YAY! The 8th chapter is here. Let's get this chapter over with. And at the same time I'm doing this while listening to Persona 4 music. Especially Kanji's dungeon music at the sauna which I think is epic also Naoto's dungeon music called secret base. And no I never played Persona 4. Just watched a little walkthrough I've seen on youtube. This is probably a little longer than all the other chapters since most of them range between two thousand to two thousand and fifty words. Except for one of the chapters that was 2,700 words exactly. This is one close to being what 3,000 words. So, yay for me. ^^ And this day was a bit longer 'cause of how they were at school talking, talking at the command room, talking at the front gates, and talking inside Tartarus. To me is tedious because of the long talks they have to get you into the game before you could even control the character. . Enough of me talking and ranting let's get going.

EDITED VERSION!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN PERSONA 3/FES/PORTABLE IN ANY WAY THEY BELONG TO ATLUS. THE ONLY THING I OWN IS MY OC NOAMI AND A COPY OF THEIR GAME OF P3P.

So let the stories begin!

~April 20, 2009, Monday, Early Morning~

Of course today I'm actually walking with Minato and Minako. We decided that we could catch up on things for that time span. When we arrived to school we heard some more gossips until the first bell rang. So we scurried of to class.

~Lunchtime~

We all sat casually in our class when Yukari suddenly stood up. "I thought I was gonna fall asleep in there..." she yawned all of a sudden.

Then the sliding door slid open and Mitsuru-sempai came stalking in, as elegant as ever. She even caught the eyes of many juniors that are still in here. Most students started talking about her coming into this class, being the "lucky" ones. Yeah right. I don't think I could handle any more of this crappy nonsense of rumors. They are just a bunch of waste of time. And sometimes I'm in it. I'm just getting more popular these days.

"Can I have a minute? Come to the lounge when you get back to the dorm. I have something to tell everyone," she calmly said, but then Yukari had an annoyed face after finishing her orders. I kinda agree with Yukari though. It feels like Mitsuru-sempai has no respect of others just because her family owns this school. Whatever.

"Oh, are we having that talk?" Junpei being all secretive, but he's just excited like a kid.

"I'll save the details for later. See you there," after saying that she stalked off. Then some students were talking about Mitsuru-sempai that came into the room and talked to us... yada, yada, yada. You get the point.

"Wow she didn't waste any time leaving..." Junpei muttered.

"She's probably busy with things like Student Council, unlike us," Yukari butted in with a little hint of venom.

"Whoa, Yuka-tan! Do I sense some hostility?" Junpei pestered about the attitude she gave to Mitsuru-sempai.

"Well, it's not that I don't like her... she's just..." she trailed off.

~After School~

Yup... I have to go to the dorm today after Karate Club. Everyone decided to go back early leaving me behind. Well isn't that just freaking nice of them, I scowled. That didn't last long since I have a "class" to teach.

~Evening~

Everyone was in the command room except me who came a bit late. I entered a little bit dramatically by slamming the doors open, puffing air, trying to catch my breath and apologizing about my absence. Akihiko-sempai sat on the first single chair by the Chairman, next was Yukari, then Junpei. The couch was occupied by Mitsuru-sempai by the Chairman, of course, Minato, then Minako. So I was left standing at the end of the table, leaning on my left leg. Wish there was a chair where I'm standing right now.

"Okay, everybody's here," Ikutsuki began. "I'd like your undivided attention." Everyone turned their heads back to the Chairman as he began his speech. "For a long time, Mitsuru, Akihiko and Naomi were the only Persona-users we had. But that number recently jumped to seven. Therefore..." he glides his head to each of us. "Starting tonight at 12:00AM, I'd like to commence the exploration of Tartarus."

"Sorry... I asked this yesterday, but what's this Tartarus thing again?" Junpei still lost like a child.

"You haven't seen it, Junpei?" Yukari retaliated, while Junpei still sat there confused.

"It's no surprise... since it only appears during the Dark Hour," Ikutsuki explained.

"The Dark Hour...?" Junpei still lost. How can they not know about the Dark Hour if we explained about it a couple days ago? Idiots. I sighed heavily.

"Just like the Shadows... interesting, huh? And it's the perfect place for us to train. You can think of it as a Shadow nest," Akihiko-sempai getting excited about it.

"Whoa... Their nest, huh...?" Junpei sounded a bit intrigue.

"But, Sempai… what about your injury?" Yukari spoke with a worried expression.

"Since Akihiko-sempai hasn't fully recovered yet, he'll only come as far as the entrance," I said suddenly.

"...Yeah I know," he sighed disappointingly.

"Well, I'm sure he won't complain, as long as you don't go too far in," the Chairman added in. "Since we're dealing with Shadows, Tartarus isn't something we can avoid."

"Relax, I've got your backs," Junpei said confidently.

"I'm not so sure about this..." Yukari is being a worry-wart again.

"What about you Mr. Chairman?" Mitsuru spoke.

"I'll stay here. As you know, I can't summon a Persona..." he replied disappointingly.

~Late Night, Gekkoukan High Gates~

We arrived at the front gates of our seemingly peaceful school that we go to in the morning.

"This is it? THIS is the place," Junpei exaggerated. "Why HERE?"

"Just wait a few minutes," I said calmly. "It's almost midnight."

The Arisato Twins took their headphones off knowing it won't work during this hour and looked at the white building. "Is it really this?" Minako asked whispering to me. I only nodded as Minato quickly glance at me to see the answer if it's true. They know me well enough that I don't lie to them. Not even once. That's why they trust me at the very most. But I think that I lied to them when we were hiding about the Dark Hour. So I guess that counts as once.

~Dark Hour~

As time ticked away to midnight the building that stood once our school stood into a tall tower that expanded almost to the sky. Stairs, light post, windows, doors, almost everything on that building were merged together and sprouting like a plant. Junpei, and the Arisatos' were surprised.

"This is Tartarus- the Labyrinth that reveals itself during the Dark Hour," Mitsuru commented.

"Labyrinth...?" The cap wearing Persona-user managed to choke out. "What are you talking about? What happen to our school?"

"Once the Dark Hour passes, everything returns to normal," I said.

"This is the "nest" you were talking about!" Junpei lost for words. "But, why? ...Why'd our school turn into a giant tower?" Everyone fell silent especially Mitsuru-sempai who held her arm really tightly. She just want to avoid the necessary things to think that they think we were using them. This is a nice way to even hurt your friends more. I'll keep quiet until the time comes.

"...You don't know either?" Junpei asked.

"...No." Mitsuru answered.

"I'm sure it's complicated." Yukari added in after a few minutes of no talking what so ever. "Who cares anyway? It's not like it would change our minds about fighting."

"Well, maybe now we'll find out," Akihiko added in. "Mitsuru, Hikari, and I have only gone to take a peek; this will be our first time exploring it. Exciting, isn't it. There has to be some sort of clue in here about the dark hour..."

"Um, Akihiko-sempai. I respect your enthusiasm, but you won't be accompanying us today," I scolded.

"I know... You don't have to remind me," Akihiko pouted.

~Tartarus First Floor/Entrance~

This floor has a stair leading to the next floor that has a clock on it. Pillars surround the area. Some kind of machine on one corner, a clock on the other, and the Velvet Room door a little farther from where the clock is.

"Whoa... it's just as cool on the inside..." Junpei commented.

"But, it sure is creepy..." Yukari added.

"This is only the entrance. The labyrinth lies beyond the doorway at the top of the stairs," Mitsuru-sempai informed.

"First we'll have you three get a feel for this place," Akihiko-sempai decided. "Why don't you have a look around?"

"What? By ourselves?" Yukari said in bewilderment.

"Um, we aren't asking to go very far, ya know," I scoffed at Yukari's stupidity.

"I'll be feeding you information from here," Mitsuru-sempai informed.

"So, you three didn't plan on coming in the first place?" Junpei wondered.

"That's right, but Hikari will be accompanying you guys when ordered to since she's more experienced like us," Akihiko-sempai answered. "We're also going to appoint a leader to make any necessary decisions."

"For real? ...One of us? Oh! Oh! Me, me, me! Pick me!" Junpei was being ecstatic at the sound.

"...Should we choose the two over there so they can fill in for each other when one is out or do you want a go at it, Hikari?" Akihiko asked who was hesitant about letting the cap-wearing, Persona-user as a leader, since he looks irresponsible. With Junpei as the leader he doesn't look that responsible for the choices he might make. He's the type of person to charge in at any given moment without thinking it through.

"I'm not cut out for being a leader," I said nervously. "Besides, I'm a bit timid at these kinds of things. And yeah I may teach a class after school, but its simple instructions and demonstrations. This is more... how you say it... intense for me to order people during battle. So, I think it's best to choose Mi-chan and Nato-kun." He looked at me skeptically and nodded his head in agreement. Mitsuru nodded her head also at the decision. I wasn't a leader type even though I do teach Karate Club at school.

"We've decided and we'll put Mi-chan and Nato-kun in charge so when one's out the other could fill in," I pointed out blankly.

"W-Wait! Why them? He doesn't look like a leader! And I'm not being mean, but one of them is a girl!" Junpei exploded.

"But they HAVE fought them before..." Yukari pointed out.

"Seriously?" Junpei, surprised.

"That's true, but there's another reason," I added. "You two... Can you summon your Persona without difficulties, like they can?" I put my evoker upside down on my right temple.

"Y-Yeah of course I can!" Junpei stuttered confidently.

"I think so," Yukari with little confidence.

"These are Shadow we're talking about here. Without your Persona, you're screwed," Akihiko warned.

"I'm aware of that," Yukari reminded. As we were about to head up the stairs Mi-chan and Nato-kun notice the door. And I ended up following them too.

~Velvet Room~

Walking in, we sat onto the lyre shape couch.

"I've been waiting for you," Igor welcomed in his eerie voice as always. "The time has come for you to wield your power. The tower that you are about to venture into... How did it come to be? For what purpose does it exist? Regrettably, you are not yet capable of answering these questions. That is why you must be made aware of the nature of your power," he continues to explain. But I do have to admit he talks too much without making sense once in a while, but at least I'm smart enough to catch on.

"The nature of our power?" The twins said in unison.

"You power is unique. It's like the number zero... its empty, but at the same time hold infinite possibilities," Igor explains further. "You, my dear guests, are able to possess multiple Personae, and summon them as needed. But one of you three can't and I believe it's this young lady here." Igor said who looked at me with his bulging eyes and long pointed nose. Yeah he scares the most. He's scarier than Pharos.

Mi-chan and Nato-kun looked at me on why I can't summon multiple personae, but I am able to do fusion spells so I'm not that useless. I do carry two different Personae, but more twin like that have separate identities.

"When you have defeated your enemies, you will see the faces of possibility before you," the long nose man continued. "There may be times when they are difficult to grasp... But, do no fear. Seize what you have earned. Your power will grow accordingly... Be sure to keep that in mind. My spare time will soon be scarce. But, please come again of your own accord. I'll tell you then about my true role... the manner in which I can best assist you. Until then... Farewell." We were then sent back out to our own bodies and listened to that long ass conversation, which I always hated when it comes to him talking.

~Tartarus First Floor/Entrance~

"Hey, are you guys alright?" Yukari walked at us suddenly.

"Yeah what's up? You guys looked like zombies," Junpei added in.

"Um, it's nothing," we said in unison.

"Don't tell me you just dozed off!" He said bewildered. "You're like that coach who fell asleep during the championship game! Come on, you guys. You're s'posed to be our leader."

"Cut them some slack. If nothing's wrong, then let's get going," Yukari defended and wanting to confidently continue.

I stood there by the velvet door, waiting on the leaders' orders. There might be a chance that I won't go since they only can bring two or three with them. And that was Mitsuru-sempai's orders. Minato came to me and ask to tag along even though the order from Mitsuru-sempai was clear that only four people can go. But he made an exception since he knows me being responsible to watch us when things get hectic. Mitsuru-sempai finally agreed, but she will only consider this once. Walking up the stairs Mitsuru-sempai asked if we're ready. We nodded our heads and entered the clock door.

~Tartarus: Block One; Thebel Second Floor~

"So, this is it, huh...?" Junpei commented on the area which is green. Blood pooling in all corners, the floor checkered with green and white tiles.

"I hope I don't get lost..." Yukari added in to more of our worries.

"Can you all hear me?" Mitsuru-sempai's voice echoed through our heads.

"Whoa! Is that you, Sempai?" Junpei act a little surprised.

"I'll be providing audio backup from here on out."

"Wait... Ya mean, you can see inside here?"

"It's my Persona's ability. I'd like to join you, but the structure of Tartarus changes from day to day. That's why outside support is imperative."

"Well that makes me feel a whole lot better..." Yukari said sarcastically.

"Now, based on your current location, you can expect to encounter enemies at any minute. They shouldn't be too tough, but proceed with caution. Practice makes perfect," Mitsuru-sempai informed.

"Right," Junpei said enthusiastically

"Got it" Yukari agreed.

"You betcha," I said while the twins nodded their heads.

"Why is she always like that...?" Yukari scowled and I heard her.

She must really hate how Mitsuru-sempai orders us around. We started to explore the floor finding couple brief cases with important items we could use. Of course we were fighting enemies here and there. Then the stairs came into view, which Mitsuru-sempai told us not to go up, but to keep that in mind. So far, no problems have been encountered. After defeating the last enemy we decided to split up. Junpei and Minato took the right. Minako and Yukari went to the left while I headed straight to only find an item. Yukari yelled that they found a transporter. We agreed to go back while Junpei and I gave the item to Minato. (A/N: When you first play being at Tartarus there was only two forks at the end. I just added in the extra hall so it won't feel like its short. On with the story now).

~Tartarus First Floor/Entrance~

"Welcome back," Mitsuru-sempai greeted. "So, how was it?"

"No problem," the twins replied.

"I see. Well if you gained confidence, that's the best thing you could have achieved."

"Wow... I never knew I had that kinda power!" Junpei fist punched the air. "We kicked some ass! But damn, I'm beat..."

"That's cuz you were bouncin' around like a little kid," Yukari scoffed.

"You look pretty tired yourself, Yuka-tan," Junpei retorted.

"I'm still trying to catch my breath, actually..." Yukari defended.

As for the twins they seem beat to. Unlike me since I been here once in a while I got used to it. But a good night's rest should do.

"That's the effect of the Dark Hour; you'll become fatigued more easily," I informed. "Don't worry, though, you'll adapt. But, I'm surprised... You all did much better than I expected. At this rate, they'll catch up to you in no time Akihiko-sempai," I joked, smiling at him.

"Heh, we'll see about that," waiting for a competition. With that said we decided to go back to the dorms and rest since we do have school tomorrow.