Welp, it happens in this chapter. Hope you enjoy.
Spisant : Why thanks alot, glad you like the story so far. Battle scenes are kinda our thing to write :D Sure, stay tune for more.
Meia42 : Minato is taking the first steps towards becoming a better person. Just look at how he pets Koro-chan this time. Jk, thanks alot!
Cipher : Correct, due to Hamuko, plus he lost the 4th fragment of Death, so that does changes a bit. Thanks Cipher.
The team, ever since knowing about the mysterious shadows that appear during the full moon, anxiously waited for the next one to arrive. Nothing much happened during the time, other than the fact that the mid-terms were getting closer. Minato still had his ruthless and cold attitude towards all, except for Hamuko.
For the first time in ten years, Minato began to feel some sort of warmth blossoming inside him whenever he thought of her. It certainly always caught him off guard whenever he did, the strange feelings welling up inside him whenever he did. It was unsettling and almost eerily alien to him.
Minato walked back to the dorm since Akihiko had notified him about the chairman coming that night. Apparently he had something important to tell them.
"Hey, you're back!" Yukari greeted Minato just as he entered her line of sight.
"Oh, hello Minato-kun," Fuuka greeted as she continued petted the head of a certain dog. It was a small white furred beast with red eyes was happily wagging his tail while Fuuka petted him; a Shiba Inu.
"Who's this dog?" Minato asked, gazing impassively at the dog.
"Oh his name is Koromaru, he lives by the shrine," Fuuka answered as she gave him a final pat on the head. "Koro-chan, go say hi," Fuuka commanded and Korochan barked happily.
However Minato hated dogs… Like almost everything else. "No, don't," Minato said, trying to stop the puppy, but it didn't listen and came towards Minato, nuzzling his nose against his leg. Minato felt absolutely sick to his stomach.
"Tch, I warned you," Minato spat, kicking Koromaru right in gut, sending the pet a good distance away from him. Fuuka and Yukari gasped as Minato stormed into the dorm and growled, "Stupid dog."
Once inside, Minato went to his room and waited for the ditzy chairman to arrive.
'We've got no choice but to beat them' was really all that came out from the meeting, along with some obligatory snarky remarks from Minato and some glaring from Yukari.
Minato sighed. Waiting for something to just happen was a real pain. But he managed to pull through it. Apathy syndrome reports rose again, indicating that a Shadow was about to strike. Finally, on the day of the full moon, it happened.
"Just as we expected," Ikutsuki said, rubbing his goatee.
"I've located it. It's inside a building on Shirakawa Boulevard," Fuuka announced.
"Oh, they've been finding The Lost in pairs lately, now I understand why," Ikutsuki noted.
Fuuka dismissed Lucia and asked, "Why? What's on Shirakawa Boulevard? I'm not familiar with that area."
Junpei gave a perverted grin, now was the time. But, Minato soon barged into his explanation, saving quite a bit of time.
"It's a goddamned love hotel," he spat, "Want me to explain something else too?"
Fuuka blushed at that and quickly said, "O-Oh, I see." With that, she turned her head away.
"Let's move on and get this crap over with." Minato commanded and Mitsuru nodded.
"Indeed. You'll decide on the team," Mitsuru said. Minato chose Junpei and Hamuko, Yukari was adamant on going and Minato picked her too, not in a mood for her complaining.
Minato and the rest walked towards the destination. The girls were obviously trying to avoid eye contact with the males. Junpei was in his own perverted world and Akihiko was sulking about not being chosen for the team. Minato however, was as stoic as usual.
That is until he glanced at Hamuko, his face burning deep red. "Damn Shadow. Of all the fucking places," He cursed, popping on his headphones to block the whispers that surrounded him. People were probably thinking why the hell a couple of teenagers were going to a love hotel.
Upon arriving at the love hotel, the Dark Hour hit the world and Mitsuru began to issue orders.
"Alright, don't get distracted about your surroundings," she advised. "Concentrate on your mission. Now go, and good luck." Minato actually nodded at her, since he did claim that he respected her.
"Alright, you good for nothing wusses," Minato spat. He looked over to Hamuko who was pouting. "U-Uh, except you, of course," he stammered as a shade of pink dusted his cheeks.
"Ehm, move on," he stuttered as he quickly turned heel.
Minato and his 'team' moved into the hotel. Yukari was muttering something like, 'don't get distracted' the whole while.
Junpei was excited since he cleaved a Shadow in half by one slash. "It's all me baby!" he yelled, nearly glaring at Minato who merely killed one with a simple punch.
Hamuko was walking side by side with Minato and obviously, Minato couldn't keep a cool head with her around.
"I… like her?" Minato gulped, trying his best to cover up the blush.
"Don't get any wrong idea, you pervert," Hamuko snapped as she caught Minato staring at her.
"Um, sorry," Minato said as he fumbled with his words. "I wasn't thinking anything of the kind, I swear," Minato swore, his heart shrieking painfully as Hamuko glared at him. What would he do if she labelled him as a creep and never talked to him again?
"Tee-hee, I was just kidding," Hamuko smiled before she petted him on the head and walked ahead.
"Man…" Minato sighed before walking ahead, still embarrassed by that ordeal.
"I detect a large shadow on the third floor. Please hurry," Fuuka said to everyone. The team bolted up the stairs, killing off the smaller Shadows with ease. It was mostly Minato and Junpei since the latter was almost trying to match up with Minato somehow.
Minato kicked the door open and cursed, "Fuck man, does it get any stupid and disgusting than this!?" The Shadow this time seemed to be a pot-bellied emperor sitting on a chair, a statue of sort behind him, while two wooden guards at each of his side. This was the Hierophant.
"I'll drill a hole in this thing," Junpei swore, running towards the shadow. But, the one wooden guard of the side flew towards Junpei, hitting him right on the face and sending the rash Persona user flying back before he smashed against the wall.
"These things attack too," Minato snarled. He cussed, dodging another one of the things before he drilled his sword right into the back of it, ripping the wooden figure to pieces.
"Tch!" Junpei grunted as he stood and charged at the second one, but he had to stop himself as scorching flames engulfed the guard, exploding it into bits.
"Too slow," Minato sneered at Junpei.
"Shut up!" Junpei yelled at Minato.
Minato smiled sickly in return, "Are you sure that you want to lose a few more teeth and bones You punk bitch?"
"Minato! Watch out!" Hamuko cried. Minato, still having the same smirk, dodged an incoming bolt of lightning. Junpei however was not lucky. The attack hit him head on, dropping the capped teenager to his knees.
"You'll always suck," Minato taunted Junpei before clutching his Evoker to his temple. "Come forth, Samael!" There was a gigantic roar and the next second, the Shadow disappeared into mist, the winged serpent tearing a hole right through its belly.
Minato berated the Arcana Hierophant, "Not even worth my time." With that, the Shadow finally disappeared.
"Fantastic job. I no longer sense the presence," Fuuka announced. "Mitsuru-senpai says to come back now."
"That was really easy," Hamuko noted.
"Hmph," Junpei said nothing but glared at Minato who didn't even notice it.
"Yup," Yukari said cheerfully, walking over to the door. "Glad we can go out from this place," she smiled slightly. She twisted the door knob, but nothing happened.
Yukari tried again, this time with force but the door didn't budge.
"What's going on?" Hamuko asked.
"The door's not opening!" Yukari cried, trying again.
"Pfft, wuss," Minato mocked as he walked over to the door. "Seriously, don't you even have enough strength to open the door?" he smirked as he tried his luck but like before, nothing happened.
"Fucking door," Minato cursed, ramming his shoulder right onto it, but like before, it had no effect.
"Blast!" Minato cursed as he was about to summon Samael and tear it to pieces but just then, Fuuka interrupted him.
"Minato-kun!" she intervened.
"What!?" Minato spat.
"T-There's still another presence… Right in the room," she announced shakily, causing Hamuko and Yukari to gasp.
"Great. Find the goddamned Shadow," Minato ordered, looking around. "I'll tear that asshole to pieces," he swore. Everyone looked around, under the bed, in the bath, but there was no Shadow to be found.
"Huh?" Yukari said as she stood in front of the mirror. "Is it just me or does something seem strange about the mirror?" she asked unsurely. Everyone walked over to her.
Minato could not even see his own reflection, and moments later, he blacked out.
"Ngh…" Minato groaned as he stared at the ceiling. Where was he? Sitting up on the water bed, Minato clutched his head, a vicious headache creeping in.
"Where am I?" Minato asked himself, trying to remember. "We were fighting a shadow and then…."
"Agh," Minato hissed as he rubbed his temples, trying to ease the building pain in his head. "Fucking migraine," he cursed.
"I am the voice of your inner self," An almost hauntingly robotic voice spoke in Minato's head, making him fume.
"Voice?" he said through gritted teeth.
"Pleasure is what yo—" His own voice couldn't even complete that sentence as Minato lashed out.
"Who the fuck are you son?" Minato shouted, "Nobody commands me, you sunnova bitch."
Minato slapped himself on the head and said, "I'll seriously blow my brain out if I ever listen to your pathetic voice again!" With a final slap, Minato's disorganized thoughts slowly became clearer.
"Hmph, that'll teach ya!" Minato smirked as he stood up. He looked around the room, finding a pile of clothing was on the ground. It resembled a Gekkoukan uniform, among other things.
"What the?" Minato tried to get his thoughts in order but something happened. The shower that was running all the while stopped. A figure glanced at Minato through the glass and smiled seductively.
Minato didn't know what was going on. One of the thoughts going in his head was that Hamuko was in the shower and his heart skipped a beat at that thought.
The door to the bath slightly opened. Minato's jaw dropped to the ground as someone stepped out, clad in nothing but a pink towel, it was indeed Hamuko. The redhead had her hair down all the way to her shoulders, a seductive smile that Minato had never seen before. Sure, she gave a perverted smile sometimes, but this was totally different.
Minato dropped back to the bed, as his legs gave way. His face was deep red as he stared at possibly the only girl he liked, clad in only a towel.
He tried to say something but the words got lost in his mouth.
Hamuko just kept smiling, a lustful look in her eyes. Minato knew it; she was under the control of the Shadow which tried to corrupt him moments earlier.
"Minato-kun," Hamuko sang as she walked over to him in a sort of daze, her gaze still eyeing him all the while.
"Hamuko! T-This isn't f-funny, dammit," Minato stammered, feeling his heart pound impossibly fast as he stared wide-eyed at her. He shouldn't, but he couldn't hold it. Her beauty suddenly multiplied in her eyes.
"I know you always loved me," Hamuko said, setting each of her knees at Minato's side. She hugged him close and by now Minato had nearly passed out. "You make me feel real special. My heart beats only for you," she slurred into his ear, making the Fool shiver as his once muddled mind registered the words, one by one.
She grabbed a hold of Minato's chin and began to lean in.
Minato desperately tried to break free from Hamuko's hold, but for him it was impossible. His shaky control was starting to slip from his very fingers. Warning bells were already starting to go off in his mind, and yet, despite all that, he couldn't seem to help himself from the situation whatever he did. She was getting closer, and soon enough…
Hamuko's lips smashed right into Minato's, and as he tried to struggle, he could feel the last of his inhibitions starting to fade away, and he could feel himself starting to melt into the moment.
"What the hell!?" Even though Minato's head was in heaven, he still heard the shrill voice along with a few gasps. Hamuko seemed to catch it too. She opened her eyes, probably snapping out of daze.
Minato nearly wanted to scream out. They totally ruined the moment. Hamuko looked from the corner of her eye. She was clad in a pink towel, her knees of Minato's side, and her mouth locked with his.
"What the heck are you doing!?" Yukari shouted, blushing furiously while a tad bit jealous. Junpei didn't know whether to be happy at seeing Hamuko in a towel or be pissed that she was kissing Minato of all people.
Hamuko gasped and pulled back, her face blushing a bright shade of red. She stared at her clothing on the ground, grabbed it and ran into the shower while Minato was left to regain control of his thoughts.
"Minato, I was only kidding when you said that you both should get a room," Junpei managed to say with a still shaky voice.
"Tch, watch your mouth Stupei. It was the Shadow." Yukari snapped, "Minato may be a jerk but he's no pervert like you."
"Hey! How come he goes off that easy when I get a slap to my face and a stomp?" Junpei said with an indignant tone.
Minato ignored the two quarrelling and returned his focus back to Hamuko. They kissed, while he enjoyed it, his heart was going to burst. That damn Shadow controlled it. Hamuko wasn't probably going to look at him anymore.
"What have I done?" Minato mumbled, nearly sobbing. Without thinking, Minato bolted into the bathroom, ignoring the two.
Just as Minato entered the bathroom, he came face to face with Hamuko. Minato blushed and looked away, as a few buttons of her blouse were still undone.
"I'm sorry," Minato choked out. "I really didn't mean it. It was the Shadow. I never wanted to hurt you, I swear!" he nearly pleaded, but was stopped as Hamuko placed a finger on his lips.
"Hush," she whispered. Minato braced himself for a verbal lash out. But, the very opposite happened.
"I didn't mind that… At all," she grinned at Minato who was utterly dumbstruck by the situation. Hamuko winked at Minato before she walked out, leaving Minato standing alone in the baths.
"L-Love?" Minato repeated the thought in his head, "Is this… love?"
Hoshiro: Yo. ...Come on, think of something to say you dolt! Anyways, I believe this chapter was pretty much awesome? So much happened, ne? Well, look forward to the next chapter guys! Hope you like it! Plz box us yo thoughts, we'd appreciate it!
Imma see ya guys later.
Raidou: Just a little. …Okay, maybe not so little. Yup, I am too.
Yoshikunitsu: Geez, what have I done to the fandom indeed? But yeah, it happened this time. And yeah, but we can only see, right? Yup, stay tuned! I sure will.
Gin: Yeah, thank Nights for that idea. It was really funny on his part. Haha, this one time, but he lashed out one someone worse this time… That scene with Koromaru was not pleasant to edit. Haha, well you're pretty close with one, but you'll just have to see! (because I'm cruel like that) Hope you liked this chapter!
kagaminerin: In the name of the son, the Holy Spirit indeed. I feel like I did something kinda wrong with that statement, oh well. Just have to deal with it later then.
Nights: Now, the real epicness starts from this point forward. A lot of things will be happening, no more filler anymore, some good, some bad and some utterly horrible. Stay tuned.