The next chapter is finally here! After a busy schedule (and playing Persona 5 to completion) we move onto the next chapter. Before moving on I like to address any previous reviews before moving on.
Thank you Enigma infinite for your comment, as I try to do my best to keep the characters as close to their characterization from the source material as close as I can, as well as try to tidy up in regards to grammar as well. As for your question, it's really not a big deal.
As usual I want to say thanks to everyone who has been reading this story in general. Also this chapter has a musical track, I highly recommend you listen to while going through it, if you can. With all that said, I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
* Persona 3 - Memories of the School *
A cold chilly wind ripped through the air, touching everything with its presence. We see a school rooftop of a certain high school. The sun was slowly starting to set in the sky, as night was approaching soon. We see two familiar individuals unconscious on top of the school rooftop, as their eyes were closed, and were laid besides each other. Those two individuals being Minato Arisato and Fuuka Yamagishi. Another gust of cool wind went through the air, causing the two on the school rooftop to slowly wake up, as their eyes slowly started to open up. The two slowly picked themselves off the ground and looked around, confused at their current location.
"Weren't we just… at that Final Destination arena?" Fuuka asked, as Minato nodded back to her, feeling just as confused. The two looked around the area, and suddenly both were shocked at where they currently were.
"This is Gekkoukan High," Minato said, as both looked extremely confused at why they were at their current location. The two looked around even more, just to make sure of what they were seeing. After a few moments, they made sure their eyes were not playing any tricks on them. This was undoubtedly Gekkoukan High's rooftop, and they were on top of it.
"I hope everyone else is safe," Fuuka said quietly, as both her and Minato felt unsure of what to do now, as confusion still lingered in their minds at the current moment. They both sighed, and Minato placed his hands into his pockets, as he wondered what to do. Just as he did so, his right hand felt something in his pocket that wasn't present there before. With his right hand, he slowly gripped and pulled the object within his pocket. Both Minato and Fuuka noticed what it was, as he pulled it out.
We now switch scenes to a different location to a little while earlier before that scene at Gekkoukan High's rooftop. A different location that is both familiar, and also new and different depending on the individual. We see the other SEES members, the Investigation Team, and Elizabeth Theodore, and Marie on the ground in a certain lobby of the dormitory on Tatsumi Port Island. Just like Fuuka and Minato at the rooftop on Gekkoukan High. Koromaru was the first to awake, as the Shiba Inu's eyes slowly opened and slowly stood up. Koromaru noticed everyone around him was asleep. Seeing this, he decided to wake them up, as he began to bark loudly. Slowly but surely, everyone slowly started to wake up and also pick themselves up as they stood up and looked around.
"Where the heck are we now?" Yosuke said out loud, confused where he was at the moment.
'Yeah. We were just fighting those Mii Fighter punks for Fuuka-san to make her way to Minato-san earlier in that hallway," Kanji added as he looked around, still looking confused.
"What is this place anyway?" Rise asked as she looked around, looking confused herself.
"It's our dormitory," Yukari said simply, with wide eyes. The Investigation Team members looked at her with more confusion in their eyes from what they just heard.
"Wait... What?" Yukiko said, surprised by what she heard.
"This place… is our dormitory," Junpei said quietly, repeating what Yukari said as he realized this as well.
"Iwatodai Dormitory," Aigis stated, as she said the dorm's full name, for the Investigation Team's sake. "This is where we stayed at, when we all attended Gekkoukan High,"
"You guys stayed at a dormitory when you went to high school? I'm kind of jealous," Teddie said.
"You don't even go to our high school Teddie!" Yosuke pointed out as Teddie sheepishly grinned from hearing, and then Yosuke ended up sighing. "Never mind that. Anyway… why are we at this dormitory anyway?"
"That's a very good question," Yu said, as he looked around, trying to make sense of the situation himself.
"Something must have occurred, for us to have been transported to this location," Naoto said, as she pondered on the situation.
"I hope my guest and his special one are safe," Elizabeth said, reminding everyone in the room that Minato and Fuuka were not with them. Silence filled the air as they were now aware that the SEES's leader and that SEES's navigator weren't with them at the moment.
"I hope Arisato and Yamagishi are safe," Mitsuru said concerned.
"Don't worry. Those two working together should be fine together. I'm sure they're alright," Akihiko said, with reassurance.
"I hope so Aki," Shinjiro said. Suddenly they all heard and saw something that caught their attention. The TV that was in the lobby of the dormitory sprung to life, as they all heard the sound of the television come on.
"Oh no! It's the Midnight Channel all over again!" Teddie shouted in a panicked state.
"Knock it off Teddie!" Yosuke said, a bit nervously as he hoped that was not the case.
"Regardless, that device is acting up," Elizabeth stated as she was curious.
"We should all take a look though, and see what the deal with the TV is, then" Marie pointed out. Everyone in the room slowly walked over to the television, some feeling curious, and some feeling wary. When they all arrived at the TV, they all saw a most peculiar sight. The TV was showing what appeared to be Minato and Fuuka knocked out on a rooftop of a building. All the Investigation Team members looked concerned, but also confused (as they weren't sure where that rooftop was) while the SEES members had surprised expressions on their faces.
"Minato-san and Fuuka-san!" Yukiko said concerned.
"We need to head over to their current location, wherever that is, as soon as possible now," Naoto stated.
"But where is that place?" Chie said curiously.
"I know where that is." Aigis said, as the Investigation Team members looked at her, as Koromaru barked and she translated for the Shiba Inu. "All of us SEES members do,"
"Where is that place then Aigis?" Rise asked, curious herself.
"It's the rooftop of the high school we used to go to," Yukari said slowly, as realization hit all the SEES members.
"Gekkoukan High," Junpei said slowly, as he was really wondering what was going on anymore.
"Does this mean we're back in our world?" Akihiko questioned, curiously.
"It would seem, but I don't want to confirm anything yet," Mitsuru stated.
"We should meet up with Minato-san and Fuuka-san before anything else," Ken suggested. Everyone hearing this suggestion, nodded as this seemed like the best thing to do at the moment.
"That seems like the best idea at the moment." Theodore said in agreement.
"Then you SEES members should lead as you all know where it is," Yu said. "Let's go now and meet with Minato and Fuuka. Let's make sure they're safe, then afterword's we'll decide what to do next,"
With that said, everyone in the dorm room headed out of Iwatodai Dormitory and headed towards Gekkoukan High. We now go back to see Minato and Fuuka sitting at a bench nearby on the roof of the high school, as Minato held a white envelope in his right hand that had a black Smash Bros marked on it. He also found a blue ink pen in his other pocket, he was sure he didn't have on his being before, that was now on him. They both decided to sit together at one of the benches on the rooftop of the school, before Minato would open and read the letter. But before he do so, he wanted to talk for a bit.
"Just like old times Fuuka," Minato said quietly, as Fuuka turned towards him after hearing him say that. "The times when we would hang out here."
"Those were good times Minato," Fuuka said gently, as she nodded in agreement. "I don't know why we're here at the roof of Gekkoukan High, especially after what just happened, but… I don't mind this at all,"
"Neither do I Fuuka," Minato said. Both looked past the gated fence, nearby the benches, as the sun was setting and the evening sky was around. The two would normally hang out when the sun was still out on the roof, so to be on Gekkoukan's rooftop, so them to be on the rooftop now, during the evening period, was really nice. The whole area around them looked more beautiful than usual. "I kind of just want to stay here and take in the moment, and not bothering opening that envelope,"
Both Minato and Fuuka smiled at each other, as it was a sentiment they could both definitely agree to. A chilly wind blew by, as they both sighed, and saw cool air escape from their mouths. This moment felt really nice. Still, they both knew they were delaying the inevitable, as they still had to see what was inside the envelope. Without a moment further, Minato slowly and carefully, opened up the envelope, and saw that there was a written letter inside it. Minato cleared his throat and took a deep breath as he decided to read it finally.
"Dear Mr. Arisato. If you are reading this, then you must have done something truly smashing. You have managed to defeat me. I imagine that you are wondering why you're at a certain location right now from your world. I just felt it was rather appropriate as it was where your previous journey ended, and where you will be deciding your future from this point forward. As promised, I have allowed you to choose your fate. You have the option to become an official fighter of the Super Smash Bros tournaments, and everything that option holds with it. Or you may choose the option to return things as they were before, for everyone and everything involved from your world. Below this letter you will see the two choices I have mentioned, along with a checkbox next to each. Simply place a check with the pen provided to you to the option you desire, and that will simply be it. I advise you think this over carefully, before you make your decision. I wish you the best. From Master Hand," Minato carefully and slowly read out, as he noted what Master Hand pointed out, was indeed at the bottom of the letter.
Silence befell the two, as they both took in the written words of The Master, or rather Master Hand, as The Master had finally revealed his real name since that showdown that had just occurred earlier. Minato carefully folded the letter, placed it back into the envelope and placed it back into his right pocket. Both Minato and Fuuka looked at each other, as they decided to discuss what was just said out loud.
"So you finally earned the right to choose. No more orders, no more battles, no more of that in general," Fuuka said softly.
"I'm glad that's the case," Minato said. "Still… he has a cruel sense of humor, now that we know why we're here on the rooftop of Gekkoukan High,"
"Where… your previous journey… ended," Fuuka said sadly, as she recited those words from the letter. While she and Minato normally enjoyed being at this location, it also served as a very significant location for much more depressing and solemn reasons as well.
It was March 5th, 2010. It was a very significant day as it was graduation day at Gekkoukan High. The students were all gathered at Gekkoukan High's auditorium to celebrate the celebratory occasion. The members of SEES who attended Gekkoukan High were present in the auditorium at well, some sitting among their classmates with their respective homeroom classes, one preparing her valedictorian speech, and so on. The only members not present in the auditorium were a certain elementary school student (due to not being a part of the High School yet for obvious reasons), a certain special Shiba Inu dog who was currently resting at the dormitory where high school students resided for attending Gekkoukan High, and two certain students that were a part of Ms. Toriumi's home room class.
A class representative of the school's student council was currently speaking on the podium, discussing how it was finally time to part, and was speaking well of the senior class that would soon be graduating, and wishing them the best. Right now we focus on Fuuka, as she was sitting among her classmates from Mr. Ekoda's class. She was currently lost in thought, as she and others who were dorming at the Iwatodai Dormitory felt like they had all forgotten something so significant recently.
"I wish I could remember… what that lingering feeling is," Fuuka whispered quietly, as she couldn't stop pondering about this sensation she had, which had grown stronger recently. Soon the class representative finished her speech and one of the teachers had just announced that the valedictorian of the school was prepared to say her own speech next. "Mitsuru sempai… I wonder what she's going to say for her valedictorian speech?"
Mitsuru walked up to the podium, and stopped as she stood before it, and the microphone on top of it. She took a deep breath and sighed, as she looked around the auditorium, as she began to speak.
"This last year, I accepted an important responsibility as student council president. When I first addressed you from this podium. I spoke to you all about seizing opportunity while you had the chance… well, it must have been fate that intervened and gave me an important reminder of this… as many of you may know, my father unexpectedly… unexpectedly passed away, due to sudden illness." Mitsuru spoke. However just as she said the words sudden illness, she paused and suddenly held her head with her right hand. "Sudden illness?"
The whole auditorium erupted into chatter, as this was the first time they had all ever seen Mitsuru stumble during a speech before. Chatter spread saying it must have been due to what happened to her father passing away recently for her. Mitsuru was at a silence, till memories that were forgotten, but soon being remembered by her, made her eyes go wide with shock.
"I remember… yes. With my father's death I lost my purpose in life." Mitsuru said before she paused again, as she stopped talking. The chatter in the auditorium increased, discussing if she was alright. Yukari who was watching and wondering if Mitsuru was okay, had her eyes widen with realization as well.
"Hang on… wasn't I suppose to…" Yukari said to herself as her forgotten memories were starting to return to her as well. Junpei's eyes widened in realization as his memories were starting to return to him as well. Then he felt a hand upon his left shoulder. He turned to see that it was from a familiar individual.
"Akihiko sempai? What's up?" Junpei said, as Akihiko basically pulled him up by his left shoulder. A teacher nearby scolded the two to sit down, as Fuuka noticed them standing up. Suddenly her own eyes widened as very significant memories of her own that were forgotten had suddenly been remembered.
"I remember… the past whole year… everything involving…" Fuuka whispered as she stood up as well. Unlike Junpei, and Akihiko who stood up already, she already began to run out of the auditorium. She ran and ran, as she was heading towards a special location, hoping her special one was there, safe and sound as many people in the auditorium became more and more confused by what was happening. While this happened, Mitsuru was continuing her speech.
"But now I have something to live for. No longer will I run from the future. I will face it head on, carrying out my father's will. I will resolve without reservation," Mitsuru said with confidence. Yukari stood up and nodded agreeing to Mitsuru's words as she stood up to join up with where Junpei and Akihiko were standing.
"We promised," Junpei said, as the SEES members all remembered something very significant, as Akihiko and Yukari nodded to what he said.
"I owe it all to my invaluable friends." Mitsuru said with a big smile, as Yukari, Junpei, and Akihiko approached Mitsuru who was on the stage, while various teachers told the three to sit down. "We have promised to never lose hope, no matter what tomorrow may bring!"
With those words said, Mitsuru leaped off the stage, knocking down the microphone on the podium in the process, as she landed besides Yukari, Junpei, and Akihiko, as various people in the crowd were really surprised and were really confused at what was happening.
"Sempai we made a promise! Let's go find him, and Aigis too!' Yukari shouted. Mitsuru nodded in agreement.
"Yes I can hardly wait. Everyone let's go!" Mitsuru shouted out, as the four began to run off, leaving the auditorium, leaving everyone else in the auditorium just extremely baffled. As they were now in a hallway now, Akihiko just realized something as he ran and spoke.
"Hey where's Fuuka?" Akihiko questioned.
"Knowing her… she's already left for him, before any of us," Junpei said both seriously and happily, remembering the two had an extremely special relationship between the two of them.
"You're right Junpei. We'll see her there with him," Yukari stated, as they all continued to run, as the members of SEES were determined to be true to their promise. Suddenly the four heard the sounds of a familiar voice and a familiar dog, as they stopped.
"Wait up everyone!" Ken shouted, as Koromaru was accompanying him. Ken and Koromaru had also remembered the events of the past year, as they had come to Gekkoukan High as well.
"Glad to see you two came as well," Akihiko said upon seeing the two, as Ken and Koromaru were now with them.
"We made a promise as well after all," Ken said as Koromaru barked in agreement. "And we intend to keep to it,"
"Let's all continue and meet the others now," Mitsuru said, as everyone else agreed with what they heard. The group now continued on as they were all ready to fulfill their promise.
We now see the rooftop of Gekkoukan High. It was a bright warm and windy day, as the Spring cherry blossoms were in bloom, as they fell and were pushed by the wind. Minato was resting on one of the benches as he felt extremely tired, as Aigis sat nearby him. Aigis has just finished talking about some very important things regarding certain topics, as the two were very good friends. The area was currently quiet as Aigis had finished what she had to say earlier. Suddenly both of them heard footsteps. Both Minato and Aigis listened intently as they heard a familiar voice. A voice to Minato that was of his most precious friend. Aigis quietly withdrew as he decided to give Minato some space, as he knew how important this was, to her two precious friends that would soon be seeing each other. The door to the roof of Gekkoukan High opened, and Fuuka was the first to make it there. She ran out of breath, to where Minato laid on the bench, breathing heavily still.
"Minato kun! I… I remember it all now! How we fought with our lives at stake… the miracle that happened… and… who was dearest to me during it all! I'm sorry! I'm sorry I forgot!" Fuuka said, feeling emotional. Minato however smiled, trying to signal to her that it was okay, and he could never feel anything but love towards her. Fuuka hugged Minato tightly as she kneeled by the ground, which was nearby Minato who laid on the bench still, causing them both to really smile and feel better.
"Oh, thank goodness I remembered! But when I did, I got scared…that you wouldn't be here anymore." Fuuka said as she hugged him even more. She then got up and sat on the bench besides Minato, and let him rest on her lap as he looked tired. "You're so warm… I'm right here with you,"
The three on the roof soon heard the sounds of footsteps and multiple familiar voices were drawing near.
"Do you hear that? Everyone else is here too." Fuuka said extremely gently. Minato felt the sunlight and the warmth of Fuuka's body, as he felt sleepier and his eyelids getting heavier. Seeing this, Fuuka and Minato decided to give each other a warm smile full of their care and love for each other, as Minato's eyes slowly but surely, closed. "I'll always be with you…"
Soon the rest of the SEES members were had finally arrived on the roof, all out of breath as well. Aigis joined them, as they all saw the sight before them. Minato was sleeping on Fuuka's lap as her eyes were closed as well. Everyone stayed silent as they took in the sight of the two lovers like this, as it was an emotional sight. But it would not last, as they all heard the sound of tears threatening to leak from Fuuka's eyes. Then they finally did.
"Minato kun… Minato kun…" Fuuka gently and quietly cried out, as tears began to leave her eyes despite them being closed. The warmth from Minato's body has finally faded. Minato Arisato, was finally no longer of the living. He had finally passed away.
Fuuka's tears fell upon his body, as her heart had felt like it was ready to shatter. Yukari, Aigis, Junepi, Ken, and Koromaru began to have their own tears in their own eyes, while Mitsuru and Akihiko tried to stay strong, but it proved difficult as tears escaped the both of the seniors eyes as well.
"Fuuka… it's… it's going to be alright," Yukari said, trying to sound strong as she tried to stop feeling sad herself, as the other girl went over to one of her closest friends and held her tight. Fuuka sobbed and sniffled more gently as more tears leaked from her eyes, as Yukari rubbed Fuuka's back slowly and gently. "It'll be alright Fuuka."
"Yamagishi… we should bring Arisato to a hospital. I'll spare no expense," Mitsuru said, trying not to burst into tears herself, as she tried to stay strong for Fuuka and for everyone else, despite the sadness within her own being that was being felt as well, from seeing Minato like that. "Maybe… we can…"
"I… I understand Mitsuru sempai," Fuuka said, as she wiped away tears from her face, as she slowly stood up. Akihiko carefully approached Minato's lifeless body, as he carried the younger student over his back.
They all soon made their way to a nearby hospital in Tatsumi Port Island as they were determined to see if by any chance, they could save him. As soon as they arrived, the medical staff immediately took him in. He was soon brought to his own room. Time passed as they all stayed in a hallway outside the room he was in, hoping he make a recovery, as it was now the early night. One doctor soon emerged from the room he was taken to in, as the SEES members made their way to speak with the medical specialist. Needless to say, the following news they all heard could only make them all feel more emotional as it was being conveyed to them. Minato would and could not be making any recoveries. They were soon allowed to be in the room as any medical staff in there, cleared out, to give them some personal privacy. He was now garbed in a light blue medical robe, as he was laid against a white bed and rested his head against a blue pillow. Medical equipment nearby him was active, as a respirator was connected to his mouth, trying to make him alive again to no avail. The heartbeat monitor nearby was silent, as no sounds or beeps could be heard from it, as his heart had no pulse whatsoever to give. Minato was still dead and not alive, and it was going to remain that way.
"Minato buddy… that nap you're in right now… you better wake up later, you hear me?" Junpei said, with a strained voice, trying to sound cheerful. Junpei then held his cap over his face, as he looked away from the sight, not wanting to see his friend like that.
"You better not take too long with that nap like Junpei said," Yukari added as she too felt this was very hard on her as well, to see Minato like this.
"Don't… don't end up sleeping forever like Shinji did," Akihiko said quietly, as he wasn't ready to deal with the loss of another close companion, as Shinjiro had passed away recently.
"I can understand that sentiment Akihiko," Mitsuru said quietly herself, as her father had recently passed away himself, as Mitsuru did not want Minato to pass away as well.
"Minato… please don't go," Aigis said with a single tear going down her right eye, as her humanity was showing more and more sorrow at what was happening. Koromaru whimpered as the Shiba Inu was saddened to see Minato like this as well. "Koromaru doesn't want you to be gone as well,"
"Minato san… please get better," Ken said quietly, trying to not choke up as he felt very hurt, to see his companion like this going away. "You were a great leader, and a great friend,"
Fuuka herself stayed silent. She was trying so hard to stay strong, despite what was happening. Considering everything that had happened lately, it wasn't easy. But this was easily the breaking point considering that this wasn't right. It just was not right at all. To see Minato Arisato like this. The closest person she had ever been with, the one who she treasured the most in this world, and the love of her life pass away. Her eyes focused intently on Minato, as she was screaming inside. Hoping he wake up soon. Hoping that Minato being like this was some cruel joke and was just her mind playing a joke on her. But reality had thought differently as Minato Arisato in front of her, laid on a bed, no longer among the living. Everyone else in the room noticed that she was deathly silent, as if she had lost the inability to speak and could not talk anymore. They were all aware that she was the closest one to him out of everyone else in the room besides them. They were aware the two of them were a couple that loved each other, with so much genuine compassion and love. Aigis seeing this thought of something appropriate to say.
"Fuuka-san… if you would like, we can all step outside and allow you to be alone with Minato for a bit," Aigis said. Silence filled the room, as they all turned to face her. Fuuka eventually and slowly nodded back, showing that was something she would like.
"We'll all be out here if you need us." Yukari added to reassure Fuuka, feeling concerned for her. "When you're ready, we'll all leave together. Be well Fuuka,"
Fuuka was soon alone with Minato, as everyone else stepped out of the room. She slowly walked over to a chair nearby the bed that Minato laid in, and sighed quietly, exhaling the air that lingered in her mouth. She then decided to say some things towards him, as if he was able to listen and respond, despite knowing deep down that he couldn't.
"I remember… how when we first met you saved me from Tartarus. Then I remember waking up in the hospital after what had happened. Wondering if everything I experienced at Tartarus was a dream. Being stuck in a tower filled with monsters, and then awakening to a power. It sounds like something out of a fantasy story." Fuuka said. "But when I recovered from the hospital and returned to school… I just knew what I experienced wasn't fantasy. It was reality,"
Fuuka tried to smile more as she tried to stay strong still, at the moment, as she recalled more of the past.
"I later heard from Junpei, Yukari, and as well as Mitsuru sempai and Akihiko sempai, that you were the one who carried me to the hospital and how you stayed with me, while I was bedridden." Fuuka said quietly. "I remember when we saw each other after that how you smiled at me when I came back to school."
The sounds of the wind could be heard blowing outside the glass window in the room, as Fuuka stopped to pause stop talking. She sighed once more, trying to calm herself and her whole being in general down before continuing with what she wanted to say.
"Now here we are… with you in the hospital with me by your side… when I was hurt and in my time of need… yet…" Fuuka said before she stopped once more, feeling as if the emotion within her was ready to explode. "I… I couldn't save you Minato, like how you saved me. I couldn't… save you Minato…"
Tears leaked from her eye, as she began to sob, as a torrent of emotion erupted from her. Her cry started off soft like before on the rooftop, but soon grew louder and more intense, as her cries of anguish rang out more and more. The feelings she felt tore through her, as the love of her life was gone, and she felt as if their was nothing she could do. Everyone outside the room who were waiting for Fuuka, heard her cries ring in the air, as her mourning hit them all even harder. Reality had hit them all hard. The sounds of sadness continued as the SEES members had now realized that he had passed away with no more doubt. The journey of SEES to end The Fall had truly ended on a sad note. A deep sorrow sprouted within them all that would lead to another incident at the end of this month that would lead to further truths, that would push the SEES members into moving on from their lives.
We now reconvene on the rooftop of Gekkoukan High where Minato and Fuuka were at. It was a cruel sense of humor indeed as Master Hand's reasoning for putting them all on the rooftop, was made very clear. It was as he stated, where Minato's previous journey, many years ago had reached its end, and it far from a happy memory. Minato sighed, trying to cut the uneasy atmosphere that had appeared after both had read the letter from Master Hand.
"I guess I should make my decision soon…" Minato said, as Fuuka turned to face him. "Still… I kind of want to enjoy the scenery a bit more before I do,"
"It's very pretty here with the sunset out right now." Fuuka said in agreement. "I loved our year together at Gekkoukan High Minato,"
"Yeah… I did as well Fuuka," Minato said, as a feeling of finality hit them both hard. Silence hit them hard. Minato was about to make a very significant decision that would determine his future, and for some of those around him. "Memorable times,"
"Indeed," Fuuka said, as they both continued to look out towards the surround area. Fuuka then decided to say her thoughts more on the situation.
"Minato. All of us at SEES learned… what truly happened to you… at the end of our previous journey, all those years ago," Fuuka said quietly. "It made all of us want to make the world a better place. A place where people wouldn't wish for death anymore, so we can help you be freed from your situation back in our world, and for the rest of the world in general,"
She stopped to carefully think over her next words, while Minato looked intently at her, waiting for her to continue. After a few moments, she continued to speak.
"I'm sure you know this already. Since myself and the others talked about our lives after... your passing. How the Shadow Operatives were formed, and how each of us continued on with our own lives in our own way," Fuuka spoke. "While we thought of you in our hearts always, we also moved on,"
"I'm glad you and everyone else did. I wouldn't want all your hearts to constantly dwell on the past like that," Minato replied. "I will always appreciate the times and memories we've spent together."
"Thank you Minato." Fuuka said with a small smile. "I feel the same way. Still… admittedly I did feel differently once the events of this past year happened over time."
"I don't blame you. It's been a pretty eventful series of events," Minato said back. Silence befell the two as it felt as if hesitation popped up in both of them again. Then Fuuka continued the discussion.
"When they brought up that offer to me, to become a part of the competition… well you know how that went, considering that whole incident with my Shadow a while back," Fuuka said. "A part of me considered that staying here with you, as the role of an Assist Trophy would make me someone who's always helpful. But since then I realized had… myself and you both did remain as part of the tournament… I be turning my back on myself, to making our world a better place, and I'm already doing my part back in our world, to be helpful towards it. It made me realize I can't help our world back home, if I became a part of the Smash Bros competition. So that's why I have no regrets if you do choose to make things go back, to how they were,"
"Fuuka…" Minato said, feeling. "I mean… you shouldn't look at it that way. I don't blame you or anyone else for wanting me to join. You said it yourself a while back to me… you wanted to be with me, and honestly I still want to be with you,"
Fuuka beamed at Minato's words, which caused Minato himself to smile gently. They both then sighed, as they realized that realistically, this wasn't an easy situation at all for them right now, as whatever Minato ultimately decided was going to be extremely significant, for their futures at the moment.
"To be honest… I'm not totally sure myself any more. At least that's how I feel about this whole thing sometimes as well," Minato said quietly. "I guess we're in the same boat of uncertainty, aren't we?"
"I guess we are indeed," Fuuka answered back to him. Both her and Minato then wrapped their arms together to comfort each other, in their uncertainty.
"But I don't mind as long as we're in this together." Minato said, causing Fuuka and himself to laugh very lightly. Soon they heard the sounds of many footsteps approaching their location. They both turned to face the door that led to the roof of Gekkoukan High, and it soon opened, as the remaining SEES members, the Investigation Team members, and the trio of Elizabeth, Theodore, and Marie entered. "Looks like everyone else is here as well,"
"You two are safe!" Yukari yelled out happily as she ran towards the two, excited to see they were alright after that last battle. She gave the two a friendly warm hug.
"I'm glad you two pulled through! Beating that giant glove or whatever the heck he is, at his own game!" Junpei praised with a big grin, as he joined in the group hug.
"It goes to show that Arisato and Yamagishi are not to be underestimated. Welcome back you two," Mitsuru said with a smile on her face, as she walked over to them.
"Those two working together, can take down anyone or anything," Akihiko said with a smirk as he walked over to the two as well.
"Even someone as powerful like Master Hand can be taken down," Ken noted with happiness as he walked over to the two.
"Tch. Damn glove never had a chance," Shinjiro said with a smirk of his own, as he walked over to them.
"I'm pleased to see you two are alright," Aigis added with a comforting smile, as she walked over to hug the two as well. Koromaru scampered over to the two, barking happily for their safety and presence, as both Minato and Fuuka gently petted the Shiba Inu who was very happy to see them.
"Good to see you both again," Yu said calmly as he glad to see them again in person.
"I knew you two would pull through!" Rise exclaimed happily for the couple.
"I'm glad we managed to hold off those Mii Fighter guards, so Fuuka-chan could get through," Yukiko added.
"Is that so?" Minato asked, unware of what Yukiko just said.
"It's just as Yukiko-san said. We faced the Mii Fighter guards along with the help of SEES, as well as Elizabeth, Theodore, and Marie, to make sure Fuuka-san reached you," Naoto explained.
"It was nothing! We were glad to help out!" Chie said with enthusiasm.
"Yeah! Anything for our leader from the labyrinths! Taking down those Mii Fighter guards wasn't an issue at all," Yosuke added with a friendly smirk.
"They were 'bearly' a problem!" Teddie said with a big comical grin.
"You always got to be doing those bear puns, even when you're not wearing your bear outfit like right now Ted?" Kanji said with an annoyed look while Teddie sheepishly grinned in response. "Anyway, we had no problems rocking those Mii Fighter chumps!"
"Well… the three elite ones were pretty tough admittedly," Marie pointed out.
"Tougher compared to the guards working under them," Theodore added.
"Still a pittance compared to all of our combined might in comparison," Elizabeth stated with a confident look on her face. "All of us are glad to see you both are safe,"
"Thank you all," Minato said with a smile on his face. He was also very glad to hear that they all helped Fuuka out, to help her get to him, during that last fight. He then just realized that he had yet to tell them about the letter he received. He took it out of his pockets again, as they all looked at him curiously. "I think you should all hear about this,"
Minato walked over to Yu, and suggested he read it out loud, for everyone else to hear. Yu slowly read out loud the contents of the letter, as everyone else slowly heard what it had to say. Needless to say, they were all listening intently as they heard Yu speak out loud in regards to it. When he finished everyone looked around in silence, realizing the gravity of those words spoken out loud. After a bit of time has passed, Junpei finally decided to speak up.
"You finally earned the right to choose buddy!" Junpei said happily.
"This whole year has been kind of building up to this moment and all," Yukari added.
"Arisato, just know that whatever you pick, we will all stand behind your decision," Mitsuru said with openness.
"No holding back, on whatever you do pick, alright?" Akihiko added wiith a friendly smirk.
"Minato-san don't be afraid to make whatever decision you want," Ken said.
"No matter what results from this, we are all in full support of you," Aigis said warmly as Koromaru barked happily.
"Pick for yourself and not anyone else, you got that?" Shinjiro added with a smirk.
Minato smiled at hearing all the words of encouragement from his fellow friends from SEES. He then turned his attention to the Investigation Team as they were next in wanting to say their words towards Minato.
"Whatever you pick, we're with you all the way pal!" Yosuke said with a big grin as he did a thumb up towards Minato.
"Don't hesitate, just go with what you feel is best!" Chie added with a grin of her own as well.
"We're supportive of whatever decision you make as well," Yukiko stated calmly.
"So go all out and no second guessing yourself!" Kanji added with a big smirk.
"Do what you feel is best from your own heart! Rise added with enthusiasm.
"We're all going to be ready for whatever you pick so don't worry about the rest of us!" Teddie said with a big happy grin.
"In the end, this decision is ultimately yours and you should do what you feel is best suited." Naoto stated calmly with a smile on her face.
"Just know that the Investigation Team as a whole, support you Minato," Yu said calmly. "I support you myself as well,"
Minato smirked toward the Investigation Team acknowledging what they had to say, and gave them his own thumbs up, just as Yosuke did earlier towards him, causing them all to smile back, and for Yosuke to really grin from having Minato give him a thumbs up back. He then turned toward the three Velvet Room members as they went to say their words.
"Well I'm glad you won your choice. Also that you beat up that huge stupid glove," Marie said. "So whatever you pick, I hope it works out. Though while I really shouldn't say this now… I just remembered that you sometimes would pick up my poems at the Velvet Room during that whole labyrinth incident and reading them without my permission… just throwing that out there since I got the chance and all,"
Elizabeth shot Marie a glare, while Theodore gulped and got nervous at seeing Elizabeth perturbed, while Marie looked annoyed at Elizabeth's facial reaction.
"What? It's true! I just remembered that he did that!" Marie said out loud, while Minato just smirked at the memory, while Elizabeth decided to respond in tone.
"I can see why Margaret acts the way she does towards you, considering your lack of social graces," Elizabeth said, while Marie's face just pouted in response towards her. Theodore cleared his throat and decided to speak next, before the two could continue at each other.
"I wish you the best, in whatever choice you make. I'm sure whatever road you pick, it will result well," Theodore stated calmly in a gentlemanly like manner.
"I'm sure it will for my special guest," Elizabeth stated warmly. "Ultimately how you decide to end your second Journey is up to you. I wish you the best my guest,"
Minato appreciated the words of the three Velvet Room Attendants, as he knew they were always supportive of him, and those who ventured into the Velvet Rooms in general. He then turned to face Fuuka, who had her words to say.
"It's finally time Minato," Fuuka spoke softly. "Whatever you decide, just know that I will always respect your choice, and I wish the best for you, and everyone else,"
Fuuka pecked Minato on his lips, and Minato did so back in response, and hugged her tightly, knowing it was time to make a decision. The sun was now nearly gone, as the night sky was soon fast approaching. He looked at the paper and his two choices and then closed his eyes. He thought long, deeply, and hard regarding everything and everyone he know, along with what these two choices meant. He opened his eyes again, ready to say and what to make his decision.
"I choose to…"
To Be Continued...
So how was it? Notes as always.
1. This chapter takes aspects from Persona 3 (FES) and Persona 3 Portable from the ending sequence. In Persona 3 Portable, when you fulfill the right conditions, you can have one of the female parrty members in your group besides Aigis be the one that shows up besides the Protagonist during the ending. This was not in Persona 3 (FES). Also on a side note, you can also have something similar happen for the Female Protagonist (which is only playable in Persona 3 Portable) and have either Akihiko, Shinjiro, or Ken show up besides you if you fulfill the right conditions as well.
2. Memories of the School is the music that plays during the rooftop scene during the Persona 3 ending.
So what will happen in the next chapter exactly? I guess that remains to be seen. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and the story so far. Till next time!
