Persona 3: Minato Arisato, the first wild card

by DarkDragon1407

The Wild Card is unpredictable. During a card game, he suddenly appears and turns everything upside down, giving the loser a chance to become a winner. When the world changed due to the games of the gods, the first ever Wild Card appeared on the table, knowing his own shadows and controlling a power he never asked for. His name is Minato Arisato. And this is the story of his return

10. Trust is the key

Sunday, May 10, 2009
Iwatodai Dormitory - Minato's room

It was no wonder he was overly tired that day. They had fought ONE of those shadows dubbed as "The Priestess" the battle had been difficult, and with the constant stress of time upon them indicating with each passing second that they could die.

- Minato, come on it's time to get up. We are in for a big day, we are still alive, that means we are in for another day in your conquest for Yukari - said Orpheus trying to lift his lazy Master up

- Come on Orpheus... Five more minutes, yesterday was too long a night. Besides why do you always have to name her?

- You have to enjoy your youth. And that means loving that special person for as long as you can - replied Orpheus

- You giving me advice about life and not love? Orpheus, that sounds too weird coming from you.

His cell phone started ringing - Hello? It's Elizabeth - asked the voice behind his cell phone. His eyes widened like saucers as he recognized who it was - Elizabeth? - asked Minato confused, he knew she didn't have a cell phone so how was she communicating with him?

- I was calling to inform you about a change in Tartarus. I believe a path that was blocked is now open - informed Elizabeth - I thought you might like to know, I wish you a great trip - the call had ended.

- A change in Tartarus? I wonder if it has to do with the defeat of The Priestess? - he asked himself - Did you hear Orpheus?

- Loud and clear. There is still much we don't know about the Velvet Room, plus I'm intrigued by that strange boy who always appears during the Dark Hour - said Orpheus.

- Now we have a problem. We know that because of that boy those shadows appear every full moon how do we explain them to the others?- asked Minato - Also I'm uncomfortable with the fact about Mitsuru-san's motorcycle

- It had the ability to function during the Dark Hour. According to the information we were given when we joined, only we could fight the shadows and be conscious during the Dark Hour - said Orpheus

- This smells like a cat in the bag to me. There are a lot of secrets they are hiding from us, especially that Kirijo girl - said Pixie

- You're right. There are a lot of secrets they are hiding from us and I don't trust Ikutsuki, there is something that disturbs me every time I see him - said Apsaras

- I have a question for you Orpheus Are Persona's a facet of our personality? - asked Minato

- Yes. Why the question? - asked Orpheus.

- If we go by the etymology of Penthesilea's name we would get something like "She who writhes in pain" it gives me to understand that she deals with something we don't imagine - said Minato

- You imply that she carries a sin, from which she wants to redeem herself by fighting against the shadows? - asked Apsaras.

- I know it's a baseless basis, but Persona are a manifestation of our being. To the world we can show another being, a facet that they will be comfortable with, but our true self will only be for us - replied Minato - Now that we are talking about this what does Thanatos represent in me?

- His very name means "death". He is the living embodiment of non-violent death, his touch was gentle, like that of his twin brother Hypnos, the dream. Violent death was the domain of his blood-loving sisters, the Keres, assiduous on the battlefield. - said Orpheus "It is only a hypothesis Minato, but he may represent in you the death drive."

- The death drive? I remember reading something about that, I think it said something like "It appears to return or approach absolute rest, that is, non-existence" It's kind of funny if you think about what we have lived through Orfeo - said Minato

- We are rare Arisato and that makes us special, the death drive pushes us to self-destruction, even, to disappearance, but only us, without affecting others - said Orpheus - Although you know now that I say it, it sounds too bad, Yukari wouldn't like to hear that at all

- A conversation with you, includes never forgetting to mention her right? - said Minato, sounds at his door indicated that someone was calling for him

- Minato-kun, it's Yukari Can I come in? - asked the female voice behind the door

- Give me a moment - replied Minato

- And speaking of the King of Rome, I wonder if we have gained more points with her. I mean we have saved her twice. What do you guys think? - asked Orpheus to the other Persona.

- I would be lying if I said she wouldn't be grateful to us - replied Apsaras.

- So if there is going to be any wedding? I ask to be the godmother of the new couple - said Pixie.

- Even if it saved my life, I wouldn't fall in love with someone like you - said Nekomata.

Ignoring all the comments from his Persona, he decided to open the door, he knew he didn't like to wait too long or else she would get mad at him - Is something wrong Yukari-san? - asked Minato.

- Mitsuru-senpai sent me to look for you. She was worried if something had happened to you - explained Yukari.

- In that case, give me a few minutes and I'll go down to the first floor, so I'll be calmer. I'll see you in the living room - said Minato, closing the door to his room, but Yukari didn't let him by putting her foot on the bottom of the door - Yukari-san?

- Can I talk to you? - asked Yukari, Minato nodded allowing her to enter his room. She sat on his desk chair while he her bed

- What's wrong? - asked Minato.

- First of all, I can't believe I'm still alive. If you hadn't been there, we would have died - said Yukari with a sad look - What I want to say, is that thank you for saving me once again. If you need help with anything, you can count on me.

- Well, I feel that a shadow hurt you yesterday by pure coincidence on your cheek. A kiss from her would heal us immediately and we could fight off any adversity that comes our way - said Orpheus

- You and I need to have a serious talk about many things Orpheus

- Thank you Yukari-san - said Minato, he had just realized that they were both alone in their room, a woman and a man alone in a room was never well seen by most people - You better let Mitsuru-san know that I am well, I don't want to worry her anymore - Yukari nodded walking out of her room

- Normally I wouldn't agree with what you just did. But remembering that Penthesilea's carrier is in charge of the dorms was for the best - said Orpheus

Iwatodai dormitory- First floor, living room.

- Look who resurrected - said Akihiko when he saw Minato descending from the stairs - Are you alright? - he asked, Minato only felt as he yawned

- Arisato, I wasn't strong enough last time, which resulted in a very complicated situation for all of you - said Mitsuru - I apologize for that

- There will always be another chance Mitsuru-senpai - replied Minato

- I'm glad you said that. I promise to be strong for next time - said Mitsuru with a smile

- Dude, I thought we were going to die - said Junpei with a sad tone - But you saved us by pulling the brake! I'm glad you were with us!

- I still find it hard to believe that your instincts saved them even though I didn't know what the brake was - commented Akihiko

- It wasn't the master's instincts that saved them, it was their partner's fate. And to think that the lever he pulled was pink, his partner's favorite color - said Pixie.

- Arcane Lovers you had to be Pixie.

- Life is so wonderful... Don't you think so Minato? - asked Junpei with his typical ear-to-ear grin.

- Says the person who almost got us killed. Junpei someday you'll pay me back, we'd better go, I don't want to waste so much time.

- Where are we going today, are we going for new weapons? - asked Apsaras.

- To the mall, I need to go to the velvet room.

- Yeah whatever you say, I'm going. I'll be back in the evening - said Minato retreating from the dormitory.

- Haven't you ever wondered how much it does outside, every day? - asked Akihiko, everyone nodded

- I would be lying if I commented that I wouldn't be interested. Arisato is a very secretive person, even though we have read his file, we only know his superficial history - replied Mitsuru.

-You know now that you're commenting on all this. I've never seen him laugh, not even with my jokes - commented Junpei.

- I think I should save the moment when I saw him smiling in the hospital when he woke up - thought Yukari listening to the commentaries all

- Yuka-tan? Do you know anything else about his life? - asked Junpei

- Well... I've only met Hiroshi-san, he was the last person who took care of Minato, he came to visit him and let's say their relationship is something "special" - replied Yukari

- Do you have his number? - asked Akihiko.

- Aaaamm Senpai. Why do you want to have his number? - asked Junpei confused

- This already became personal - replied Akihiko, everyone sweated at his answer - Hey come on, I need to know how his training went.

- Senpai always thinking about his training - said Junpei - From today I suggest calling him "The protein addicted pugilist"

- I agree - said Mitsuru

Velvet Room

- I welcome you to the Velvet Room How can I help you today - said Elizabeth welcoming Minato - I have to congratulate him for coming out successful in his last battle

- Thank you Elizabeth - said Minato, but his gaze was fixed on Igor - Igor, I need you to answer me something.

- Anything to help our guest on his journey - replied Igor

- Persona are facets of our personality, Orpheus is supposed to be my representation, but what about Thanatos, is it possible to have more than two representations? - asked Minato

- You humans possess many facets. Your human lives are made up of several aspects, in essence your integrity as a human being comes from thinking, willing, speaking and doing the same - Igor replied - But what if I were to mention to you, that you human beings, can change those facets, you are a living example of that - something that left Minato surprised.

- Allow me to explain, it was an astonishment for me and Elizabeth that Orpheus came to your call - explained Igor - I thought that the one who would come to your call would be someone like Phobos

- The god Phobos? He was considered to be the personification of fear and horror, according to his myths he referred to the fear and panic of combatants when fighting - said Minato - Why did you think he would come to my call?

- As you have described, Phobos was the personification of fear and horror. However, it also represents a primitive pattern in the human mind - said Igor - What I am getting at is, Phobos also represents the origin of phobias, emotional disturbance and pain in the human mind, and it is something you are familiar with.

- Master Minato, we know the life you have had to go through. Your life is no secret to us, so it was a great surprise to us that someone like Orpheus would come - Elizabeth said - Someone who is always depicted with love, because of his history with Eurydice. Which makes me come to a conclusion Have both you and your Persona, managed to overcome your past? Have you managed to move on without looking back?

- I must also say, as humans through certain experiences, Their facets can change and that implies a new change in their Persona - said Igor.

- So, if all that hadn't happened to me, my Persona wouldn't have been Orpheus? - asked Minato.

- Correct. All the experiences you have gone through have led to your encounter with the master of the strings - answered Elizabeth

- About Thanatos, it's a mystery, which I'm afraid you will have to solve on your own - said Igor - I hope I have cleared all your doubts, and if that's the case can we help you with anything else? - asked Igor

- Persona Fusion - sigh Minato, Elizabeth showed him the available fusions he could perform, now that he had Nekomata, he had more options for his fusions. One fusion in particular had caught his attention

- Jack Frost? I remember seeing him in stuffed form once at the arcade as a reward.

- Jack Frost, belonging to the Arcane Magician. He specializes in ice spells - Elizabeth replied.

- Ice spells? The requirements to summon him is a triple roll, if I go by what Elizabeth said, I'm sure he beats Apsaras spells...

- If you feel it's the right thing to do, do it Master - said Apsaras.

- But if I do, it would mean staying with him and never seeing you again Apsaras Do you agree to this?

- Master it seems I have not made it clear to you. We are faithful to you until death, whatever decision you make, we will respect and support it - said Apsaras - Despite the short time we have spent together I am sure you will succeed in completing your journey

- So this is goodbye then huh? Thank you for helping me in the fights Apsaras, I promise I won't forget you.

- I am very flattered by your words. Promise me that you will conquer Miss Yukari and take care of her - Apsaras said laughing - Anything you want to say Nekomata? This merger involves you too

- I feel fascinated, that the time has come for me to part ways with him - replied Nekomata - Do you have something to say Pixie?

- Of course I'm going to miss the master. And I want to be the godmother of the new couple - said Pixie - I hope he remembers me fondly.

- Nekomata rest assured I won't miss you. Take care Apsaras and Pixie, I hope to see you again someday.

- Igor, I'll use these three cards - Minato said, pointing to Pixie, Apsaras and Nekomata. Igor just smiled at this and began the ritual. Once the flash had occurred, Minato looked over to the wall clock containing the Velvet Leap to observe his new Persona.

- Hello! I'm Jack Frost! It's nice to meet you! Hee Hoo! - said the new Persona introducing himself

- Hee Hoo?

- Persona Jack Frost has emerged from the sea of souls to come to your call. From now on, you can count on him - commented Elizabeth - Anything else we can help you with? - Minato shook his head, leaving the Velvet Room like this.

- His journey is just beginning, let's hope the cards are in his favor - commented Igor - He will have to find his resolve to face the challenges that the future holds and we can only guide him on his journey.

- Orpheus, the Master of the strings. Thanatos, the Herald of death. One represents love and one represents death, a hero and a pagan god, we have a most intriguing guest and I have the honor of being his assistant - Elizabeth said as she laughed

Iwatodai Shopping District - Bookworms used book store.

- Oh you're back! Welcome back, ummm... Do you remember your name? - asked Bunkichi

- Nice to meet you again, my name is Minato Arisato - he replied in a disappointing tone.

- Just kidding, of course I know who you are. I'm not that old - said Bunkichi with a smile - Just my wife and I, we were talking about you Minato-chan.

- Minato-chan? I remember I want to call you that way and you refused - claimed Orpheus.

- Minato-chan do you like melon bread? Someone gave them to me, but I have more than enough - said Bunkichi - Come on, have one

- I appreciate it Bunkichi-san - said Minato gratefully

- Minato-chan you are very polite. I wish he would have been like that... - said that last part ducking his gaze

- Do you want one for a friend of yours Minato-chan? Because it will take us a lifetime to finish all these melon buns - said Bunkichi, Minato accepted politely - What was your name?

- Oh please! You just said he's not that old.

- Remember dear, this is Minato-chan - said Mitsuko - I'm sorry Minato-chan, he's been very forgetful lately, please have some - giving him another bread

- Dear, where did he go? - asked Bunkichi - He should be here, helping us with the customers... Sorry Minato-chan...

- Who is he? - dared Minato ask.

- Our spoiled son. He hasn't been back for a long time - replied Bunkichi

- The old man looks very lonely Hee Hoo! - said Jack Frost - Is there anything we can do to help him?

- Where did he go honey? - asked Bunkichi.

- Honey... would you please... - replied Mitsuko, her tears threatening to come out at any moment.

- That's right... Our son has passed away - said Bunkichi - Excuse us, Minato-chan. I hope I didn't make you feel uncomfortable

- You don't have to worry, my mistake is to ask about something so painful - said Minato

- You are such a considerate person Minato-chan. I'm sure your parents are so proud of you - said Mitsuko

- I hope they are. Wherever they are, I hope I can honor their memory properly - said Minato with a small smile that radiated sadness

- Honor their memory? - asked Bunkichi - Minato-chan did your parents do it?

- My parents passed away when I was seven years old, it was in a car accident. I was in the accident too, but I survived, since then I've been through several foster homes until I got here - explained Minato. Mitsuko approached him, holding his hands very tightly.

- Minato-chan, I'm more than sure that your parents are very proud of the young man you are - said Mitsuko with a smile.

- My dear wife is right Minato-chan. Always keep that in mind and never give up - said Bunkichi - Minato-chan, how about helping us sell today? Then we can keep up to date, I'm sure there are many things you have to tell us

- Okay, you win what do I have to do? - asked Minato with a smile.

The hours flew by as Minato helped with the book sale, and during the absence of customers, Bunkichi would ask him how he was doing in his studies, assuring him that he would be someone successful in the future

- So Minato-chan, you are currently staying in some dormitories, thanks to the scholarship you got - said Mitsuko.

- Sure, that was the reason why I was able to come back here after ten years - said Minato

- I'm sure you are very popular Minato-chan. Tell me, do you have a girlfriend? - asked Bunkichi

- I have to say that this gentleman, as of today I like him - said Orpheus

- No, I don't have time for that Bunkichi-san - replied Minato

- Minato-chan that's impossible! To repay you for the help you gave us today. I'll tell you how I conquered my beloved - said Bunkichi-san

- Believe me that's not necessary. I have a voice in my head constantly telling me how I should conquer someone, but the offer is appreciated.

His conversation with Bunkichi was interrupted, when they heard the store door open, revealing a girl dressed in a white turtleneck with a short brown jersey jacket, long white skirt, long white stockings and black sneakers. A girl Minato knew very well, she happened to be his fellow student council member Chihiro.

- Welcome. We sell fresh mackerel of all kinds and if you prefer other large ones we have him to help you with your cargo - said Bunkichi pointing to Minato and leaving Chihiro confused by his welcome

- Bunkichi-san we sell books here - said Minato sighing - Good to see you Chihiro-san

- Minato-san? Do you work here? - asked Chihiro.

- Sort of, actually it's a long story, but what brings you here - said Minato keeping a distance from her, he doesn't want her to feel uncomfortable because of his fear

- Tell me Orpheus is this the girl you were telling me about? Hee Hoo! - asked Jack Frost.

- No, this is just a friend. Just wait until we get back to our home and I'll give you all the details, I'm counting on you Jack - replied Orpheus.

- I came for some specific books. Hidetoshi-san told me about this place, so I came here personally - answered Chihiro.

- Minato-chan, is she your girlfriend? She's very cute - asked Mitsuko, making Chihiro blush.

- No,no,no,no,no,no. Minato-san and I-I'm not na-nothing - replied Chihiro shyly - Besides I'm sure Minato-san already has someone.

- Well no, Minato-chan just confirmed to us that she's not dating anyone - said Bunkichi

- Then the rumors are false? I thought he was dating Takeba-san - said Chihiro in amazement.

- Takeba-san, is she another girl? Minato-chan you're quite the ladies' man - said Mitsuko - Forgive our boldness, but how did you two meet?

- We both belong to the student council and we went out on a date - replied Chihiro, that last part made me lose my balance a little bit

- Chihiroooooo! You're confusing things! I need a false alarm to get out of this situation!

- Wow so Minato-chan asked you out - said Bunkichi.

- I think we're getting a little off topic don't you think? - said Minato in order not to make her feel more uncomfortable - What kind of reading are you here for Chihiro-san?

- Well, I'm looking for manga Minato-san, do you like manga? - asked Chihiro.

- Yes, from time to time I read - replied Minato-san.

- Really? - said Chihiro with an obvious happiness on her face - I have a shelf full of shojos, you should check it out sometime

- I'll think about it - replied Minato - But I must apologize, a few hours ago a customer came in looking for a shojo manga, it was the last one we had.

- Don't worry miss. For the next few days maybe he won't come any more - said Bunkichi

- Oh please, I don't want to cause you any trouble - said Chihiro.

- Don't worry about that, what kind of salesmen would we be if we don't have what our readers want - said Mitsuko - Besides any friend of Minato-chan is welcome here, by the way, dear would you like a melon bun? - Chihiro kindly accepted

- Minato-chan thank you for helping us today, but it's already getting dark, you should go back - said Bunkichi, Minato checked the time with his watch, he hadn't realized how much time had already passed, so he nodded, saying goodbye to the couple and being followed by Chihiro

- My dear, Minato-chan sure is popular with the girls, I wonder if he will introduce us to someone someday - said Bunkichi with a smile - I wonder if our son would have been like that too as the years went by?

- Rest assured dear - said Mitsuko also with a smile.

Iwatodai dormitory -First floor, living room, evening

- Very close to the monorail overshooting its mark, the last train, Anehazuru, failed to brake and overshot its starting point, the police and the monorail administration are still trying to determine what caused the incident. Even though the train overshot its stopping point by more than 2000 feet, surprisingly no one was injured, the monorail management suspects the driver and has him in custody for questioning - said the news anchor, everyone listened attentively to the statements including Ikutsuki who was visiting.

- The general public considers the monorail incident an accident caused by human error, this may be damaging to the reputation of the monorail company - said Mitsuru - Even if it was a shadow that caused it all, I can't help but feel sorry for the driver.

- The people on the monorail must have been really scared, when they came to, in a very different place from where they were when the Dark Hour started - said Yukari - I bet they have no idea what happened

- This brings back so many memories...

- Explain, I need to know - said Orpheus

- If you move someone transfigured during the Dark Hour, without causing them any damage. The only thing that the subject will experience when the Dark Hour is over, will be the change of place from its original position.

- How intriguing! I need to know more! Hee Hoo! - demanded Jack Frost

- What a complicated mission last night! I can't believe what happened to you guys, luckily no one got hurt - said Ikutsuki - It was normal for people to have been scared, but that's a different topic now isn't it? hahahahahaha

- Am I supposed to laugh? Hee Hoo? - asked Jack Frost.

- Just ignore him Jack Frost and everything will be fine.

- By the way are they going to sleep on the couch again? - asked Akihiko - I mean both Junpei and Yukari, they were seen so comfortably sleeping on Minato's shoulders - this comment made both named embarrassed

- Stupei! You said that no one saw us last night - Yukari claimed.

- Wait a minute! What did they do with me last night?!... I shouldn't have fallen asleep either!

- It's not my fault! Besides you were the one who slept the longest with him last night! - said Junpei defending herself - When I woke up, you even hugged him a little

- It's not my fault! I always sleep hugging a pillow! - shouted Yukari.

- I didn't know you guys were dating. How cute is young love - said Ikutsuki causing Yukari to blush.

- It's all Stupei's fault! - shouted Yukari - Stop calling me that! - shouted Junpei.

- Give me a break... - whispered Minato to himself.

Monday, May 11, 2009
Gekkoukan High School - Entrance

- What's wrong? Today is just another ordinary day huh? - Minato who greeted by Junpei with this comment - And to think that the day before yesterday was a crazy day, I've never had such excitement in my life Don't you think we're getting more emotional lately?

- Yeah - replied Minato

- Totally, we won the battle and saved the city how cool can that be! - exclaimed Junpei happily - By the way, exams are next week, I hope you didn't forget our bet

- I hope you have enough money Junpei - said Minato

- And I hope you get someone with good body - said Junpei

- Then can I choose any kind of food? - asked Yukari

- Yes, indeed. Please don't hold back, Junpei will pay for all the expenses - replied Minato

- Yes that's right... huh? At what time did you arrive Yuka-tan? - asked Junpei - Since you started talking about your bet, with all the fuss I've completely forgotten about it.

- You know... this morning before I got on the monorail, I took a look around the station. When I did I realized how dangerous it was last night - said Yukari - That's why once again. Thank you Minato-kun, for saving us - with her characteristic smile, Minato didn't think of anything at that moment, he just kept watching her smile that was directed only for him

- You two, get a room - said Junpei.

- Shut up - said Yukari and Minato at the same time.

Gekkoukan High School - Student Council Room

The first thing Minato noticed when he entered the student council room was Hidetoshi talking to a teacher - How much with you Hidetoshi, for both of our sakes - said the teacher, was the last thing Minato heard, before he left the room.

- It's okay, what are you up to Hidetoshi?

- Oh Minato-san, welcome - said Chihiro, who noticed his presence - How are you feeling?

- Fine, thank you. What was that teacher doing here? - asked Minato.

- Hey what did he mean by "for both our sakes"? What was he talking about? - asked a council member, her anger was evident, she was pressing him for an answer on his part.

- He just wants to create a better school environment, so he simply asked for a suitable student for the task - said Hidetoshi - Just like president Kirijo-san asked Minato-kun to join the council

- What!? You can't do something like that, without the president's permission! - all the members were staring at Hidetoshi.

- Chihiro-san what happened? - asked Minato in a low tone just for her to hear

- S-someone found a cigarette butt in the boys' bathroom... - said Chihiro whispering - and-that teacher wants us to find out who did it...

- Well, someone broke the rules, and we should find out who it was. It's our responsibility right? - said Hidetoshi to everyone - Look, you have two choices. Either you help me prove that you can be trusted, or you refuse and increase the suspicion against you.

- Does that mean that you consider us suspicious? - asked Chihiro in a whisper

- Don't worry, I'm sure you're not a suspect. Considering your fear for the men - replied Minato

- Boy, we've got a lot of sh... to take care of, don't we, Minato? - asked Hidetoshi.

- Relax, you can say those words with confidence. But apparently Hidetoshi is counting on us, we should not let him down - said Orpheus.

- Now, if you'll excuse me - said Hidetoshi leaving the hall.

- H-hey! Don't ignore me! You're the teacher's pet! - said the member before running off after him

- Minato-san, it's not good for student council members to fight like this is it? - asked Chihiro with a slight tone of concern - I-I better go tell this to the president...! - Chihiro rushed out in a hurry

- My work here is done, I'd better get back to the dorms - said Minato retreating from the hall

Iwatodai Dormitory - First floor, living room, night.

- Welcome, apparently some equipment in the command room is malfunctioning - welcomed Mitsuru - Could you take a look at it? It shouldn't take long. I asked Iori and Akihiko and judging by their answers, I doubt they took me seriously.

- Why am I not surprised, Mitsuru-senpai of all the people you could ask because it had to be Junpei.

- It's not an order, it's just a favor. If you don't have anything to do, I would quite appreciate it- Mitsuru said to continue reading. Minato approached Junpei and Yukari who were sitting at the table.

- I have to assume you didn't do anything - said Minato to Junpei.

- Why would you think I can fix the command room? - asked Junpei - Computers aren't my thing. All I know how to fix is the TV. Just hit it and voila, it'll work again!

- Are you aware that, if we damage that equipment, we'll have to pay for it? - asked Minato - What about you? - he now asked observing Yukari.

- Huh? Me? No way! I don't know anything about that stuff! - he shouted in panic - I leave that stuff to the boffins why don't you do it?

- Just because I'm tired, I won't claim anything - said Minato heading to the third floor.

- Uuuh Trouble in paradise? - asked Junpei with a sly grin at Yukari.

- What do you mean, you'd better not start any rumors! - said Yukari

- Yeah yeah yeah why do you have to be so complicated - said Junpei.

Iwatodai Dormitory - Fourth Floor, Command Room

Minato was checking the console board - Looks like the surveillance camera turned itself on and recorded something - he said loudly - Wanna see what it's about?

- Yesssssss! - said his People at the same time. Minato pressed the button that started the playback.

Playback of May 5, 2009
Time: 01:23:02

It's the command room. Ikutsuki was alone, writing something - A shadow in the middle of the city, managed to take control of the public transportation system - he said to himself - Does this mean it has started? I should look into it.

- What has started? What are they hiding from us?

- Monorail... Listening to the "monorail in "monoaural" - said Ikutsuki with a chuckle - Oooh, I'll take note of that joke.

- Luck played an uncomfortably large part in the victory...Especially for him at the end, if he hadn't hit the right controls, things would have ended badly - said Ikutsuki - For the shadows to work as a group to invade heavy machinery, it's unprecedented...

- The engine...You could say it was a "motorized Shadow-ized" - said Ikutsuki with a chuckle - Hee hee hee! What's wrong with me today? I'm on fire! I should write that joke down too!

- Please Minato, make this recording stop, I've got a bad feeling about what's coming next - implored Orpheus.

- Maybe we should keep everything off...With everything being dark there would be no light, and without light, there would be no shadows getting rid of them would be a piece of cake! - he kept telling his nonsensical jokes - Whoa, I'm getting a little off topic but who cares!?

- Hee Hoo... I regret when we pressed this recording - said Jack Frost apologetically.

- Hey... I should write down all these jokes and show them to everyone the next time we all get together! - I exclaim happily - Do you like the food ma'am? Don't worry because they serve vegetables too, those grow on Earth. This has nothing to do with the report anymore But I'm having a great time! - Ikutsuki's urge to keep telling bad jokes doesn't seem to end, to Minato's luck this marked the end of the recording

Iwatodai Dormitory - Fourth floor, command room.

Minato was staring at the big screen through which he had watched the recording of Ikutsuki's bad jokes, he couldn't help but blink and thinking about what he had just watched - Orpheus don't you have a spell to make me remember this bad moment?

- No... Believe me I'd like to get killed again, it was a lousy idea to watch that recording - said Orpheus

- And he said he was going to use those bad jokes for his next meeting... Hee Hoo... - said Jack Frost

- We'll have to have some proper excuse for the next time he decides to come - said Minato

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Gekkoukan High School - Entrance, day.

- Good morning Did you hear the news? - asked Yukari when she saw Minato - There have been fewer cases of apathy syndrome in the past few days. The senpai said it was probably because we beat that shadow Wouldn't it be great if it were true?

- Someone seems to be in a good mood today, but yes. Our effort has been worth it - Minato replied.

- I think so too. It was dangerous, but I'm glad we did it - said Yukari - We shouldn't focus so much on that though, the exams are coming up soon. Let's hope nothing like that happens until the exams are over.

- We'll have to get good grades, considering who is in charge of the dorm - said Minato scratching his head

- Don't even mention it... - said Yukari in disgust - I bet Mitsuru-senpai's standards are so high that she won't give us anything unless we place in the top 10

Gekkoukan High School - Gym, kendo club, afternoon.

- Alright! One more time! I'll show you what I'm made of! - shouted Kazushi seemed to be glowing with enthusiasm, he was practicing with Minato, since their last match he considered him a rival and always wanted to surpass him in everything

- You have improved Kaz - said Minato to his rival - I look forward to our next match

- Just wait and see - said Kazushi more excited.

- Alright you two better stop, our practice is about to come to an end - said Yuko who has been watching their training since the beginning, actually she was just watching Minato

- Yeah, yeah whatever you say - said Kazushi disappointed - Hey Minato do you have anyone you admire in kendo? - he asked.

- Well, there are two people I've never been able to beat - admitted Minato - One of them is the person who taught me kendo and the other person was the one who got me into kendo in the first place.

- You can't defeat them!? Then they are monsters! - shouted Kaz surprised by Minato's statement.

- Their names are Hiroshi Koyama and Tatsuya Suou, actually those two people are real monsters in kendo - said Minato

- I wonder if they will be at Mamoru's level - said Yuko - Minato-kun, Kaz, come on have these towels I don't want the coach to make you do 10 laps as punishment - Both of them tried to approach Yuko to give them their towels, but for some strange reason Kazushi stayed behind Minato

- Kaz? - asked Minato confused, he doesn't know how it happened, but what he observed was to see Kazushi fall to the ground - Kaz! - Minato rushed over to his rival

Gekkoukan High School - Nursing

- Anemia? - asked one of the club members who was a year older than them - Come on we're counting on you to be the captain next year.

- The big competition is next year, but still don't try too hard - said another member - Minato Can you walk him home? - He nodded

- Sorry, senpai... - said Kazushi apologetically, now it was just him and Minato alone in the room, the latter was staring at him - What? I'm fine...

- You can fool them, but you can't fool me. During our meeting I noticed how you lost your balance, I didn't take much notice, but it makes me think that it has something to do with your leg or even worse with your knee

- Come on Minato, they're just exaggerating about my anemia... - said Kazushi

- Are you sure you are okay? - asked Minato

- Of course, it's just a coincidence, I'm not that bad... - said Kazushi apologetically - Arg! I can't do it anymore! I can't lie to you!

- Minato, I... I haven't been feeling very well from my knee... Since that first day you went we had the match, even if I put medicine, or massage it, the pain doesn't go away - said Kazushi

- You will recover? - asked Minato with a slight concern.

- Of course it will. But I can't stop allowing myself to train. So I have to train so with all this pain! - exclaimed Kazushi.

- I'm sure Hiroshi would love you with what you just said Kaz.

- Next year, there will be a national competition. There will be participants from all over Japan, the regional ones have no comparison to this one - said Kazushi - I have to win! I can't afford to miss my training! There are a lot of gossips in the team, if they found out, I'm sure they wouldn't let me be bothered by that

- Relax, Kaz. I'll take this secret with me until the day I die - said Minato cheering Kaz up.

- Long live friendship! Long live love! Hee Hoo! - said Jack Frost.

- If I go slow, I can make it home on my own - said Kazushi.

- I'm sure you can, but you're forgetting one little detail - said Minato confusing him - Your guardian angel Yuko-san

- Are you talking about me? - asked Yuko who had just entered the nurse's office - Kaz! Don't even think I'll let you go home alone! - she shouted angrily

- Well, I'll leave you with your guardian angel Kaz. See you next time - said Minato waving goodbye to him

- Minato-kun! How about going somewhere, next time? - asked Yuko with a slight pink tone on her cheeks, he nodded in response, leaving the sick room, but without closing the door.

- Hey Yuko do you like Minato? - asked Kazushi making her squeal a little in shock.

- What makes you think that? - asked Yuko a little embarrassed.

- You should see the look you get when you're around him - said Kazushi - But it looks like you have competition too - he said pointing towards the hallway. Yuko true to what Kazushi said watched as in the hallway was Minato conserving at ease with Yukari - Minato, don't think I'm going to lose!

- Kaz, with that attitude you won't get a girlfriend - said Yuko sighing.

Meanwhile with Minato and Yukari

- I'm about to go to a friend's house for some notes at the mall - said Yukari - Exams are just around the corner, so I'll have to pass on the tartarus for now...sorry

- That's fine, but why couldn't you tell me that in the dorm? - asked Minato

- It would be because of the fact that you never hang out there. You're always doing something - replied Yukari - Hey, make sure you study, okay? - he nodded - And one last thing, why is she watching us with murderous intentions? - he said pointing at Yuko who was watching the whole situation. Kazushi was waving them away for their own good - Is she your girlfriend? - asked Yukari

- No, no, no - Minato denied sweating at the situation.

Iwatodai Dormitory - First floor, living room, evening

- Minato, let's go to the Tartarus - suggested Junpei.

- You better go hit some books - said Minato - Yukari-san is in her room studying, she's our healer, and my healing skills aren't the best

- So Yuka-tan is studying in her room, she must be serious about studying for the exams - said Junpei - I guess she should study too... starting from tomorrow.

- Junpei, didn't you say that last night? - asked Akihiko - Anyway, Minato I've seen several refined meat dishes that you can prepare for me.

- Do you think I'm going to lose Senpai? - asked Minato.

- I'm betting on Arisato - declared Mitsuru - Akihiko, if you had read his file, you would know who is going to be the winner of this bet

- Do you want to bet with me too Mitsuru? - said Akihiko challenging her

- So that's the way things stand? If Arisato makes it to the top 1 of his class, you will share the same fate as Iori - said Mitsuru - Is it a deal?

- Take it for granted - said Akihiko with a smile.

- Arisato, my pride is at stake in this bet. So I suggest you start studying, starting from now - said Mitsuru with a smile which sent shivers down Minato's spine

- As expected from the bearer of Penthesilea... - said Orpheus - It looks like next days we won't have scans to Tartarus. Sorry Jack, you'll have to wait to debut your skills.

- No fair! Hee Hoo! - shouted Jack Frost.

Saturday, May 16, 2009
Gekkoukan High School - Entrance Hall

The rest of the days everyone in the dorm spent studying for exams, even Minato's other acquaintances, so he spent studying all the free time he had. After all the pride of the Kirijo group was in his hands.

- Hey Minato *uff* *uff* - Akihiko said trying to catch his breath, he seemed to have come running

- Are you late for class? - asked Minato.

- No... The doctor told me that I'm almost fully recovered, so... I couldn't wait to do some exercise - replied Akihiko - I'll be to fight after the exams, but, that means I have to start training from now on.

- Does that mean you'll be a leader again? - asked Minato

- Well...I was talking the other night that with Mitsuru, we haven't decided yet - said Akihiko - Your performance as a leader is excellent, anything we'll tell you - Minato nodded

- You know every time at night, when I go out to rest after studying a little. I always see Junpei - Akihiko said - Is it coincidence or is he a big slob?

- What do you think senpai? - asked Minato sarcastically.

- I think I'm starting to regret that bet with Mitsuru - said Akihiko sadly.

Sunday, May 17th, 2009
Iwatodai Dorm - Second floor, hallway

Minato had decided that he had studied enough, so he decided to go out for a while. It was never a good idea to kill studying the day before exams. When he was in the hallways he heard several shouts coming from Junpei's room - What the hell is up with this exercise! What language is it written in!?

- I'll pretend I didn't hear anything... And I'll slowly retreat from here.

- So are we the bad guys? - asked Orpheus

- If no one finds out, we're not.

Iwatodai Shopping District - Bookworms Used Book Store

It seemed that I was making it a habit to visit Bunkichi and Mitsuko on Sundays, upon entering I didn't expect to find a certain brunette

- Yukari-san? What are you doing here? - asked Minato when he saw that Yukari was in the book store.

- Hey Minato-kun, I was looking for some book that would explain to me in a better way how to use certain formulas - said Yukari - I hate to say it, but math is not my thing

- Minato-chan, is she a new friend? - asked Mitsuko who had come out from the counter

- Mitsuko-san, let me introduce her. This is Yukari Takeba, we live in the same dorm - said Minato - Yukari this is Mitsuko-san and the Bunkichi-san. They both own this store

- Nice to meet you - said Yukari bowing.

- Oh please, you don't need to be so polite to us - said Mitsuko-san

- Is she your girlfriend, Minato-chan? - asked Bunkichi-san happily

- No, Bunkichi-san, I've made it clear to her that I don't have a girlfriend - said Minato sighing

- Even outside of class she asks you that - laughs Yukari - They remind me of Hiroshi-san

- How strange...I'd swear I'd leave him here... - said Bunkichi, drawing everyone's attention - But, I can't find her...

- Looking for something? - asked Minato.

- How did you know I was looking for something? Are you psychic? - asked Bunkichi amazed at his abilities - I'm looking for my glasses...No, my glasses not-my wallet...I can't find it.

- I'll help you look for it - said Minato.

- Me too - offered Yukari.

- Wow you two, you can read minds! - said Bunkichi - I was thinking that it would be great if someone could give us a hand.

They spent several hours looking for Bunkichi's wallet - Where could it be? ... - asked Bunkichi - Wait... What are we looking for? - that question made everyone sweat

- Konnichiwa, hi! - said an unfamiliar voice that had entered the store - I found this on the floor outgide! Is it yours? - said the foreign looking boy handing the wallet to Bunkichi

- Wow, I've been looking all over for this! - exclaimed Bunkichi - Well, it's not a gold wallet, but I'm happy to have it back!

- Sumimasen, excuse me... - said the boy fixing his gaze on Minato - Aren't you the tgasferred student everyone is talking about? - he asked, Minato nodded - I go to the same school-Gekkoukan!

- Really? I haven't seen you around our school... - replied Minato

- I came from France to study. My name is André Laurent Jean Geraux - he introduced himself - But, they call me Baby!

- Okay... That's a name, complicated to name. Not like Ikutsuki - said Orpheus.

- Nice to meet you. Call me Minato - said Minato

- Nice to meet you too! Workg in the Home Economics Room all day - said Baby - If you're bored come on in to greetings ! Sayonnar, bye!

- Well...he seems to be an interesting young man - said Mitsuko.

- Hmm...I think I put it in my wallet, so I wouldn't lose it... - said Bunkichi checking his wallet - Here it is! I knew it was in here! - taking out a key

- ...Honey? That key is...? - said Mitsuko, there was terror in her eyes when she looked at that key

- Come on dear, you know what it is. It's the key to our son's car- replied Bunkichi - Seeing Minato-chan reminds me of how things were. I haven't heard that engine purr in quite a while how do I look with the key honey?

- Please don't! - shouted Mitsuko, worrying everyone - Why must you get into that car! Do you want me to become a widow!?

- What's wrong with the car? - asked Minato.

- Um, Minato-chan...I'm sorry I raised my voice Did I scare you? - asked Mitsuko worriedly, he denied

- No, you worry. Rather, I'm worried about you.

- Our son... Do you remember what we told you? The reason for his demise...On his way home from work, he had an accident...He was hit by a truck driven by a scumbag driver who was drunk...- explained Bunkichi

- I'm sorry to hear that - said Minato heavy.

- Minato-chan, please scold me...Hit me for being an insensitive fool - said Bunkichi - In the excitement of finding the key, I forgot how my wife might feel...- the guilt could be seen in his eyes

- Hey come on why should we let this make us sad- said Bunkichi - Since I found my wallet why don't we go out to eat dear? - proposed Bunkichi - Yukari-chan, Minato-chan, thank you for helping us look for my wallet" thanked Bunkichi, Minato and Yukari said goodbye to both of them and decided to go back to the dormitory together.

Iwatodai Dormitory - Entrance.

- At first glance they don't seem to have passed something like that - commented Yukari to break the tension.

- Just like us. Sometimes the people who show happiness to the outside, are the ones who have suffered the most - said Minato. At that Yukari remembered his words on the monorail -Are they that afraid of dying?

- Minato-kun can I ask you a question? - asked Yukari, he nodded - What do you think about death?

- It's a cruel reality and a truth that can't be escaped from - replied Minato - We can't run away from them, it will always be stalking us. If I had to represent death with something, it would be with the sound of the chains dragging, when you know it's near, you know it's with you death at that moment - that answer left Yukari a little puzzled.

Both of them when entering the bedroom heard a shout - Damn! I don't understand anything about this exercise! - they immediately recognized who the voice belonged to and just sighed before heading to their respective rooms.

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009
Location: Minato's Heart

Emptiness as he knew it was always like that. He looked around and never found anything, he wondered what was the reason for the call now, he remembered with much "fondness" how Thanatos had gone through him the last time, he kept trying to look for his People, but no trace of them

- Welcome - said a voice in the distance, the sound of footsteps growing louder and louder. He never expected to see himself, the only difference was that he had on the right side of his face, hanging a blue mask - Sorry, this meeting was supposed to have happened more than a month ago. But you know, the Magician stands for those things - he said with a smile.

- Who are you? - asked Minato in confusion

- What are you talking about? I'm you - replied his reflection - Maybe you are confused by our appearance, but call me a magician - he said showing the Tarot card of the Magician, but it was reversed

- Still side, it is my time to introduce myself - said another Minato appearing behind the so called Magician, but this one had another mask this one was a purple one with the Roman numeral II - Call me Priestess - as well as with magician, he showed the Tarot card of the Priestess in a reversed way

- So tell me Minato - began Magician - Do you feel out of touch with reality? confused? impatient? without any plan in your life? - asked Magician, these questions left him astonished.

- I don't know what you're talking about - replied Minato.

- Don't bother to lie - said Priestess - You should listen to your inner voice, you have lost your way in your life. You should see your shadow and not those of others.

- I don't know what you two are talking about - said Minato defensively, both the Magician and Priestess, began to laugh at his response

- Minato, do you hate God? - asked Priestess - Do you blame God for all your misfortunes? Do you blame him for all your pain? If you continue in that darkness, you will never reach your full potential - Minato began to tremble at her questions

- How do you know all that? - asked Minato.

- We know everything about you Minato - said Magician

- You can't hide anything from us - said Priestess - Do you know why?

- Open your eyes Minato! - shouted Magician. - We are your shadows! Your true self! - shouted Priestess, now both of them were pointing at him

- I am you. You are me - said both of them at the same time.

- You know Priestess, I think we confused him more - said Magician scratching his head.

- It seems we have no choice but to explain - said Priestess seriously - Minato, we are your shadows

- The shadows of the human being, represent those facets that they do not accept. We are their true selves that hide in their darkness. Although our case is a little bit special...You can consider us as your guardian angels - said Magician

- And if you want to get rid of us, you will have to fight - said Priestess - But it will have to be your own darkness.

- And this is where we come in with our actions - said Magician - I stand for something, while our partner Priestess another thing.

- You have nothing to worry about Minato, if you don't remember your sins. Here we are here to remind you of them - said Priestess

- You are very lucky. I can't imagine if you would have to fight with so many shadows of you - said Magician with a chuckle - And here we go with a reminder like the disorganized one you are When will you keep your promise with that girl from that Shrine? I don't want to imagine how that poor girl will be waiting for you, so lonely she looked that day.

- We've given you enough hints about what we are. Just remember our introductions and you will get your answer - said Priestess - Alright Magician, stop fooling around before you make me suffer with your stupidity - he declared.

- You're no fun at all Priestess - said Magician ducking her head - But you're right, he has to figure it all out - he said pointing to the heart guest

- Remember Minato. We are you, the real you, the pain you don't want the world to know. With your actions, you are drowning and there will come a day when you will lose everything if you keep this up - said Priestess - And when you are left alone who will you blame?

- Come on Priestess, it's not fair! - said Magician pouting - And here I thought we were going to send him back to reality and you're telling him all about the pain.

- That's none of your business Magician - said Priestess - Enough for today, let's let our guest, process everything - he said snapping her fingers, making his vision blur as he lost consciousness

Minato's room - Day

When he opened his eyes he was back in his room. He placed a hand on his face, remembering everything they both said to him.

- What the hell was that? - asked Orpheus.

- Did you get to see it? - asked Minato.

- Yes, we could see everything. But for some strange reason, we couldn't intervene, it was as if something was blocking our way, we tried everything... Hee Hoo... - said Jack Frost

- They also showed me Tarot cards, but they were reversed - said Minato

- They were presented somo your shadows - replied Orfeo

- Plus each one talked about a different topic. Magician talked about reality, disorganization and hidden emotions, while Priestess talked about misfortunes and pain - said Jack Frost

- Presentations... - said Minato, remembering Priestess's words, he opened his eyes like saucers, realizing that it meant - The cards they presented when they were presented...

- The reverse magician card suggests that you may be out of touch with reality, confused, impatient, without a plan and struggling to return to Earth, some also represent it as emotions and talents not demonstrated, reflect lack of confidence, indecisiveness, weakness in will and ineptitude - said Minato - The reverse Priestess card can mean that you are ignoring your inner voice and need to spend some time reflecting and meditating. It's as if you are rejecting your subconscious and your inner self, which are crying out for you to listen to it. Experiences have hardened or embittered that person, you probably don't see the bleakness in yourself, but project it onto others: you only see bitter and hardened people or you blame others, life, God, for their 'misfortune' and your pain.

Minato frowned at what he had just said, he knew he was right, however, he doesn't know if he was ready for that. His past haunted him every moment, and the sound of the chains always reminded him of his relationship with death, and with the constant fear of losing someone else in his life

- If it wasn't for that man...

- Orpheus, but why did they have those masks? - asked Jack Frost - I remember one was blue and one was purple, each with a different number.

- Haven't we seen those masks before? - said Orpheus.

- They are the masks that the shadows of the full moon used - replied Minato - Every time we defeat one of those, will I get another shadow? - asked Minato to his Persona, there was no answer, the only action he could do is to sigh and go change to start his new day

Gekkoukan High School - Entrance

Saturday had finally arrived, the day of the last exams, a day so acclaimed by most of the students. Throughout this week, it had been a horror to hear Junpei's constant complaining, he had to constantly remind himself about his bet to get him to cheer up somewhat.

- Hey Minato. Today is the last day of exams - said Akihiko, Minato felt a deja vu, this had happened the week before too - I should mention to you that, if the doctor gives me the OK, I can finally join you guys in the fight...finally.

- Minato, I have a favor to ask of you. You've done a great job leading the Tartarus team - said Akihiko - Instead of me would you mind continuing to do after I get back? That way, I can concentrate on increasing my strength - I asked.

- Damn, and me waiting for him to take the lead again... What do I do?

- SEES trust you Minato, you should have more confidence in your abilities - suggested Orpheus - Besides we are the only ones who know about the full moon.

- You're right, I've been thinking about how to tell them. If they knew, we could prepare in advance, looks like I have no choice

- Hee Hoo! Master's a good leader! - said Jack Frost.

- I don't mind - said Minato to Akihiko's delight.

- Well, I talked to Mitsuru, and he also said it was fine. Good luck- said Akihiko - By the way what did you start with in your training?

- I ran in the mornings and in the afternoons it was the normal training - replied Minato - What's with the question?

- I need you to be prepared, I have something in mind - said Akihiko, Minato had a bad feeling about what was coming.

Gekkoukan High School - Classroom 2-F, afternoon.

- Finally! The exams are over! - shouted Yukari - They were so hard! All I want to do is relax! - finally the week of exams was over, but Minato had other plans for them that day

- How does it feel to be free! That's what's important in exams! Not the little numbers they put on the corners of the exams- Junpei exclaimed.

- You should have listened to you on Sunday...

- Although, I bet I'll be depressed when I see my grades... - said Junpei

- You two, you'd better enjoy the afternoon - said Minato - Tonight, we're going to Tartarus.

- Music to my ears! - said Junpei happily - And you, what are you going to do?

- I'm going to keep a promise - said Minato, retreating from the living room

- Do you know what he means? - asked Yukari, Junpei just shrugged his shoulders.

Naganaki Shrine - Late

- You came! I was waiting for you! Let's play! - shouted Maiko in happiness when she saw Minato at the shrine

- I made a promise, didn't I? - said Minato with a slight smile. Seeing Maiko always reminded him of himself when he used to go out to play with his parents

They hung out playing various games, Minato even let Maiko braid his hair. She was very lucky, normally he wouldn't let someone do that to himself.

- You look cute like a princess! - said Maiko in happiness.

- HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. This memory will be engraved in my reticule until the day we die - said Orpheus.

- May I call you Minato-chan? - asked Maiko, he nodded - Minato-chan, why do you always carry that music player?

- They're a special gift - replied Minato - Besides don't they look cool?

- No, they're too old - said Maiko with complete honesty, hurting Minato's emotions - What do you want to play now? You decide okay? It's up to you!

- On the see-saw! Hee Hoo! - suggested Jack Frost.

- No, it'll hurt your butt later. Better to the horizontal bar - said Orpheus

- The monkey bar - said Minato

- Don't ignore us! - shouted both Personas when they heard their master's answer

- Oh! I'm going to climb to the top okay? - said Maiko - But I don't want to go home yet...I don't like it there.

- You mean your home? What makes you say that? - asked Minato

- Can we stay together a little longer? - asked Maiko sadly, Minato put his hand on her head ruffling her hair a little bit

- We'll play as many times as you want - said Minato, trying to cheer her up.

He began to hear a voice echoing inside his head, one he knew very well You will have our blessing when you claimed to create a Persona of the Hanging Arcanum

- My dad and mom fight a lot at home... - said Maiko - They're getting a divorce. I told them I want us to be happy, but they don't listen to me, they probably hate me too - she seemed to burst into tears at any moment

- Don't say that - said Minato now kneeling down to be at her level - Parents would never hate their children, I'm sure they love you.

- Are you telling me the truth? - asked Maiko, Minato nodded giving her a smile - We can play again, right? We are friends- Minato nodded once more - Then I'll be waiting for you... - wiping her tears, she said goodbye to Minato

- Any idea how to help her? - asked Minato to his Persona.

- No idea, I have no experience in such matters - said Orpheus - And asking Jack Frost won't help us in any way.

- I can help with many things, but I don't know anything about parents getting divorced...- said Minato scratching his head, sighing and defeated he also decided to go back to the dorm room

- Minato, the braids- said Orpheus.

- Thank you...

Iwatodai Dormitory - First floor, dormitory hall.

They all saw Akihiko enter returning from his medical checkup with a radiant face of happiness - Welcome Senpai - said Minato.

- Minato I've fully recovered! - said Akihiko, the enthusiasm he had was all too evidente

- Congratulations, senpai! - said Yukari.

- Congratulations, old man! - shouted Junpei.

- I need to catch up on my training. I've been inactive for a whole month! - said Akihiko

- Shouldn't you take it easy? You don't want to hurt your arm again - said Yukari.

- I've wasted too much valuable time, plus I want to see Minato's power up close - said Akihiko - Besides, we found another Persona user - this got everyone's attention.

- We did it! Great! - said Junpei - Is it a girl...? - he said with a wicked smile

- Actually I know, she's a third year student who goes to our school- said Akihiko - Fuuka Yamagishi... you know her - Junpei shrugged his shoulders, Minato denied

- Yamagishi? ...Oh, that girl from class 2-E - said Yukari - She gets sick a lot, from what I heard...She's not seen at school very often.

- She was at the hospital I was at. That's how I heard about her - said Akihiko.

- Is that why you asked for the student list? - asked Minato, Akihiko nodded.

- But, maybe she's not qualified for combat. And that she had an Evoker ready for her - said Akihiko

- What, are we going to give her a spot on the team already!? - shouted Junpei - I was going to offer her some private lessons...

- Yuck.../Yuck... - was the same thought of Minato and his Persona.

Everyone started to look at Junpei with disgust at his comment - W-why do they see me a-as? - asked Junpei, until he realized what they meant - Come on...I'm a boy What are you waiting for!? Minato, Akihiko Do you guys understand me?... don't you?

They both denied "I'm only interested in my training - said Akihiko.

- Oh come on, isn't there something else you don't think about? - asked Junpei, Akihiko ignored him.

- It's disappointing that Fuuka can't join us. But don't worry I'll be back, in no time - said Akihiko to Minato - or would you rather she join us?

- It's a pity, but you being back means that our expeditions could be easier - replied Minato.

- I like your honesty - said Akihiko with a chuckle - What about you Junpei what do you think? - before Junpei replied - You know what, better not

- Men... - said Yukari grimacing, this got to Minato's haters so he coughed so he realized he generalized - Not all of them - Minato gave her a thumbs up in approval

- Minato and Akihiko-senpai, they are strange men - Junpei said despondently.

Tartarus - Entrance

- I finally get to join you guys - Akihiko said excitedly, pumping his fists - But that doesn't mean you're going to slack off just because I'm on the team

- This is strange - said Mitsuru

- What's wrong Mitsuru? - asked Akihiko.

- Thanks to Penthesilea, I have detected that that barrier has disappeared. I suspect the others will eventually as well...- replied Mitsuru - There are many things we don't understand about the complexity of Tartarus yet.

- Great, saved us the excuse - said Orpheus.

- Did you have any excuse about that barricade?

- Orpheus and I spent all day thinking that one up Hee Hoo! - said Jack Frost - By magic.

- ... - Minato was sure that if he could mentally hit himself, he would have done it several times by now

- I told you Orpheus, it was the best possible excuse. Even the master was speechless - Jack Frost said.

- Please... Just shut up and let's avoid dying tonight.

Tartarus - Thebel Block, 17th Floor

- Finally, I can move the way I want to- said Akihiko enthusiastically - Though of course, I never missed a day of training.

- Mitsuru-senpai, does he know? - asked Minato

- Please don't tell him anything - said Akihiko - But I shouldn't be less capable of now, it's quite the opposite. You can count on me Minato

- Akihiko-san is back - said Junpei - Finally, a powerful opponent! I can't waste my time now!

- Excuse me? So we were never someone powerful? - said Orpheus feigning pain.

- Is he an idiot or what? - asked Jack Frost

- It's good to have Akihiko-senpai back - said Yukari - ...Not like that attention-seeking whore... - The three men in the group's mouths dropped open at her comment.

- Damn, this girl is dangerous - said Orpheus.

The three of them gathered in a circle far away from Yukari and started whispering to each other

- Do you think she's on her days? You know what I mean - said Junpei

- I don't know, but I don't want to find out - replied Akihiko

- Why are we talking about this in a place like this? - asked Minato - Come on, let's not waste time

- Shadow, on sight! - shouted Junpei running after her.

- It's never going to change is it? - said Yukari in disgust.

- Well you should also see who is going with Junpei - said Minato. Yukari confused by what he said, rolled her eyes as she saw Akihiko running behind him - Give me a break... - he started running after them followed by Yukari.

The group when they reached the shadow as it turned into a dead end. But it turned out not to be the only one, there were 4 shadows known as heat balances, their appearance was a cross with a combination of scales.

- Listen everyone, don't use fire or ice spells they are immune, their weaknesses are wind and electricity - informed Mitsuru to the team.

- Then it's my perfect opportunity! - said Akihiko, taking out his evoker and placing it on his temple - Come! Polydeuces! - said Akihiko summoning his Persona and knocking down all the shadows with a Mazio - I've been waiting for this! - said Akihiko, Minato gave the order for an all out attack thus finishing off all the shadows, as the battle ended, just like the previous times a card descended showing Minato a new Persona obtained You have accepted Omoikane into your heart.

- Very well Omoikane, welcome to the team, later I will inform you about the love affairs of our Master - said Orpheus - We needed new companions

- Damn! I'm sure Senpai could take out the monorail shadow all by himself - said Junpei amazed at the level he was at.

- Polydeuces, also known as Pollux. He is Castor's twin brother and both were known as the Discuri or Hero Twins.

- Polydeuces' father is Zeus, it is normal that his spells are electric - said Orpheus - It was said that he had an incomprehensible love for battles.

- Orpheus one question, if you are the Master's facet does that mean he will end up like you? - asked Jack Frost.

- No way, I never plan to end up like him!

- Minato, you will be as beautiful as I am, you should feel flattered. Accept your fate - said Orpheus - And if you are as beautiful as me, you would have a better chance with her, it was fate that wants them together, so many things have happened in such a short time. Just remember the time they met

- Yeah...pointing a gun at me. What a way to be greeted, sometimes I don't know if she hates me.

- Hate, it can be turned into love! Never forget that! - said Orpheus.

- Orpheus scares me when he deals with the topics of love - said Jack Frost - Alright, ¿now how do we converse with a brain that has multiple eyes? - referring to Omokaine.

- That's an excellent question - said Orpheus

- Look Orpheus - said Jack Frost - Omoikane began to communicate with us by moving his tentacles.

- This is going to be harder than I thought.- said Orpheus

Tartarus - Arqa Block, 25th Floor

When they took their first steps on this floor, Mitsuru warned them that there were three very powerful shadows in the center of this floor

- Finally, a powerful enemy! - said Akihiko excitedly.

- Akihiko, I must remind you that this is not a game - said Mitsuru - Arisato, I'll take you on

- Leave it to my Senpai - replied Minato

- My Persona is looking forward to a new battle! - said Junpei who was also excited.

- You too Junpei? - said Yukari in disgust.

The group headed to the center where the three shadows were. When they spotted them they got into a fighting stance, they were large weeping tables, unlike the ones they had faced the color of their tablecloth was red with black formed a diamond pattern with those named colors. Several objects floated on top of them, a sword, a wizard's staff, what appeared to be a plate and a chalice of fire. And not to mention their characteristic blue mask with the number I representing the arcane to which they belonged.

- The previous weeping tables, they didn't have that chalice of fire. Jack Frost, it's your turn!

- Hee hoo, it's time for my debut! - said Jack Frost.

Minato placed his evoker on his temple - Jack Frost! - pulling the trigger summoning his Persona, appearing in front of him - Bufu! - commanded Minato, Jack Frost obeying the order he was given cast his spell waving his hands as he floated. Hitting the shadow knocking it down.

- You have hit the enemy's weak point! - said Mitsuru to the group.

Minato cast a second Bufu, but managed to dodge it and countered with an Agilao, knocking Minato down

- This is going to be tough, they use fire attacks and their weakness is ice

Akihiko summoning Polydeuces performed a Sonic Strike knocking the shadow away.

- Minato are you okay? - asked Akihiko. Yukari summoning Io cast a Dia on Minato to heal any wounds.

- Yes, thank you - said Minato getting up. He summoned Orpheus and cast a Tarunda on the shadows to reduce their attack. Junpei threw a Rakukaja on Minato, since he was the only one who had a Persona with which they could deal with the shadows

- One more time!

- Jack Frost! - shouted Minato summoning the snowman once more. This time he only managed to take down two of the shadows, one of those approached Junpei performing an attack with the sword they possessed making him dizzy from the sudden attack

- Iori is confused, he won't be able to summon his Persona like that - said Mitsuru.

- Akihiko cover us from the shadows. Yukari, come with me, we will make Junpei recover - said Minato

- How do you plan to do it? - asked Yukari

- Jack Frost! - said Minato - Sorry Junpei Sonic Strike! - both Mitsuru and the others were shocked at what he was going to do. Jack Frost stands in front of Junpei, he started to swing his right arm for several turns without first shouting Hee Hoo to send him flying and crashing into the wall - Yukari, I'll take you on - said Minato to go with Akihiko to fight the shadows

- We'll have to hold on until Junpei recovers - said Minato - I'll try to freeze them, I need you to seize the moment to destroy their mask. If possible try to immobilize them with a Zio.

- Leave it to me - said Akihiko launched a Zio hitting one of the shadows, followed by Minato hitting him with a Bufu freezing him, Akihiko taking advantage of the situation launched a sonic fist destroying the mask of the first shadow and defeating it in the process. One of the shadows launched a Magari at Akihiko and Minato, both hit them, but this time the attack did not knock Minato down because he managed to equip Orpheus before the attack.

A stream of wind shot out from under that shadow, it turned out to be a Garu that Yukari had launched leaving the shadow bewildered. Her mask was destroyed as Hermes' blades pierced through making her grunt in pain - You can leave it to me! - shouted Junpei with a big smile who had recovered, despite the situation Minato felt a drop go down his face as he saw how he was missing a tooth

-I think I overdid it a little...

Without wasting any time Minato summoning Jack Frost once again launched two Bufus making the shadow fall - I've been waiting for this! - shouted Akihiko, Minato gave the signal to perform an all out attack, everyone began to run towards the shadows, as always happened a cloud of dust began to surround them and only the sound of the swords and blows that were produced in that exchange could be heard. As the dust cloud dissipated, it showed the expedition group emerged victorious.

- It was no big deal - said Akihiko. Minato was about to say something, when he felt someone grab his shoulders and made him turn around showing Junpei, Junpei started to shake him - What were you thinking, you wanted to kill me! - asked Junpei.

- Relax, it wasn't that big of a deal - said Yukari.

- It wasn't that big of a deal! he sent me flying into the wall! - said Junpei, suddenly he felt a breeze of air coming through his mouth, that wasn't supposed to happen, that's when he realized what he was missing - My teeth! My beautiful smile! - cried Junpei scared

- Here - said Akihiko, throwing something at Junpei which he managed to catch, showing the tooth that flew out when it was hit - With a little adhesive, it'll be fine - he said between laughs

- You know. you look better like that - said Yukari with a chuckle.

- It's not funny guys... - said Junpei depressed. The trio was laughing except for Minato who was in shock when he saw who was in the middle of the boys - You defeated a guardian, well done Minato - it was Magician smiling at him - Only you can see me, so don't worry about them

- Magician? What are you doing here?

- I've come to see you - replied Magician - It's interesting to see how you managed to defeat those guardians and I sense you know what I represent now

- The inverted magician, your description has to do with Tarot card readings.

- Correct! - said Magician with a big smile - I represent your contact of being out of touch with reality, the improper use of your abilities, and many more things - he kept saying with a chuckle

- And what happened to disorganized? In our first meeting you made that clear

- What are you talking about, you're already correcting that! - said Magician - But you know, I have a suggestion why don't you sing when you win a battle, that way you'll motivate the others more!

- No way Magician

- Oh what a pity, what a waste of your talent, And that your facet is the great Orpheus - said Magician between pouts - Minato, your big problem. Is that you don't trust in yourself, in your abilities. This way you will never reach the true potential that lies within you

- I don't care.

- Maybe you don't care, but if I told you that the use of your potential, depends on the life of your friends - said Magician, there was no response from him

- I thought so - he said with a big smile - Just as it happened to The Fool, you have to go back with the lesson learned: get rid of the current situation, take perspective and reevaluate. Ask yourself: Are my goals clear, where am I focusing my energy, what skills do I need? Only in this way will you be able to take the big step to your redemption. Your inner power is infinite. As a child of the Father, the Creator, you have power. You are one with him and with all creation. If you use that power well, the universe will yield to your desires. Everything will flow in your favor and the best for you will begin to happen from that moment on.

- Mark my words Arisato, I will see you again - said Magician waving his hand in farewell with a smile. It was rare for Minato to see himself reflected in Magician with that smile he teaches at every moment, at the place where Magician was now Minato just watched the trio who were still talking to each other

- Are you okay? You look pale - said Yukari as she observed him, many thoughts were going through Minato at that moment, but he decided to ignore them, it wasn't the time for that

- I'm fine, I'm just walking around thinking about Junpei's tooth - replied Minato provoking more laughter from Yukari and Akihiko

- It's not funny at all... - kept saying Junpei.

- Ready to go? The Dark Hour, it's about to end - said Akihiko, Minato nodded, thus retiring from the Tartarus that night.

Monday, May 25, 2006
Gekkoukan High School - Entrance

- The big day of truth has come, today is the exam results release day - said Orpheus.

- Junpei better make good on his bet.

- If he doesn't make good on it, you can call me to take care of it with my sonic punch Hee Hoo! - said Jack Frost

- I think we'll just use that in case they really require it... We almost killed the poor thing yesterday

- Look who's coming after you! It's your beloved! - shouted Orpheus. Minato looked back to meet Yukari, he didn't understand why they always have to meet in this exact spot most of the time even though they were in the same classroom

- Good morning. Punctual as always Minato-kun - said Yukari - Junpei looked as if his world was going to end.

- What happened, don't tell me it was because of what happened yesterday? - asked Minato.

- Of course not - said Yukari with a chuckle - The exam results are going to be released today, so...He said he was going to beg for a higher grade, like that's going to work.

- Oh right do you remember that girl Akihiko-senpai was talking about? - asked Yukari

- Fuuka Yamigishi? - asked Minato, Yukari nodded.

- I heard it's a bit faint...but it seems to be just a rumor. I wonder what he's really like - said Yukari - Either way having another Persona user wouldn't be a bad thing

- As long as it's not a male user who wants to conquer you, we'll be okay - said Orpheus.

- Oh my beloved! - they heard a shout coming from behind them, they both stood like statues as they recognized whose the owner of that voice was

- Seriously why do I have to go through all this?

They both turned around, to meet Hirai's beaming smile. Although for Minato and Yukari that smile was somewhat disturbing - I'm glad I woke you up early, only to find you on this beautiful day - said Hirai

- Good morning Kanaye - said Yukari - My day was ruined from the moment I heard your voice.

- My beloved Yukari, with those insults it makes me love you more - said Hirai shuddering at her words

- Is he some kind of verbal masochist?

- But despite the love I feel for you... Why are you with him? - asked Hirai exaggerating his tone of voice and pointing at Minato

- What do I have to do with all this? - asked Minato.

- Of course, what do you have to do with everything! - shouted Hirai - You stood in my way! She was already so close to being mine!

- Yeah, right. Three years of rejections... Really, how do you put up with it? - asked Minato to Yukari.

- You get used to it eventually, it's like dealing with Junpei - said Yukari - But I'd rather deal a thousand times more with Junpei than with him.

- But that ends today! Today will be the day you'll be my girlfriend - said Hirai excitedly - There's nothing more elegant and attractive than being the first in the class

- I doubt it very much, I think the first of the class will be Minato-kun - replied Yukari impressed by his answer, she never thought she would say something like that

- Arisato... How many times do you plan to get in my way? - asked Hirai annoyed, he seemed to want to start a fight, but Minato had no intentions of this, but Yukari came up with a better idea

- So how about this? Whoever comes first in the class, will have a date with me - suggested Yukari, surprising both boys

- What the hell, did she just say that? - said Orpheus surprised by her proposal - Minato, it's our chance! You can't waste it!

- I accept - replied Hirai, he said excitedly - I can't wait to see your defeat Arisato - said Hirai happily, withdrawing without blowing a kiss to Yukari.

- Males... - said Yukari with a grimace.

- Yukari-san what were you thinking? - asked Minato in confusion

- Relax, it won't happen - replied Yukari - I trust you, I know you'll be the first of the class - this left him a little puzzled

- You don't understand...My life is on the line - said Minato, remembering that the pride of the Kirijo group was on his shoulders

Gekkoukan High School - Lunchtime, hallway

- Hey, they already posted the grades! - a student had shouted to the whole class, most of the students could be seen panicking, Minato could swear that his life would depend on those grades, though his too...

When he stepped out into the hallway, he ran into Hirai, he guessed he was waiting for him to see his "defeat". - It's finally time Arisato - said Hirai - I can't wait to have my long awaited date.

They both heard a shout that alerted them - How is it possible! - it was a voice he knew very well, it came from Junpei, worried he hurried what had happened, he found them together with the other members of SEES

- What happened? - asked Minato

- How come you're at the top of the class! - shouted Junpei - You always fall asleep in class! - true to what he had said, Minato looked at the results, seeing how he had been placed at the top of the class with a perfect grade. Now all eyes were on him.

- I feel like everyone is watching us now -said Jack Frost.

- Correction They're watching us with respect! - said Orpheus.

- I can't believe it...Then I have to pay for the dinners too - said Akihiko with a downward glance

- Congratulations Minato-kun! - said Yukari - I can't believe you got a perfect grade!

- Arisato, as always you exceed my expectations - said Mitsuru - I guess I should go thinking about what dinner I'll order. And I'm glad the pride of the Kirijo group is still standing! - he said with a chuckle

- This wasn't supposed to happen - said Junpei defeated on the floor, everyone sweated at his behavior

- I'm not going to lose to you Minato - said Kazushi

- I think I told you Kaz, that's not how your rivalry works - said Yuko

- I didn't know Minato was so good, he doesn't look so studious - said Kenji

- Congratulations Minato, I'm impressed with your achievements - said Hidetoshi.

- You're amazing Minato-san! - said Chihiro - I should ask you for help for my next exams.

- This can't be happening! - shouted Hirai interrupting the group conversation they were having - So where do I rank!? - he observed that he ranked last, even Junpei was ranked one place higher than him. Now he was lying on the floor

- I thought nothing could cheer me up...until I saw that I beat Hirai - said Junpei.

- What should we do with him? - asked Chihiro, looking at Hirai.

- To hell with him, he's not worth it - replied Yuko, waving her hand in a sign of not sympathizing with him - Now I'd like to see, the results of the couple's polls - drawing everyone's attention. Minato's eyes rolled as he saw that he was leading the top two spots

- How, when, why?

- Wow, even Minato leads these polls - said Akihiko - I must admit I'm a little jealous, he always led those.

- He leads the first place as Mitsuru-san's partner - said Junpei - And the second place with Yuka-tan" Both women looked at each other then looked at Minato, he felt like the looks of most of the guys would murder him in an instant

- Minato, you fill me with so much pride. I have taught you so well - Orpheus said feigning a voice that seemed to break from crying

- You're not helping me at all!

- Then Minato who do you prefer? - asked Akihiko

- Senpai! What kind of question is that!?

- Actually, I'd like to know - said Yukari, shocking everyone by her comment - Tell me Minato-kun Which of the two do you prefer?

- Actually this intrigues me, I would like to know your opinion Arisato - said Mitsuru

- Orpheus if you are at this time. I will need your advice now

- Well...It seems that our death will be a dignified one after all - said Orpheus. Through various persuasions Minato managed to get out of this alive.

Naganaki Shrine - Afternoon

- Minato-chan! What are we going to play today? - said Maiko happily as she watched him arrive at the shrine.

- Give me a moment - said Minato as he sat down on the shrine's benches.

- Minato-chan are you all right? - asked Maiko.

- A lot of things happened... - said Minato ducking his head, remembering the situation that happened not long ago, a sound caught his attention to realize that it came from Maiko's stomach

- I'm hungry... Can we go to Crazy Duck Burgers? - asked Maiko, Minato nodded - Yay! I can't wait! I wonder what toy they're giving out with lunch today... - now Minato's stomach started to rumble, remembering that he hadn't had lunch, as much as Maiko and Minato started laughing before heading to the shopping district.

Iwatodai shopping district - Carzy Duck Burgers

The hours seemed to fly by as she enjoyed her meal with Maiko.

- This is so tasty! I love going out to eat! - said Maiko contentedly - Because my dad and mom never argue when we go out to eat... They never argued! You have to believe me...

- But... Why are they getting divorced? - asked Maiko

- Ideas?

- They're out of love - said Orpheus.

- It's probably his fault - said Jack Frost

- Maybe you should ask him - replied Minato, it was clear that he wouldn't use his Persona's suggestions

- I already asked them and they told me it was an adult matter - said Maiko about to cry - I don't want them to divorce!... Do they really hate me that much?

- Divorce is silly! I hate it! - said Maiko crying, all the people's gazes were on her - If you're going to watch, at least help her you idiots!

- Maiko-chan like I told you your parents couldn't hate you - said Minato trying to calm her down

- I'm sorry...I know it must be embarrassing to be crying like a little girl like me crying. I'll try not to do it again - said Maiko doing her best to smile - Umm...I guess I should go. Thank you for being with me today - said Maiko to withdraw

- She's a very strong girl

- Would you have liked to be like that? - asked someone who was sitting in Maiko's seat

- What do you want Priestess? - asked Minato

- Seeing how you deal with your darkness - replied Priestess - Don't worry, no one else can see me. Only you. Just like what happened with magician, I guess you know what I represent now - Minato nodded -Perfect, I'll save myself the time of explaining.

- Then you're wasting your time - Minato replied as he sipped his drink.

- Tell me Does that girl remind you of your time in that adoptive home? - asked Priestess - We only had one friend back then, even though he was older than us

- And it was because we were both considered witches because we were orphans - said Minato

- Don't let the past control you, and don't look to the future: just live in the moment...He always told us that when we didn't know what to do - said Priestess - What was his name?

- Sakaki Takaya, we called ourselves Strega because of its meaning in Italian and because the owner at that time loved to drink that liquor - replied Minato - I wonder what happened to his life?

- After all they were separated when Masashi adopted you - said Priestess

- Don't repeat that name again... - said Minato with a frown.

- Remember what I stand for Minato, so much experience have made your life bitter - said Priestess - You have a long way to go, if you want to get rid of us. You should trust everyone more. Do you trust SEES? - There was no answer from Minato.

- Chaos is taking over and you are faced with impossible decisions - said Priestess - In addition to representing the darkness within you I also represent the hidden intentions and information that only give on its surface.

- What do you mean? - asked Minato

- My presence is not only because of you, it also has to do with SEES - said Priestess - You do well to be suspicious, you demand to know the truth and prevent others from hiding things from you. That way you keep the team together, yet do they trust you?

- They hardly know where we come from, through our assumptions we have learned what each one deals with - said Priestess - But to them, we or to be more specific you, are the biggest mystery in the dorm. Mark my words Minato, the time will come when you will put everything on the line and only trust between you will save you - was the last thing she said before she said goodbye

- My own darkness eh?

Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Gekkoukan High School - Entrance

- Minato...Please have pity on my pocket - said Junpei in a depressed state, even even Minato himself felt sorry for him - Man, I'm a laughing stock...

- After they published the results I heard two cute girls talking - said Junpei - They were saying that I was an airhead...

- But you should remember that Hirai was the last one - said Minato

- Heh heh heh! You're right about that! - said Junpei changing his mood so suddenly - Well I won't let that get to me! Anyway, we might have another girl on our team!

- You just thinking about girls - said Minato.

- She's my reason for living - said Junpei with a smile.

Iwatodai shopping district - Hamburgers, Crazy Duck.

Minato had bumped into Yuko in the halls after school, she had invited him for lunch and he kindly accepted

- I'm mentally tired... - said Yuko.

- Is something wrong? - asked Minato worriedly.

- Well, nothing serious. Maybe I just overreacted a little bit - said Yuko somewhat cheerful - Now, seriously, I've been a little depressed lately...

- Depressed? What happened to you?

- Professor Ekoda called me to the teacher's lounge. He wanted to know why I left a blank test - said Yuko - He asked me if I was motivated to which I answered no.

- What sincerity - said Minato

- And then he goes and starts making a rant on me! He even started talking about how my skirt was too short! - said Yuko angrily. Minato gave a little side-eye arching her eyebrows

- I know someone in a pink sweater with a shorter skirt...

- Who cares about Classical Literature!? Besides I haven't done anything wrong! - kept complaining Yuko - Right Minato-kun!?

- Normally in these situations I would answer that I wouldn't care...

- Yeah, you're right - said Minato

- Master is a hypocrite - said Jack Frost.

- Indeed - said Yuko contentedly - Don't we realize that we're teenagers? It's time to enjoy our youth!

- Well...we spend our time killing shadows and risking our lives everyday Does that count as enjoying our youth? - asked Orpheus

- Who cares about the history of dead guys!? - said Yuko.

- Hey! That offended me! Minato, I forbid you to have anything with her and besides you have Yukari - said Orpheus.

- Maybe I should choose Science. Then I wouldn't have to go to Classical Literature - said Yuko - Wait a minute, then I'd have to go to Physics.

- From now on, answer something on the exams to save me from the nagging - said Yuko - That would kill my reputation as an "intellectual"

-Yeah, I agree - said Minato

- It-it was a joke You had to go along with me! - said Yuko embarrassed - I didn't mean to trick you...! You shouldn't believe...everything people tell you.

- I just got lost in this conversation - said Jack Frost.

- Don't worry, so did I

- Professor Ekoda has asked me for a three page essay about my performance in a subject - said Yuko with a sad look - Three pages? Really! And what does he think I'm going to say!?

- But if I want to graduate I have no choice. It's either that or repeat your subject - said Yuko - I can't wait to celebrate graduation with everyone, especially with the team...and with you Minato-kun Or am I going too fast? - this last part she said with a slight blush

- Yes honey, too fast. He already has someone special in the deepest and darkest part of his heart - said Orpheus

- I have to go, after all I have to do that essay - said Yuko sighing defeated - See you Minato-kun

Iwatodai dormitory - First floor, living room, evening

- Where have you been? - was Minato greeted with that question from Akihiko - Hey, let's go to Tartarus. I need to get the hang of things again, I can't leave all the fun to you guys.

- Akihiko, did you order our dinners? - asked Mitsuru.

- Yes, yes. I hope I can afford to buy new training equipment - replied Akihiko.

- Arg! What am I doing, damn it! - Minato heard Junpei's shouting coming from his room.

- Did something happen? - asked Minato.

- Since he came back, he's like this - replied Yukari.

- I'll go and see what's going on - said Minato

Iwatodai Dormitory - Second floor, hallway

- Junpei are you okay? - asked Minato knocking on her door. The door opened revealing a totally dejected Junpei.

- Oh it's you - said Junpei - I'm sorry, I don't feel like going to Tartarus today.

- Idiot, I came to see how you were - replied Minato - May I come in? - he asked, Junpei nodded opening the door wide for him to pass. Minato only had one word in particular to describe what his eyes found themselves observing - Dirty - with those words he described Junpei's room, magazines scattered all over the floor, a giant poster of a sexy girl in a bathing suit and he sensed it would have adult content under his bed, but he didn't want to ask

- Yeah...Things are starting to pile up - Junpei said - I'll start cleaning up...starting tomorrow.

- I thought the grading thing wouldn't put you off - said Minato - Didn't you say that today at the entrance?

- Heh heh heh...did you notice? - said Junpei embarrassed - The truth is, I'm worried about my future, not being someone special.

- What are you talking about? - asked Minato -You are Junpei Iori, a member of SEES and every night you risk your life to save people, of course you are important, you are a hero, but even though people don't know that, we are aware of that.

- Minato... - said Junpei at the words of his friends.

- If you need help with studying, I'm here to help you - said Minato

- What am I saying?

- You're the best man! You can always be counted on! - said Junpei with a big smile, proceeding to hug him, Minato stood like a statue before such affection presented to him by his ¿friend? "

- What do I do? ...

- I feel better! We should go see, if the dinner Akihiko ordered has arrived yet - said Junpei running towards the second floor.

Iwatodai Dormitory - First floor, living room

Minato who was running down the stairs to go to the first living room was confused. Did he consider Junpei as his friend? Did he consider SEES as his friends?

- There you are! - said Yukari when she saw him - Come quickly, before dinner gets cold! Since you weren't here, I took it upon myself to order you your dinner!- said Yukari with a smile

- C'mon Mitsuru 20,000 yen just for your meal - said Akihiko with his mouth open seeing the amount of money he had to spend

- Any problem? - said Mitsuru - We risk our lives every day, so I can indulge in these treats- he said with a sarcastic smile

- I'm never betting against Minato again - said Akihiko embarrassed about the amount of money he has to waste

- I'll never get tired of ramen! - shouted Junpei with tears of happiness. While all were dining happily, conveying all time of emotions only one thought was going through Minato's head as he watched them

- I... Can I trust them?