Persona 5 Royal- Our Light
Tuesday, July 5th, 2016
It was quite early the following day and the coffee maker was in overdrive as Aigis pour the last of the mugs with joe and onto the tray. Everyone was surprised at the call of an emergency meeting by the sound of Mitsuru's voice. Excluding Mitsuru, Akihiko, their family, and Fuuka who were already here on business, and Yukari who was also in Tokyo for a scene shooting, everyone else flocked from Tatsumi Port Island to Tokyo.
Ken and a retired Koromaru sat next to each other. Living a quasi normal life has always been the sticker for the two for the last four years since the P-1 Grand Prix. It made sense since Ken was by far the youngest member of the Shadow Operatives and was in his final year at Gekkoukan High. As for Koromaru at age 12, he was well advanced for his age that Mitsuru and the others agreed to let him retire from field work. Now he lives in Ken at the dorms. Despite his age, he's never it slow him down and still displays how resilient he can be. (Fun Fact: The life expectancy of a shiba inu breed is 12-15 years. While Persona 3 doesn't establish how old Koromaru was at the time, I decided him at age 12 on my own accord.)
Aigis and her sister unit Labrys had always remain together. While working on assignments for the Shadow Operatives, they share almost identical interests that strangers could argue that they could be twins. Both sisters always seem curious about learning more about the world around them and for the past four years explored that realm whenever they can. But all that change when around 2014 when this Shadow Nest in Tokyo popped up.
As for Junpei, out of everyone he's lead the most straight forward and quiet life out of everyone. He help nursed his long time partner Chidori Yoshino back to health and both had married before the events of the P-1 Grand Prix. While his Chidorita continues her art career, Junpei took a PE teaching post at Gekkoukan Middle school and continues to coach a Little League team. While it wasn't the lifelong dream of playing for the Nippon Professional Baseball League, he's never been happier in his life. Especially now that Chidori is a month pregnant with their first child.
"Thank you all for coming. I wouldn't have call this meeting if it wasn't an emergency." Mitsuru said as everyone took a seat around the long table as Aigis pass around the coffee mugs.
"It's a bit too early for my liking." Junpei yawned as Chidori pokes his stomach to perk him awake. "It was a long night for the both of us actually." Chidori spoke.
"Was it the baby?" Yukari asked.
"A long night of nausea and vomiting. I couldn't just leave Chidori alone." Junpei said.
"It will all pass though, and it's worth it once this little one is born." Chidori smiles as she placed a hand on her stomach. All the women awed at the moment when Junpei hugged her in happiness.
"Pregnancy's is a long journey but it'll not one that you travel alone. You always have your partner by your side always." Mitsuru smiled as Akihiko sympathized with his wife of the memories they share of when Mitsuru was pregnant with Hayami.
"Speaking of babies, how's Haya-chan Mitsuru-san?" Ken asked.
"She's doing well. Kikuno is watching over her in the next room." Mitsuru said.
"Is it bring your kid to work day at the Kirijo Group?" Junpei asked.
"Funny, but no. We had to rush over here for what we're gonna talk about. I'll take Hayami home later." Akihiko said.
"Which brings me to the news we have." "Is it the Shadow's Nest? Did something happened?" Junpei interrupts.
"Junpei, let her finish! Continue Mitsuru." Yukari said.
"It doesn't involved that thankfully, but rather something else. I receive a message from one of my old contacts last night that left us alarmed." Mitsuru said.
"What did the message say?" Labrys asked.
"It's better that everyone hears it then decide for yourselves." Akihiko said as he place a video recorder in the middle of the table and press play.
"Umm...Mitsuru-san hi, I know my voice is probably the last thing you're expecting but...This is gonna sound weird but...it's Minato-kun.
Everyone was shock out of their stupor. The speaker of the message was apparently their old leader and dear friend.
I'm here in Tokyo staying with a friend but...quite frankly I just as confused as to what to do next. I don't even know if this is your number anymore but...I'm thinking of everything I can think of. I remembered you've mentioned the Kirijo Group has a division headquarters here so perhaps I could try going there in the morning...God this sounds crazy enough.
Junpei, Ken, Mitsuru and Akihiko felt sadden by the distress in Minato's voice. The girls like Fuuka, Chidori, Aigis, and Yukari were tearing up. The latter especially felt her breath choking her. The daring friend she met who would become the love of her life until Death had took him from her was not just alive but here in Tokyo.
You have every right to believe how this isn't me and how I got this number but...God, I know I wouldn't believe me either...I've been gone for six years. I know I should explain everything but I prefer to do so in person...if you're even getting this...look..."
I...It's not that funny of a joke Mitsuru-san." Junpei said.
"Iori, I would execute you for saying such a thing. You think I would dishonor his memory by faking this message?!" Mitsuru exclaims as everyone was having their own opinions.
"But this is impossible." Fuuka said.
"Is it? The lives we live aren't exactly normal, but this...I have my doubts but I have a feeling it's him." Akihiko said.
"But how is he back? Who is responsible?" Ken asked.
"Alright, look all these are important questions. Ones I hope Minato-kun can provide." Mitsuru said.
"If it's even him and not some imposter." Junpei said.
"Don't say that!" Ken yells. Mitsuru rubs her head in pain. It seems everyone has their own opinions on the authenticity of the message.
"Sigh, Yukari what do you think?" Mitsuru asked the auburn haired girl but Yukari didn't respond.
In her mind, Yukari recounted all the memories she shared with Minato. From all the dates, talks and even the fights they had, Yukari began to tear up from the memory of the day he died and she grieve for him for days. She even tried to sacrifice the whole world to reverse time so that SEES would be able to save him but failed. With that, she knew she would have to move on and had Mitsuru and the others for comfort. So she did, she went to college, got discovered and began a model and acting career she currently still has. All for the sake of living up to the promise that she would live happily and not waste it away. With Minato always watching over her, she was at bliss...until now. Now supposedly Minato had return and was out there alone. Yukari grew angry...angrily determined. She stood from her seat and march to the door until Junpei stopped her.
"Where are you going." He asked.
"Where do you think? To go find him." Yukari growled.
"We just mention that it may not be him." Junpei said.
"No, you said that along with the typical stupid stuff you bark out loud!" Yukari said.
"That's just rude even for you. But at least I'm being the logical one." Junpei said.
"Yukari-san please, Tokyo is a big city. You can't simply scout the whole place for one person." Chidori said.
"I don't care! He out there all alone! What if he gets lost. What if something happens to him." Yukari spoke frantically.
"Yukari breath...just breath." Mitsuru walks over and caress her friend as she sobs on her shoulder.
"He...He might be back." "I know." "He's...he's gonna come home to us." "I hope." Mitsuru did her best as Yukari spoke frantically. "I really hope you're out there Minato-kun. Yukari really needs you." Mitsuru thought.
Yongen-Jaya
"Are sure you're gonna be alright? Without a Metro Pass of your own, you won't be able to use the subway to get to Shibuya." Ren asked. "I'm sure. Walking is fine for me." Minato said as they prepare to separate paths. While Ren heads to Shujin, Minato is gonna have to navigate the business sector to find the Kirijo Group division headquarters alone.
"By the way, will you be available at around four o'clock. We'll be heading in wrap up the rest of Kanashiro's Palace." Morgana asked. "Of course, I'm curious myself of what these palaces look like." Minato said.
"Just meet us outside Shibuya Station around that time. From there, we'll take you to our secret hideout." Morgana said, leaving Minato wondering about what Morgana was talking about.
"By the way, your clothes reek. Just saying." Ren pointed out leaving Minato to scowl at him. With that, the three departed from each other while Minato walked out of the alleys and into the crowd. He sniffed his blazer and right away pulled his head, Ren was right. "Smart-ass." Minato thought.
Getting from Yongen-Jaya to Shibuya was the easy part but now the hard part begins. All these tall, clear buildings just looked the same to Minato. "But of course they wouldn't just slap their name on the side of the building." He thought and simply just moved all over the district looking for clues to which building it was.
It felt like an hour but Minato wouldn't know exactly because he didn't have a phone or was wearing a watch. His feet hurt and ultimately he stopped and asked a homeless man for directions. The homeless man gave vague descriptions of the building apart from it's one of the tallest building in the district, it has reflective windows from top to bottom and people constantly walking in and out. "Sure as if that doesn't describe every other building here." Minato thought as he then heard two men talking.
"Higher ups over in the Kirijo boardroom still haven't seal the deal on that proposal from the Nanjo Group." One said. Minato heard and wondered if these two worked in the building he was looking for.
"I don't know what it is they're waiting for, this proposal could pour in billions into the region with generous dividends back to our stockholders." The another said. Minato tailed them but kept a distance.
"Honestly, they said it's because it doesn't have Ms. Kirijo's blessing. That's why they're not sold on it." One said.
"Honestly, all that influence and she's still afraid to use. That's what happens when you put a woman in charge." The another man said which angered Minato. Even after six years, men still had a problem with women taking prominent positions in society and taking orders from them.
"I'm sure she knows what she's doing, and don't let anyone hear you say that. Last time someone talk back at Ms. Kirijo, she broke their hand." One said which Minato smirked. It was nice to hear Mitsuru's ferocity never dimmed in the last six years. "Yea whatever." The other man said as Minato stopped as the two men walked into a tall building with reflective windows. This has got to be it.
Minato waited for a moment and walked in. At first he wondered how there wasn't a security checkpoint at the entrance. Guess they figured that they only people would walk in only be their employees. Minato looked around to see and saw the rather large portrait of Mitsuru in a business suit. He wasn't surprised since it was common for company buildings to hold portraits of their current CEOs. Still that means he was in the right place after so long.
Then a problem came in his head. He got here but now what? He can't just walk up to the front desk and demand to see the CEO without risk being thrown out. With nothing to do, he just took a seat in the lobby and waited. Eventually the waiting took its toll on him that the front desk lady walked over seeing the young man simply waiting.
"Excuse me, is there something I can help you with?" She asked.
"Oh um...I'm just waiting for someone to come get me." Minato said.
"Do you have an appointment?" She asked.
"No, but I called someone yesterday and they told me to meet them here." Minato half lied.
"Do you know which employee contacted you?" She kept sticking her nose even further. Minato grew nervous as he was out of responses to give. "Well...I-uh." Minato stutters.
"Ah there you are."
Both looked back to see a woman in a business suit with purple short hair with a maid headwear on it. "I apologize for the delay. I was instructed to bring this young man to his appointment." Kikuno said. The front lady knew who she was as she always stuck to Ms. Kirijo's side. Minato on the hand took him a while longer to remember where he saw this woman before.
"Isn't her name Kikuno?" He thought when he remembered meet her once back on Yakushima Island.
"Of course Ma'am." the front lady bowed and went back to her station. Kikuno eyed a photograph Mitsuru gave her to compare Minato. Sure the photo dates back to when he was a teenager but luckily he still looks the same but taller.
"If you would follow me." Kikuno spoke plainly. Minato couldn't speak as the woman simply lead him to a set of elevators and entering them. Kikuno hits the top button and elevator starts up. It was a long ride and the awkward tension filled up the space. Minato couldn't really stay still. This wasn't like him as he was normally calm but perhaps it was just the nerve of seeing everyone after six years really frighten him.
"Um...Kikuno-san?" He asked. "Yes?"
"Oh um...just making sure it was actually you." Minato said. "I'm delighted you remember me after so long." Kikuno said. She sniffed in an odor which she thought was revolting.
"No disrespect but your clothes reek an odor." She said as Minato sigh in embarrassment. "So I've been told." He said. "Normally I would go out of my way to ensure you look entirely presentable before Lady Mitsuru but she reminded me that time is of the essence." Kikuno said.
"Death pretty much smells weird on me." Minato smiled which Kikuno never got the joke. "I fail to see the punchline Minato-kun." She replies to his dark humor. Pretty soon the elevator dings and both walk out into a hallway where Kikuno leads him to a set of doors at lead to a boardroom.
"Everyone behind here. Would you like to go first" Kikuno said but Minato didn't respond. The young man looked spooked, his hands were shaking. "I'm scared." Minato admits. "It'll be okay, everyone will be delighted to see you...I'll go first if that's what you wish." Kikuno said as Minato could only nod.
Kikuno walks in the door where everyone watched. "Here he is everyone." She said as she let Minato pass through.
Time slowed to a crawl when Minato saw everyone. He carefully examine everyone physically and notes the one who changed the most was Ken who really grew from that little boy who was determine to grow up as soon as possible. He looks some newer faces like the second android next to Aigis, to the red haired woman next to Junpei and in Akihiko's arms was a baby.
To everyone else when the saw their friend was nothing short of a miracle. The one who was lost now stood before them in a raggedy, worn down version of the Gekkoukan High uniform that was a size too small for him. Everyone began to tear up, including Minato himself. Koromaru couldn't wait any longer and dash to him and started to sniff around him to verify him. Once he barked happily, he pounced on Minato and began to cover him in licks.
Minato laughed which brought everyone out of their hypnotic expression as Koromaru simply didn't let him up. "Koro-chan, let him up." Fuuka said as Ken went over and pulled Koromaru off Minato said. "I miss you too Koromaru." Minato smiled until he was ambushed by Ken wrapping his arms around him, sobbing.
"I miss you too Ken. You certainly grew." Minato smiled as he pats him on the back. "Ye-yea, that's what happens when you through puberty." Ken sniffed.
"Out of the way Ken." Junpei shoves the boy off and hugs Minato. "Hey, you shouldn't push a child!" Ken yells. "Says the one who tells us to stop treating him like one." Junpei said.
"Same old Junpei." Minato said. "Actually I'm not, you remember Chidori right?" Junpei asked as he brought her over. "The girl from Strega right?" Minato asked. "Not anymore, it's also Iori now. Everyone's talks very highly of you Minato-kun." Chidori said.
"Yep, we're married and we're pregnant." Junpei brags which Minato was surprised. His closest friend was not just married but also gonna be a father.
"Congratulations to both of you. How far along are you Chidori-san?" Minato asked. "About a month. I'm expected to be due around March of next year." Chidori said.
"If you allow us to come forward." Aigis spoke while walking to him with Labrys. To Minato, Aigis looked exactly the same not including the black business suit and red tie but he can tell she has gain more insight on how the world works. Her counterpart was different apart sporting a white button shirt and black short skirt with red polka dots along with silver joints to counter Aigis's gold ones.
"Hi Aigis." Minato smiled but Aigis could only wish she could produce more tears from her eyes. "Right, hello Minato-kun. My sister's told me very much about you. Oh where are my manners, I'm designated Unit #31 but everyone calls me Labrys. The silver android took his hand shook it very hand. Minato was surprised at how bubbly and lively Labrys was compared to Aigis.
"Alright Labrys, chill for a second before his arm pops out." Akihiko said. "It does? I didn't know some humans can be poorly made." Labrys said. "I believe that's only an expression sister." Aigis said as Akihiko snuck Minato out to him and Mitsuru.
The older woman gave Minato a hug and vise versa. "Welcome home Minato." Mitsuru sniffed. "Thanks Senpai...and who's this little one." Minato eyed on the child in Akihiko's arms.
"This is Hayami, our daughter." Akihiko introduced which surprised Minato as he constantly looked back and forth at the two and the child. "Wait...so the both of you." "Yes, we're married." Mitsuru smiled.
"And that means...you guys saw...ev-" "Don't make it gross." Akihiko asked. "Believe me when I say, it's easier taking on a Shadow's Nest than it was to get those two to bone." Junpei said which earn him a scowl from the couple. "Oh I'm sure I could've lend a hand and they would've done it sooner." Minato joked.
"D-Don't add to this?!" Mitsuru gasped as Minato laughed. "It's to see your sense of humor still intact." Akihiko said.
"Hey Fuuka, I love the hair." Minato said as Fuuka blushed and twirls her braid. "Welcome home and thank you." She said as she gave Minato a brief hug.
Then Minato turn his see the person who was most meaningful to him. Compared to six years, Yukari has never looked anymore beautiful. Her hair was still short but has more of a curve around her neck, her body was more slender and shaped like an hourglass. Minato didn't want to say it for sounding prevented but he sees that her breasts grew a bit and her butt looked more firm. Yukari still cried but ran out of tears after crying for so long. If she could, they would be tears of joy.
"Hey you." Minato smiled. "All these years you've been gone and all you can say is 'Hey you'". Yukari sniffed.
"Hey beau-" Minato was cut off when Yukari rush over hugged him tightly, and sobbing. Minato felt the pain through her tears. All the years he has left her alone now weight down on him. How much his death must've hurt her and that to him felt unforgiveable. He started to cry as both could only embrace and support each other in their arms.
"Why are you crying." Yukari sniffed. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for everything." Minato said. "No don't be. We understand why you did what you did. It took us awhile to come to terms with it but...I'm so happy now that you're back." Yukari said.
"We are all Minato-kun." Mitsuru said. "By the way, your clothes stink." Yukari said which Minato shrugs off. "These are the only clothes I have so sorry." Minato said.
"You poor thing, you must be hungry." Fuuka said. "I can rush to get him something to eat." Aigis said. "Guys I'm fine." Minato vouches. "Could've fooled us. By your clothes, you look like you slept on a park bench or something."Junpei said.
"A simple fix indeed. Kikuno, could you have someone prepare us a feast and perhaps a new wardrobe for Minato-kun." Mitsuru asked.
"At once Milady and would Sushi suffice?" Kukino asked. "Ohhh yes please." Junpei said as Kukino left. "Guys really, you shouldn't do all this for me." Minato said.
"Nonsense Minato-kun. Today we'll celebrate your return and for all you done for us." Mitsuru said. "We never forgot the promise we made, how we promise to live our lives to the fullest even now because of the chance you gave your life for us." Akihiko said. "It's the least we can do bro." Junpei adds.
Soon Kukino came back with multiple dishes of Sushi and a set of gift boxs that contain a new set of clothes and shoes for Minato. "Wait, how do you know these will fit?" Minato asked. "I sized you up the moment I saw you in the lobby. It's what I do." Kukino said plainly. "You can use the next room to change." Kukino adds as Minato went to go change.
As everyone began to dig in, Yukari spots Minato going into the other and it seem like the only time to talk to him alone. She snuck away and walks in just as Minato took off the blazer and spots her.
"Oh um...well." "Hoping to catch a peek?" Minato smirked. "No...I uhh. I was just hoping we can talk in private but I'll just wait until you're done." Yukari said.
"Personally, I don't mind. You can look if you want to." Minato said he finally took off his dress shirt, exposing his tone body. Yukari lost her breath when she saw Minato this way. Sure he was always fit even back then but at his current age his body was more develop into a more heroic build with full abs and muscle but also still retain the scar tissue back from their days in Tartarus.
"I'm just...gonna look away just to give you a sense of privacy." Yukari turns away from him. "I'm just saying...it's not like you haven't seen me naked before." Minato said causing Yukari to blush. She recalls the time Minato snuck into her room or when she caught him in the shower or vise versa. Still, aside from innocent peaks and indecent moments, they never explored that realm of intercourse primarily of their responsibilities to SEES and how the fact Mitsuru bugged the whole dorm with cameras so other than a few make out sessions was enough for the two to enjoy.
"That was different and you had your pants on still so you weren't fully naked." Yukari argues. "I know, but those moments were so memorable." Minato said as he slips off his pants.
"So I wanted to talk to you about something." Yukari said. "I have a feel I know what, and quite frankly it's on my mind too. But first, how you been these last six years?" Minato asked.
"I've been well. Finished college a few years back and I have a career now. Plus I have everyone out there to rely on." Yukari said.
"So I've seen. Have you met anyone special?" Minato poked as he slips on a new pair of pants. Yukari blushed at the thought, she figured Minato asked so that he would confirm his suspicions. Yukari never dated anyone else other than him, her profession made her distrust anyone would simply use her for her fame and fortune. Beside, Minato was someone who could never be replace easily and Yukari cling her heart to his always. It gave her hope that Minato still loves her just as she loves him.
"I haven't. Mainly because of my career, it's made it difficult to trust someone outside my inner circle." Yukari said. "So where do you work?" Minato asked.
"I'm...actually an actress and a model." Yukari said shyly. "Really? That's great, I gotta see you on screen then." Minato said. "I'll show you myself later." Yukari laughed.
"Sheesh, this watch looks expensive." Minato said. "It's Mitsuru we're talking about. Of course it's expensive." Yukari explains.
"I don't feel okay just accepting this as charity." Minato said. "Then don't see it as charity. See it as a token of appreciation for all you have done. You deserve it." Yukari said.
"All done." Yukari turns around to see Minato in a dashing, slim black dress suit with a dark blue dress shirt and Oxfords dress shoes of the same color to match his hair. The new watch he wore on his right wrist.
"Honestly I look like a grown up version of myself from before." Minato said. "Well you always had a thing for formal to semi-formal wear anyway. People used to say 'look at the stylish, emo boy from Gekkoukan High.'" Yukari laughed, causing Minato to smile.
"You look handsome." Yukari concluded. "And you're even more beautiful than before." Minato took her by surprise as she brushes her hair back.
"I only asked if you seeing someone and if you were...as long as you're happy then that's all I want, but not a day has gone by that I never stop loving you. I still do and it breaks my heart that I left you alone for all these years." Minato spoke as Yukari began to tear up.
"I never dated anyone else because...there isn't anyone who could ever replace you. I know you would've wanted me to move on but I couldn't. Because I still love you and I couldn't just forget." Yukari said as both inched closer until they were within breathing distance.
"I love you." Both couldn't hold back and lock their lips to each one another. After so long, both felt their passions reignite through this one kiss and neither wanted to stop. Hands roam around one another's bodies as they enjoy the pleasure between them.
Eventually they had to pull away before everyone in the next room would get suspicious. "So my next question is, are we back together? If so, are we starting over or picking up where we left off." Minato asked.
"Well...I think the right choice would be to start over but, I feel that I we agree on what we're facing, and that we can make up for all the time we lost, so I think picking up where we left off is the best choice." Yukari said.
"Deal." Minato smiled as he surprised Yukari by dipping her from his arms and kissing her once again. "Is this what couples our age do?" Minato asked as Yukari giggles.
"Only in the movies you smoothie but it make me feel like a princess." Yukari said. "That's good, only the best for my princess." Minato said.
"Well wise guy, we should get back before everyone starts asking questions." Yukari points out while they straighten out themselves then head back to the boardroom.
"Ohhhh...there she is." Junpei points the two at the door. "We were wondering where you run off to." Mitsuru said.
"Oh we just had to discuss some things." Yukari blushed. "Uh huh, does those things involved love?" Junpei pokes.
"I detect body temperature spikes from the both of you. Is there a chance that a pathogen is inside your bodies?" Aigis said. "I don't think that's it sis, Yukari's skin is glowing and she looks flushed." Labrys said.
"Ahha, I knew it. You guys were playing hooky while we were eating." Junpei said as everyone stopped eating. "Nothing happen!" Yukari yells.
"Look, to put this to rest, me and Yukari decided to resume our relationship where it left off." Minato explains. "I..well...yes, we're back together." Yukari admitted defeat until Minato held her hand and offer her a smile, cheering her up.
"So it seems, you owe me 100 yen Akihiko-senpai!" Junpei said as a disgrunted Akihiko handed him the money. "Wait you bet on us?" Yukari asked.
"I gave it until tomorrow for you guys to work things out." Akihiko said. "I said screw that, they weren't going to wait anytime soon." Junpei said as he values the 100 yen.
"I never agreed to this little wager they had, but it warms my heart that the both of you are together once more." Mitsuru said as everyone gives praise for the lovely couple.
With everyone now digging into the food, Minato knew it was time to answer some questions. "So Minato-kun, I don't suppose you mind clearing up a few things for us?" Mitsuru asked. "I know I said I'll explain everything so ask away everyone."
"How was being dead like?" Everyone stopped at Junpei's question as he was being insensitive. "Any serious questions." Mitsuru clarifies.
"How have you returned Minato-senpei." Ken asked.
"A rather interesting story, a friend of mine named Elizabeth and her master Philemon sought to revive me for a special assignment." Minato said.
"You must mean Elle-P, we encounter her a couple of time a few years ago." Yukari said. "We met up with her and the other resident Igor once, then just Elizabeth a few years later. We know about the Velvet Room." Aigis said.
"I'm surprised of how much I've missed over the years." Minato said. "We'll catch you up over the threats we encountered later. For now just continue." Akihiko said.
"Yes well, You could say I'm not the same person you know from six years ago. Spending so much time in the Great Seal feels like being trapped in limbo. Elizabeth promised to find a way to free me and after so long she finally succeeded." Minato explains.
"Guess we owe Elle-P a big thanks then." Ken said.
"It wasn't just her. You see, the Great Seal must always have an occupant or risk Erebus and Nyx to finally join and commencing the Fall. At first Elizabeth was going to give her life to the seal but ultimately...it was Ryoji ." Minato said sadly.
"By Ryoji, you mean Nyx?" Junpei asked.
"Actually no, Ryoji somehow found a way to seperate his own conciseness from Nyx, becoming his own being. Only to then take my place in the Great Seal...Sniff." Minato cleared his nose. "I...never wanted anyone to give their life for mine. Not Elzabeth or Ryoji or anyone. But all they could tell was to live." Minato said.
"I think I speak for everyone here, when you died Minato, we each made a promise to each other and to you that we would live our lives to the fullest and to never squander it. I think Ryoji would've wanted you to do the same." Yukari said.
"Anyway, Elizabeth and Philemon brought me back for a special mission. Which leads me to asking if you guys know anything about a Shadow's Nest here in Tokyo." Minato asked as everyone stayed quiet.
"Actually, we've known for about two years now, we keep monitoring the situation." Fuuka said.
"I'm surprised you guys as SEES haven't took action yet." Minato said. "Actually that's another story we best clear up now." Yukari said.
The gang explained how Mitsuru dissolves SEES and sets up the Security Department Shadow Response Unit or Shadow Operatives, a black ops unit that's part of the police force working under the federal government. They handle the supernatural missions of investigating Shadow related threats and eliminate them. That was until Masayoshi Shido, the current state for special missions, came in and applied a choke hold on their operations. He barred the Shadow Operatives from investigating any anomalies in the Tokyo area and any break of this order would result in serious repercussions for everyone.
"That sounds like someone who's definably corrupt to the core." Minato said. "To make it worse, he's currently running for the seat of Prime Minister this year. If he wins...the consequences are unthinkable." Mitsuru said.
"He's even to threaten to repossess me and Labrys since he declares us as hardware under the Shadow Operatives command." Aigis said which angered Minato. "Just having the thought of working under that guy really makes my joints freeze up." Labrys adds.
"That's why we have to trend carefully or else Shido will dissolve the Shadow Operatives completely, take control over our resources and technologies and have us sent to prison under any charge he could spin out of his ass." Akihiko said.
"This man has connections into everything from the police to the bureaucracy to I'm even assuming organized crime." Mitsuru said. "What makes you say that?" Minato asked.
"About two years ago around the time this Shadow Nest appeared. One of Kirijo's Group assets was into what she was researching as Cognitive Psience, a theory of how to alter or manipulate one's cognition. It was originally researched by Ikutsuki before he destroyed the research before his death. The researcher then committed suicide by jumping in front of a car right in front of her young daughter." Mitsuru said.
"You suspect foul play." Minato asked.
"It's too much of a coincidence to ignore. After her death, more of these 'Mental Shutdowns' occurred around the city. There was also another kind of attack called 'Psychotic Breaks' where one undergoes a state of psychosis which makes their behavior erratic. These were done to bus drivers, subway conductors and they would lose control of the vehicle, causing loss of life and billions in damages." Akihiko said.
"All this sounds a lot like Apathy Syndrome." Minato said.
"That's what we concluded as well. Only that it's not the shadows that are responsible but rather an outside party." Mitsuru said.
"I think I can add to that. Elizabeth and Philemon mention to me how there is someone out there with a Persona who's responsible for this." Minato said. "If that's the case, are we looking at another Strega or another lone wolf." Ken asked.
"I think this person would work alone and that he would rival the Trickster's abilities." Minato said.
"Trickster?" Fuuka asked.
"Right, I should clear more of my story. They revived me to investigate this Shadow's Nest here because there's another force behind it. Someone like Nyx and Erebus, named Yaldabaoth." Minato asked which frighten everyone.
"Another entity, if that's the case then this is worse than I could've imagine." Mitsuru said.
"It gets more complicated, Yaldabaoth started a game by first attacking the Velvet Room and imprisoning Igor. With the Velvet Room under his control, he controls both sides of the game." Minato said which shocked everyone.
"The Velvet Room was a place to seek guidance. If that's the case then this may be our toughest challenge yet." Aigis said. "That's why Elizabeth and Philemon sought to bring me back to Earth. So that I can investigate the Shadow's Nest and help the current Wild Card on his journey."
"Another one? Man, this is like the third one now." Junpei said. "There was a second person." Minato asked.
"Story for another time." Yukari said.
"Anyway, they teleported me into the Shadow's Nest-" "Alone?! With no protection." Yukari interrupted.
"I actually had this." Minato said as he pulled out his old Evoker.
"Anyway, I manage to find the new Wild Card and his team just in time before they were about to be killed by the Reaper." Minato said.
"The Reaper?! Man they have to be pretty stupid to go up against that thing." Junpei said.
"They're just kids." Minato sighed. "What?" Mitsuru asked.
"I don't suppose you guys heard of the Phantom Thieves?" Minato asked. "Them? At first we thought they were just a rumor until we heard about Madarame's confession." Chidori said.
"It turns out that man was nothing more than a fraud. Sorry Chidori-san." Minato said as the woman was sadden.
"Back to the story, I rescue them, they help me escape the Shadow's Nest, and their leader was nice enough to let me stay at his place for the night and help me contact you." Minato concluded.
"At first, we thought the Phantom Thieves of Hearts were the ones behind everything but after what you added Minato-kun, it does seem a third party is responsible for the Mental Shutdowns." Mitsuru said.
"They have been investigating Mementos for a couple of months...The sad thing is they're unware about the severity of everything from Shido to even Yaldabaoth." Minato said.
"You never told them? Why?" Labrys asked.
"You mention something about being careful. I'm under orders to keep my involvement in this game to a minimal or risk creating ripples into Yaldabaoth's plan that he'll do something drastic. I can't handle every challenge Yaldabaoth throws at the Phantom Thieves without putting them in danger from his wrath. Yaldabaoth controls every aspect of this game and we have no choice but to play it by his rules." Minato explains.
"Would you say that those kids are in over their heads?" Yukari asked.
"Right now...I believe so but they'll learn more and more over the course of this game. Especially that I took Ren, the current Wild Card, under my wing. Meanwhile they'll allow me to trek through Mementos with them." Minato said.
"Mementos?" Aigis asked. "The name of the Shadow's Nest they came up. I provide my assistance and they help me navigate on their missions." Minato explains.
"Hmm...I can't say that I approve of this operation. Relying on a group of kids to do our job for us, not to mention the case involving you." Mitsuru pointed out.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Minato grew serious.
"I don't doubt your ability for a second Minato-kun, but...after being gone for so long, don't you think you finally deserve to live your life in peace? You don't need to fight anymore." Mitsuru said as Minato gave it some thought.
"You're not wrong about. When I came back through Shibuya, I don't even recognize this place. I mean, cell phones were through a major overhaul...I realize that the place I left behind doesn't exist anymore...I don't have much, no phone, no job, no money, no place to call home.-" Minato rambles until Yukari hugs him unexpectedly.
"Your home is with us. It always has and it always will be." Yukari sniffed.
"She's right Minato-kun and don't worry about the expenses." Fuuka said.
"So yes, I do desire some peace but first Yaldaboath has to be destroyed. I made a promise to Elizabeth and to those kids." Minato said.
"But-" "Besides, you guys mention you're gridlock from investigating Mementos, but Shido or anyone else doesn't know about me. I was long gone before you even started the Shadow Operatives. I'll handle the investigation and report to you what I find." Minato said.
"You just said you don't have a place to live and no money." Junpei asked. "Then I'll get a job and find someplace cheap." Minato argues.
"That might be a problem though. With your social status as deceased, it'll be hard to explain something like that to an employer and that's aside from having no phone or place of residence." Akihiko explains as Minato sighed in disappointment. It seems that being dead has its negative drawbacks as the positive ones.
"So I'm essentially a ghost and the sad thing is I lack all the funs parts of being one." Minato said.
"I'll handle everything. I'll provide you with a place of residence, a phone and some funding to get you started." Mitsuru said. "Mitsuru-senpai, I can't ask no more of you." Minato argues.
"You're one of us Minato, and our friend. I'll be damned to sent you back out in the field without proper necessities. This is not a request nor is this up for debate." Mitsuru argues.
"Please give up now man, if you remember how Mitsuru is then you know she always gets her way. Trust me, I should know." Akihiko said upon explaining how 'diplomatic' his wife can be to getting what she wants.
"Also Milady, must you use such foul language in front of our daughter?" Akihiko pointed out as Mitsuru then turned white. Everyone turned to the red-haired baby sitting on a high chair grinning happily at everyone.
"Oh please forgive mommy for her potty mouth." Mitsuru baby talks her daughter as she smothers her in kisses. Hayami giggles happily at the tickling sensations her mother always gives her. Minato grinned happily how a child can make such an impact in somebody's life.
"That aside, You need to be caught up to speed so that you can adapt to the present." Mitsuru said.
"Alright fine. Anything else?" Minato asked.
"Yes as a matter of fact, while I commend you for looking after those kids while you're on this case. Don't think we won't know that you will lay your life for them. No disrespect but I prefer to have someone who will watch over you." Mitsuru said.
"You don't have faith in me?" Minato asked.
"We do, we just think it's best to have someone who knows you tagging along. By the way these Phantom Thieves sound, they still have plenty to learn and we still don't know where their true intentions lie." Akihiko said.
"If it helps clear the air, these kids have been harmed by some of the worse adults in society and others around simply turned a blind eye from them. So you can understand when I eventually tell them about this, the lack of trust between the two groups is understandable." Minato said.
"I understand your reasoning we'll have to come clean to them eventually to bridge trust between them but until they proven worthy of handling themselves, I suggest you delay even mentioning us to them." Mitsuru asked.
"Fine, so who's this handler you're pairing me up with." Minato asked.
"We were thinking Ken." Akihiko asked which took Minato by surprised.
"At first we came up with a plan to sent Ken into Shujin Academy where the Phantom Thieves started but unfortunately none of us would able to provide an adequate alibi to sell off. Just us being in Tokyo means Shido will watch our every move." Akihiko said.
"So why send Ken if he'll be watched as well?" Minato asked.
"Believe it or not, I actually done the least amount of work for the Shadow Operatives other than the P-1 Grand Prix. Everyone wanted me to stay focus on school." Ken explains. "Plus as an extra precaution, Yamagishi and I sealed away all our private files on key members before Shido could get his hands on him." Mitsuru said.
"Shido only knows about us personally because of our connections to Mitsuru-senpai and the Kirijo Group. He knows everyone here except Ken." Yukari said.
"So the plan is for Ken to stay with me while he attends Shujin and we help the Phantom Thieves on this quest of theirs." Minato said. "That is an simplification of it but yes." Mitsuru said.
"Oh by the way, that phone you're giving me is gonna come more handy than you think. Apparently the way to access this Shadow's Nest is by an app of some sorts." Minato explains.
"An app? That seems rather peculiar." Fuuka said. "It was no different than waiting until midnight of every day or walking into a television set." Ken said.
"If you guys can obtain this app as well, allow us to analyze it one day." Fuuka explains as the two understood.
"Well with that, Kukino can provide you with the equipment you need." Mitsuru said.
"I will provide you with a state of the art smartphone that will come with everyone's contact information, a metro pass to use the subway, the funds and keys to one of Lady Mitsuru's private residences." Kukino explains.
"As for the rest of us, we'll remain Tokyo as long as we keep a really low profile." Akihiko said.
"Not us guys, me and Chidori have to get back to Tatsumi Port Island for a checkup." Junpei said. "I suppose that's reasonable. It's best to get away from all the tension in Tokyo." Fuuka said.
"It'll take a few days to secure transfer papers for Ken to go to Shujin. I'll get right on it." Mitsuru said.
"There's another thing. Ren said they're have another operation later today at four, and I promised I'll meet him outside Shibuya Station." Minato said.
"Is it a Mementos mission or another specific target like Madarame?" Labrys asked.
"This one a person, a mob boss named Kanashiro, which I'd admitted to them that they were crazy to go after." Minato said.
"Or just plain stupid." Junpei mutters.
"I heard that name before. The police aren't able to get any solid evidence to able a warrant for his arrest. If you guys are successful, then you'll be punching a serious blow to the Yakuza's bottom line." Akihiko said.
"But take extreme caution, we still don't know if this will be a trap of some kind." Mitsuru said.
Minato understood as did everyone else. With his return the Shadow Operatives will finally get some headway into this case. But still, they were taking quite a leap of faith with the Phantom Thieves who will do most of the investigating for them even if they didn't know it yet. They can only hope this plan won't come back to haunt them as Kukino now helps Minato set up for his mission.
Done guys, at first I was going to include the rest of Kanashiro's Palace into this chapter but I figured this was a good place to stop due to the long length this chapter was already. So Minato reunites with everyone which is a happy moment and they now come up with a plan to get to the bottom of Mementos.
To explain the relationship of the Phantom Thieves and the Shadow Operatives will be mostly akin to strategic interests rather than mutual values. To put it simply, if you guys watched the show Young Justice: Outsiders, it's basically that but one group doesn't know about the other. When the law screws you and nothing can be done, then you rely on a group outside the law to accomplish your goals in this case. Their trust will grow as the story goes forward which Minato and Ken will play key of.
Secondly about Ken, yes he will be involve which will increase the group's number even more so I'll be going by the only four members of the group to investigate like in the game.
Third and I forgot to mention this in the last chapter, I took elements from my other Persona stories and added them to here so if you wonder where Mitsuru and Akihiko's marriage and their daughter came from, read my other stories.
Then there Minato's code name and I got a few I think could work: Phoenix, Sirius, Midnight, and Shadow. Merely those four but comment which one you think is best because next chapter for certain it'll be revealed. As for his weapons, he'll be using one-handed swords and a machine pistol.
Later in the story I can definably say that once both groups are acquainted, the Shadow Operatives will try to be more involve. For example, they will be allowed to enter the Thieves Den which the Phantom Thieves will be using as a permanent base as I mentioned last chapter. It'll be the only place away from public eyes and in this story, since the Thieves Den isn't like Mementos or any traditional Palace where to have to arrive a certain place to use the MetaNav, the Thieves Den can be accessed from virtually everywhere as long as you know the keywords and the user's permission.
So next chapter will involve going through the last of Kanashiro's Arc from the last bit of his palace to the battle and finally his downfall. Please leave a Like and a Comment about this chapter. Thanks for reading.
This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.
P.S: You gotta love Kukino's character, if you read up on her profile, she's basically the Alfred Pennyworth to everyone.