Chapter 4

„Full Moon Mission"

Persona 5 OST - Aria Of The Soul

Despite sleeping, Ren found himself in a sitting position. He slowly opened his eyes in surprise. He was no longer in his bed but instead in his Velvet Room. Igor was sitting before him with his usual smile, and Lavenza was standing next to him.

„Welcome to the Velvet Room. Don't be alarmed. You are fast asleep in the real world…" -Igor said calmly."Ah! I see You've acquired two new Social Links."

„What? What's a social link?" -Ren asked confused.

„Basically, it's the bonds you make through your journey." -Lavenza explained.

„Indeed! Making Social Links is an important part of one's journey." -Igor added with a chuckle."Remember to nurture your relationships, and they will make you stronger!"

„I don't get it." -Ren said while scratching the back of his head. He yawned, making Lanveza smile.

„As it was said before, you don't have to worry about it." -Lavenza said with a chuckle."Everything will be clear in due time. We apologize for taking your time to rest. We wish you a good night's sleep."

[Iwatodai Dormitory – August 5th – early morning]

Persona 3 OST - Joy

Yukari let out a sigh. Ever since she stopped going to Tartarus had too much time on her hand. Normally she would do a few things before taking a rest to prepare for Tartarus. To make it worse, everyone was on summer vacation. So, no school whatsoever. Yukari was already done with her homework. At least tomorrow they will go and hunt for one of twelve Shadows. Normally, she wouldn't worry too much about it. But this time she was. After all, Ren was going to join them. It was enough that he was training in Tartarus, but going against a powerful Shadow is another thing. Why was everyone okay with this? It was already messed up to involve teenagers in cleaning the mess that the Kirijo group made, but recruiting a little kid? She couldn't get a read on Ren. Yukari understood his reasons, but the fact that he wasn't scared at all to risk his life was worrying her the most.

Feeling tired and hungry from overthinking, Yukari decided to head down to lounge and eat something. While leaving her room, she smelled something in the air. It smelled quite delicious. Was Shinjiro cooking for Koromaru again. With a giggle, she decided to go and tease him a little. That would definitely improve her mood. To her surprise, almost everyone was in the lounge. Everyone beside Shinjiro and Koromaru. What was also surprising was the fact the entire table was filled with food. Though it was only a traditional Japanese meal, like fish, rice, miso soup, etc., was still impressively laid out. She blinked when she saw Ren in an apron, standing next to the table.

He was fiddling with his apron, while his eyes cast down with a blush on his face.

„Mornin', Yuka-tan!" -Junpei greeted."Check it out! Ren here prepared breakfast for us!"

„Yeah, I was surprised as well." -Akihiko said with a small smile.' It's easy to guess that Shinji taught him how to cook..'

He was fiddling with his apron, while his eyes cast down with a blush on his face.

„Mornin', Yuka-tan!" -Junpei greeted."Check it out! Ren here prepared breakfast for us!"

„Yeah, I was surprised as well." -Akihiko said with a small smile.' It's easy to guess that Shinji taught him how to cook..'

'So cute… He's adorable!' -Mitsuru, Fuuka, and Yukari thought at the same time.

I can see that You've put a lot of effort in making this… C'est Magnifique!" -Mitsuru praised, making Ren's lips smile uncontrollably.

Come on, you guys! Let's dig in!" -Junpei said, and everyone sat down. Junpei was surprised by how tasty the meal was."Not bad, Ren! I didn't take you for a cook!"

True, this is delicious." -Fuuka agreed with a smile.

'Dammit… Now I feel bad.' -Yukari thought as she was eating.' He said that We are supporting him, but out of everyone, I'm the one who doesn't.' -She glanced at Ren. He glanced at her as well and hid his face behind his apron.' Ugh! I feel horrible! Since he's joining us tomorrow anyway, I'll stay close to him and keep him safe. That's the least I can do now…'

Suddenly, they heard doors being open. Then they heard barking and saw Koromaru dashing toward the table. Shinjiro walked to them calmly and glanced at the table.

„Not bad, Ren." -Shinjiro commented, a tiny smile on his face. There was one empty seat designated for him. Once he sat down, he used his chopsticks to pick and take a bite of grilled fish."I see you did pay attention. Good job…"

„Oh! So you're the one who taught Ren-kun how to cook!" -Yukari said teasingly. Shinjiro snorted and took another bite of his meal."By the way, are you not eating with us, Ren-kun?"

„I already did." -Ren replied with a smile."I'll go and clean the kitchen in the meantime." -With that, Ren left them.

„He's a really nice kid." -Minato said, startling everyone. They kinda hated when he was speaking out of nowhere."This is pretty good…"

„Yeah, You're right." -Yukari agreed as she looked down at her meal.

„Is everything alright, Takeba?" -Mitsuru asked, and Yukari glanced at her.

„Oh, it's nothing." -She assured."Anyway, tomorrow's full moon…"

„What… about… it…?" -Junpei asked with his mouth full.

„Jeez, did nobody teach you proper manners?" -Yukari sighed tiredly."After We're done tomorrow, they will only be eight shadows remaining."

„I still believe you should consider finding another way to seal the breach." -Morgana advised."I'm not sure if getting rid of the Shadows gonna fix your problem."

„I'm glad that you brought up that subject." -Mitsuru said with a smile."I've been digging around any information about Cognitive Research I could find it. Luckily for us, there is a scientist who's willing to come here and help us out."

„Woah! Way to go, Senpai!" -Junpei praised with a huge grin.

„When can We expect that scientist?" -Akihiko asked.

„In next few days." -She replied while brushing the strand of her hair."There will be additional company as the scientist won't be coming alone. Just keep an eye on the quests."

„I'm sorry, but I have a question." -Fuuka raised her hand. Mitsuru responded with a nod."It's great that a scientist will come to assist us, but won't Dark Hour cause any issues? Won't the scientist hide in the coffin?"

„I'm glad that you've asked that question." -Mitsuru said while reaching for something in her pocket. After a moment, she pulled out a silver ring with a glowing blue gem. Everyone looked at her with confusion."This ring gives its bearer unstable form of pseudopotential and allows anyone to experience Dark Hour."

„That's a new one. When did Kirijo Group make this?" -Shinjiro asked surprised.

„It's been in development for the past ten years." -Mitsuru explained."It's a working prototype, but it's still safe to use. Pretty much everyone in Kirijo Group is equipped with it."

„Since the Chairman can't use a Persona, does that mean he has it as well?" -Fuuka asked.

„No, there are people who, while having the potential, are unable to use Persona." -Mitsuru explained, and Fuuka nodded."Regardless, We all need to be ready for tomorrow. Make sure that you're fully rested-" -She paused and looked at her plate."Ah, We better finish our meal. After all, Ren-kun put a lot of effort into making this." -Everyone agreed with a nod.

[Iwatodai Dormitory – August 6th – Dark Hour]

Persona 3 OST - Troubled

As Fuuka pulled the trigger on her evoker, her Persona manifested around her. Everyone waited for her to locate one of the twelve shadows. After few moments of intense focus, Fuuka opened her eyes and look at everyone.

„Any luck Yamagishi?" -Mitsuru asked with her arms crossed.

„Yes, I've located it… and this time, it's not jus tan ordinary one." -Fuuka informed.

„Now, that's more like it." -Akihiko said with a smirk.

„There he goes again…" -Shinjiro said with a sigh.

„It's by the deserted houses in the northern part of Iwatodai." -Fuuka added."But, there is something strange about it… It seems like it's underground… almost ten meters…"

„It must be some kind of basement, right?" -Morgana pondered.

„According to my records, there is no structure in the area that matches those criteria." -Aigis informed."However, in the past, there was an underground facility that was used by the military."

„The military… Is that true?" -Yukari asked surprised.

„Well, Aigis does possess architectural and geographic data in her memory bank, but it hasn't been updated in a decade." -Ikutski replied with a shrug.

„That is correct." -Aigis agreed.

„So, how should We interpret this?" -Akihiko asked.

„Well, there's no way of knowing unless We go there." -Shinjiro said while crossing his arms.

„It seems war's scars may be deeper than We think…" -Mitsuru said in a somewhat poetic tone."The situation is still unclear at this time. Therefore, we will wait until we arrive to determine who should be deployed." -Everyone nodded."Then, let's go."

Before they all departed for the mission, Yukari pulled Ren to the side for a moment.

„Um, is everything okay, Yukari-san?" -Ren asked, cocking his head to the side.

„Oh, it's nothing to worry about." -Yukari said with a kind smile."You probably know that We'll be dealing with a powerful shadow, so I wanted to offer you something."

„What that would be?" -Ren was confused. What did Yukari want from him?

„How about We stick together?" -She asked, still smiling."You know, like watching each other's back. That way, there is no way nothing bad will happen to neither of us, right?"

„I guess…" -Ren nodded."Okay, then."

„Great." -Yukari nodded.' I'll make sure nothing bad happens to him.'

„Yo! Yuka-tan, Ren, We have to go!" -Junpei called them.

„We're coming!" -Yukari said, and they both left with the rest of the team.

[Later, Bunker]

After some time, they finally reached the bunker. Ren was surprised as to how eerie and empty the place was. It was also cold as if it was winter. Noticing that Ren felt uneasy, Yukari put her hand on his shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. But that smile quickly faded as they heard a voice.

„Well done…!" -A voice said from behind. Everyone turned to see two suspicious men."This is the first time We've met in person. Aside from Aragaki-san, of course."

Persona 3 OST - Crisis

The man who spoke had has long gray wavy hair and strange yellow eyes. He was wearing a wire-like headband, faded and torn light blue jeans with a red, ragged scarf tucked in the back pocket, a studded white belt, and brown boots. He had full tattoo sleeves on both arms as well. He was also sickly emaciated.

„Not you two again…" -Shinjiro snorted."What the hell do you want, Takaya?"

„Don't speak to him like that!" -the other man snapped.

The other man had short dark blue hair with the right side being slicked back and dark blue eyes. He was shorter than Takaya. He was wearing a green jacket with black straps with two detached sleeves, and navy blue pants with a black pocket and black shoes. He was also wearing orange-tinted glasses

with black frames. For some reason, he was holding onto a silver briefcase, while simunteniosly jogling a ball in his other hand.

„Easy there, Jin." -Takaya said calmly."No need to get mad over small things."

„Who are these guys?! Lucia didn't sense a thing until now!" -Fuuka exclaimed in shock. It's like these guys appeared out of thin air.

„Ah, where are our manners! My name is Takaya. This is Jin." -Takaya introduced himself with a smirk."We are known to some as Strega."

„Wait, those are the guys that supplied you with the suppressors, right?" –Akihiko asked, and Shinjiro nodded. Everyone was confused as to what that meant. But they knew that it was anything good.

„I'm quite saddened, Aragaki-san." -Takaya said, mocking him."You're our favorite customer, you know? Don't you have issues with your Persona?"

„Not anymore, asshole. Beat it!" -Shinjiro snarled at Takaya.

„Tsk, what a shame." -Takaya said, shrugging his shoulder."From what I've been able to gather, you're on some righteous mission to save the world. But, We've come to put an end to that dream." -He looked at everyone, and was his eyes laid on Morgana. His surprise was only momentary though."You've gained new allies, yet this land still crawls with sin. Tartarus is towering as beautifully as always…"

„But, why the hell would you want to stop us?!" -Junpei demanded.

„Simple…If the Shadows and Dark Hour disappear, then so will our power." -Jin explained with a bored tone."… And We can't let that happen, now can we?"

„Don't tell me that they're Persona-users as well?!" -Yukari said in shock.

„Why don't you use that pretty little head of yours for a change?" -Takaya snorted."Only a select few wield the power of a Persona… And the Dark Hour is a frontier that is ours alone to explore… Just like the Tower of Demise…"

„What is he talking about?" -Morgana said out loud.' Tower of Demise? What's that?'

„THAT's your reason?!... Are you insane?!" -Yukari snapped."There's no telling what will happen if We don't do something with the Shadows!"

„She's right! Shadows are hurting Innocent people! Why don't you have a problem with that?!" -Ren snapped at them as well.

„Silence, child. The adults are speaking." -Takaya said in an annoyed tone."Besides, what difference does it make? There will always be disasters, be it by Shadows or human's folly. No one can predict the future, anyway. But, that's beside the point… Surely, you will acknowledge the significance the Dark Hour has given you."

„You think I like this?!" -Yukari was getting more and more mad by a second.

„That's enough, Yukari." -Shinjiro said seriously."They're insane. No point in arguing with them."

„Takaya-san, this is a waste of time." -Jin said with a tired sigh."Let's leave them to their demise."

„Very well… It's a shame We can't see eye to eye." -Takaya said sadly. With that, they both turned away and started walking toward the exit.

„Where do you think you're going?!" -Mitsuru yelled. She knew that these guys were too dangerous to be left alone.

Jin smirked and kicked something next to him. As soon as he did that, the doors began to close. Shinjiro wanted to rush and stop the doors, but it was too late.

„Dammit! Not like this!" -Shinjiro took out his evoker and pointed it at his head."Come, Persona!"

Shinjiro gritted his teeth as his Persona appeared behind him. With one swift motion, Castor knocked the doors down. Without saying a word, Shinjiro charged after Tayaka and Jin.

„Shinji! Wait!" -Akihiko yelled, but Shinjiro wasn't stopping.

„Akihiko! Go after him! There is no way of knowing if he ends up fighting them." -Mitsuru said, and with a nod, Akihiko followed Shinjiro."At least the exit is secured…"

„Wait… Will We be alright without Akihiko-senpai and Shinjiro-Senpai?" -Yukari asked with worry.

Without these two, there was a big chance that Ren would have fought in the front lines. She hoped that Mitsuru would assign him to protect Fuuka or something. Somebody usually has to stay with Fuuka whenever they go to Tartarus.

„We will be alright." -Aigis said with a nod."We should focus our energy on finding and destroying the Shadow."

„Aigis is right." -Mitsuru agreed."We need to stay focused on the task at hand."

„The Shadows moving!" -Fuuka informed."I think it's noticed us!"

„Very well. Let us prepare for battle." -Mitsuru nodded, and looked at Minato."Arisato, pick three-member who will go with you on the front. The rest will remain on the back and act as support."

„Roger that…" -Minato said with a nod. With Mitsuru, Junpei, and Aigis chosen, Ren, Morgana, Yukari, and Koromaru were meant to act as support.

„Wait, shouldn't one of us stay behind with Fuuka?" -Yukari asked, glancing at Fuuka. She was giving her subtle signs when pointing with her eyes at Ren. Fuuka caught the signs.

„Well, I do sense that someone is near the bunker. I don't recognize who that is, though." -Fuuka was surprised how easy it was for her to lie like that. She didn't like lying, but she knew Yukari didn't want Ren to fight the Shadow.

„I see… Very well, is there anyone who's volunteering to stay with Yamagishi?" -Mitsuru asked, but nobody said anything."I see… Ren-kun, would you mind staying?"

„Huh? You want me to stay behind?" -Ren was surprised. He thought that he was ready. Akihiko, Shinjiro, and Morgana were saying that he's ready.

„You sure, Mitsuru?" -Morgana asked."Ren's is pretty good! Surely, he can help us in the fight."

„I don't doubt it. But somebody still has to stay and make sure nothing bad happens to Yagamishi." -Mitsuru said seriously." Don't worry, Ren-kun. Next time, you'll fight alongside us."

„Alright…" -Ren tried not to sound disappointed.

„Hey, don't worry! We'll take you with us to Tartarus after a small break." -Junpei said with a big grin.

Without any more words, the team left to look for the Shadow. While Fuuka was focusing on providing her navigating skills, Ren decided to sit down and wait for anything to happen. His first mission and instead of proving himself, he sits on the sidelines.

„Well… this sucks." -Ren muttered to himself. Not knowing what to do, Ren decided to fiddle with his evoker."Maybe at least I can how to spin it cooly and all… Eh, who I am kidding?"

„Oh no!" -Fuuka suddenly yelled. Ren quickly rushed to her side."Everyone is having a difficult time with the Shadow!"

„What's happening?!" -Ren asked with worry.' I knew I should have to go with them!'

„The Shadow has taken over the tank and is using it as armor!" -Fuuka explained."Not only that but it can also be split into two. It's made of two entities."

„I have to go and help them!" -Ren immediately rushed toward the team.

„Ren-kun, wait!" -Fuuka wanted to stop him, but it was too late."Ah… Yukari is going to kill me."

Ren didn't care about Fuuka's warnings. His new friends were in trouble, so naturally, he was going to save them. At last, he reached the end and gasped. Everyone was on the ground, trying to get up and fight back. Then, he saw the Shadow. Or rather Shadows that their group wanted to destroy. A Shadow, who was flying in the air, was heading toward Yukari.

As that was happening, Ren felt his consciousness being pulled away from his body. After a moment of blinding light, he found himself in his Velvet Room. He looked between Igor and Lavenza who were looking at him calmly.

„What? Why am I here?!" -Ren got up from his chair. He was looking around for an exit.

„Please, calm down." -Lavenza said gently."There is no need to panic."

„In a real-world, not a second has passed." -Igor said with his usual smile.

„Then, why did you summon me?" -Ren asked, this more calmly. As soon as he said that, he saw two cards floating from above where Lavenza was standing. Opening her oversized book, the two cards disappeared into the book."What's with the cards?"

„These are bonds you've forged thus far." -Lavenza explained with a small smile.

„Bonds that can give you tremendous power!" -Igor added."As a Wild Card, you've unlimited potential!"

„Indeed. A normal person can only have one Persona." -Lavenza explained."But, a Wild Card is capable of holding multiple Personas. You have that power, and now, you can use it."

„Will it help me safe my friends?" -Ren asked, and Lavenza nodded."Alright. I want to go back, please."

„As you wish…" -Igor said and snapped his fingers.

Ren consciousness returned to his body, and he knew what to do now.

Yukari groaned as she tried to lift her own body. They severely underestimated the Shadows. Even Minato, with his multiple Personas, was barely standing on his feet. Despite their numbers, they still needed more. She wished that Akihiko and Shinjiro didn't chase after Takaya and Jin.

Her head was spinning and her vision was blurry. She had no idea what was really happening anymore. Shakingly looking up, she saw that something was coming at her. She wanted to summon her Persona, but she had no idea where her evoker was right now. She was so scared, more than ever before.

Yukari was blinded by a bright light. the atmosphere around her changed. From a foul smell of an old bunker to icy cold. Shakingly opening her eyes, she was finally able to see what was before. In a surprise, she saw one of Minato's Personas; Jack Frost. Jack Frost created a protective ice wall around Yukari.

Hee hoo!" -Jack Frost said in his usual happy-go-lucky tone.

Smiling, Yukari turned toward the last place she saw Minato in. She wanted to thank him, but to her surprise, Minato was staring at her and Jack Frost in shock. So was everybody else. Not understanding, he glanced at Minato and Jack Frost. It finally clicked. Minato didn't use his evoker at all. So, who did summon Jack Frost?

„Yukari-san, are you alright?" -Ren's voice sounded through the room. Everyone turned and gasped when they saw him with an evoker pointed at his head. His left eye seemed to glow red in the dark."Is everyone okay?"

„Incredible!" -Morgana said in awe.' He has the same power as that Minato guy?!'

„You gotta be kidding me…" -Junpei muttered to himself."Him too?!"

„Now it's not the time! Everybody, back in theformation!" -Mitsuru ordered and gasped. The Arcana Justice changed its target from Yukari to Mitsuru.

„Persona! Valkyrie!" -Minato exclaimed as he pulled the trigger of his evoker.

Valkyrie appeared before Mitsuru and blocked the attack with her swords. The Tank, which was taken by Chariot Arcana, charged at Minato. Luckily, Hermes, Cerberus, and Zorro pushed the Tank to the side.

Woof! Arf!

„Don't you dare forget about us?!" -Junpei exclaimed.

„That's right! We're still here!" -Morgana added with a smirk.

„Persona Change! Anzu!" -Ren exclaimed, and Jack Frost transformed into a different Persona.

With a wild roar, Anzu charged toward Justice Arcana and grab it with its claws. With a quick spin, Anzu threw the Justice Arcana at the Chariot Arcana and both crashed into a wall.

Using the time they managed to gain, the team went back into their formation.

„I'm glad that you're okay." -Ren said with a small smile.

„Good to have you here! You've saved our bacon, Ren!" -Junpei said with a grin.

„Ren, you're supposed to stay with Fuuka." -Yukari wanted to scold Ren, but because he just saved, she was unable to be mad at him."But I'm glad that you're here…"

[…I'm sorry, Yukari…]

„Let leave the chat for later." -Mitsuru said seriously. She noticed that the Shadows go tup."We still have the Shadows to deal with!"

„We need to take them both down at the same time!" -Morgana informed."When We took down one, the other healed it! We need to time our attacks."

„Easier said than done!" -Junpei snorted, causing Yukari to sigh in annoyance.

„Arisato, Ren-kun… You need to finish it together." -Mitsuru said, surprising Ren."We'll try to get them together and weaken them enough for you two to end this. Can you do it?"

Minato and Ren both glanced at each other. As their eyes met, they knew what to do. Nodding, they both prepared their evokers. Suddenly, they heard the Shadows moving. They were almost ready to fight again.

Persona 5 Ost – Last Surprise

„Let's do this… Ren." -Minato said seriously, pointing his evoker to his head.

„Yeah…" -Ren agreed and followed the suit. Everyone, beside Morgana pointed their evoker to their heads as well."Let's go!"

As soon as he said that, the Shadows charged at them. Junpei and Koromaru went after Justice Arcana, while everyone else focused on the Chariot Arcana. Aigis wanted the enemy to focus on her, so she used Orgia mode to speed up her movements.

Koromaru was using his firebase attacks, but the Justice Arcana was avoiding them with ease. That was the plan. With a smirk, Junpei's Persona quickly followed the Arcana from behind. Hermes grabbed the Shadow and threw it toward Chariot Arcana.

„Now, Yukari, Morgana!" -Mitsuru exclaimed.

Summoning their Personas, Morgana and Yukari used their wind base attacks to lift the Chariot Arcana. As soon as Justice Arcana slammed into the Chariot Arcana, Mitsuru summoned Penthesilea and encased the two in ice.

It was Minato's and Ren's turn. Pulling the triggers on their evokers, the two summoned their main Personas; Arsene and Orpheus. Flying up, they both stopped just above the encased enemies. Orpheus took his lyre and screeched, and Arsene chuckled. Then, they both charged downward. While Arsene aimed with his blade heel, Orpheus prepared with his swing his lyre. Upon impact, the ice shattered into millions of pieces. The fight was over. The Shadows were finally destroyed.

„Heh… That wasn't half-bad, you know." -Junpei said with his usual grin.

„Speaking for youself… I'm dead tired." -Yukari said with a tired sigh.

„Mission; complete." -Aigis said with a nod.

„Yagamishi, can you hear us?" -Mitsuru asked.

[…Loud and clear, Senpai. Congratulation on destroying the Shadows…]

„Wouldn't have done it without Ren-kun's help." -Mitsuru said with a small smile. Ren blushed a little at the comment."Anyway, have you heard from Akihiko and Shinjiro?"

[…Yes, they returned. Unfortunately, they were unable to catch these strange guys…]

„I see… There is nothing We do about it." -Misturu sighed."Anyway, We're coming back. See you soon." -With that, the communication channel was cut off.

„Man, I still don't believe it… You have the same power as Minato." -Junpei said with a surprised face.

„Yeah, I didn't expect that all." -Morgana agreed with a nod.' I knew he was special…'

„True, did you knew about that power from the beginning?" -Mitsuru asked, her voice filled with curiosity. It was already an enigma as to how Minato was able to use so many Personas.

„No… not really." -Ren admitted, but his tone seemed unsure.

„Can We… talk later?" -Minato asked Ren. He wanted to know something.' If he has the same power, does that he met Igor?'

„Sure thing… Senpai." -Ren said with a small smile.

„Oh, he called you Senpai." -Yukari teased, but Minato didn't react.

„I don't care." -Minato shrugged, causing everyone, besides Ren and Morgana, to sigh."Anyway, let's go home. I want to go to bed."

„I feel you." -Junpei agreed."I'm gonna sleep like a rock after something like that."

„Indeed. Let's head back, then." -Mitsuru said with a nod and a small smile.

As everyone turned toward the exit, Ren was stopped by Yukari.

„Is everything okay, Yukari-san? You're not hurt are you?" -Ren asked with worry.

„Thank you for the concern, but I'm alright." -Yukari said with a giggle."Anyway, I wanted to talk with you for a moment."

„Oh… Okay." -Ren nodded.

„I want to apologize." -Yukari said sadly. Ren cocked his head to the side."While I said that We're going to watch each other back, I really meant that you should stay behind..." -She paused, casting her eyes down."You said yesterday that We all support you. But, I didn't really support you at all. I didn't want you to be part of the team, because you're a kid. It is enough that We risk our own lives. If something were to happen to you… Let's just say that I wouldn't want that on my consciousness." -She looked at him with a wry smile."But, you just proved me wrong. You even have the same power as Arisato-kun. Not only that, you've saved me. While I still don't feel good about you fighting with Shadows… I won't try to stop you. Instead, I'll do my best to support you no matter what." -She looked away."I hope you don't hold anything back against me…"

„Why would I?" -Ren asked, surprising Yukari."You're just worried about me. You wanted to protect me, that's all. It means that You're a kindhearted person, Yukari-san. Thank you!" -The way that Ren smiled at her melted Yukari's heart.

'He's so innocent and kind…' -She thought with a smile. Then, she surprised him with a sudden hug."Thank you too, Ren-kun. Let's both do our best from now on, okay?" -He nodded and smiled. She surprised him again, but this time around, Yukari kissed him on the cheek. Ren blushed and was unable to look Yukari in the eye."Hehe, surprised? Well, tonight you're my knight in shining armor. I think you've earned more than just a simple thank you."

„You're welcome…I guess…" -Ren said shyly, making Yukari smile from ear to ear.

' He's so adorable!' -Yukari squealed in her head."Come on, let's go before everyone starts looking for us." -She said and grabbed his hand.

„I'm not a little kid…" -He muttered, making Yukari giggle.

„Then, why are you still holding my hand?" -Yukari teased, causing Ren to look away."Come on, it's just for a little." -With that, the two went to the exit together.

"Thou art I... And I am thou...

Thou hast established a new bond...

Thou shalt be blessed when creating

Personas of the Lovers Arcana..."

End of Chapter.