Minato POV

"Congratulations!" As soon as I walk through the doors to my home, I am enveloped in a crushing hug, courtesy of Kyouko. While Kouichi said he would alert all necessary parties, I hadn't expected him to follow through so quickly. It takes a full minute before I can extract myself from my mother's vice like grip. It is only after doing so that I discover that Aigis is also present, a wide smile on her face.

"I had assumed that your meeting with the eldest daughter of Saegusa would be about the upcoming full moon. I had no idea that you had marriage prospects in the wings as well." She clasps her hands together, eyes twinkling. "Though I am quite thrilled at the possibilities. Do tell us what happened."

"Oh this is so exciting!" Kyouko laughs. "Are you going to have a June wedding? How many kids were you thinking? Have picked out the names yet?" I hold up a hand, signaling a stop to the overwhelming flood of questions.

"First of all, I am only a marriage candidate," I clarify. "We are not engaged. And more importantly, I didn't have any intention of this happening. It just kind of turned out that way." As the pair's questioning looks, I elaborate. "One thing kind of bled into the next. Not only did it happen quickly, but I had no way to clear the misunderstanding. I couldn't exactly tell him the truth."

"I suppose you have a point," Aigis accepts as I finish my explanation. "Though it was not your intention, this is possibly better than you hoped for. Now Mayumi's family will not be suspicious when you spend time with her. Furthermore, you will even have permission to invite her over for future training and full moon operations." I nod is agreement. Despite not being my intention, the situation worked out better than I could have even planned. Perhaps fate hadn't abandoned us yet.

"My little adventure aside, we have bigger things to focus on." My words snap the duo back to attention. "We don't have a lot of time left, so let's use it effectively. We can talk about future plans later, agreed?" The pair nod, their happy expressions quickly morphing into more serious ones. After all, if we don't win this next fight, there won't be a future to talk about.

-Ω-

Tatsuya POV

The last of the sun's rays have long left the sky, as Miyuki and I arrive at the Minato's home. We both disembark, Miyuki clutching her evoker and I carrying the case containing Minato's special order.

"How are you feeling Miyuki?" As we ascend the steps to Kudou residence, I briefly pause to inquiry about my sister.

"I'm fine Onii-sama," Despite her answer, we are both aware that she is lying. Her complexion is pale, and she clutches the gun in her hands nervously. Her eyes dart around within her sockets as if she is expecting a threat to attack at any moment. Even with my lack of emotions, I can feel the trepidation in the air, the dread. Tonight is the night. The night where, within the span of a millisecond, Miyuki may be taken from me without hope of return. The thought itself is nauseating, but I keep up my calm façade. If I begin to panic, Miyuki has little chance of calming down. Resolve set, I continue up the step and press the doorbell. Moments later the doors swing open, and upon seeing who we are, Kyouko smiles.

"Ahh, good evening Tatusya, Miyuki." We return her greeting as best we can and soon after are quickly led to the main living room. The room is more ornate than our own, though that is to be expected. The furniture clearly several grades above ours, and the walls are covered with hi-tech screens and other technology. Still the room is not completely devoid of warmth, I spot a small picture of Minato wearing his Monolith code uniform on a table in the corner of the room. Kyouko must have snapped it without him noticing, as he is not looking directly at the frame. I allow a small smile to grace my features, remembering the Nine School Tournament. It feels so long ago, even if it was realistically only little over a half a year.

"Good evening everyone," Miyuki's greeting snaps me back to the present, where my gaze lands on the three people waiting for us. Minato and Mayumi are siting on one of the sofas while Aigis has taken residence on an armchair. Minato and Mayumi greet us with a nod, whereas Aigis gives a small wave. I respond in kind before quickly placing the case I had been carrying down on the table before me.

"What is that?" Mayumi scoots forward from her position, staring at the package with interest. Aigis is the one to answer.

"Armor, while SEES did wear some forms of protection all they really had was our school uniforms." Aigis gave a small smile. "With my mechanical parts, I was easily the most protected. My teammates mostly depended on their Persona's for protection."

"Which is why I thought it would be wise to get some armor for our first excursion." Minato continues. "I really can't thank you enough Tatsuya for getting these together at quickly as you did." I merely grunt with a shrug. While the time had been rather thin, I had already been preparing a suit for Miyuki to wear. I wasn't going to allow her to fight god knows what in normal clothing. When Minato had called we had modified the design together for the greatest effect.

"I made these from Kevlar and other high strength material." I declare as I pull the first sleek suit out from the case. Upon discussing the design, I had asked Minato whether or not it would be easier to borrow several mobile armors from the 101st Magic Battalion. Minato agreed that while the suit was useful it would not be optimal. Seeing as the suit was designed with modern magic in mind, it would lose most of its effectiveness once the Dark Hour hit, rendering all its electronics worthless. "I suggest you three get changed, get used to the suit before its time." Taking my words at face value, Miyuki, Minato and Mayumi step forward and grab a uniform before dispersing to change in private.

"Did they all have to be black?" Kyouko asks as the trio retreats. "Couldn't you have given some creativity to it?"

"I was in a time crunch," I shrug. "Aesthetics were to first to go. Besides I see no problem with a coloring a full body suit black. I doubt they wanted to be running around in hot pink or lime green." Kyouko sighs but nods all the same. It is sound reasoning, and there is no use in arguing further. No matter what is said, the suit won't change. There is simply no time left.

"It's a shame that more can't be done with it." Aigis chimes in. "If only we could find more Plumes. Then we could potentially power our suits or even their CAD during the Dark Hour." I nod wistfully. When Minato had originally told us about the Plumes of Dusk it has sounded like something out of science fiction. Now that I know what they really are, I can see why they are difficult to find. It would be comforting have CAD functionality in the Dark Hour. I frown as I come to the realization that Aigis herself has two plumes. Wouldn't that mean she would be capable of using CAD? My thoughts are interrupted as the echo of three pairs of feet come down the hallway. Within moments the trio return with their new armor.

"It's a little… formfitting don't you think?" Mayumi is the first to speak as she tugs at the bodysuit. Her statement holds merit. The bodysuit is quite tight, clinging acutely to her lithe frame. Her attire leaves very little to the imagination in the size of her waist and her… assets. While the armor protects her from physical damage it does little to hide her voluptuous body from probing eyes. As if hearing my thoughts Mayumi covers her chest defensively, shooting an accusatory look at me. She probably blames me for the sensuous design of the suit.

"The suits were made to my specifications." Minato cuts in, grabbing Mayumi's attention. "I told Tatsuya that we needed the suits as aerodynamic as possible. In a battle against a full moon shadow, having three feet of armor make little difference, it will crush you. Our best bet to survive is dodging, the armor is only to protect you from glancing blows." Throughout his explanation, Minato keeps his eyes on her gaze, not allowing them to drift. I notice with a smirk that the fairer sex does not have the same mental fortitude, as Mayumi's eyes roam before she quickly turns away with a blush.

"I get the reasoning," Mayumi mutters. "But it's still a little embarrassing."

"I understand you concerns," I decide to console. "Please bear with the suit for now. Afterwards we can all work together to design something that everyone is comfortable with." Mayumi gives me a small nod in thanks and Kyouko calls us all to sit down. It's time to talk strategy.

"I believe I know the arcana of the monster we will be facing." Minato begins. "As you all know, I fought twelve full moon monsters in my previous life. Looking back, I've come to realize that these full moon shadows were not coming in a random order. They are coming in order of their arcana." Miyuki and Mayumi exchange a nervous glance, but I pick up on Minato's point.

"That means we know the general identity of the next target." I surmise. "Meaning we will be able to plan accordingly." Minato nods with a small smile and both of the girls give a sigh of relief. While we may not know any specifics, even having the general idea of the enemy will be more than helpful. If Minato could prepare effective counter measures, the battle could already be half won.

"So, what will we be facing?" Miyuki asks. "Or at least which arcana?"

"In my time with SEES we fought the arcana numbered from one to twelve, as well as a being called Nyx's Avatar with an arcana of Death. Furthermore, during the Saegusa Christmas party, I fought a fourteenth shadow with the arcana of the Temperance. Temperance is the fourteenth arcana as well." He waits for his explanation to sink in before continuing. "Therefore, I am fairly certain that we will be facing a shadow with an affinity of the fifteenth arcana, the Devil."

"Not to be the bearer of bad news, but how does that help you?" Here Kyouko is the one to speak up. "It's great that you know the arcana of what you're fighting, but does that help you in any way?" Her doubt sends a ripple through our party. I send a glance towards her, her comment confusing me. While she makes a valid point, it only hurts our cause. She already knows that Miyuki and Mayumi are struggling to stay calm. Why would she bring such a comment up when it would only harm our chances? It is only then that I see the barely hidden concern in her eyes. I silently berate myself. I had only been focusing on keeping my sister and Mayumi calm. Kyouko is just as connected as the rest of us. For all she knows, this may be the last time she sees her son. It is a solemn thought.

"Have no fear Kyouko. We can tell quite a bit about the shadow from its arcana." Aigis picks up on this fact and responds. "In all previous cases I experienced with SEES, the shadows took on the negative aspects of the arcana. For example, it we look at the hanged man arcana, the positive aspects are self-sacrifice, or giving up oneself for the greater good. The shadow on the other hand took the negative aspects, self-serving and selfish. It stayed away from the battle to keep safe, even sacrificing its allies for its own purposes."

"Another example was the Hermit arcana," Minato adds. "While the hermit in the upright position means introspection and soul searching, the reverse represents disregard for society and the social norm. Just before our fight with the monster, it began sucking energy from all of Paulownia Mall. It was causing a huge problem for the locals and some popular gig was even canceled due to its nature."

"How about Lover's Arcana?" I ask. "If you fought Arcana one through fourteen, you must have fought the Lover's. What effects manifested when you fought it?"

"Yes, I am curious as well," Aigis states. "As you fought that shadow before I joined, I tried looking in the records but found the details severely lacking. When I asked Mitsuru or anyone in SEES they refused to talk about it." All eyes are on Minato who has decided to look away.

"I…rather not go into detail." Minato clears his throat. "Besides you all understand the general basis, correct?"

"So you believe that the next monster will have the negative affinity of the fifteenth arcana." Miyuki gets the conversation back on track. "And we can use those attributes to prepare for combat?" Both Minato and Aigis nod.

"So what are the negative attributes for the Devil Arcana then?" I decide to ask the obvious question. In response Minato reaches over to a side table and draws a card from his Tarot deck. With a flick of his wrist the card is sent to the coffee table before us and spin to a stop. The card displays a devil standing above two naked figures wrapped in chains.

"The negative aspect of the Devil is being a slave to one impulses and desires. To explore dark thoughts and to fall victim to one's urges." Minato allows us to digest before continuing. "In accordance with that, I have my own collection of persona with the Devil arcana. A common point between all of them is their ability to cast status ailment magic, that cause fear and charm. There is a high chance that it will try and put us under these effects to disrupt us and use that opening to finish us off." At the worried expression he receives, Minato continues. "However we are more than equip to deal with such a threat. Miyuki's Shiva has Amrita which can dispel such effects, and my higher-level Persona have Salvation which can be used to the same effect. As long as we take this slow, there will be nothing to worry about." His words linger in the air until Aigis solemnly speaks.

"It's time." Every pair of eyes flash to the clock on the wall. 11:50, ten minutes until the dark hour. Silently Minato rises and gestures for everyone to follow. We stand, Miyuki and Mayumi pausing to grab their weapons and chase after him. After a few minutes we find ourselves in the entrance hall. It makes sense, as they will need to exit the building as soon as the dark hour hits.

"You be careful, all right?" Kyouko gently places a hand on Mayumi's shoulder. Mayumi tries to return the smile, but it comes out as a wince instead. To her surprise, Kyouko draws her into a hug, gently rubbing her back. "Minato will protect you, I know he will." Mayumi's response is to return the embrace arm wrapped tightly around the older woman.

"Onii-sama," I have only a moment's warning before I too am grabbed by Miyuki. She is trembling and I do what I can to placate her.

"I will see you soon. I know I will." For them it will be an entire hour. For me, only a second. I send Minato a look and he gives me a firm nod. I know that he will do everything in his power to protect her. It will have to be enough.

"Get ready," At Minato's order both girls break away and join him. As Miyuki's warmth leaves me, I can only find myself wishing, yearning that there was more I could do for her. The armor was all I could give, and I know that it won't be nearly enough. If only there was more, I could do. If only.

"Ten seconds." Aigis is counting down and I close my eyes, willing myself to clam down. I will see them in just a moment. Aigis will hit zero and then, at Miyuki's voice, I will open my eyes to Miyuki elated expression. That's all that needs to happen, that's all that going to happen. "Three, two, one, zero." My eyes remained closed as I wait for my sister to awaken me from my rest.

"Onii-sama?" The voice is expected but the tone is not. Instead of elevation, it is tinted in confusion and fear. My eyes immediately flash open, ready to assist in any injury that she might have. Instead of what I expect, I find that the world is dyed a disgusting green. The walls are painted in blood and a coffin stands next to me. I meet four shocked pairs of eyes, as I raise my own trembling hands. My brain is going haywire, and because of this I express my thoughts in the most eloquent way I can.

"What the fuck?"

-Ω-

Minato POV

How is this possible? As I watch Tatsuya examine his surrounds, I frantically try to piece together the puzzle before me. Tatsuya did not have the potential; I had seen him transmogrify into a coffin. There was no way I had missed it. So how was he standing here now? It simply didn't make sense.

"Minato we need to focus." Aigis' voice cuts through my muddied thoughts bringing me back to reality. Aigis is right, there are more important things at the moment. I quickly shake my head of the remaining thoughts and address Tatsuya.

"You don't have experience fighting shadows," I declare bluntly. "If you join us this will be an uphill battle for you. So, I am giving you the choice-"

"I'm fighting." Without allowing me to finish, Tatsuya states his choice resolutely. I see the look in his eyes and know better than to question him. It is comforting to know that Tatsuya is with us but he is going to need a weapon.

"Aigis, get him an evoker. You know where they are." Without hesitation Aigis sprints away, leaving the four of us. "You won't have a weapon." I state plainly. I have the swords given to me by Gilgamesh, and Miyuki has a specialized knife. Mayumi has a rifle created using Aigis' knowledge and Aigis of course has her usual weaponry. Tatsuya, while deadly in hand to hand combat, has no weapon to fight the shadows. "You will need to be using your Persona for the majority of the battle. I assume you know how to perform the summoning."

"It won't be a problem." In most cases I would be concerned about anyone who was perfectly ok with putting a gun to their head. But knowing Tatsuya he wouldn't even hesitate to pull the trigger.

"Very well," as I finish Aigis reappears, a gleaming pistol and holster in hand. Tatsuya takes it and gives it an experimentally once over before affixing the holster to himself and slipping it inside. I move to the doors and push them open allowing the chilling air in. "Aigis get ready to scan for the shadow."

"There's no need." To my shock, Pharos appears beside me. I turn to him questioningly before he gives his own small smile and points forward. "It's already here." I follow his finger to find a growing pile of sludge slowly expanding before the mansion. With a deathly shriek, something erupts from the black mess. I immediately rush forward, ignoring the panicked cries behind me. Upon growing closer, I realize that a tentacle has breached the barrier. Soon the first tendril is joined by more until finally an entire horde is writing from the black pool. Then, in one motion, they all come smashing down, shaking the earth. I stumble and watch as the black mass begin to bubble. I already know what it means.

"Draw!" The gleaming hilt of Excalibur forms in my hand, and the glistening blade follows suit pulsing in the darkness. Rapid footsteps alert me that the rest of my team has followed, and soon they draw up next to me. With one last scream the monster in the pool bursts forth, the sludge erupting as the full figure is revealed. A bulb emerges and like the world's most revolting flower, it opens revealing a humanoid bound in chains, sludge dripping from its body. The tentacles, roots now I realize, raise up once more dancing to some unheard music.

"What do we do?" Miyuki asks voice wavering. I turn to face Miyuki is it looking halfway between sickness and fainting. Mayumi is marginally better having been exposed to this before. Unsurprisingly, Aigis is watching the monster with caution while Tatsuya look completely calm.

"Take a deep breath and collect yourself," At my suggestion, Miyuki takes in a shuddering gasp. "I understand that this is a tall task and I don't expect you to leap in without hesitation. Once you feel calm enough, use your persona to attack from a distance." To show my meaning I use my evoker summoning Gilgamesh. The persona immediately dashes forward and begins to slice the roots with reckless abandon. "Only use your knife if a root gets too close. No need to put yourself at risk getting close range." The Devil screams and the roots coalesce onto Gilgamesh who I dismiss before he can be hit.

"Mind if I give it a shot?" Tatsuya steps forward, evoker already gripped in hand. I nod and he quickly brings the gun to his temple. Without a moment's hesitation he fires and blue glass spirals upwards forming into a glowing sphere of white. Even before the persona is summoned, I involuntarily step back. Whatever Tatsuya is summoning is engulfed with power. The glowing ball pulses once, like some kind of heart before bursting open. Two wings stretch outward as if to encompass the world. A serpent's tail curves below, a pointed tip at the end. Fangs and claws gleam in the pale moonlight, sharp and deadly. I can't help but smile at the blue armored dragon Tatsuya has summoned.

"I am Bahamut!" The being roars vibrating the air around us. "Show me your worth mortal!"

Miyuki is clearly entranced by the dragon, eyes glistening with awe and wonder. Mayumi stares clearly trying to process what is before her. I am not surprised to see that even Tatsuya is affected, a huge grin on his face. To finally get in touch with your persona is a feeling that I am sure no one will forget.

"Bahamut! Megidolaon!" The dragon gives another earth-shaking roar. I see the familiar three spheres appear of the almighty spell, but instead of a gentle decent the three spheres plummet towards the Devil. The impact shakes the ground only for the following explosion to cause a veritable earthquake. The Devil screams its tendril whipping wildly. Apparently, it was no longer complacent enough to standby and on cue several black magic circles appear beneath us. I recognize the spell instantly as mudo, and leap away.

"Dodge!" my command is followed without question and before the circle can complete everyone had left their circle. "Aigis, Tatsuya I leave the girls to you!" I call before sprinting towards the flowery abomination activating Sukukaja to increase my pace. As I approach, I realize the tendrils have done the same. They are slowly making their way to our group. As one grows near, it lashes out with surprising agility. I spin avoiding the attack, the bring up Excalibur which easily slices through the vine. It immediately shrivels and dies, rotting away before turning to ash. Still taking out each one would be a pain. I draw my evoker and change to Surt.

"Maragidyne," at my command a multitude of vines immediately catch fire. They writhe for a moment before, to my disappointment, they shake off the fire and continue on their way. Resistant then, just my luck. The sound of gunfire echoes behind me and I glance back to see that Mayumi and Aigis are hard at work killing any of the roots that wander too close.

With a flash, Shiva appears summoning a rain of icicles upon the Devil. Bahamut is close behind, diving right into the fray. It lands in the flower using its claws to tear into the humanoid's flesh. The monstrosity screams, causing several nearby vines to whip back grabbing the dragon. They straggle the persona until is erupts in a shower of light. I frown, looks like I need to step it up. I switch back to Gilgamesh and draw Excalibur once again. I increase my pace as I rush forward and leap onto one of the many vines. It trembles and whips back, but I am prepared, cutting it when it gets close enough. It wilts and dies, but not before I reach the top, climbing into the bosom of the flower.

"Power charge," My muscles tense, and I level my blade at my target. The chained humanoid squirms before me and I waste no time summoning Gilgamesh. "Sword Dance," The cloaked man obeys, laying waste to the abomination. It shrieks, and as before several roots react to its call and swarm the flower. However, Gilgamesh is more than enough to keep them at bay, they fall by the masses to his three swords. Using the opening, I rush in with Excalibur dealing slash after slash to the monster. Suddenly the humanoid retracts, retreating into the flower itself. I hesitate, trying to decide whether to pursue when a scream pierces the air.

"Minato get out of there!" Mayumi's yell alerts me to my situation. Not only has the center retracted, the petals of the flower have begun folding in. The walls are already too high to jump over, so I quickly place my evoker to my head. Within a second Metatron appears, gathering me in his arms and taking off. Just before the petals close, I escape and land next to my astonished teammates.

"How is everyone holding up?" I ask keeping my eyes on the enemy.

"I've taken a few hits but nothing too bad." Tatsuya announces as he draws up beside me. "Although I heard about your previous fights, this is certainly something else." I nod in lieu of a verbal answer.

"Mayumi is fine," Aigis reports. "However, Miyuki is beginning to tire from overuse of spells. She will be recovering it through Invigorate, but it may take some time." I mentally curse myself for not remembering to bring items. I will definitely have to find some soma and bead substitutes. Still we are managing better that I thought. Tatsuya's assistance is certainly making its mark, and it hasn't been using too many spells. At this pace the battle will be over soon. As soon as that thought passes through my head, the flower blooms once again billowing out plumes of purple gas.

"Be careful, that's the skill stagnant air." I warn. "It increases the probability of success for status ailments." Which means it was probably going to use a bunch of ailment spells. I guess my initial assumption of it holding back on spells was nothing but a passing fancy. The shadow gives another cry and feel the effects of fear settle in. I collapse to the ground, Tatsuya and Aigis joining me soon after. Evil Smile then, not too bad. However the shadow is not finished and with another shout sends down a torrent of fire from the sky. Ok that's much worse. I try to call for Miyuki to assist us, but cough instead. This is bad, if she doesn't heal us, we will be sitting ducks.

"Amrita," I breath a sigh of relief as the healing spell washes over me. That one problem down, now for the molten death. I raise my evoker to put up a barrier but Mayumi calls to me.

"I can handle this." The sound of shattering glass echoes through the air and then Leviathan forms around us defensively. "Malaques!" The serpent opens its jaw launching a salvo of water at the incoming threat. When Mayumi and I had first trained together, it surprised me that she held spells I had never known of. Considering the circumstance, water-based spells are certainly a welcome change as each bullet quenches the flames. "And now Aquadyne!" Another jet of water shoots forth impacting the flower. The plant writhes, it pulpy flesh blistering as it comes in contact with the pure water. Finally the flower wilts, the chained figure drooping in the center. It is had been knocked down.

"Am I seeing things?" Tatsuya asks. "We are fighting a flower that shakes off fire like it's nothing, but water is its weakness. Am I getting this right?"

"Stop complaining and attack it with you best spell!" I shout and in unison we all fire our evokers. Bahamut rises into the air sending down another Megidolaon. Pallas Athena shoots forward summoning a God's Hand onto the shadow. Mayumi uses another Aquadyne and Miyuki follows with her own Bufudyne. Finally, I summon Helel to drop a Morning Star. The explosions are blinding, and I cover my eyes trying to shield them from the excessive amount of light. Eventually the dust settles and the shadow lays there unmoving.

"It that it?" Miyuki pants. "Because I don't think I have much left to give." As if to answer her question the Devil rises again screaming bloody murder. We all ready ourselves as it once again raises its petals. However as the petals rise a whirlwind is kicked up. Before I can react, I am swept off my feet; the wind pulling me in. I reach for Aigis but find I am too late, fingers grasping at air. Due to her weight Aigis does not budge, but Tatsuya, Miyuki, Mayumi and I are all whipped away. The torrent of wind cuts at my armor but the material holds. Still the damage is done, and I can feel my body strain under the barrage. The tempest comes to a stop and I find we are above the flower which has a small opening on top. I can predict what comes next.

"Get Away!" I shout but my order is useless. Even if they could follow my instruction, the next attack is instant. Thick black smog erupts from the flower engulfing all of us, I use my hand to cover my nose and mouth but I have still taken in quite a bit of smoke. Through the mess I see Mayumi's figure, flailing desperately. I dive, catching her and pulling her close with one arm. With the other, I summon Thanatos who snatches us both and pulls us free of the black soot. Thanatos lands next to Aigis, Mayumi and I both coughing. Bahamut lands nearby depositing Tatusya and Miyuki in a similar fashion. Without waiting I fire my evoker again.

"Salvation." The holy light engulfs all of us, and I cough again trying to rid myself of the smokes acrid taste. "How are you doing?" I ask Mayumi who is still clutched to my chest.

"I'm doing fine… I think," Mayumi replies between breath. "My heads a bit…" She trails off and I nod. I can feel the effects as well. My head feels like it filled with sludge. I stagger up, helping Mayumi up only for her to stubble into me. I steady her, my arm griping her thin waist as her arms brace against my shoulders.

"Thanks," she gives me a small smile running a hand down my arm, leaving a trail of fire where she touches. "I'm not usually so clumsy." I laugh despite myself, hand running up her side, causing her to gasp.

"Good thing I'm here to catch you," My head pounds and I grasp my head painfully. What the hell am I doing? I need to focus. I look to Mayumi who is also holding her head. Is she experiencing the same thing?

"There are vines inbound," Tatsuya calls, and I shake off my stupor. A wave of cellulose rushes at us, and I feebly summon Gilgamesh to cut through them. A shout grabs my attention, and I see Miyuki grabbed by a vine. It coils around her like a snake, before Bahamut slashes through the tentacle setting her free. Tatsuya is immediately at her side looking for injuries.

"Onii-sama~!" To Tatusya surprise, and my own, Miyuki loops her arms around his neck pulling him close. She kisses him on the cheek, giggling gleefully. Tatsuya is starting at her in shock, and something churns in the back of my mind. Something isn't right, but my muddled mind can't grasp what. I wince at my head throbs again, more painfully this time. The shadow shrieks again and I watch as the remaining vine slither back to their host.

"Fire incoming!" Aigis' shout brings my attention skyward where another rain of meteors awaits. I look to Mayumi who is already in action, summoning Leviathan to defend us. The water serpent sends out another wave of water bullets to protect us. The projectiles collide, causing the excess water to rain back down, drenching us in an impromptu downpour. I watch as the water spills down on Mayumi's suit, her curves becoming even more accentuated due to the wet fabric. My heart is pounding in my chest as she brushes aside her soaked hair. She turns and our eyes meet and something I cannot identify shifts behind her irises. Love, lust, desire?

Then as she holds my gaze, she deliberately cups one of her breasts and gives it a squeeze. My logic folds as I realize I want her no I need her, desperately. I want to tackle her and strip her of her soaked armor. I want to take everything, everything she has to give and more. I don't give a damn that the others may be watching or that her parents may not approve or even that there is a full moon shadow present. I want to take her, right here in the grass. And from the sultry smile she is giving me, I am rather certain she wouldn't mind.

I take one step then another, stumbling towards her in an addled haze. She smiles, opening her arms wide in invitation. I collapse into her, sending us to the ground. I give no thought to Aigis' frantic shouting, I can only focus on the girl beneath me. Her arms come up around my neck and she pulls, her lips colliding with mine. The exchange is hot and needy, lust fueling my every action. Our hands explore one another as our tongues battle for dominance. I eventually pull back breathless, gazing into her eyes. She leans up, lips inches away from my ear, pleading for more.

"Firing!" A scream tears from my throat as my back ignites with pain. A firm hand grips my suit and tosses me away. I hit the ground hard, breath knocked out of me. Immediately the intense passion clears and I struggle to collect myself. Was I about to…? My head throbs again, as I desperately try to orient myself. The Devil's power, I realize. It made me lose my inhibitions, give into my desires.

"Are you finally aware?" Aigis appears above me looking rather annoyed. "That black dust did quite a number on you. At least I hope it was the effects of black dust." She finishes her sentence with a hiss and I quickly nod assuring her. "Very well, it seems that pain is effective at dispelling the effects or at least a shock to the system. I will assist Tatsuya, please see to Mayumi." She departs as I quickly glance to our newest team member who is attempting to fend off his lovestruck sister with little success.

"Minato?" Mayumi's voice returns my gaze to her. She is looking at me with those hazy eyes, clearly confused why I have yet to return to her. My stomach churns, as I realize I had basically forced myself on her due to the shadow's influence. She is not going to be pleased when she becomes aware, but I need to break her out. I gesture for her and with a loopy smile she complies, staggering toward me with uneven steps.

"Draw," As she comes within range, I strike with Excalipoor cutting along her midriff. She screams from surprise leaping back grasping her stomach. She looks at me with narrowed eyes, before her eyes widen in realization. A trembling hand come up to her lips, and her breath becomes pants. I want to run to her, but I know approaching her will only make it worse.

"What did I do?" Mayumi asks in panic. "Why did I feel…?"

"The shadow's influence," I answer. "The Devil loosened our inhibitions. We were driven by our desires." I pause as Mayumi blinks taking my words in. "Are you aware now? We need to finish this fight." I glace at the Devil, who once again has encompassed itself in its petals. It is either healing or preparing another attack. Neither of which bodes well for us. "Look I'm sorry I couldn't control myself-" My apology is cut short.

"No, it's not your fault. Like you said, it was the influence of that shadow" Mayumi levels a glare at the plant. "I have some frustrations to work out, let's annihilate that overgrown weed."

"I couldn't agree more." Tatsuya states as he joins us along with Aigis and a red-faced Miyuki. As if in challenge the petals unfurl, a gigantic orb of fire floating above it. Mayumi steps forward evoker at the ready.

"Waterfall!" Leviathan appears with a roar as the Devil launches its attack. The flaming meteor flies at us, until a mountain of earth erupts from the ground blocking the attack. The watery serpent lands atop the perch and cries as water gushes from its maw. First a stream, then a river, then what looks like an entire ocean of water crashes down of the Devil. The plant thrashes but the is no way to escape the torrent that falls upon it. Finally, the attack ends and Mayumi collapses, gasping for breath.

"Finish it!" Aigis takes the lead and we summon our Persona for one last all-out attack. In resulting explosion, I hear the Devil give one last cry before disintegrating into nothing. We take a deep breath, exhaustion quickly catching up as the adrenaline dies.

"That was insane," Tatsuya pants. "You expect me to believe you fought fourteen of these without dying?"

"Fifteen now," I correct. I try to laugh, but the due to my exhaustion all I can muster is a sigh. "Let's get back to the mansion." Tatsuya nods supporting Miyuki and I help up Mayumi, who refuses to look at me. We trudge back to the front doors where we collapse when we reach the foyer. The Dark hour ends and Kyouko's smile collapses into worry upon seeing us. After a feeble attempt by the sibling to dismiss themselves to return home, Kyouko demands that the visiting trio spend the night. Aigis sees to the siblings while Mayumi is helped by Kyouko to spare room. I shakily make my way back to my own room and collapse on the bed.

Despite my physical exhaustion, my mind still whirls with question. How did Tatsuya gain the potential? Why did both the Temperance and the Devil appear before me, instead of needing to be sought out? I decided to put these questions out of my mind. For now, I need rest. That is my last thought as exhaustion takes me.

-Ω-

A bit close but I did manage to get this out in March. With the flurry of panic with the Cornavirus, I hope everyone is staying safe. One would think with my staying home, In would be able to type more often but it just isn't the case.

This chapter was a blast to write as I had the basis conceptualized almost four years ago. To be honest though I diluted the chapter quite thoroughly. Have to keep that T rating and all that. In the spirit of the original Full Moon Shadows, all my original creations will also reveal the negative aspect of their arcana. I hope Minato and his team can get through them all.

Sad to say but this chapter at 6700+ was suppose to be much longer. I guess I will save the Valentine's day material for the next chapter.

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.