Chapter 29 is finally here! Sorry for the wait, as I've been very busy with my schedule as of late. I might actually be working at a job soon, which will probably interfere with my schedule more, if I get it. But like I said in the past, this story is one I intend to finish as always. But first, I'll address the reviews for the previous chapter.
From Dario Flaman, well the Investigation Team were a bit more comical compared to SEES. As for what it is... it's not Shadow Minato. It was something mentioned in a previous chapter a while back. You'll find out when reading.
From CgStryker... it's not a big deal. Don't worry man.
From the Guest who discussed Sho and Fuuka, I definitely see where you are coming from, and agree fully. One of the reasons I wrote this story, is I like to give what I feel are under appreciated and/or not as popular characters, more of the spotlight. An example of that being my one shot story starring Little Mac, back in 2009. Last chapter was most likely Sho's only proper appearance (and not the real one at that) though, to keep in mind, while Fuuka along with Minato, are still the main overall stars. Yes, I definitely would have liked Minato & Shinjiro in Ultimax as characters.
Well that's about it. This chapter also has a tune I recommend listening to as well. As always, if you guys have anything you want to say, don't be afraid to do so. Otherwise I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!
The Investigation Team were still discussing their situation, as they still had no ability to summon their Personas yet in this world. Naoto was deep in thought as she realized something and decided to say her thoughts on the matter.
"During the P-1 Climax... the reason everybody could summon their Persona in the real world, was due to the influence of the red fog. We as the Investigation Team, can normally only use our Personas in the Midnight Channel. The Shadow Operatives... can use their Personas in the real world any time, with or without the red fog and Midnight Channel," Naoto stated.
"Yes. Yes that's true, but why are you bringing that up?" Yukiko asked curiously. Everyone turned to stare at the teenager detective as she was in deep thought.
"Well... it's something I feel I should have realized earlier. The Shadow Operatives... utilize a device to summon their Personas. The devices that resemble handguns called Evokers," Naoto noted, as everyone's eyes began to light up, as they suddenly realized at what she was getting at.
"Their Evokers allow them to summon their Personas. They can use their Personas in the real world. If we had... our own Evokers... then maybe... we can all do the same?" Yu said, as everyone had a big grin on their faces upon hearing this.
"So... if we all get our own Evokers... we might all be able to summon our own Personas!" Rise exclaimed in excitement.
"Alright Naoto! Way to go!" Chie praised, while Naoto simply shrugged and smiled, happy to have realized such details.
"But... where are we going to get Evokers? Aren't they made by Mit-chan's company?" Teddie questioned.
"That's a good point Teddie. The Kirijo Group doesn't exist in this world, as far as we know." Yosuke also pointed out.
"But the Shadow Operatives have their Evokers on them though?" Kanji said.
"Well... who better to ask, then the Shadow Operatives themselves then?" Yu suggested. "We should plan something out, so we can meet with them all again, and maybe they can help us out."
This seemed like a good plan that they all agreed with so far, and was one they planned to tell Theodore and Elizabeth once they came back in time. This was definitely their next step they planned to do, as they felt they wanted to be able to defend themselves, in a world with someone like The Master now known about, just in case.
We switch scenes to Minato, reemerging in that flowery field, looking beat up. Everyone looked immensely concerned, as they noticed his bruises. Yukari immediately summoned her Persona and had it use a Diarahan on Minato, to fully restore his health and being. He was on the flower field ground, resting for a bit, as everyone waited for Minato to catch his breath, as he seemed more exhausted. Once he was feeling fully able, he told them all, of what happened to him, in his solo mission in the dream version, of his encounter with Sho and Adachi, and how he protected another dream version of Fuuka.
"You're always ready to be her prince Minato. Easily the best guy, a girl can go for," Yukari teased and praised, while Minato simply sighed and smiled from hearing that. "Fuuka is really blessed, to have met you in her life."
"Good job handling that fake Sho, buddy. That guy was pretty tough," Junpei stated. "If you were there, during that P-1 Climax incident, I bet you would have stopped the whole thing, before it got so crazy by the end of it,"
"Not to put a damper on our leader's success in that second door, but we still have one door to be concerned about," Mitsuru stated, as they all looked toward the last door. The door that still had a silver chain and lock, wrapped around it, with a red priestess mask on it. "While I'm glad our leader's solo mission is a success... we still have one last door to deal with,"
"It's not over till it's over. I'm hoping we get to all join in this time," Akihiko stated, as he always liked being active, and wanted to help save Fuuka as well. Minato feeling like he rested enough, slowly stood up, and walked over to the door. He took out his silver key, and unlocked the silver lock, that were on the door, and the chains and locked fell to the ground, and soon dissipated into nothing. Now the door was able to be opened, as nothing was binding it. Aigis carefully walked forward to the door and placed her hand out, to see if another barrier would form. Unfortunately she felt another glass like barrier, just like the one for the previous door.
"It seems we will be unable to assist, once more, as another invisible glass barrier is present," Aigis stated, as everyone repeated her actions. Sure enough, they all felt another invisible glass like barrier.
"Looks like you're going in solo again Minato," Shinjiro stated. "But seeing how you did alright, in the last door, I think you'll be fine in this one,"
"Good luck Minato-san. I know you can save Fuuka-san," Ken said with a smile, as Koromaru barked in agreement and encouragement. Minato smiled at his companions, as they smiled or smirked towards at him, with confidence. He then turned toward the last door, took a deep breath, and then sighed. It was time to enter. He slowly placed his hand, on the golden handle on the door, and slowly opened it. Darkness like shadows emerged once more, and soon he saw another very long pitch black hallway, with a white light at the end. He stared at it for a bit, before he slowly walked forward, and closed the door. Soon he was alone once more, as he was ready to venture into this new area within Fuuka's dreams, prepared for whatever was coming next. He soon reached a new area, that looked very, peculiar.
Minato found himself emerging in a forest of trees devoid of leaves and life. They were all just bare branches, as if the greenery was sucked out of them. As he looked around, it wasn't just the trees that looked dead. The ground was just grass, that was colored with a mix of brown, yellow, and gray and looked just as devoid of life in general. The night sky was... green. Just like the Dark Hour he was ever so familiar with, as he saw the full moon was in that familiar shade as well. The ocean was a disturbing mix of red, brown, and black water as he noted a lot of trash piled around. One sight however caught his attention the most, as this area seemed to be a warped polluted version of that flower field, he was in before with the others. A huge factory laid in the middle of the landmass, with smoke stacks pumping out smoke, and pipes connected to the oceans that seemed to pour out the trash he saw earlier.
"What... what is this place?" Minato asked himself quietly. Unlike the previous two areas, which were based off places that Fuuka herself had been in the real world for, this place seemed to be something original and not based from the real world. Nonetheless, it looked quite nightmarish, and he was pretty sure, that this was not something Fuuka would normally dream of. He decided it was time to look around, as he decided to head for the huge factory, as he was pretty sure, the answers he wanted, would be within there. He walked slowly as he noted his surroundings even more, and felt a bit on edge, as this place was pretty much the exact opposite of that peaceful calm area, he was in before. He soon found himself, nearby a door, that was by a huge metal gate. He wondered if it was locked or not, but decided to go for it anyway. To his surprise and luck, it opened without any issues. It was what he saw inside, that made him raise his eyebrows.
He saw what appeared to be many Shy Guys that wore dark teal robes, dark blue shoes, and that same accursed mask, that was marked on the door, he used to get here, as they walked around holding various tools. He saw what appeared to be five wooden airships, that had those Shy Guys on them. They looked towards him, but they didn't seem to mind his presence for some reason. Curiously, near the entrance where he was, he saw a circular device, one would stand on, that had a sign near it that said "Prototype Size Grower," with a switch nearby it, that could activate it. What caught Minato's attention the most, was what was at the other end of the very long factory. A huge black tarp was covering something very huge in the large warehouse like factory. Nearby that huge black tarp, was what appeared to be a blue tarp covering something nearby. Finally... he saw one person facing the the large covered object, with her back turned towards him. One that looked very familiar, yet something felt off to him, as he slowly walked towards her. When he eventually made it over there, that individual he saw finally turned around, with a dark grin.
"Well... I shouldn't be too surprised to see you here," Shadow Fuuka stated, as she was facing Minato. Minato noted the clothing she wore, and this version of her, being of her adult appearance. Most notably, was her yellow eyes. Minato had a very good feeling that this was... her shadow. From what he remembered from the incident involving the labyrinths, and the from the others in general, everyone had a Shadow self within them, that could awaken due to certain conditions. From what he heard from the others who knew more of the subject, for obvious reasons, the Investigation Team barring Yu, had to face their own Shadows before obtaining their Personas. The Shadows represented the part of one's selves, that a person would not try to show and hide instead. If provoked, they could become even more dangerous. "If it isn't my prince Minato. What brings you here?"
"I'm here... to make things right," Minato said carefully, as he felt uneasy in this current situation. Shadow Fuuka just chuckled in response.
"Is that so? Would you mind listening to a girl's plight? After all... I am Fuuka Yamagishi," Shadow Fuuka said, as she walked over to the object covered by the blue tarp. She removed it, and Minato was surprised by what he saw. He saw the Fuuka he knew, wearing some sort of Greek dress, as she laid in her cage, sleeping. Shadow Fuuka slammed her feet against the cage, and Fuuka awakened to the sound. She rubbed her eyes, as she wondered why her shadowy counterpart was awakening her. When her eyes were fully open, she saw that Minato was now here.
"MINATO!?" Fuuka exclaimed, as both lovers looked at each other, very concerned now. Shadow Fuuka merely laughed as they both turned to her, looking concerned.
"My fake counterpart... I think it's time he hears how the real Fuuka Yamagishi really feels." Shadow Fuuka said with a mixture of contempt and eagerness, which confused Minato, while Fuuka just felt more nervousness.
"How she really feels?" Minato asked, as Shadow Fuuka nodded with a dark grin once more, as she began to pace around the area, while Fuuka looked uneasy.
"Yes... for starters... do you know that I.. actually want you to stay in this competition?" Shadow Fuuka stated, while Minato looked confused, and Fuuka looked nervous. "Maybe I'm just trying to deny it... but deep down... I don't want to go back to our world and rather be with you forever! That's the truth!"
Fuuka looked extremely hurt, as she was unsure of what to say, and it didn't help that Minato was there. Shadow Fuuka was eagerly anticipating for Fuuka to talk back and deny such claims. She saw that Fuuka was still staying silent, but was now shaking a bit. Shadow Fuuka decided to continue talking, as she tried to rile her counterpart up.
"Besides wanting to be with you in this world... yes that does mean I want to be an Assist Trophy! To be in a world, where I can be happy and appreciated! Instead of a world where I was bullied... seen as weak and useless... and pushed around like some frail wallflower, waiting to be stepped on! That's the truth!" Shadow Fuuka ranted as Fuuka began to breathe heavily, as she felt more nervous, while Minato looked extremely concerned for her. "Isn't that right? I'm just trying to bring those facts out to everyone else!"
"No that's...-" Fuuka began to speak before she caught herself. She nearly slipped, as she wanted to deny such claims, especially with Minato there. Shadow Fuuka laughed, as she had one more thing she wanted to bring out into the open.
"Finally... I want to become someone who can stand up for herself! No more being the weak little navigator who hides behind everyone else! No more being the girl who can't fight! That's why I'm proud to be using this lovely huge machine, I had some inspiration to built, after seeing a certain someone's drawings of it, a while back!" Shadow Fuuka exclaimed, while Minato looked confused, while Fuuka held her head down. "Isn't that right? I want to fight! I want to become an Assist Trophy! I want to be with Minato forever! That is the truth!"
"That's... that's not-" but before Fuuka could finish speaking her words, as her eyes had tears leak out, and her body shook visibly, as Shadow Fuuka looked very eager to hear her finish what she was about to say, Minato raised his voice.
"STOP! Fuuka! Don't worry! Whatever it is... we'll sort it out later! Never worry about me ever judging you! You're the one my heart chose... I will never look down on you!" Minato shouted out. Fuuka stopped herself from talking, as she looked at Minato in awe, as her mouth formed a gentle small smile, while Shadow Fuuka had a scowl on her face.
"Guess I'll show off my mechanical creation after all. I was hoping to save it for later, but I guess I'll do it now. But before I do that... time I get my loyal Priestess Guys to give me a helping hand," and with that, Shadow Fuuka snapped her fingers. Minato heard a ton of footsteps approach him, and saw a ton of Priestess Guys now right behind him. Shadow Fuuka immediately pointed at Minato's Evoker, and before he could do anything, they jumped and dog piled him, before one of them managed to grab his Evoker, and ran towards Shadow Fuuka. The Priestess Guy that managed to grab Minato's Evoker quickly handed it to Shadow Fuuka, as she placed it into one of her pockets. She then pointed toward the very large black tarp that covered the very large object. The Priestess Guys all pulled it off, and then headed back to the five wooden airships. Minato raised his eyebrows at the sight he saw.
"That's... that Megahammer robot, Junior showed to us, a while back," Minato said out loud, as he saw the very large actual robot, that he saw in a sketched form from Bowser Jr.'s drawings before, during the Wuhu Island trip. It matched the designs of the sketches from Bowser Jr.'s drawings perfectly. It still had those mallet like hammer hands, it still had that large cannon hole in the front with the two glass spheres next to it, and it had that toothy lit grin, on it's robot face. The large robot was currently inactive, though Shadow Fuuka took out a remote. Minato also noted that a very long black ladder was nearby the robot, that would lead into the robot's head, which served as it's cockpit. The only real difference was that instead of having a green coloring for the parts of the robot that wasn't made of white metal, it had a black painted color instead.
"Time to activate Megahammer!" Shadow Fuuka exclaimed, as she pressed a button on the remote control she held. Soon the robots yellow eyes lit up, as it was now active. She then pressed another button on her remote control as the white armor, switched off to allow the glass dome to be exposed, where a control panel and a pilots seat could be seen. The glass dome then opened up, allowing someone to enter it. Shadow Fuuka began to climb the ladder while Minato realized, he was in a really tight spot, without his Evoker. Fuuka felt worried, as while Minato had faced some powerful foes in the past, this robot was a giant, while he was still pretty small.
"If only their was a way to even the odds!?" Fuuka exclaimed in panic, as she felt so concerned for him. She then noticed the prototype size grower device at the other end of the factory, nearby the entrance. She then blinked for a bit, before an idea came to her. "Minato! Head back to the prototype size grower device and use it!"
Minato heard Fuuka's words and nodded towards her, as he turned around and began to run towards the device. Shadow Fuuka was now nearly at the cockpit of the giant robot, as she still climbed the ladder. The Priestess Guys split themselves among five groups, as each were situated in each of the wooden airships, and they began to activate those vehicles. The roof of the warehouse factory began to open up, as the five wooden airships flew into the green Dark Hour sky. Minato began to pick up the pace, while Fuuka placed her hands together in a praying position, as she hoped the device would work on Minato. Shadow Fuuka was now in the cockpit of the giant robot, as she situated herself, as she sat on the chair that was behind the piloting controls of the giant robot. She then had the glass dome come back down, as well as the robot's white armor cover it's top.
"I am a shadow... the true self! It's time for me to show you, what I'm really capable of!" Shadow Fuuka proclaimed, as she used a microphone, on the control panel for everyone else to hear her from outside. She then noticed that Minato was standing on the prototype size grower, and slammed the controls nearby it, to activate it. "Heh. Things always get more interesting with you around,"
Minato soon found a blue light emerge from the device, as it covered him. He wondered if this was going to work, because this was his only chance to take down that giant robot. He soon found himself changing, as his whole body began to flash in a blue light, as he slowly but surely found himself growing bigger. Shadow Fuuka seeing, this began to use Megahammer's hammer hands, to begin to smash the factory around her. Minato ran towards the robot's direction as he planned to pick up Fuuka and her cage, and place the cage in his pocket, to keep her safe in this upcoming battle.
Soon the whole factory was destroyed and was a pile of rubble in the middle, of the huge polluted area. Shadow Fuuka piloting Megahammer was on the other side of the huge field, while Minato was on the other side, and drew his hammer weapon out, as he knew, fighting this robot, was going to require a really hard hitting weapon. Fuuka was now resting in her cage, in Minato's pants pocket. While this wasn't the way she saw herself being reunited with her prince, she was glad he was now better ready to handle her shadowy counterpart. She herself was knocked out, as the mental strain of what just happened, put her back to sleep.
* Size Up Your Enemy (Mario & Luigi: Dream Team) *
"Let's not fight. I don't want to do this!" Minato pleaded, as while he knew that this was another part of her, it was still her in a way. Shadow Fuuka was acting too irrational and wild, as she ignored what he said, as she just taunted Minato in response.
"Are you scared Minato? Scared that I might actually be better then you!? Scared you're nothing without your Evoker!? Keep in mind, that size grower device was a prototype. The effects of you being a giant are temporary. Do you think you can beat me before then?" Shadow Fuuka taunted while Minato looked back at Megahammer frustrated. "Priestess Guys! Don't interfere unless I call for you! I'll beat some sense into you my love! It's time for my dream to come true! To finally earn the spotlight I deserve!"
The Priestess Guys hearing their leader's commands, piloted their wooden airships over the polluted ocean behind Megahammer, while the sky began to flash lightning, and the sound of thunder began to roar. Minato took a defensive stance as the giant robot boosted towards him, using it's jet engines at the bottom, ready to strike with it's right hammer like hand. Minato seeing this took out his own hammer, and carefully held it, as the giant robot approached him. As it was about to strike him, he carefully swung his hammer, to connect with Megahammer's right hammer hand, knocking the robot back a bit. Shadow Fuuka immediately piloted the robot back for another attack, but this time used Megahammer's left hammer hand to strike. Minato prepared himself carefully as he readied himself to strike the giant robot's other hammer hand. He was successful as he knocked the robot back once more. Shadow Fuuka however wasn't concerned at all, as she wore a cocky grin.
"Not bad. But how about this!?" Shadow Fuuka taunted as she activated controls on her control panel in front of her. The cannon like hole that was on Megahammer's chest, opened up, as two small cannons were now seen on it. It fired two Bullet Bills (two cartoon looking missile like objects with black eyes and white arms) straight at Minato. He held his hammer carefully, as the Bullet Bills approached him, and with a vertical hammer swing, destroyed the projectiles. Shadow Fuuka sent another two at him, hoping he miss. Minato however repeated the procedure as he destroyed two more Bullet Bills. "As expected of you. But I don't think you can destroy this without hurting yourself. Take this!"
Megahammer switched the two small cannons on it's chest, switched out for one large circular cannon. It then fired a Banzai Bill (a much bigger version of a Bullet Bill that had no white arms, and had a red shark like mouth, to go along with it's black eyes) as it launched fast towards him. Minato cringed, but immediately came up with an idea, he hoped would work. He held his hammer like a baseball bat, as he prepared for a horizontal swing. As the Banzai Bill approached him, he swing it horizontally, and with enough force, launched the projectile back at Megahammer. Shadow Fuuka had no time to react as the large projectile slammed into her giant robot, as it pushed her back, and broke the left glass sphere, on the robot's chest on the front, as some smoke poured out of the broken glass.
"Damage to engine one has occurred. Twenty five percent of power has been lost," said a electronic computer like voice, within the cockpit of the machine.
"GAH!" Shadow Fuuka grunted in annoyance and pain, as she gritted her teeth from what just happened. She then ordered the following, as she needed some time now to get Megahammer running accordingly. "Priestess Guys! Defend Megahammer while I reroute power to another engine!"
The Priestess Guys hearing their boss say this, piloted their five wooden airships in front of the large robot. They then began to move in a synchronized position, as they began to move in a circular motion. Minato was unsure of what they were doing it, but they were doing it for a reason. The airships then each fired a cannonball towards him. He immediately leaped into the air as they aimed low, and nearly hit him, as explosions went past below him. He scowled as those Shadows were now actually being a threat. The Priestess Guys continued their assault as they continued to shoot together, forcing Minato to dodge their assaults with more timed leaps. Megahammer was soon ready once more, as Shadow Fuuka ordered the Priestess Guys to stand down.
"That's enough! I'm going to be taking him down myself!" Shadow Fuuka proclaimed, as she was desperate to prove she was capable of being independent as well. "I noticed you were hopping like a bunny Minato... let's see if you can keep it up!"
Megahammer using it's right hammer hand, began to crackle with red electricity. It then slammed it's right hammer hand down, causing a red circular shock-wave to spread across the ground. Minato carefully leaped once more, as he avoided being shocked. Megahammer then began to repeatedly slam the ground, with both it's hammer hands charged with red electricity, as more shock-waves were created. Minato began to carefully time his leaps even more so, as he dodged the shock-waves but grew more exhausted while doing so. Once Shadow Fuuka started to see Minato begin to pant, she immediately dashed forward, with her right hammer, ready to strike him. Minato tried to raise his hammer, to defend himself, but his exhaustion had caused him to be too slow. Shadow Fuuka landed a hit, as he was slammed back on the ground, as his back crashed into many dead wooden trees, causing him to grimace in pain. Megahammer was now hovering very closely nearby him, as the giant robot was ready to strike him, while he was on the ground. Seeing that, Minato quickly used his hammer, to slam it into the other glass dome on Megahammer's chest, and caused it to become cracked, while also pushing the robot back. Minato quickly got up from the ground.
"That wasn't very nice! Eat this!" Shadow Fuuka angrily shouted, as she fired another Banzai Bill at Minato. Minato seeing this, prepared to hit it back at Megahammer once more, as he took a stance to hit it back. He swung his hammer horizontally and hit the projectile back. However Megahammer got it's right hammer arm out and slammed it back towards Minato. Minato seeing this, hit the Banzai Bill back, while Megahammer did the same. Minato was reminded of how he did something similar, against King Dedede with a Gordo, during his match with the penguin. As Megahammer hit it back towards him once more, Minato decided to slam the projectile back with his hammer with more force then before, causing the shark grinning projectile, to be sent faster back at Megahammer faster then before. Shadow Fuuka couldn't react in time once more, as another explosion occurred on the front of Megahammer, knocking the robot back, as well as breaking the other glass sphere on front, as black smoke now poured out from both.
"Damage to engine two has occurred. Fifty percent of power has been lost." said that same electronic computer like voice. Shadow Fuuka was about to slam her hands on the control panel in front of her, before she calmed down.
"Priestess Guys! Distract him once more!" Shadow Fuuka ordered, as the five wooden airships moved in front of Megahammer. This time they stayed in a vertical position as they aimed their cannons at Minato. Minato cringed in annoyance, as they all fired simultaneously. He found himself dodge rolling to the side, every time they fired at him, after every shot they reloaded. The sky seemed to crackle with lightning and flash with thunder more, as explosions were seen and heard, as the cannonballs missed their huge blue haired target. Eventually, Shadow Fuuka was ready once more, as she ordered them to stand down once more. "You think you're so tough!? I'll prove to you, that I can fight!"
"This isn't right! Let's not fight!" Minato yelled out, as he personally rather not be fighting Shadow Fuuka, as it was still her, in a sense. He never thought he be in this kind of situation, yet here he was. Shadow Fuuka however laughed at what she just heard, before she angrily replied with the following.
"This isn't right? What isn't right, is the way I'm useless! No one respects anyone who is useless!" Shadow Fuuka yelled in anger. Minato shook his head in disagreement, surprising her, from what she saw. "Why are you shaking your head!?"
"That's not true. You aren't useless. I know you better then anyone else, besides yourself! You're a valuable asset to everyone on our team and to the world!" Minato stated calmly. Shadow Fuuka however grunted in frustration as she refused to listen.
"No Minato! Shut up! Stop it!" Shadow Fuuka shouted with extreme emotion as she had Megahammer turn around. On Megahammer's back, Minato saw the last glass dome, though to the left and right of it, held three small cannons to each side. Shadow Fuuka had all six cannons on Megahammr's back, each fire a Bullet Bill simultaneously, as they homed in on Minato. Minato saw that dodging these projectiles was not likely, so he was prepared to swing at them, to knock them away. As all six Bullet Bills approached him, he readied himself in a stance, where he prepared to swing horizontally. When all six were close enough, he swung his hammer, and knocked them to the polluted sea to his left, where they exploded. Megahammer fired six more Bullet Bills from the cannons on the back, as Shadow Fuuka was desperate to land another hit. Minato readied himself once more, and managed to knock the Bullet Bills to the polluted sea to his right. Megahammer turned around, to face Minato.
"Time to slam down!" Shadow Fuuka yelled out. Megahammer's jet engine at the base of the large robot, roared with flames, as it launched and propelled the hovering robot into the air forward, as Megahammer was ready to slam both it's hammer hands onto Minato. Minato seeing this, quickly dodge rolled forward, as the giant robot, slammed it's mallets onto the ground, as it left an impression upon the polluted land. He quickly turned around, and slammed his own hammer onto the glass sphere on Megahammer's back, with a really strong swing, and managed to break it open, and black smoke began to rise out of it. Shadow Fuuka screamed in fury and panic from what just happened.
"Damage to engine three has occurred. Seventy five percent of power has been lost. Megahammer cannot be operational, unless power used for the armor on the cockpit, is rerouted to the rest of the machine," said that same electronic voice from before. Shadow Fuuka was practically at her boiling point, as her machine was so severely damaged by this point.
"Priestess Guys! Defend me once more!" Shadow Fuuka yelled out, as she really didn't want to remove the armor on Megahammer's head, that would expose the glass dome over her cockpit. The Priestess Guys got in front of Shadow Fuuka once more, and this time were lined up in a horizontal formation. Minato scowled, as he knew he had to take out those airships, as they kept getting in his way. Seeing their formation gave him an idea, that would easily take all of them out. The five airships fired their cannonball shots simultaneously, and Minato decided to swing his hammer in a horizontal motion. The five cannonballs exploded in front of him, and luckily didn't damage him, though he was hoping he smack the projectiles back into the airships. However he quickly came up with another idea, that may work instead. The airships fired at him again, and as he destroyed their shots once more, quickly made a run for it. He ran till, all five airships were right in front of him, all lined up straight in the air. He quickly took out his bow, and with a quick and precise shot, fired a large arrow (that was also giant sized with the rest of his being and weapons), and managed to skewer all five airships, while Shadow Fuuka could only grit her teeth in frustration. The five airships crashed into the ground, as they exploded, taking out all the Priestess Guy Shadows within them, while Minato backed up from Megahammer in the meantime.
"That's it! We're finishing this now!" Shadow Fuuka yelled out. She had the white metal armor covering Megahammer's head not covering the glass dome, where she could be seen sitting at the pilot's seat, with the control panel in front of her. The robot's yellow light eyes and big toothy grin was fully exposed, as Shadow Fuuka could be seen looking furious. She fired another Banzai Bill towards Minato, which prompted him to get ready to hit it back. Once he did so, Shadow Fuuka did something a bit differently. She had Megahammer's left hammer hand stretched out, as she was ready to hit it back, but this time, in a way where it would be launched differently. Megahammer slammed the Banzai Bill at a certain angle, causing it to be launched fast and in a forty five degree like angle. Minato had no time to react as the Banzai Bill crashed fast right in the ground in front of him, and exploded, charring him and knocking him back. His face contorted in pain, as he felt his body at an extreme heat, as he laid on the polluted ground. Shadow Fuuka seeing this, grinned viciously. Megahammer then went back a bit, as she was planning for one last attack.
"It's over!" Shadow Fuuka screamed out. The robot charged forward, with both it's hammers in the front, ready to slam into Minato. The blue haired Persona user, seeing this quickly got up, as he was about to be rammed into. With one high leap, he dodged the charge, as the robot missed him. He quickly turned around, and noticed that Megahammer was right nearby the edge of the polluted sea. He quickly used his hammer to poke and push the large robot into hovering above the sea. Megahammer turned around, and before Shadow Fuuka could do anything, Minato slammed his hammer vertically onto the glass dome, which caused it to crack, and to slam the robot downward a bit, where it's lower body was now in the sea. Minato then swung his hammer one more time and, broke open the glass dome, where Shadow Fuuka shrieked in anger and fear, as glass shards were now all around her. Her control panel began to short circuit, as Megahammer as a whole, began to start short circuiting.
"NO! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING! NO NO NO NO NO!" Shadow Fuuka screamed hysterically, as she began to shriek in anger and sadness. Megahammer began to explode violently, more and more, before a large explosion occurred, charring Shadow Fuuka and sending her flying back to the polluted land, as she crashed into the ground, with a thud. Minato just sighed as he slowly and carefully removed the cage holding the real Fuuka onto the ground gently. Soon he noticed his whole being was flashing with blue light, as he slowly and surely, returned to normal size.
"Time to get her out of that cage," Minato said quietly, as he used his hammer (that was also now back to normal size) to break open the lock. Soon he opened the cage and carefully went down to Fuuka, who was not awake. He carefully stroked her hair very gently, as he wanted to awake her. Soon Fuuka's eyes slowly opened up, as she saw Minato. He held her tightly and warmly, as he wanted to comfort her. She then finally stood up, and without a word, pointed towards her Shadow, who landed nearby. Minato nodded, as they both exited the cage, and slowly approached Shadow Fuuka. Shadow Fuuka was now silent as she looked at Fuuka with depressed eyes. Shadow Fuuka calmly placed Minato's Evoker on the ground in front of her, as she allowed Minato to pick it up, with no hostility at all. Fuuka slowly walked towards her, as her bare feet touched the bare dead ground. Silence filled the air, as the thunder and lightning in the sky stopped, as the Dark Hour like atmosphere was now calm. Fuuka then walked up to Shadow Fuuka, as they both stared eye to eye to each other. Without any words spoken, Fuuka hugged Shadow Fuuka, as silence filled the air, as Shadow Fuuka was surprised by this action.
"I'm sorry. You were hurting inside of me weren't you? I... I don't always have to hold these feelings in. I'm always helping the others... I shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. To let them know... how I really feel sometimes. To bottle up how we really feel... or I feel... that isn't right. At least not like this. You're right. A part of me wants to be with Minato forever and stay as an Assist Trophy. When I heard that offer from the chairmen... you must have reacted strongly. Coupled with being knocked out... I guess you wanted to really voice yourself, leading to this. Wherever we are. Because your... our desire to be with Minato is so strong. I think... I'm ready to tell Minato more about this in the future. Please... let's make things right. You're me... and I want you to be happy." Fuuka stated very quietly and gently.
Shadow Fuuka had a very small and gentle smile form on her face, as she slowly faded away, and reformed into Juno. Fuuka stared briefly at Juno, as her Persona faded away, and she had regained full control of herself, and had accepted her other side, after losing mental control after what happened in that office, a while back. Fuuka then collapsed into the ground, as this whole process left her exhausted. Minato ran up to her and gently carried her, as it seemed like it was finally over. A white door appeared nearby, one that he was ever so familiar with. He opened the door, and gently picked up Fuuka. No way he would leave her to rest, in this polluted area. He carried her, as he made his way through, and soon arrived back at the grassy field. Everyone else was surprised to see Fuuka being carried by Minato. They wanted to ask so many questions but he signaled for them to stay quiet, as he pointed out, that it looked like this version of her, could use more rest. He softly placed her, on the blue and teal flowery ground. They all then noted that the red stars and red moon, now turned blue, as if to signify everything was as it should be, for this dream world.
"I think we should all head back to the real world," Minato whispered very quietly, as they all agreed with their leader. They slowly made their way back, as they all stopped to see this dream version of Fuuka, sleeping very peacefully, which made them all smile. They soon left and found the dream portal they used to enter this world. They found themselves back in Fuuka's room, as they emerged from the dream portal. They all looked at Fuuka, and stared at her, wondering if she would be alright. Fuuka's eye's very slowly, but surely opened up, as the dream portal above her went away. Silence filled the room, as she slowly moved her eyes to see them all looking at her. She was so happy to see them all again, after time had passed. Minato in particular had a very gentle and happy smile, on his face, which made her heart feel so happy. Tears emerged from her eyes, while she was so happy to see them all. She then soon went back to sleep, as her head still ached, though her heart felt so glad after what happened. Later that night, after cleaning himself up, Minato now wearing his own blue pajamas decided to sleep with her on the same bed, as he held her in a warm gentle hold. In the morning, they would have a lot to discuss with the others, but for now... Minato wanted to sleep peacefully with Fuuka, happy to know she was better. It was probably the most peaceful night of sleep, the two had in a long time.
To Be Continued...
Well that's the end of Chapter 29. Notes as always.
1. Size Up Your Enemy is the music that plays, during the giant boss battles in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, where Luigi will be transformed into a giant in his dream worlds, to fight five giant bosses in the game.
2. The airships are based off a concept, used during the final giant boss in Dream Team, though modified. The arena that Minato fought Shadow Fuuka in, is kind of based off the 3rd giant boss's arena in terms of concept, though with wildly different terrain.
3. The Investigation Team are able to summon their Personas in the Midnight Channel normally, or if they're allowed to do so, under some other influence. SEES use Evokers which allow them to summon theirs, in the real world.
4. Megahammer is still the same giant robot, that is a mandatory boss fight in Super Mario Galaxy 2. It's attacks were based off that fight, though it was slightly modified in terms of this story, as well as having some new tricks/moves up it's sleeves, due to it's pilot. I mentioned it in Chapter 20 to help setup it's appearance in this chapter. Same for the airships which were mentioned in Chapter 23.
5. A Shadow Self, is suppose to represent a person's repressed thoughts (though exaggerated in a way). When Fuuka had her breakdown in the chairmen's office, after seeing Minato get hurt from Brawler, she kind of lost control of herself and her Shadow Self kind of resulted in the process. This event for her, being more of a more internal mental struggle, as a different way to depict it, for facing one self (with some help from the others of course).
Well that's about it. If you have anything you wish to comment, point out, etc, don't be afraid to do so. Otherwise, I hope you all have been enjoying the story so far, and this newest chapter. Till next chapter.
