Minato POV

Thunder rumbles outside as sheets of rain pound against the window. The day is absolutely dreadful, and anyone of sound mind would want to take cover from such a storm. However, I would take the storm outside any day to my current situation. I am pinned by the gaze of Maya Yotsuba, who is sitting before me with a sharp frown on her face.

"This is unacceptable." Even though the words are said in monotone, without so much as a hint of anger or spite, they still cut deep. Once again, I am reminded of the power Maya commands. Not just magical strength but power from her very presence alone. I decide to stay silent, kneeling and keeping my head down, knowing that nothing I say will improve her mood. Seeing my submissive posture, she continues. "You know of the threat that the Shadows possess and yet you waste your time with these vampires and parasites. You are one of the few in the world that can deal with such a menace and you have done nothing to combat it." Her words are sharp, but I hold my ground.

"You are aware that I cannot combat this threat alone?" My question is met with a silent huff by Maya. I wouldn't put it past Maya to already know that I am working with both Mayumi and Miyuki to combat the dark hour. I continue regardless. "The vampire incident affected my allies directly. If I had ignored the vampires then my teammates would have been unable to deal with their concentration flipping between both enemies. I took the necessary steps allowing them to focus."

"Oh? Brave words for such little progress. Tell me, how many more parasites do you need to eliminate to accomplish your goal?" I clench my teeth. As I expected, Maya is far too wise to have such a flimsy excuse sway the argument.

"That's…" She has made a valid point, and quite frankly neither the Chiba nor the Saegusa have a viable lead. Furthermore, Lina's group has stopped all nightly activity as well, putting us at a standstill. We have no avenue to advance and the full moon is nearly upon us. It would take a miracle to clean up this mess and train Mayumi and Miyuki before the designated date.

"There is some logic in your method however." Maya breaks me from my internal struggle and I return my attention to her. "I will take care of the remaining parasites. If I do, can I expect you to hold up your end of the bargain?" I blink unsure if I had heard Maya correctly.

"You know where the remaining parasites are?" I am unable to stop myself from asking and Maya levels an annoyed look at me.

"My information network is quite large Mr. Kudou," Maya makes her comment with a dismissive wave of her fingers. "If I have need of information, it is only a matter of time before I get it." That statement alone is both highly disturbing and alarming. My lips begin to part, but I quickly shut them. The likelihood of Maya answering my question regarding her network is slim to none. If anything, I would gather more of her ire, which I would rather avoid.

"Very well, I will dedicate the remainder of the time before the full moon to training my team. I wish you luck in handling the vampires." A coy smile appears on Maya's lips.

"I assure you Mister Kudou, I have no need for luck." I rise from my position and with another bow I make for the door on the far side of the room. However, before I can take more than a few steps Maya calls to me. "There is one last thing I would like to address with you." I come to a hesitant stop, turning to face the Queen once again.

"Miyuki has chosen to assist you." The statement only confirms my earlier thoughts. Of course, that only brings up more questions. Did Tatsuya pass on this information? Or does Maya have eyes in the shadows watching the siblings? My inner thoughts are ignored as Maya continues. "You are aware the importance Miyuki holds to the Yotsuba clan, correct?"

"Of course," I give a resolute nod. She is most likely the next in line for the head of Yotsuba clan. It would not be an understatement to say losing Miyuki would put the Yotsuba clan far behind.

"Then allow me to make my thoughts clear." Maya levels me with a fierce glare. "If this situation was any less dire, I would forbid her involvement in this completely. However, the stakes for failure are too high. That being said, if she does not survive any of your encounters, no magic on earth will protect you. Do I make myself clear?"

"I understand Maya," I give another bow. "I promise you that I will lose my life before any of my allies fall." The corner of Maya's lips twitch giving off a semblance of a smile.

"I hope for your sake that you don't go back on your words." With that the world freezes.

To you who has endured the weight of the universe,

We of the Devil arcana give to you our blessing.

-Ω-

Tatsuya POV

"We don't need to worry about the parasites anymore?" Mayumi asks quizzically. I could tell she is gauging Minato's mental health and Miyuki looks at him with questioning eyes. Even I wear a dubious expression. Our small group was located in one of conference rooms at school. While classes had long ago ended, Minato had requested to see Mayumi, Miyuki and I once he had finished his work with the Public Morals Committee. The three of us meet at the designated location and shortly after Minato and Aigis arrive. Once the meeting had started, Minato had delivered the confounding news.

"What do you mean by that?" I decide to ask the question hanging in the air. "Has the problem with the parasites be taken care of?" It is a reasonable query. We have spent the better part of a month tracking these monsters, with little success. Furthermore, we know the danger they present and the risk if we allow them to run free. Since the recent attack, Lina's team has basically been shut down which means that the responsibility to combat them rests on us. Yet Minato simply expects us to believe that the matter is over.

"Maya has told me that the situation with the parasites would be… handled." Minato informs us hesitantly. "I wasn't informed of the whys or the hows but I was assured that it will no longer be a problem." Immediately, Miyuki and I stiffen, and even Mayumi straightens at the at the sound of her name. Certainly, if the Queen of the Night said she would handle the problem, I can be sure that she would not cut corners. As Minato has stated, it is not our concern anymore.

"Then why did you gather us?" Miyuki askes. "Are you just informing us about your meeting with Maya or…?" She trails off sending me a quick look before returning her attention to Minato. I share her uncertainty. While Minato knows we are part of the Yotsuba clan, Mayumi is still ignorant of this fact. It would not do for him to reveal the connection. Minato's next words don't reveal our secret, but I find no comfort in them.

"Maya has demanded that I begin preparing for the full moon boss in earnest." Minato informs us with in a solemn look. "According to the calendar we have less that two weeks to prepare and, quite frankly, we will need to use every minute we have."

"Are we not strong enough?" Mayumi asks nervously. I can see the uncertainty in her eyes and her stance seems shaken. Aside from Minato and Aigis, she is the only one to have experienced a "full moon" boss and just the description of the beast alone is sickening. I can only imagine what facing one in battle would be like.

"I am not worried about strength." Minato shakes his head. "Aigis I will be doing all we can to obliterate the monster before it causes too much harm. Still I can't use Armageddon immediately. I learned that the hard way." Minato makes a disgruntled face before continuing. "For this next moon and perhaps the one after, we shouldn't have too much trouble. That being said, I do need to teach you two about how shadows fight."

"How they fight?" I echo. Aigis nods, picking up from where Minato left off.

"That is correct. Mayumi and Miyuki, can I make the assumption that neither of you have faced shadows before?" At Aigis' question the pair hesitantly nod. "While a majority of shadows have little to no intelligence, they make up for it for their brute determination. Unless you are very powerful, they will rarely run. Unlike wild animals, they won't stop attacking until either you or it are dead." Miyuki and Mayumi both audibly swallow at her words.

"While what Aigis is saying is true," Minato breaks in. "there is no need to panic. You are both training to master your Persona which can easily destroy most weaker shadows. Furthermore, your physical abilities have also increased by leaps and bounds. As long as you keep your composure and fight smart, you won't have any difficulties." After the two visibly calm down Minato continues. "That being said Aigis makes a valid point. With the remainder of the time we have left, I want to have both of you fight shadows at least once or twice before the time comes. Naturally I will be on site to ensure that neither of you are in danger."

"That means they will need to be with you when midnight strikes," I point out. "Or at least nearby." That won't be too hard with Miyuki. We live alone and have no adult supervision. While we are monitored by some degree by the Yotsuba clan, Maya is already aware of our activity and will most likely ignore any 'suspicious movement'. I send a look to our last member. Mayumi does not have the same freedom.

"It will be hard for me to slip away, especially around midnight." Mayumi admits. "I am expected to be monitoring the movement of the vampires as well as guiding our search teams. While we know Maya has declared that she will deal with the vampires, I'm not sure if my father would believe her words at face value." I give a nod of understanding. The relationship between the Yotsuba and Saegusa clan was strained at best, especially between their heads. "If I am to do any training, you will need to be at my house."

"Seeing as I would have a few hang-ups with lurking around your home around midnight." Minato declares with a sigh. "I think it would be best that you invited me over…" Here he trails off looking at the frown forming on Mayumi's face. "Something tells me that it won't be that easy."

"If you were a longtime friend of mine like Mari then there wouldn't be any real problems." Mayumi explains. "However, if I invite over a boy, Kasumi and Isumi would be on edge all evening."

"That doesn't seem too bad." Miyuki breaks in. "Considering the stakes at hand, I think you're allowed some leniency with the situation." I frown pondering Mayumi's dilemma. Clearly, she is concerned with inviting Minato over, yet her sisters' mild discomfort was hardly a valid reason to abstain from the proposed course of action. Who else would cause Mayumi discomfort?

"It's your father isn't it?" I conclude.

"Correct," Mayumi gives a worried nod. "Even if I say that Minato would be stopping by late into the night, he will ask questions. And he knows me well enough to see though any lies I might have." She massages her temples. "If all I do is avoid the question, he might assume it's a marriage interview and we really don't have time for that at the moment." I exchange looks with the group, who all seem at a loss. Here Aigis breaks in.

"Perhaps I could just accompany Mayumi?" She states. "Minato is not explicitly necessary for the position. I am confident that I can defend her just as well."

"I appreciate the gesture Aigis, but I don't think that will work," Mayumi counters. "If Minato's personal HAR shows up it would bring up a lot more question than answers. It would be a better if Minato showed up rather than you." With that avenue closed, we are back to square one. How to get Minato into the Saegusa manor without complications.

"I have an idea, but I don't think you'll like it," Minato eventually says. "I know you didn't want to inform your father about me assisting you with the investigation with the vampires. However, we can use that as my way in. Tell him that I have sensitive information that I would need to pass on personally in a secure location. That should suffice."

"That might work…" Mayumi responds with a thoughtful look. "Of course, my father will probably want to hear the apparently sensitive information as well. So, you will actually have to bring something of value." Minato nods saying he will have some suitable information planned.

"Then I think we all have our next course of action." I break in, gathering everyone's attention. "Minato, I will contact you with a date that is suitable for training. We will see you all tomorrow." With that we break apart all mentally preparing for what is to come.

-Ω-

Mayumi POV

Dinner at my home is normally a quiet affair. Not to say that the mood is tense, just the opposite. Kasumi always has something new that sparked her interest, and the quiet Izumi more often than not is happy to share her day with us. Even Kouichi, our father, is pleased to participate in the idle chatter. But it is still a quiet affair. No matter how excited Kasumi is or how fiery a discussion gets, voices are never raised. It is practically an unofficial rule at the dinner table.

Thus as I idly swirl the soup in my bowl, I am internally praying that the rule is not broken. Why in the world did I agree this plan? The reasonable part of my brain is telling me that this is for the greater good, but I know that my father will be displeased with my secret recruiting of Minato. Still it needs to be done and I just need to come out and say it. Unfortunately, I have been repeating that thought for the past twenty minutes and I am still unable to get the words out. Maybe I can put this off till another day, when I am more mentally prepared. I weight both options before a voice reaches out to me.

"Onee-sama, what's wrong? You've barely touched your food. Is something on your mind?" My decision is made for me as Kasumi calls out to me, concern in her voice. She is probably worried about me and on any other day I would have appreciated the gesture. At this moment however, I silently curse her timing. Well it is sink or swim. Time to get this over with.

"Yes, I just wanted to inform father that I will be having a guest over later this week." There is no initial reaction to my statement, though Izumi does raise her eyebrow. Kouichi lowers his utensil and give a small nod.

"I appreciate you informing me. Is it Mari or…?" He trails off giving me an expectant look. I feel a stone drop into my stomach, but I soldier on.

"No, Minato Kudou." The silence that follows is unbearable, and I swear I can hear my own heartbeat as it pounds wildly within my chest. The effect is shattered as a spoon clatters against a porcelain bowl. Eyes flicker to Kasumi who is staring at me is shock, her silverware having slipped from her grasp. The sound rings out for a few more moments until it too is swallowed by the silence. It is only then, does my father speak.

"That is rather… unexpected. May I ask the reason for his visit?" The words are kept carefully neutral, but I can hear the threatening undertone to them. Like a predator waiting just below the water's surface. I resolve myself to tread carefully and continue forward.

"When you asked me to contact the Juumonji clan for assistance with the vampires, I also took it upon myself to personally ask Minato to lend a hand as well." My father's eyes betray nothing, shielded by his ever-present sunglasses, but I see his lips twitch. I quickly add more to my argument to calm his ire. "Within a short period of time, he made several discoveries that gave us a new perspective on the case. He said that he had new information to share, but it was rather sensitive in nature. He requested to come by to relay the message personally to ensure that the information would not be leaked." As my argument comes to a close, I quickly snap my mouth shut and watch my father for any indication of his mood.

"I see," While no there is no change in my father's facial expression, his posture is thankfully not antagonistic. His hands, while folded, are not clenched and his back remains in a relaxed position. I almost want to say he seems impressed. "Though I don't approve of your methods, I am happy to hear that there has been results. I would be happy to meet with him." I let out the breath I had been holding as relief floods my system. I had successfully gotten Minato entrance to the manor. The hard part was over.

"Understood father, I will pass along the message."

"Invite him over for dinner." At my father's words a second clatter of fallen silverware rings out. It is only after a moment that I realize that it was not my spoon, but Izumi's that has fallen. The only reason my own has not joined hers is how tight my grip has become. My knuckles have turned white and I can distantly feel the utensil digging into my skin.

"What?" My stunned response is met with a calm look from my father.

"This young man has not only done what was asked of him but has gone beyond. It would be rude of us not to show him some appreciation. Besides, I trained under Retsu Kudou, just as he has. As fellow students I think we should get to know one another better. I am interested if Retsu has changed his training regimen at all. I think I will have extra time this weekend. Please inform him to come over then."

"Right… I will be sure to do so." With that I look back down to my soup which has surely begun to grow cold. I can only imagine how the upcoming dinner will play out. No doubt it will be one of the most awkward in my life. Still with all this misfortune it is still good to look for the silver lining. At least no one yelled at the dinner table.

-Ω-

Minato POV

I have been to the Shiba's siblings house on a handful of occasions. It has always impressed me how welcoming it feels despite only two people living within it. And considering that one has practically no emotions, I can make a confident guess who the culprit for all the decorations is. Said culprit was asleep in her room. I had told Miyuki to get some rest before the Dark Hour hit. The fight ahead would be tiring, and she would need all the strength she could get before. Tatsuya had offered his own quarters to allow me to rest as well but I refused. If both of us were still asleep when the dark hour hit, there would be no one to wake us. Thus, Tatsuya and I had decided to sit in the living room and talk about recent events. Soon the topic changed to the plans for the upcoming full moon which had eventually led to my soon to be training session with Mayumi.

"Invited to dinner?" Tatsuya asks with a raised eyebrow. "I thought Mayumi was trying to get you in for a short visit, not a sit down with the family."

"Look, I was surprised too," I give helpless shrug. "Still I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. Even though it's not exactly what we planned, I will have to make it work." I give a small wince as I scratch the back of my head. "To be honest though I am not looking forward to the whole affair. I have a feeling I will be in hot water from the stunt I pulled back at the Christmas party. I swear Kouichi will eat me alive…and that's if Mayumi's sisters don't get to me first."

"Ah the overprotective parent," Tatsuya nods sagely. "Can't say I know the feeling. Still, I think you're overreacting. I heard from Juumonji-senpai that Mayumi has a few potential fiancée's already. I was even offered her hand, back at the Nine Schools Competition. I think her father has come to terms with marrying her off." His words, though innocent, still cause me to internally wince. I already know Mayumi will most likely be promised to another, but just the thought of it-. I quickly shake my head to clear my mind. I can sort my feelings out later. There are more important things on the line at the moment.

"Maybe you're right," I admit refocusing on the conversation. "But I don't think it's the topic of marriage that is bugging Kouichi. I think it's me." Tatsuya gives a small laugh.

"Well I suppose that's something you will have to deal with alone. I certainly will never have to deal with any overprotective parents and siblings, and I am thankful for it." I open my mouth to retort but I stop short as I realize that Tatsuya is right. My conversation with Kyouko on a windy tower comes back to me. Because of his emotions, or more accurately his lack of them, he will never love another person. Not in the way humans do at least.

"I…I guess you're right." I finish lamely unsure what to say. The conversation stalls until Tatsuya speaks again.

"Still I think I am content with things as they are now." I raise my brow prompting him to continue. "Before going to First High is was always just Miyuki and I. While there were others like Yakumo and Kyouko we never really had a close group. No one that we could really depend on, or trust that closely. So I suppose you all have my thanks for that, you especially Minato." Here he gives a something akin to a wry smile. "I may not have emotions, but it's nice to know I have friends."

To you who has endured the weight of the universe,

We of the Aeon arcana give to you our blessing.

As time unfreezes, my alarm goes off alerting me that it is time to wake Miyuki. Tatusya stands quickly motioning that he will retrieve his sister. I am left in their living room watching the ever-growing moon. Perhaps the fight ahead of us will be difficult. But with allies, the burden doesn't seem as heavy. I suppose Tatsuya is right, it's nice to know I have such great friends.

-Ω-

Kasumi POV

As Minato Kudou sits down at the dinner table under the watchful eye of our father, I can't decide I how to feel. Despite Mayumi's instance, I can tell our father is calculating whether or not Minato is candidate material for my sister's hand. To be fair, Mayumi has never once brought home a man, or even shown interest in one. That fact alone has peaked my father's curiosity. But his interest will not save Minato from the terror that will come. As with Itsuwa Hirofumi and Juumonji Katsuto who came before him, Minato will be tested. The next hour or so will be filled with questions from topics covering foreign politics to the latest in technological advancements. Each and every answer Minato gives will be scrutinized by our father.

A part of me is feeling unbridled glee. While Itsuwa and Katsuto both survived the ordeal, it had left both quite shaken. It would be nice to see Minato's calm façade falter under the relentless barrage of questions. If not even the stone wall Katsudo can survive the onslaught what hope does Minato have? Still a part of me does feel bad. I had the chance to speak with him at our Christmas party and had a pleasant time doing so. Aside from his questionable intentions for my sister, I very much enjoyed his company. He is an astute and charismatic young man, whose magic prowess might surpass my eldest sister's. Remorse aside, I cannot do anything for him. It is in my father's hands now.

"Minato, what are your thoughts of the destabilization in the west over the controversy of magic?" The first question is immediately fired across the table as the first course is served. As always, my father's question is dipped in sincerity, but does little to hide the true purpose of the query. Mayumi tenses slightly and I quickly look to Minato's face for his reaction. However, there isn't even a flicker of surprise as he answers.

"I think it is a shame that so much time and energy is being wasted on the division when it could be spend furthering the growth of technology." Minato continues, thoroughly answering the question with ease. By the end I feel as if I have just left a lecture from an school teacher than a simple conversation from a guest. And so the trend continues, Minato answering each question with the same ease as the first. To my surprise, Minato does not stay on the back foot. He begins to ask questions of his own, causing my father to speak in length on several matters. As dinner ends I realize that it hardly felt like a marriage interview and more of a simple dinner conversation with a familiar guest. I only shake my head, leave it to Minato somehow make a tense situation into an everyday one.

"Minato, I believe you have some sensitive information to share with Mayumi and myself?" My father asks and Minato quickly nods rising from his seat. "Then please join me in my office. Kasumi, Izumi if you would excuse us." With those words, the trio depart. As Minato departs, I can only think that wouldn't hurt to get to know him more. If only for Mayumi's sake.

-Ω-

Minato POV

At the risk of sounding arrogant, everything was going according to plan. Mayumi had thankfully warned me about what I would face at dinner and I had spent a few nights reading and catching up on the latest news. Because Kyouko is so connected there was little I didn't already know, so the experience was not too excruciating. Now Mayumi and I are sharing what information we have managed to gather on the vampires with her father. We discuss the thought that these monsters are known as parasites, and the belief that they may have had their origin elsewhere. Once the discussion is over, the time is closing in on midnight. I am certain I can fabricate a reason to extent my stay for thirty more minutes. It is as Mayumi and I begin to depart that the plan falters.

"Minato please stay. I would like to speak with you privately," Kouichi's announcement halts us in our tracks. Mayumi and I exchange a look before facing back to the patriarch of the household.

"May I ask what about?" Mayumi's tone remains light, though I can hear the worry in her voice. If I am held for too long, Mayumi and I will lose our window for training. True I could leave the room once the dark hour hits, but it would be much more convenient to be hidden when the time came.

"I did ask for a private conversation." A small smile spreads on Kouichi's lips. "If I wanted you to know, I wouldn't have asked you to leave." Mayumi gives small pout but eventually gives in to his request.

"Don't take too long, I am certain Minato has other work to attend to." She warns. "I don't want to be the one to explain to Kyouko why he is back so late." With those final words the door shuts behind me, and I am left standing before the head of the Saegusa family.

"What did you need to speak with me about?" Although direct, I keep the tone of my question light. I don't need this man taking my question as accusatory. To my surprise Kouichi gives a small laugh.

"You are quite honestly just like I imagined you." I blink, unsure of how to answer. He takes my hesitance with a nod and continues. "I am sure you heard from Retsu, but I was once his student some time ago. While contact between us is sparse, I did learn that he had taken on a new student." He shook his head with a wry smile. "I could tell he was proud, something I thought he showed only to Minoru. He told me that his newest student was beyond what he thought possible. That they had opened his eyes to a new world of magic. It was only after your reveal did I realize that you were his newest student."

"This is the first I heard of it." I had known that Retsu kept his emotions in check. My training with him had been harsh but enriching. I can confidently say that I would not be half as good with modern magic as I am now without his guidance. Still for him to have this much pride in me. It was rather embarrassing to hear.

"I often look back at those days," Kouichi admitted. "Some of the best days in my youth. Back when my greatest concern was growing stronger. Always striving for the next step, never hesitating." Here his voice fades, the smile slipping from his face. "If only I could turn back time with what I know now." His voice is barely above a whisper, each word seeping with regret. Even though I have no idea what has befallen this man, I wince. He has the face of a man haunted by his past failures and I can do little for him. Kouichi breaths a deep sigh before collecting himself, his expression returning to a neutral one. "Forgive me, I seem to have gotten off track."

"You have nothing to apologize for," I respond plainly. "I'm happy to hear that Retsu was just as great a teacher then as he is now. I will be sure to pass along your compliments." He gives a small nod of thanks.

"Now for the other subject I wish to speak with you about." He takes a moment to adjust his glasses, pushing the bridge further up his nose. "What is real reason you came here?" My eyes minutely widen before I can control them. I should have known that we would be unable to pull the wool over the eyes of the head of the Saegusa clan. Whether he notices my reaction or not he continues. "The information you brought here, while enlightening, could have been transferred over a secure line. There was no need for you to deliver it personally. Furthermore, my daughter has been distracted of late. She's been getting less sleep and is high strung. I've tried to get the reason out of her but…" He trails off, a concerned look on his face. "I can only assume it has something to do with you." His gaze, despite being covered by sunglasses, is piercing. "Is my analysis correct?"

"…Yes," I respond after a moment of hesitation. I see little reason to lie. He has enough facts on hand to draw a solid conclusion. Even if I had stuck to denial, he wouldn't have believed me. If anything, I would have lost favor with the man, which is not a wise move considering his position. He nods accepting my answer.

"As I said earlier, I have tried to get the reason from my daughter with little success. I don't suppose you would be more willing to share?"

"I'm sorry," His question is met with a shake of my head. If I were to tell him about shadows and the Dark Hour, I would more than likely find myself in insane asylum. The only reason Miyuki and Mayumi believe me is because they have firsthand experience. I have little doubt that telling someone else would be a foolish decision. Still Tatsuya was convinced of its existence due to Miyuki's insistence. If Mayumi were to explain the Dark Hour to him, there would be a chance that he would come to believe. I would like to keep this under wraps but if Mayumi trusts her father enough, then he can be brought into the fold. "I would rather you hear it from Mayumi first."

"I see," Kouichi takes a thoughtful posture, one hand covering his mouth the other drumming the desk before him. After a long minute, he speaks again. "No, I don't think speaking to Mayumi will be necessary." I cautiously raise a brow. He accepted that rather easily. Despite knowing his own daughter is losing sleep, he doesn't want to know anything more? While I am still lost in thought, he continues. "I approve."

"What?" I unintentionally respond is confusion. He approves what? I am fairly certain he would not approve of his daughter rushing off to fight the abominations known as shadows. He doesn't even know the full situation and he is fine with that?

"I said I approve." Kouichi gives me a small smile. "I will consider you a candidate to marry my daughter." My mind goes blank as I register his words. What the hell is he talking about? As my addled brain tries to comprehend the events, Kouichi begins again. "I'll admit I was hesitant in the beginning, but I have been watching my daughter for a while and I understand her feelings. To think she would be losing sleep over a boy, I never thought I would see the day." He gives a small chuckle. "If only she had been honest, perhaps I wouldn't have been as harsh during the interview."

"Wait," I fumble trying to follow the conversation. I force myself to focus on the facts. The reason I was asked to stay behind was to find out why I had visited the Saegusa mansion. He had ever asked for the real reason I was here. Then I process the remainder of his words. The interview, as in marriage interview. "You think I came over for a…?" My eyes widen in realization. "No that's not-!"

"Please Minato, no need to be modest." He holds up his hand in placating gesture. "I understand why neither you nor Mayumi wanted to bring this to my attention. We have been in talks with Itsuwa and Katsudo clans for a while about her arranged marriage. But first and foremost, I wish my daughter's happiness." Kouichi stands walking around his desk putting a firm hand on my shoulder. "To think she would go behind my back to recruit you in our fight against these parasites. She must trust you implicitly. And despite knowing the danger you volunteered and in the process revealed the true nature of our adversaries." At my stunned silence Kouichi gives my shoulder a pat, a gentle smile gracing his features. "Have no fear Minato, I will wholeheartedly support you."

I am soon ushered out of the room by a smiling Kouichi, assuring me that he will make all the arrangements. I numbly walk down the hall, where a nervous Mayumi is waiting for me. Upon seeing my expression, she rushes to me.

"What's wrong?" She asks peeking behind me as if half expecting her father to be following. "You look exhausted. What is the world happened in there?" I take a deep breath before speaking.

"We need to talk."

-Ω-

This chapter has been the bane of my existence for the past year. After several idea sessions, rewriting several portions multiple times, and scrapping THREE drafts, I decided that I needed a change of pace. I tired writing other stories and then coming back but it didn't help. I also decided to take a break, but that only made it worse. My editor, having looked over the drafts, had said with no uncertain terms, "This is boring." About a half a year ago I contemplated releasing this chapter just to get it off my plate, but I knew that it wouldn't be received well.

So here it is. For what it's worth, I personally think it has been my best attempt. Next chapter (thank god) will finally be the with the full moon boss.

In more exciting news, I have commissioned two pictures of Minato and Mayumi. They were made by Kazenokaze, an artist on deviantart. They are both out, and I am using one as the new picture for this story. Check out the other if you have time.

As always thank you to everyone who favorited followed and reviewed. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave a review or send me a private message. I will answer them as soon as I can.