The following chapter contains hints of romance but that does not necessary mean that the author supports or denies any pairings. Reader discretion is advised. In addition, the author wishes to apologize for taking so long to write due to school, health problems, and real life events preventing them from writing and editing. Please enjoy this mediocre story (^_^;)…
-Windowless Building-
July 21st:
12:00 A.M.
Third Perspective:
"Hmm, it seems that I have to reevaluate [Invalid Entry]," Aleister mused.
For now, Minato Arisato does not pose a threat to his plans, but an unknown variable, a confounding variable can cause a lot of problems in the future. No matter how small the setback may be. Therefore, he'll have to alter the plan to fit the outcome he desires. Luckily for Aleister, he was flexible and he had the perfect solution. Furthermore, [Invalid Entry] is a boring placeholder for such an interesting ability. He figured it was time for him to rectify that.
"I welcome you, the 8th level 5, [Wild Card]."
July 21st:
-Minato Arisato-
10:24 A.M.
My eyes opened to the illuminations of the sun to which was seeping through the windowsills. The architecture of the environment I was in was surrounded in stone and wood, decorated with stain glass that depicts an old story. The rest of the room however was obscured in darkness, giving the chapel a melancholic ambience. I was confused to found myself in a chapel, because the last thing I remembered was summoning my Persona through a card. Then everything transitioned into me ending up on the riverbanks with my consciousness fading out. My limbs were aching as I attempted to move and an unknown weight pulled me down. I had taken a glimpse to fathom what was holding onto me. To my surprise, sleeping on my abdomen, was Aegis.
Now that I had clear sight of her, she lacked any mechanical parts but instead, she was completely and physically human. The girl herself was wrapped in bandages covering her left eye and her arms. She wore an azure sundress with white trimmings that looked awfully familiar to me. Her expression was a calm one, and she breathed peacefully. I looked at our bandaged hands and they were intertwined with one another. I lifted my free hand, reluctantly at first, brushed her hair. However, her eyes opened.
"Ah," both of us awkwardly muttered, not knowing what to say next.
She got up and coughed into her fist with a tinge on her cheek resembling a blush. We didn't say anything to each other for a good few minutes. However, she was brave enough to break the silence.
"How… are you doing?"
Just like her posture, her tone was rigid and business-like. Yet, her expression really shows her anxiousness. It was an odd contrast from that night where we confronted each other. Nonetheless, she awaited my response as she kept looking around taking short intervals of glimpses.
"I've been through worse…" I stated.
I positioned myself sitting up on the pew. I grunted from my muscles stiffness and sores. Akihiko would probably berate me in my neglect in training my body.
"And you? How are your injuries?"
Her expression was a mixture of confusion and amusement to my question.
"Even now, you would worry about your would-be killer?" she whispered to herself.
Her smile and tone was self-deprecating and desolate. As she closed her eyes, looked a bit lonely and distance. I was about to say something but her cerulean irises became resolute and bowed in my direction. Perplexity clouded my mind as to why she was bowing.
"I'm… thankful that you helped me, but what I did then was truly despicable. I know if you cannot forgive me after putting you through all of… this. I would even understand that you don't want to see me ever again…"
As she arches over, her appearance reminded me of a small child, trying to make amends of their guilt. What was it that made her this way? She seems to be despondent in my eyes. I suppose I'm about to find out. I sighed and spoke.
"I forgive you, there is no need to lower your head."
She looked up and smiled tiredly.
"It doesn't seem like you've changed at all."
I perked up to her words.
"Have we met before?"
"…I wouldn't blame you if have forgotten that night."
I pondered a bit if there was a possible occasion that I had met her but simply missed her.
How did I met Aegis? Wasn't it in Yakushima? If I recall correctly, SEES decided to go on vacation and there was this horrible operation on the beach. I then chased after her to the Jōmon-Cedar Tree. However, I haven't been to Yakushima at all. At least in this world… So where did I meet her? Insight crept up and made me realized that that was not the first time I had met Aegis…
"It was on a bridge when the moon was full. An accident occurred and everything was swallowed in flames."
She sat down next to me and paused, trying to recount the events that had transpired nine years ago.
"I was separated from my… sisters in the fire. I was alone and afraid. Then a blue haired boy found me and offered me his hand. He promised me that I'll be reunited with my family. Unfortunately, a shadowy beast appeared and your attempts to protect me almost cost you your life."
As I listened to Aegis's recollection when we were about six years old, my thoughts raised many questions. For example, was the beast Death or was it something else? What caused the destruction? Was it the Kirijō Group? However, I withheld my inquiries in favor of listening.
"…Then a beautiful young lady with silver hair and golden eyes in a blue dress appeared before us. She said to me, "It seems that your fate and his are intertwined. If you wish to save him, use these archives." As I blinked, she disappeared. The book went inside of you and you were saved."
Elizabeth ended up helping me out once again but what was the book she used? Was it the compendium?
"I ended up going into an orphanage with my sisters but we were ultimately recruited into the Kirijō Group and went through their experimentations. Eventually, I met you once again. Only, I wished we met under better circumstances."
There was still a lot she wasn't telling me but I hope with time, she will share more about herself in due time. I'll patiently wait but first…
"Thank you for sharing your story, but… you still haven't answered my question…"
As she stared at me with puzzlement, I stood up and faced her, offering my hand once again.
"Would you like to accompany me on my journey to find answers?"
"Find answers…?" she tilted her head.
My hands drooped downwards into a shrug.
"To be perfectly honest, I do not know if the path that I tread upon will save lives or destroy them. Still, if I do nothing, then I would be disrespecting those who had stood by me. Thus, I am determine to prevent the tragedies that are about to come."
At first, she seems a bit apprehensive and deep in thought.
"Can you… see the future?" she asked.
I put my hands into my pockets and sighed.
"I cannot, but events that have transpired are reiterating themselves, and I know that people close to me are going to be hurt if I don't do anything."
I tried to withhold the fact that I'm a reincarnation of a guy who went and fought with a goddess of death due to a madman's delusion. Still, events are moving eerily similar to my former life, and I don't want to lose anyone. Not this time…
"Even if I can't see the future, then that just means that there are infinite number of possibilities. One of those possibilities will definitely have a happy ending…"
"That's a bit idealistic and optimistic. Bordering between that and naïve, isn't it?"
"Perhaps, but if I don't try, then I'll never get anywhere."
She paused and hesitated.
"Would you simply trust someone who was ordered to kill you?"
I responded patiently.
"Have you ever taken someone's life?"
"No, but that was what I was trained for… would you judge me for it?"
If I was the old me I would've apathetically accepted her without judgment, but…
"Unfortunately, I am human. I will judge and criticize you for your actions. Without reservation, I will make you realize the consequences of your choices and make sure you pay the price…"
Aegis glanced towards the floor, and she wore a downcast expression on her face.
"But…"
Her head elevated higher and her azure eyes locked into my steel irises.
"…In return, judge me by my actions, and criticize me if I ever stray from my path. Without reservation, show me the consequences of my actions, and make me accept them. Aegis, you are human as well. I shall judge you, and likewise, you'll judge me in return. I will accept your decisions in life. Are you willing to do the same?"
I offer my hand once more. At first, she held a perplexed expression while staring at my right hand, and reluctantly lifted her right hand. She pulled a back a bit, showing her hesitation. She then stared at my eyes and she then became resolute. Our hands connected and I pulled her up.
"Hey, you guys are okay now!" a voice happily announced.
"Kaz… you idiot!" a girl's voice berated the previous speaker, "Read the atmosphere!"
"Yew-ouch! Let go! You don't need to pull on my ear!"
Both Aegis and I let go of each other's hands. She held a stoic expression but behind it, she seems a bit flustered. I then decided to introduce myself to clear the air.
"Hello, I'm Minato Arisato, and this is Aegis. Who are you?"
There was no need for them to introduce themselves to me since they were my social links, but I asked anyways since they are different people from the one's I know. The familiar tracksuit and the manager of that club.
The girl let go of her associate's ears.
"I'm Yuka Nishiwaki," she introduced herself proudly, and then gestured lazily to Kaz, "This is Kaz."
"Hey, at least introduce me properly!" he huffed but turn to smile at us.
"I'm Kazuto Miyamoto. You can call me Kaz if ya want."
Despite them being different people I can't help but remember the times we spent after school in the Kendo club. Kaz was even wearing the same old jersey.
A third person appeared behind them and casually walked past the other two.
"Although you two caused so much chaos last night, the two of you were slumbering so soundly that I thought it would have been best to have your rest."
The voice belong to a skinny man with messy hair which was reminiscent of Touma-san's hair style. His clothes were baggy and he hid his hands in his pockets. His posture was slackened, but something tells me that I shouldn't go picking a fight with him. His voice sounded like an older Junpei.
"I am Saiji Tatemiya. My… colleagues found you two in the river and brought you here in this abandon church."
"I've heard of you," Aegis stated, "You are the current pontiff of the Amakusa-Style Remix Church."
"Oh, it seems that both of you are aware of the magic side. This makes things easier," he hummed but his eyes were methodical, "I'll be blunt then, what happened last night?"
I was not sure if I should trust them but since they saved my life, I thought it was only fair that divulged some of the incidents that have occurred. I told them about me helping Akihiko's investigations, and my encounter with STREGA. Yet, confronting Takaya and Aegis getting shot, beyond those events I cannot remember what comes after.
"Hmm, it seems that you are caught in a tough situation. Luckily for you, someone pleaded us to come to your aid."
Someone asked them to save us? Was it William?
"Who?"
"They didn't want me to say anything. Something like a surprised of sorts. Makes me curious how you come to know such a famous figure."
He lost me on that one. I do not know who he was referring to. The only person I know who would be famous is either would be William or someone from the Kirijō Group. Then again, I do not know if William had any fame in this world to begin with.
"You would help me, a total stranger?" I voiced out.
Tatemiya closed his, as if he was recollecting on some memories of his.
"Although I am the pontiff, I am only leader in name. Besides, we abide by our priestess's ideals. Helping others who have been abandoned, that is our cause."
The person before me seemed to be amicable sorts, and he seems to respect the person he spoke of.
"I see, I thank you for helping me," I replied, "Whenever you need help, I shall return the favor."
He glanced at me for a good minute and smiled.
"I have a feeling that our priestess would get along with you. Now then, we'll handle it from here."
As he was about to walk away I stopped him.
"Hmm, is something amiss?"
I look at him with resolve.
"I'm going to see this through to the end."
He took a gaze at me with a judicious eye, and sighed while rubbing his chin. He took out a piece of paper and pen.
"Hmm, very well, if anything comes up, contact this number," he said as he wrote on the paper and handing it off to me, "Don't do anything reckless now. We're shorthanded for this mission."
Tatemiya waved farewell and walked off, with Kaz and Yuko following behind him. Leaving only Aegis and myself in the empty chapel. When they were no longer in the room, I decided to talk to her.
"Aegis, what is your opinion on Tatemiya?"
Aegis looked around, as if she was scanning for anyone nearby, and then face me.
"From my first impression of him, he seems laid-back and friendly, but it looked like he was testing us a bit. However, what confuses me more is our benefactor."
To be honest, I don't know who it could be other than either William or someone else. Could it be, the people that have been attempting to observe me? Not enough answers to come to a conclusion.
"Arisato-san, is our benefactor someone you know?"
"I'm not sure who it is."
Aegis cupped her chin, and contemplated.
"I see."
"C'mon, Aegis, let's go."
Both of us left the chapel and head towards my apartment.
11:03 A.M.
When we both got to the dormitory, Aegis insisted that I do not go, in case of spies on the premise. Therefore, we made a detour towards a shop that had a help wanted sign. So, I ended up wearing a Gekota costume.
"Aegis, is this really necessary?" I asked.
While it's good that I was being paid for this, it was unbearably hot in the suit and cumbersome to move in.
"Minato, it is imperative that we remain vigilant. STREGA has access to a lot of information and they most likely know where you live."
She said while wearing a sunhat and sunglasses. To be honest, she sticks out more than me but I didn't feel like arguing with her.
"I'll remain outside watching," she began, "Please get what you need."
She asserted that we mustn't stay at my dorm room and instead find a safer location. To which, I reluctantly agreed to.
As I went inside, a ringtone began to play. On my coffee table, there was a new cellphone with a note saying, "Read Me!" I then picked it up and heard a familiar, jolly voice.
"Hey, hey! Miss me?"
"William, where have you been? What happened during the mission?"
"Yeah, I got lectured by someone but that's not important," He vaguely answered my question with a dismissive tone.
"What's really important is that I got you a new phone, and you've awakened to your true powers now…"
I vaguely recall summoning something but afterwards, I can't remember what happened and found myself waking up in a chapel I never been to.
"You mean, I can finally summon Personas now?"
"Well, yes and no. You see, the way you manifest you power is by channeling them out via AIM fields. That said, your Personal Reality is a key component to your abilities."
He was being ambiguous more than usual. I'm starting to get tired with the vague answers nowadays.
"You mean I can summon Personas through my esper abilities?"
I was happy that I was finally not inconvenienced by my limited abilities but the next thing he said didn't filled me with much confidence.
"Yes, but only if you can go beyond what you can ruminate…"
It seems that he gave me a cryptic hint but I was not sure what he meant by "ruminate." When I was about to ask for clarification he cut me off. His jovial tone turn into a solemn one.
"Minato, in the future my services will be limited in helping you, but whether or not you heed my warnings is solely up to you. Do not get involve with Index Librorum Prohibitorum."
The sudden change of his tone surprised me.
"Why?"
"That magician in the gown is planning something for you. The good news is that he won't initiate it, unless you do something that will cause a setback for that plan, the bad news is, we won't know when."
He was still being nebulous. Before I could talk he continued on.
"Once you interfere, normal days will not go back. You'll end up having all eyes on you from major powers in this world. Thus, making it harder to protect you, and pretty much undoing all my hard work~!"
He couldn't hold onto his serious voice.
"I'm right in assuming that the person observing me in the beginning, before you got to me, is someone I have to look out for? Also, was it you that sent the Amakusa-Style Remix Church?"
"Ah yeah, I wouldn't worry about your benefactor, you'll meet them real soon," he then switched back into a cheerful tone.
From his answer, it wasn't him, but then that begs the question in my mind. Who was it?
"I wish that best of luck, on your journey~!"
He still didn't answer my question about who was watching me. The only thing he hinted was a magician in a gown and a method to using Persona.
However, it's time to print some documents and end this charade.
11:57 A.M.
Aegis and I ended up going to a place that she had rented out for three days. The place was plainly decorated and nothing stood out. There wasn't anything noteworthy and it was incredibly clean which reminded me of my room.
I called Tatemiya-san over so that we can hold a strategy meeting. He sent Yuko and Kaz as lookouts while we talk. I then decided to start.
"Aegis, does Mitsuru Kirijō know about this?" I enquired.
"She does not, nor does the current head of the Kirijō Group."
Tatemiya-san simply lean on the wall while we sat at the table. He did not say anything and merely listened to our conversation.
"Then what can you tell me about the Euchre Project?"
Aegis closed her eyes for a moment and opened her eyes to answer my inquiry.
"To tell you the truth, I know very little about the Euchre Project. All I know is that the scientist behind the project are trying to create a magician and esper hybrid."
I did not know what that entailed but Tatemiya-san elaborated after noticing my confusion.
"Espers cannot perform magic due to alteration of the brain and the different formats that magic and ESP uses. Otherwise, the esper will sustain damage when using magic or if a magician is put through the power curriculum. It's also considered a blasphemy to the pact between magic and science side."
The last bit he said seems to be filled with aggravation but it was hard to tell.
"If that's the case," I said, "Then why is the Kirijō Group wanting to create them?"
"I'm not too sure of their motives," she continued, "But I do have a good idea of what they are planning."
I did not say anything but she interpreted our silence as a cue for her to continue.
"Other than to know if a successful hybrid can be created, it's a possibility that the Kirijō is trying to create a level 5 through this process. Magic is said to be a clutch for those who are not talented. Espers can use their abilities anytime they want but magicians need time and preparations in exchange for versatility."
Combine the two, you'll have something that can theoretically beat a level 5. Despite esper abilities being more instantaneous, magic offers more flexibility. However, screw up the ritual and you'll end up dead. At least this is what I can gather magic boils down to.
Yet, this further causes perplexity considering I can't summon my Personas due to missing conditions like the Dark Hour or stress which limits my abilities. At least not completely. This then raises the question; is Persona magic or science? I can still use active skills such as Agi or Dia but I can't summon anything without certain conditions. Then again, a lot of abilities need catalysts in order to use their abilities.
No, that's inaccurate considering when Aegis was bleeding on the ground, I felt power surging through me last night and summon something. I then decided to focus on the conversation.
"Are there any records of an esper being able to use magic?" I asked.
"Yes, but the ability itself is considered level 0 and not all that remarkable."
Tatemiya-san looked a bit perturb by Aegis' answer.
"There was an attempt but the Knights of England killed off the subjects of that experiment, and there weren't any others that I know of that came after. Regardless, if a level 0 was able to use magic…"
"…Then there's possibility a higher level esper will be able to learn magic," I finished, "So does that mean you are a part of the experiments, Aegis?"
"No, I was a part of a separate project that tried to use machinery and magic. An example, my limbs"
"You can use magic?" I asked.
"Not quite. For the most part, I'm a level 4 esper," she gave me a dreary glance, "My limbs are mechanical but have runes in them. In theory, if chanting or magic runes are a type of language, then they can be converted into a programming language. Unfortunately, I'm considered a failure because my limbs didn't work as intended. The most I can do is reinforcing my limbs harder than diamonds. Even then, that takes took much energy to accomplish and something I can do easily with just my ESP ability."
According to reports in the research paper, there were already a lot casualties. How many is something I'm unsure of. What's more, it seems that they are planning on doing some time manipulation experiments. This raises a lot of alarms in my head.
"Enough about me though, what did you need to do in your dorm room?" she asked.
"I needed to copy the data which I'm going to give it to Mitsuru Kirijō."
"Didn't you say you do not want more people to get involved?" Tatemiya-san pressed.
I turn to him.
"How many people can you send?"
"Unfortunately, Kaz and Yuko are the only ones available," he sighed scratching his head, "Plus, if I brought a lot more back-up, then I might draw unwanted attention."
He then cupped his chin and closed his eyes.
"Certainly, our magic can shroud our presence but it's another thing if this is the science side's organization, then even our employer might not be able to help. The magic side can deal with other magic organizations due to operating in secrecy, but it's another thing to deal with a well-known organization in the world like Kirijō group."
I sighed and put my hands in my pocket.
"Then we'll need allies who knows how to take down a big organization from the inside. For that, I need Mitsuru Kirijō to investigate and discern the truth with her own eyes. This will then prompt Takeharu Kirijō to inspect the science department that Ikutsuki and Kouetsu Kirijō are in charge of. We'll start tomorrow."
"Hmm, then we'll have to wait," Tatemiya said, "Fine, we'll deal with STREGA and you'll handle the rest."
He then headed for the exit.
"Call for us when you are ready…"
Aegis and I decided to go for a lunch and decided to rest for the upcoming events that are about to unfold.
July 22nd:
Aegis went to my apartment to retrieve my blade that I had forgotten while I was busy with my new part-time job as a frog mascot, and had to hand out fliers. I then noticed Junpei, Fuuka, and Yukari sitting at a table. It seems they were investigating me. While I do feel bad for keeping them in the dark, I want to protect them. I have to throw them off trail.
After getting away from that middle school student from Tokiwadai and a bunch of kids harassing me. It seems that they ended up going through my room and it looks like I have guests. I recognized Kenji, but I don't know who that girl next to him was. William then appeared next to me.
"Or are you going to keep them out of these events?" he asked, but I ignored him. When Aegis sent a message of finding Mitsuru.
"Mitsuru Kirijō…" I called out.
I used a voice synthesizer to disguise my voice. She remain firm and strictly glared at me. She's as scary as ever…
"Who are you?" she demanded. It was evident that she was both wary and ready to strike me out. However, I needed to do this. I then handed her the documents.
"These are important documents concerning the Kirijō Group and STREGA," I stated neutrally.
"STREGA? What is STREGA and what does this have to do with the Kirijō Group?"
I paused. She really doesn't know anything but if I'm to prevent the Fall in this world, then I must resolve myself to do this.
"… I see, so you have no idea what's going on. That is, the dark side of Academy city."
"What game are you playing at?" she asked while forming a blade of ice in her hand, "Who are you?"
I tossed the large packet to Mitsuru. She caught it and looked at it in confusion while I turn around to leave.
"All of your answers are in that envelope but be careful, secrets are secrets because someone wishes for them to be that way."
"Why should I believe you?" she retorted.
"That's up to you to decide so. In fact, burn the packet and pretend that this whole thing was a charade. Open it, and you'll not be able to return to those normal days. The life you've been living up to now."
I used Traesto but not before leaving one message behind and revealing my true voice on accident.
"I'm sorry, I didn't want to get you involved…"
She looked behind her, but there was no one there. Alone, she decided to open the envelope, anticipating the eldritch truth within it's contents. I watched from afar on the roofs and left the scene with a heavy heart.
It was time for me to end this.
July 21st:
-Aegis-
12:00 A.M.
Aegis stirred and discerned pain in her lower abdomen. She held her wounds with her left hand and felt the warm oozing liquid. She then remembered that Takaya shot her, and was surprised to be alive. Her eyelids lifted and an illuminating azure light blinded her. The wind bordered a magic circle and in the center of it was her target.
The boy before her had his back turn and faced Takaya. A small card floated downwards towards Minato Arisato. He lifted his fist and crushed the card.
"Persona!" he declared to the heavens in rage.
The card was shattered like glass, and the shards started to form a humanoid figure. The figure in the black attire had coffins, attached with chains, surrounding it like a cloak. It grasped it's sword from it's sheath, and breathed wildly. The metal mask on it's face resembles a beast's skull with an ominous grin. The mere presence of it only expresses one thing; death. It then roared a thunderous reverberation and in swiftly stormed at Takaya.
Takaya snapped back to his senses and fires several rounds from his pistol. However, the figure unsheathe it's blade and swung. Array of shockwaves and air either blocked the bullets or changed their courses. The figure gradually closed the distance and held it's sword high and then downwards which fractured the pavement. Takaya rolled out of the blade's path and then fired at Minato.
Minato stood still the bullet collided into a green shield. Takaya then attempts to use a sleeping spell but couldn't due to being pressured by the figure.
Minato then turns towards her. His expression was emotionless and his left iris was now an eerie gold hue that had an unnatural glow to it. He held his hands towards her and flinched, waiting for some form of punishment. She opened her eyes and saw another card falling and he crushed it with stoicism. This time he summoned a girl chained to a throne that looked like a bull's head. The girl lifted her hands and a light floated down to Aegis.
Aegis felt the pain dissolving from her abdomen and noticed her wounds were healed. The girl in the throne disappeared into light.
The figure that fought with Takaya now has the latter in it's grip. It then slams Takaya into the pavement and three lights the from the sky drifted downwards on the shirtless STREGA Member. An explosion occurred.
Aegis shielded her eyes from the debris and dust that dances intensely in the air. She put her arm down and saw a large gaping hole on the bridge. Takaya was nowhere to be seen.
She then notices that the figure dissipated and Minato was staggering. To her horror, he fell into the hole and into the river. On instincts, she dived right in to save him…
Unknown Location:
-Third Perspective-
A blonde women with a witch hat and eye patched noticed a paradox in the current world she was in. There was a second Thanatos in the world but she couldn't pinpoint the exact location. Probably due to that meddlesome otherworlder. Then a thought popped into her head, is there a possibility that the otherworlder is protecting something. Something like a way to create Gungir? She'll find out the answer, sooner or later.
To Be Continued…
Author's Notes: I managed to finally get around and make this chapter. Sorry about that. There were various reasons as to why I stopped writing but I suppose the main reason would be, I stopped having fun with it. It's hard for me to get motivated with a story I wrote on a whim and I had writer's block with this chapter considering there was a lot of exposition. However, I also managed to set up the story for future arcs like introducing the Amakusa-Style Remix Church early. That said, I'm considering skipping some of the arcs. For example, I'm not going to do the Deep Blood arc because I don't consider it necessary for Minato but tell me what you (the readers) think about that.
See you soon, next year!
Question time~!
1: What is your favorite scene in either Persona 3 and/or in TAMNI?
2: Favorite arc?
3: Which arc to skip?
4: What is 1 + 1?
a) Fish, b) 1, c) Zio, d) 2