Chapter 6

The Hierophant, The Emperor, and Sister

It wasn't the first time that Minato had caught Akihiko and Shinjiro staring the same picture. He wasn't exactly sure what made it so important, but he was smart enough not to ask about it. But now, finally, for the first time, Minato was able to see the picture. Akihiko had borrowed Minato's dictionary, and he accidentally stuck the photo inside.

Minato found it when he was in his Composition class. He flipped through the dictionary when the photo fell out onto his desk. Curiously, he looked at it to see its importance to Akihiko and Shinjiro. It was a slightly worn photograph of a young Shinjiro and Akihiko and a little girl.

The younger version Shinjiro looked like a punk in the making. His shorts were long and baggy, and he wore a baseball cap backwards. The scowl on his face remained unchanged. A young Akihiko reminded Minato of Ken. Akihiko had the innocent, boyish charm, which was very different from his now hardened desire for power. The girl was the only one that Minato didn't know. Her hair was long and blonde, but it was so blonde it almost looked like white. She shared the same grayish-brown eyes that Akihiko had, and by comparing the two, Minato was certain this girl was his little sister.

Akihiko and Shinjiro-senpai were orphans like himself, right? He could understand why they would stare at this photo; after all, there were times when Minato couldn't help but stare at the only picture left of him and his parents. They wanted to remember the death of those closest to them – remember the face of the ones passed on.

Minato laid his head on the desk. What was this girl's name again? He was sure he heard Akihiko mutter it once or twice. It started with an M and it was short. Mi… Miki… That was it. The navy haired boy shut his eyes. He made a note to himself to himself to give the picture back to Akihiko in private – but for now, he wanted to sleep.

(- -)

-September 27, 2006, Wednesday

In front of Adachi Middle School

After School

Minato watched his classmates leaving the school through the front gate. He was waiting for his little sister to finish up with her lessons before they would meet up at the front gate of his school. He brought enough money with him so that he could buy food for the two of them. The probability of having Wild Duck Burger was high.

Minato checked his watch. Minako was ten minutes late. It was rare that she was ever late. Usually, it was he who ran late. He was always talking with his friends or he had clean up duty that day. Minato smirked slightly. He might actually have a chance to administer the death penalty on his little sister for a change.

Five more minutes passed.

The boy was starting to get worried. Where was she? Minato began walking down the road. The elementary and middle school that Minako attended was nearby. Did she get a detention for her smart mouth? Did she just forget to tell him that she had clean up duty, or that she was going to Maiko's house for the afternoon?

Minato approached the gate of Minako's school. He dropped his bag on the ground from the sheer horror from what he saw. Minako and an older girl with bright blonde hair were huddled on the ground and being beaten up by a group of sixth graders. In all fourteen years of Minato's life (in this world, of course), he had never been so pissed off before. With his bag abandoned in the dirt, he ran up to one of the sixth graders and immediately punched one in the face. A sickening crunch could be heard when his fist collided with the kid's face.

"LEAVE THEM ALONE!" He found himself yelling.

He and the sixth grader he had punched rolled onto the ground. Minato struggled to beat the kid with all the anger inside of him. He didn't quite know if this was just his brotherly instincts or just a "sister complex" about to be awakened. But as Minako's older brother, Minato was going to make sure no one messed with his little sister.

Minato had no problem fighting with his fists. He was able to take down many Shadows with his fists while in Tartarus, but fighting on school grounds was another story. First of all, there was a difference with being in the body of a seventeen year old and a fourteen year old. Second, there were seven sixth graders and only one of him. If he was in Tartarus right now and got into a fight with a large group of Shadows, he would almost be committing suicide.

One of the sixth graders roughly pulled Minato away from the friend he was beating up. Minato straightened up, ready to take on all of them. The sixth graders rushed in at him at the same time like it was an All Out Attack. Minato punched the first guy then kicked the second. He blindly began hitting anyone who rushed at him. He ignored the pain from receiving a punch to his cheek and stomach. He did his best to get rid of these guys, but he was outnumbered quite a bit.

There was hope at the end of the tunnel Minato had fallen into. Two figures – one tall and buff and the other slightly shorter and lanky – jumped out of nowhere and began helping Minato against the sixth graders. The three punched and kicked the seven boys (although, for a brief instance, Minato saw the buff guy head butt one of the sixth graders). Bruised and bloody, the sixth graders ran off. Minato didn't bother to look at the two guys who had helped him. He immediately rushed over to his little sister and the other girl.

"Are you okay, Minako?" he asked.

The girl looked up at her brother. Her face was streaked with dirt and tears. Her clothes were covered with shoe prints, and when Minato touched her shoulders, he could feel her shaking. His little sister shook her head.

"I…I can't move my left arm, Minato." She said in a hushed voice. "I think one of those guys broke it."

"I'm sorry!"

Both Arisato kids looked up to see the girl with hair so blonde it almost looked white. Her eyes were a mixture of gray and brown, which Minato found to be a unique color. The girl's eyes were welled up with tears as she said, "I'm sorry I couldn't do more to help you!"

The lanky boy gripped the girl's arm and said, "Let's get to the hospital now just in case something is serious."

Minato could get a clear view of this boy's face. Tall and lanky, he wore casual clothes, but on closer inspection, it was really the Konata Middle School uniform. His hair was platinum gray and he had similar grayish-brown eyes as well. He had a band-aid on his nose, and Minato thought it looked rather silly. Though, he had a rather impressive and cool aura to him.

The other boy was almost a polar opposite of the lanky one. He was taller and buff. He had long, messy brown hair and dark brown eyes. He wore a baseball cap backwards, but he, too, casually wore the Konata Middle School uniform. With his hands stuffed into his pockets and looking on surly, he looked more like a punk than Junpei.

A crowd had drawn during the fight, but it was now slowly dispersing. Minato felt sick to his stomach – not because of being punched in the gut, but because fighting was prohibited on school property. If there was bullying going on, running to a teacher for help was more logical. If he was reported, he knew his parents wouldn't be too happy. But for now, Minato felt more concerned about his sister's condition. He slowly lifted her shaking body up, careful not to move her left arm.

The buff guy returned Minato his bag, and the five of them set off for the nearby Tatsumi Memorial Hospital.

(- -)

-September 27, 2006, Wednesday

Tatsumi Memorial Hospital

Afternoon

Minato learned who the other three were while the doctor checked up on the two girls. The burly guy was Shinjiro Aragaki. He was fifteen and in his ninth year at Konata. The other boy was Akihiko Sanada. He had just turned fifteen five days ago, and a ninth year at the same school. The girl was Miki Sanada, Akihiko's little sister. She was four years younger than him and in the fifth grade.

Minako suffered from several cracked ribs, big bruises, sore muscles, and her left arm was broken in two places. Miki was bruised up badly, and she fractured a bone in one of her legs. He called his parents to come down to the hospital and pick them up, and in this time, Minato finally learned what happened earlier that afternoon.

"When I was leaving school, I found the group of sixth graders near the gate, torturing this dog. It's that dog that belongs to the master of the Naganaki Shrine. It wasn't any more than a year old, and it was small and a little inexperienced still." Minako explained. "The dog often passes by our school for some reason, but the sixth graders were acting like a bunch of jerks, so they started picking on the poor thing. I tried stopping them, but they soon turned on me."

"I saw Minako being beat up, so I tried stopping them. I tried to take them all on, but they also turned on me." Miki added.

"That was reckless of you, Miki." Akihiko scolded.

"I'm sorry…" she replied sadly.

Minako looked at the cast on her left arm. "I'm sorry that I couldn't do more for the dog."

Minato sat down next to his sister on the bed and put an arm around her. "Don't say that, Minako. You did what you could. I'm sure the dog knows it as well."

There was a quick shuffle of footsteps approaching the hospital room. Mr. And Mrs. Arisato appeared in the doorway, their faces slightly flushed, but filled with worry. Mrs. Arisato did a quick inspection of her daughter before pulling her into a tight hug. Mr. Arisato turned his son's cheek to get a better look at the bruise on his left cheek.

"What were you thinking, young lady, trying to take on a group of sixth graders?" Mrs. Arisato asked as she continued berating her daughter.

Minato's father raised an eyebrow as he stared at the bruise. "Nice bruise, Minato." He muttered. "Just wait until you get reprimanded by your mother for fighting."

"You're not mad at me for fighting?" Minato asked.

"I would be if you were fighting for no good reason, but in this case, you only did it to protect your sister." He replied.

"Now, you, Minato! Fighting! On campus? What were you thinking?" Minato's mother demanded, turning on him now. Over his mother's shoulder, Minato could see Akihiko, Miki, and Shinjiro slowly sneaking out of the hospital room. Like a true mother with eyes on the back of head, she yelled, "Stop right there!"

The three of them froze and turned to Mrs. Arisato at a snail's pace. Miki cowered slightly under her brother and Shinjiro. "The three of you were the ones who helped my children, right?" Mrs. Arisato asked. They all hesitantly nodded. She took a deep breath and smiled. "Thank you all."

Minato and Minako stared incredulously at her.

"What? What's up with that? How come she reprimands us both and—" Minato began. His father clamped his son's mouth shut with his hand and didn't say anything.

"If you didn't step in, I'm sure that something more would have happened to them." Mrs. Arisato continued.

"It…It was not a problem, ma'am." Akihiko answered awkwardly. "Now, excuse us. We need to get home."

They all turned to leave again when Mr. Arisato said warningly, "Wait." They turn around again. "You need a parent or guardian to be released from the hospital."

They looked at each other and Shinjiro said, "We're orphans."

"Orphans? If you're orphans, then how is it that you are able to attend Konata Middle School?" Minako blurted out. Her father clamped his other hand over his daughter's mouth.

"We are being sponsored by the Kirijo group." Miki explained.

"Through their outreach program right?" The older man asked. They agreed. The Kirijo group had a very positive and influential power. They owned and controlled almost everything, and the group still had the time to give back to the people. The outreach program Mr. Arisato spoke of was simple. The Kirijo group sponsored orphans who had enormous potential. They gave them housing, food, money, and a well-deserved education in hopes that the orphan would rise up in society. Most sponsored orphans attended such prestigious schools such as Konata and Gekkoukan.

Mrs. Arisato thought for a moment before asking, "Well, if that is the case, would the three of you like to have dinner at our house tomorrow night with our close friends?"

"What?"

"It must have been a while since you had a home cooked meal with a family, right?" She asked brightly.

The two boys and the girl turned to each other. They leaned in closer, quietly discussing their decision. Minato watched his mother continue to smile unwaveringly. He could hear small parts of their discussion.

"Why not?" Miki asked.

"A home cooked meal? I cooked for us just last week. We don't need it." Shinjiro growled.

Miki scoffed and said, "That's because you and my brother had a Home Economics class that day and had access to a kitchen."

"Okay, look." Akihiko commanded. "We are running out of our allowance for the month. We don't have enough cash to go to the Hagakure for meals for three more days. We might as well accept their offer."

"I'm going to accept no matter what!" Akihiko's younger sister replied. "It's been seven years since we've had a home cooked meal made from a mother's love, and you know what? I miss it!"

Akihiko rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Okay, fine, Miki! I'll accept, too!" He looked at his friend and asked, "What about you Shinji?"

"…Whatever. I'll go." He said gruffly.

"Mrs. Arisato, we accept your invitation." They said.

(- -)

-September 28, 2006, Thursday

On the front steps of the Arisato household

After School

"Dinner tonight?" Yukari asked. "Yeah, I heard about it. Pretty last minute, if you ask me."

"Are you coming?" Minato asked.

The girl laughed. "Do you even have to ask? Our families are the best of friends. Of course, we're coming tonight."

"Whoa, wait, what?" Junpei asked.

After school, Yukari and Junpei tagged along with Minato in picking up Minako from school. Minato was more than ready if he had to fight the same group of sixth graders again. He still didn't get in trouble with the school for fighting on school grounds, but he was sure that the matter would be investigated, and he would be called in for an examination. For now, Minato was going to enjoy his time of being free. The four of them went back to the Arisato household where Minato, Junpei, and Yukari were sitting on the front steps, idly drinking soda and talking. Minako had gone inside to practice her singing.

"My family is having dinner here tonight." Yukari explained.

"You're invited, too, Junpei." Minato said quietly, but it seemed like the comment wasn't heard.

Junpei sniggered. "Is it to discuss the future plans to engage the two of you together?"

"Shut up, Stupei!" Minato's childhood friend yelled.

"Stop calling me that!"

Ignoring his friends' childish bickering, he took another swig of his Mad Bull soda. Minato turned his head just in time to see a white dog staring at him with bold, red eyes. The dog stared innocently at Minato with patience.

Minato put his soda down on the ground and walked over to the dog. He began scratching him behind the ears and he said, "I know you. You belong to the priest at the Naganaki Shrine." He remembered his sister's story. "I'm guessing you're here to see her, right?" He turned to his friends (who were still bickering) and said, "Will both of you shut up and bring Minako out here?"

"What? Why?" Junpei asked.

He took a deep breath and said, "Just bring her out here."

Junpei and Yukari looked at each other curiously before disappearing inside. Minato continued to scratch behind Koromaru's ears until he heard the others return. Minato turned around to find his sister and friends walking down the steps.

"You have a visitor, Minako." He replied with a smile. He stepped to the side to let her see Koromaru sitting on the sidewalk. At the sight of the girl who had tried to save him, his tail began wagging happily. His tongue hung out as if this was his smile.

"Koro-chan!" Minako cried out. She ran over to the dog and pet him eagerly. She giggled and asked, "Did you come here to see me?" Koromaru let out a loud bark.

"I think he's trying to say thank you for yesterday, Mina-chan." Yukari said softly. The dog barked with agreement. "See?"

Junpei chuckled. "Smart dog."

"But…I couldn't do anything for him."

Minato shook his head. "That's not true, Minako. You did your best in trying to save him. It's the thought that counts."

She stared at her brother with wide eyes. She slowly closed them as if she had reached realization. She turned to the patient dog. She gently hugged him and said softly, "You're welcome, Koromaru."

He whined slightly, lightly licking the girl's face. He gave a short bark before walking back to where he belonged. The four watched him leave until they couldn't see Koromaru anymore.

"You know," Junpei said, "that is one hell of a dog."

(- -)

-September 28, 2006, Thursday

Arisato Residence

Evening

The night was filled with laughter. The Arisato residence was a full house, so Minato helped his dad bring up the extra table from the basement. The table was always used whenever a large group of relatives were over, but this was a special case. There were eleven people over for dinner: The Arisato family, the Takeba family, Junpei, both Sanada kids, and Shinjiro Aragaki. The house was anything but peaceful.

Koji Arisato was normally stern and stoic, but his more lively personality appeared more frequently when paired up with his best friend, Echiiro Takeba. They both made sure that the three orphans did not feel left out. They told stories of their own high school days, all of which were quite surprising. Despite being top students in high school, they were also big pranksters, often using their knowledge of sciences to create comical situations. Minato and Yukari had heard these stories many times before, but these tales fascinated Akihiko, Miki, Shinjiro, and even Junpei.

Other than the stories, Hotaru Arisato's cooking was something new to the three orphans. All of it was completely made from scratch, and it was a nice break from the fast and frozen food they routinely ate. Like Miki had wanted, the meal was made with a mother's love. With that factor, the food tasted different – in a good way. It was warm, but when the three orphans ate it, it felt like it also warmed their hearts (even Shinjiro's). This feeling was quite different from food being warmed up in a microwave.

At dinner, when all attention had turned to the three orphans, Minato learned more about them. Akihiko and Shinjiro were somewhat more open than they were in his reality. Akihiko and Miki's parents died seven years ago, when they were eight and four respectively. They died in a fire. When sent to an orphanage, they met Shinjiro. His parents died when he was five. His father was an alcoholic and frequently beat his wife and son when intoxicated. Shinjiro's mother died as a result, and realizing what he did, his father committed suicide. Minato then thought that Shinjiro's attitude soon became hard because of the sad fate of his parents.

The subject moved onto a lighter note. The orphans then explained the reason why the Kirijo group sponsored them. Akihiko showed promise as a boxer. His reason for wanting to become one was much different than the one Minato had figured out in his reality. Akihiko told the story that his father loved watching the sport, and he soon became interested. Miki was found to be a very good singer like Minako. They went to the same school for their classes, but Miki was in a more advanced course. Shinjiro mumbled out his reason for being sponsored, but no one could quite understand. Junpei, Yukari, and Minato attempted the prod the answer out of him until Mrs. Takeba stopped them. In reality, Minato had learned from Akihiko that Shinjiro was actually a very good cook. Perhaps that was his talent.

The night continued on from dinner to board games. Though it was seemingly juvenile, Miki and Akihiko happily agreed. Shinjiro agreed reluctantly, but Minato was sure that he really did want to join them. He didn't say anything because he didn't want to get punched in the face again. Minako and Miki also had everyone sign their casts. At the end of the night, Mrs. Arisato packed up all the uneaten leftovers for the orphans. They had two more days to go before getting their monthly allowance, and the mother wasn't going to let them starve until then.

As Minato said good-bye and watched his father drive his new friends to their dorm, he couldn't help feel like they were part of the family now. Even if they lived with each other, he knew they would be welcome at the Arisato residence any day – and that was completely fine.

(- -)

Minato sat on the second floor, talking with Fuuka, Yukari, and Junpei. He refused to go to Tartarus that night. He believed that they all need a break from fighting Shadows and climbing blood covered floors. Minato realized it was getting late when Akihiko climbed the stairs to the second floor.

"Don't stay up too long." He ordered to the group before heading inside to his room. The four of them nodded and continued their conversation. Now, Minato was only half listening. He imagined that Akihiko had found his important picture on his desk. Attached to it was a note saying:

I understand how you feel about keeping such a thing.

But I won't ask any questions on its importance.

-Minato

Truly, no questions were needed to confirm its importance. The item itself was evident of that. It was something that a Hierophant and an Emperor could look back on, no matter how painful the memory was.

Hello again! Considering that the last two chapters were pretty serious, I tried for something a little more light-hearted. Although, reading it over, I think this chapter was a little more serious than light hearted. Although, I promise the next chapter will be light hearted! It's going to have Minato x Yukari fluff. Yay! Haha. I was originally going to have the chapter title be, "The Hierophant, the Emperor, and the Priestess", but I thought that everyone might mistake the Priestess part as Fuuka. Fuuka will make her appearance later on, don't worry. I also wasn't going to originally have Koromaru in this chapter as well. The sixth graders were going to be picking on some other animal like a bird, but I thought of Persona 3's adorable dog, and he found his way into this chapter. Well, I think that's it for now!