. It had occupied his thoughts all day.

It didn't help that he was technically standing in the tower already. Why was the school the tower? It made no sense. Sure, a place of hell during the day should be a place of hell at night too, but this was ridiculous…

Class had finally ended and Akio was preparing to head home with Akihiko. Akio had gotten in the rhythm of heading back home with his new friend. He had thought that his siblings would have reacted more…unnerved. But they easily accepted it, for reasons foreign to Akio.

They probably enjoyed hanging out with people other than family all day. Strangely enough, so did Akio. He needed a break from The Monsters.

As they headed for the door, Akio noticed Mitsuru packing up her bag. He practically b-lined for her. She turned around to find him standing very close to her. She instinctively took a step back.

"Akio…" she spoke, "Can I help you with something?" She was perplexed as to why he sought her out.

"Yeah, I got question for you," He said plainly. "You doing anything after school?"

Those who hadn't already left the room suddenly stopped. All eyes turned to them. Had Akio really just done that? Was he really asking her to…?

Akihiko moved closer, quite shocked by his friend's forwardness and also feeling some kind of odd pressure in his chest as well.

Mitsuru was frozen. Her eyes widened and for the first time in her life, she was without her extensive vocabulary. She opened her mouth to speak but it only hung in place. She wanted to ask why he was making such an advance but before she could…

"Akihiko and I are heading back. I need to talk to both of you."

A wave of disappointment fluttered around the room. Akihiko, however, felt relief for unknown reasons. Mitsuru shut her mouth and nervously laughed. Of course that was all he meant.

Akio, oblivious to the looks of others, glanced around the room trying to discover what was so interesting. Mitsuru regained her regal features and smiled at him.

"Well, since I don't have Student Council today. I suppose I could accompany you." She refused to show that she had been flustered.

Akio smiled wide. "Great. Let's mosey!"

The three of them chatted about school and other issues until they were safely at the train station. Akio didn't want to discuss certain issues with "normal" students around. He waited until they were all safely on the monorail heading back home.

"We need to go back," he said abruptly, getting his friends' attention.

"To Tartarus?" Akihiko nervously asked. Akio nodded. It had been two whole days since they had gone and it was really bothering him. Avoiding Tartarus may be safe but it didn't get them any closer to solving the mystery of the Dark Hour.

"Are you sure?" Mitsuru asked concerned. "I don't want to push you…"

"Maybe a push is what we all need," Akio's voice was firm and determined. "I'm tired…Tired of avoiding this. The longer we run from this, the harder it'll get." He let out a great sigh. "I'm sick of running without moving forward. It's time I changed that."

He wasn't looking at them now. He stared straight ahead. His words more for himself than anyone else.

Akihiko was still worried because he wouldn't be coming. He had kept reassuring Akio that once he got back on his feet, so to speak, he'd be on the front lines with him. While this was encouraging, it gave Akio the sense that he was weak. And if it's one thing he, and his siblings, couldn't stand…it was being weak.

Mitsuru wanted to tell him to wait but knew it was no good. They'd go, even without support. Akio was not the kind of guy to let things keep him down.

"Alright," the red-haired young woman consented. "If you think you're ready, then we'll try again." Guilt racked her mind. If he pushed himself too far…would they be able to save him. She needed to follow her own advice and believe in them…all of them.

Akio grinned. "Tonight then!"

Mitsuru and Akihiko stared at him in shock. "What? I didn't mean to go tonight…"

"Doesn't matter," Akio cut her off. "We'll go tonight. I hereby exercise my position as leader and say TONIGHT!"

Akihiko moved to him, "That's too reckless!" Akio's grin grew wider. "It'll be fine."

"You don't know that!" Akihiko pressed. "Have a little faith will ya!" Akio blasted back, completely amused with himself.

As the two kept arguing Mitsuru noticed something. Akio wasn't the type to rush into anything he was unprepared for. If he suggested that they go tonight, he must know that not only was he ready but everyone else too.

"Alright."

The young men stopped and turned wide-eyed to her.

"Repeat please," Akio asked.

"Alright. You may go to Tartarus tonight."

"Mitsuru!" Akihiko objected, "Are you really gonna let them go? Just like that…"

The glare Mitsuru gave him could have frozen God in place. Akihiko rarely ever saw that bone-chilling look. It was final. No use arguing. He sighed in defeat. Mitsuru took the opportunity to smile at him.

"Like he said. Have faith in them Akihiko. I do."

The boxing champ wanted to have faith. He really did. But seeing how badly the first floor went for them, his confidence in them was at an all time low. Still, after befriending the oldest sibling, he knew he should have more faith in them.

He turned and looked Akio right in the eye. "I won't be there to save your ass. So make sure you don't make any mistakes this time, okay?"

Akio smiled back at him. "No way I'm dying yet!" His mood could not have been better. So he decided to play.

"By the way…" he turned to Mitsuru. "Why did you look so flustered when I asked you come with?"

Mitsuru nearly gasped. Akio eyed Akihiko, grinning "It's not like I was asking her out on a DATE or anything!" Akihiko turned red. Whether from embarrassment or anger, Akio was unsure but he didn't take his chances.

The door to the train burst open and Akio sped out the door, laughing like a lunatic. Mitsuru stood, mouth agape, unsure of how to react. She felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry," Akihiko reassured her, "You get used to his, uh…humor."

Mitsuru continued to stare forward, "I'm beginning to think I should introduce him to my family's councilor."

To Be Continued…

Hello, everybody. How is Christmas season going? I'm just writing and working. I asked Santa for more time to write…he'd better deliver! Either way, have a happy Christmas and a merry new year. If you don't celebrate…I don't know what to tell you.

Please R and R. Thanks! Flames will be used power my electric heater...somehow.