Persona 3 Portable: Minako's Story

by Ryzaki

A retelling of the female story in P3P. Extremely strong language, violence and sexual themes. Spoilers for P3P. Multiple-ships involving the Female PC. One sided ships as well. Ships: ShinjixMinako others are of yet unconfirmed. Now being re-edited.

16. Decisions

Chapter 16: Decisions

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12/3/09

Classroom 2-F…

The tell tale sound of Mitsuru's boots come down the hall.

"..He's awake now. Let's meet tonight on the 4th floor."

I nod.

"Alright, then. I'll see you later." with that she walks right back out.

"Damn that Ryoji." Junpei snarls. Yukari simply sighs.

"Let's go."

Dorm, Command Room…

Everyone's here Ryoji's sitting on the same sofa Ikutsuki used to sit on with his head low that same pained expression on his face.

"Is everyone present?" Mitsuru looks around.

"Yeah. We're all here." I mumble.

"Are you okay, Ryoji-kun?" Fuuka turns to him.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks. Besides, there's more I have to tell you guys."

"Ryoji-kun…"

"There are many questions we need answered." Trust Mitsuru to get straight to business. "To being with, you said Shadows were here to facilitate the rebirth of the maternal being…Please elaborate on this."

"The maternal being is called Nyx."

"Who the hell's Nyx…?" Junpei speaks before I can say anything.

"Nyx is the mother of Shadows. In ancient times, she bestowed "Death" to this world. If she is awakened, darkness will once again cover the land, and all life will vanish."

"All life will vanish?" Akihiko is completely startled by this as are we all.

"Are you saying…everyone will die?" Mitsuru

"It would be more accurate to say that…everyone will forfeit the will to live."

Mitsuru gasps. "Are you talking about the Lost?" …wait…everyone…everyone will become like The Lost? "The Fall…"

"But, it's still possible to keep it from happening, right?" Yukari speaks quickly hope in her voice. …No…Pharos…said the fall could not be avoided. We were doomed from the start.

Ryoji says nothing.

"Wh-What?" After a few seconds she seems to have reached the same conclusion I have. "There's no way to prevent it?"

"…I'm sorry…"

"Wait, what're you apologizing for?" She snaps. "Are you saying it's for certain!"

"Yes…you heard the bell. I'm The Appriser…The Appriser of Death…my existence is the affirmation of the Fall."

"The affirmation…of the Fall…"

"You've gots to be shitting me." I deadpan. He looks up at me and our eyes meet. Almost shamefully he turns away.

"…I'm sorry…"

"Stop apologizing damn it!" I snap. He flinches but I'm too pissed to care. I'm going to die? It's bad enough that he and fucking Aeon killed my family but now I'm going to die too? This is bullshit!

"When! When will it happen!" Akihiko speaks.

"I'm afraid…you will not live to see spring."

"But, that's not too far away!" Junpei's right…we don't have long at all. The room falls silent once more with the exception of Junpei who just laughs. "Wh-What're you guys freaking out about? All we have to do is defeat this Nyx! And that won't be a problem cuz we've never lost!"

"Yeah. Let's kick its ass!" We have to. There's no other option.

Junpei grins in agreement but Ryoji shakes his head mournfully.

"Defeating Nyx is…impossible." What? "It has nothing to do with strength, ability, or power. Just as all living things die…and the flow of time is continuous…Nyx cannot be defeated."

"What…? That's bullshit!" Junpei snaps.

"This is all so sudden…" Ken looks down at his hands as he speaks.

"I was born from a collection of Shadows. But now, I have a human form…so I can talk with you, laugh with you, cry with you. All gifts I received because," he looks up at me "I was inside her. Of all the people on Earth, it was she who carried me…" he takes a deep breath. "Thanks to that…I am able to give you a choice." A choice?

"A choice…?"

"Nyx's coming cannot be avoided. But, it is possible to live in peace until she arrives. You'll have to…kill me." Kill him? "If I were to disappear, all memories of the Dark Hour would disappear with me…as would any recollection of the fate that awaits you. You won't remember anything. The coming of the Fall will be instantaneous…and you will not suffer."

"We'll forget everything?" Mitsuru doesn't look too pleased to hear that.

"You'll be able to return to your normal lives. And in doing so, the time until the Fall will be slightly delayed." His voice is pleading as he looks at everyone in the room "In essence, I am the same as Nyx and cannot be killed. But thanks to her, there's a part of me that's "human". So, if death comes from her hands, I think it may be possible." He meets my eyes again. …Kill him? I can't kill him. Considering though…indirectly or not he killed my parents…I still can't. I keep remembering two days ago. The agony on his face and the gentleness of his touch…even the knowledge I have, the memory of that isn't marred…I feel used but I…I still…

"Ryoji-kun…" Fuuka murmurs.

"If you don't kill me, you will suffer more than you could ever imagine. With no hope for salvation, you will live every day paralyzed by the fear of your impending death. And I…I don't want you to have to endure such pain." He's pleading with everyone in the room but…his eyes are focused on me. He wants me to kill him…to live in blissful ignorance until the day of the fall, I suppose in his own way this is his way of showing his love. By giving me the one thing he can…a peaceful death.

"I…I can't kill you Ryoji." The sorrow in his eyes at that statement pains me so much that I look away. How can I?

"…You're so kind. I'm sorry to put you through this…" he murmurs.

"…I don't want my memories to be erased." Yukari speaks up. "…To forget everything would be like hiding from the truth!"

"Would that really be such a bad thing? All that awaits you now is despair. You don't know the terror of absolute death…! Please, don't make your decision without at least thinking about what I've said."

Yukari sighs I guess she doesn't appreciate Ryoji's efforts. "Why is this happening!" Ken trembles as he speaks.

Ryoji stands. "You don't have to decide right now. You have until December 31st, New Year's Eve, to think about it. After that, I'll dissolve into the blackness of the Dark Hour and become intangible."

"Ryoji…" He's…leaving? I look up and that same pained look is on his face.

"I will disappear with the coming of Nyx anyways…So, don't worry about me." What does he mean disappear? He'll no longer exist regardless of which choice I make? "I'll be back on New Year's Eve…" with that he walks to the door.

"H-Hey, Ryoji, wait!" Junpei runs after him but he's gone. He vanished…the same way Pharos used to.

I head to my bedroom and throw myself under the covers.

…Ryoji…

Was…I really going to die? No matter what I tried to do?

I laugh bitterly at the irony.

Akinari…it seems we might not be so different after all. The only difference is it seems I can choose how I'm going to die.

I close my eyes I don't want to think anymore…

12/4/09

Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…

As I'm walking to class I overhear two girls talking. "I heard some people saying that Apathy Syndrome is nothing to worry about." Ha. You wish.

"I heard the same thing. It puts people at ease, right?" Ignorance really is bliss.

"Yeah…It certainly does for me. You think it's some new religion?"

"What, are you taking this seriously?"

"O-Of course not!" the bell rings and the two girls run to class. …What the hell is the point anymore? With a sigh I head to class.

After school I head for Paulownia Mall. I don't know why but I find myself heading for the Velvet Room. Theo gives me his usual smile but frowns when I simply look down in response.

"Did you two know? The whole time?" My voice is soft as I look back up at Theo who looks away in guilt. "You too Igor?"

Igor merely gives me one of his smiles in response. "You fate is not as set as you believe it too be."

"Not as set! I'm going to die! What the hell is not set about that!"

Igor gives no response to my yelling, never losing that enigmatic smile.

"Theo!" I turn to him but he keeps that guilty look on his face. "Is there anything you can tell me?"

"…"

My vision gets blurry and the next thing I know I'm on the ground sobbing. "I don't want to die! I don't!" Theo walks over to me and places one of his request cards in my hand. Trembling I shake my head.

"Just…accept it. Please."

Still sobbing I nod and he helps me up. Gently he takes my hand, I don't see where we're going because my vision is blurred by the tears.

"Minako…" I look up and Theo's face blurs I can't stop. I'm still sobbing and bury myself into his chest. This isn't fair…why do I have to die? Why? Why is Ryoji a Shadow…why was he inside me…and why does the fall have to happen now? Blissful ignorance would be vastly preferred to this. I don't know how long I lay there sobbing against him but I sniffle a little. He's still there warm against me and I look up at him, tears still in my eyes.

"I don't…want to die…" Is all I can say. He only gives me a sorrowful look in response. "I don't…want to die, Theo…"

"I know…" I sob and bury myself back against him I cry until I feel completely exhausted.

"It's not fair…" I whisper. Theo silently runs his hand down my back in a comforting gesture. "What…what am I supposed to do?" I don't…know… "What…can I do?" My eyes flutter close.

Bedroom

When my eyes open I'm back in my room. Theo is looking down at me with a sad look on his face. Oh…I must have cried myself to sleep. I wait for the tears to swell again but they don't, I think I'm all cried out for now. Shinji…he faced his own death head-on while I'm laying curled in a ball sobbing. Still…I- my promised words come back to me with a vengeance. I promised…to be happy and live didn't I? How can I do either knowing I have a set death sentence? …If I didn't know…I could keep my promise. But…doing that would break the promise I made to myself wouldn't it…to make sure everyone in SEES would be okay…that I would protect them all.

But…what if that is the way to protect them? I heard sobbing coming from Yukari's room, the screams of frustration from Junpei's how Akihiko just sat in the lounge with a book in his hand and a blank expression of shock on his face. …and Ken…Ken who had barely lived at all had simply looked at the ground in silence. Even the usually strong Mitsuru looked shaken and afraid. Taking that sorrow, that helpless despair from them…wouldn't it be the right thing to do?

"Theo…?"

"Master Minako?"

I cover my teary eyes with my arm. "What…what should I do?"

"…That…is a choice you have to make for yourself." His voice is gentle as he speaks. "I am sure you'll make the right decision."

"The…right…decision? Is there such a thing in this situation?"

"What you think is right is the only thing that matters Master Minako. I…can give you no other advice." He looks sad at that. "I…wish I could help you more…but I've done all I can. All I can say is that you are the wild card and because of that nothing can be certain."

"Theo…" done all he can? So…his requests were ways of giving me the items without out and out shoving them at me? And why can't he help more openly? Is something…or someone stopping him? Also…the wild card? Nothing can be certain? Is that his way of saying the world doesn't have to end? I open my mouth to ask more when he speaks.

"Your… "presence" is strong here." I look at him questioningly. "Perhaps one would call it…your scent?"

I find myself blinking rapidly as I sit up on the bed. I sniffle a little and laugh. "It smells of anger and despair right?"

He shakes his head. "No…it's a mixture of things…neither good nor bad."

A mixture? "A mixture of what exactly?" I know he's trying to change the subject…and I can't fault him for it. Anything that gets my mind off the impending end of the world…is appreciated. I guess he can't say anymore…and it would be wrong of me to force him too. He must have his reasons.

"It would be meaningless to break it down into its component chemicals." He frowns at this. "It's just…unique." he gives me a small smile. I smile back, even though I know it's not much of one. "If I would hazard a guess…I like it actually." I wipe my tears away and chuckle. He looks somewhat relieved at that.

"Oh…your request…" I open my hand, the card is crumpled but still readable. "Huh?" I'd like to see your room? What kind of-!

Theo blushes. "That…doesn't make you uncomfortable does it?"

I look over at Theo who knows very little about this world. "With you asking, no." He just wanted to see my room is all. "There's nothing much though. Just this bed, desk, and computer. There's my clothes but-" I resist adding 'you've probably seen those already seeing as how you give me them as rewards'.

"If that's so…then I'm glad to hear it. This…is plenty." He looks around my room. "It's small but…there are many memories here, both pleasant…and others…less so. However this room carries a part of you within it…" he has a small smile on his face as he speaks, I sit up.

"This world is filled with exquisite brilliance." Yeah. It is…"The station, the shrine, the school…all had their unique charms…every moment of the short time I spent with you is an unforgettable memory. …Thank you so much. This will be the last of my requests to visit this world." He frowns then. "Which means this will be the last chance I have to spend time alone with you…" he sighs. "You have carried out my request to the fullest. Thank you for everything."

I laugh. "All I did today was cry on you."

Theo nods. "You've showed me a range of human emotions…from joy to sorrow. I am most grateful."

"So…you didn't mind?" He shakes his head.

"It was the least I could do to repay you. …I…do not like to see you suffer." he murmurs this sadly. "If there is anything I can do to alleviate your pain I shall do so if I can."

I frown why did that sound like it had much more to do with than today? "Well…I have to thank you too Theo. I feel a lot better now…thanks for…being here with me."

"I'm glad to hear that. …Then," he frowns again. "I must say good-bye now."

"Wait…can you stay…for a little longer?" He sits beside me on the bed. "I know I'm just…using you as a human pillow but-"

"I do not mind." I lay against him again and close my eyes I don't know how long we stay like that but…

Sometime afterward Theo nudges me. "It is getting late Master Minako…"

Hm? I look outside and the sun's setting. Reluctantly I get off of Theo's shoulder and stand. "I guess…we should go back to the Velvet Room then…"

Right outside the dorm

"If I stay in this world for much longer, I may forget my duties entirely. And that would put you at a serious disadvantage. That's why…this will be the last time." He sounds sad and I force myself not to protest. I don't…want to make this worse for him "…Thank you so very much." he offers his hand to me. "Your hand, please…for the last time." with that hand in hand we walk to the dorm. As we walk I feel as though he's giving me part of his strength.

Velvet Room…

"Thank you for answering my request. Well then…" he looks sad again. "I'd like you to forget…everything I told you there." Forget everything? "…Unless you do, I'll come to depend on your kindness once again and be unable to hold back the emotions within me…I've prepared something special for you this time…" He smiles at that but it's so reminiscent of Saori's fake smiles that I feel pained. "With this, you can fuse Kartikeya. A beautiful, birdlike Persona that glides over the battlefield…Higher and higher it rises…" the false smile slips. "It, too, is a part of you…while I can only gaze at it from below. …but, I…if you were to need me…" he looks up at me "no matter how difficult the path may be to tread, I will reach your side, no matter what stands in my way." Igor gives him a strange look at this and I resist asking what that means. Theo can't or won't answer with Igor there and Igor will just give me that smile that makes me want to kick him in the face.

"This will be the last of my requests to explore your world. Thank you very much for everything… everything you've done for me. Please…take this." He gives me a single feather the color of a rainbow. It's beautiful and I gently place it in my pocket.

"Goodbye Theo…" I smile gently as I turn to leave.

"Take care Master Minako." with that I shut the door to the Velvet Room behind me. It's late now so I head straight for the dorm. I'm still scared but…the feather in my pocket makes me smile slightly. Theo may have not said it in so many words but…he gave me a bit of hope. That maybe I can find a way to change this…to stop the world from ending. I…I am the wild card after all.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

Everyone is sitting around the dorm gloomily.

"…Oh, you're back…my bad." Junpei looks up at me when I come back in.

"Junpei…"

"Could last night just have been a dream or something…?" he grins at me but I frown his smile disappears and he sighs. "No, probably not, huh?" I look around and everyone is looking lost and afraid even Koromaru looks down. …I can't tell them what Theo told me…but…that small bit of hope comforts me. There's a chance…that I can change all this. And even if not, I still have the option to take away their knowledge of this…we can all be blissfully ignorant until The Fall. With that in mind I head upstairs and climb into bed.

12/5/09

Gekkoukan High School, Front Gates…

"Did you hear about Ryoji in Class 2-F?" Some students are gossiping.

"No, I didn't!" Ugh. Do you have to be so loud? "What happened to him?"

"His parents got transferred again, so he won't be around anymore."

"So that's why I didn't see him…well, that was sudden!" …where is he? I look up at the clear sky. Maybe…he's enjoying his last month? No… I remember his pained expression. It's far more likely he's somewhere…alone…miserable. I…he didn't have to be alone…surely he knows that…but…I know…that I blame him…at least a little for everything that happened. I feel used…even though…I know it's not his fault. I'd take my anger out on him. Perhaps…it's better that Ryoji left. Even as I think this I know it's not true. It's not better for anyone.

The bell rings and I head to class. …Maybe with luck Nyx won't be "Undefeatable." but rather extremely powerful. Either way I want to be as strong as possible when I'm taking her on. …I wonder what she looks like anyway? Is she humanoid? Or some giant space fly creature?

I walk back to the dorm when I see the music room door is ajar. Quietly I slip in and look at the piano that Theo had played. The truth was I could play. But…it always made me sad for some reason. I ran my fingers over the keys.

I sat down and began to play at first it was a normally happy upbeat song but it…morphed into something that made my heart ache I do not know this song…but…I do? My fingers dance over the keys as if they know the song well. This song, Tears fall from my eyes as I play.

Dear little girl

All alone in the world.

Drowning in your sorrow

What will you do when the sun comes out on the morrow?

Little girl full of sorrow

Won't you please tell me why?

Why do you cry?

Beautiful girl filled with sorrow

All alone on the morrow

Will you let me be the one?

The one to save you?

Little girl filled with sorrow

Listening to the wedding gong

Do you wish that were you?

Little girl filled with sorrow

Listening to the mother's song

Do you wish that were you?

Little girl filled with sorrow

Do you wish at all?

Little girl filled with sorrow.

Will you live 'til the morrow?

Little girl filled with sorrow

Please don't close your eyes

Little girl filled with sorrow

Please don't say goodbye

Little girl filled with sorry

Please don't leave me here alone

Little girl filled with sorrow

Are you not I?

My fingers froze on the keys what? How…depressing. I quickly wiped the tears away.

Quickly I tried to once again play a happy tune.

I fell in love one summer day

I didn't get far though before thinking of Shinji no words seem to describe my emotions so I simply play just notes there are no need for words. I play and play letting my emotions guide my fingers and the music go through my heart. I don't know how long I've played when I finally stop. I feel…kind of drained like the playing took energy from me. Shinji…Ryoji…both of you. Thank you…for loving me.

Standing up I turn to head back to the dorm when I notice the door is ajar. Was someone listening? I wonder who. No…it's not important. It's getting late...I should hurry back to the dorm.

The whole walk to the dorm I tried to ignore the hordes of The Lost staring up into space. Still I can't help but wonder what it would be like to become one of them.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"…Hm? Oh, it's you. Arisato…" she looks up at me and she looks so lost. To see Mitsuru this way is…disheartening to say the least. "…Never mind. There's no point in asking someone else…"

"Are you scared?" …I know that's a stupid question. But…

"No, I'm not really scared." …she's not? "I just can't seem to comprehend all that has happened. I thought I would grow stronger after my father died, but I haven't…"

"…" What can I tell her? That everything is going to be alright? I don't even know how to make everything all right other than taking away their memories. Koromaru's sitting on the ground looking at Mitsuru and everyone else sadly. I sit on the couch and pat my lap, seeing the invitation Koromaru jumps into it and I brush him gently. I wonder if he's scared…I know he's concerned and picked up on everyone else's anxiety but…I spend the rest of the night brushing him.

12/6/09

It's Sunday again…I hope Akinari is alright. I cut my training session with Tatsuya shorter than usual and practically run to the shrine.

Naganaki Shrine…

Akinari is trembling and coughing I run over to him in alarm.

"Akinari!" I look over him in fear but he shakes his head.

"I'll…be…alright." After a few moments his seizure seems to have ended. …He's gotten…a lot worse. "If you…" he pants heavily. "don't mind…please stay…until…I've recovered…my breath…"

I sit next to him on the bench and he falls into another lapse of wheeze and gasping for air. There's nothing I can do and I just watch helplessly hoping for it to end. "…Just give me a minute…so I can…calm down…."

I simply sit next to him and wait it out…that's all I can do.

"F-False alarm…I had some pain, but…it's better now. …It's calming down. Thanks." All he's wearing is that shirt…it's cold out…

"You're making your condition worse wearing that you know."

"Hm?" He looks down before smiling. "Coats are…too heavy. They drag me down when I wear them…even light ones…" Oh… "It feels like…they're smothering me."

"I'm…sorry."

"It's alright." He stops smiling as he looks at me. "You seem…different somehow. More…aware somehow." More aware? "Yet sadder too, as if what you've learned is something depressing."

"Yeah. I think…I understand what you meant a little…by having a set death sentence."

He looks sad. "I…I had hoped you would never understand." He looks up at the sky. "It's not so bad though…not with you here."

"I'm sorry…about not visiting you for two weeks I mean."

Akinari shakes his head. "You deserve to live…not be cooped up with a dying husk."

"Don't…call yourself that!" I snap.

He smiles then. "My…death is inevitable…"

"Everyone's death is inevitable! Would you call me a dying husk?" …I know why I'm so angry…because if he's a dying husk would I be so much better?

"Of course not." He looks down at his hands. Feeling guilty for yelling at him I wring my fingers.

"How's your story?"

"Ah. I had to stop taking my medicine."

"WHAT?" he laughs at my expression. "That's dangerous! You-"

"I'm dying either way, but the medicine makes it hard to write…" Oh. I fall silent. "It doesn't really do anything but help for the pain and…spasming. It just makes me drowsy, then my hands go numb, so I can't write. I have to finish my story." He looks determined. "The reason my story's unfinished…is because I haven't found the meaning to life yet…" The meaning to life? "I get lost in my writing…erase it…and then don't know where to go next. …When we're talking, I have a clearer picture, I can almost see it. …It seems like that might be the meaning of life for me…I'm probably writing this book to find the meaning of life…well, if I do find it and finish the story…I hope we get a little more time together after that." he gives me a weak smile and I feel my inner strength increase.

"…I'm sorry…for yelling at you."

"It's fine. That too gave me perspective on my story." I look at him in confusion. "I never really thought about how my death would affect other people…not even my own mother." he looks up at the setting sun. "…The sun…is setting…I hope to see you again."

I nod standing. "I'll see you next Sunday Akinari." He smiles at that and I turn away and head back to the dorm.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

Akihiko looks up when I enter. "Oh, it's you…" …I can't help but wonder who the hell they think comes in this late at night. They're all sitting around the lounge like fucking zombies…not that I blame them. If it wasn't for Theo I'd probably be like that too…

"Is something wrong Akihiko-senpai?"

He shakes his head. "Sorry, I was just daydreaming. I was thinking about what Shinji would say to me if I died before him…" …Shinji wanted us to live didn't he?

"Perhaps he would ask you…if you died fighting. Or if…you died for something you believed in?" It sounds ridiculous even to my own ears but Akihiko doesn't laugh or get angry but instead an oddly contemplative look appears on his face.

"I guess…he would." Hm? Akihiko smiles slightly. "Thanks Minako." Thanks? Thanks for what? Confused I headed up to bed.

12/7/09

Gekkoukan High School, Front Gates…

"Mornin'" Yukari walks up to me. "Things have been pretty crazy lately, huh…no one's in the mood to talk, either." her voice sounds sad almost…resigned.

"Cheer up." Their gloom is threatening to squash the small hope I do have.

"Right." she gives me a small smile. "I suppose that's best…" with that we head to class.

After school I work at Be Blue before training with Tatsuya I know I'm training harder than normal but he oddly doesn't say anything…as if he knows why…it's a bit creepy.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"…Hi, how was your day?" Fuuka greets me when I walk in.

"Hey." I yawn. Yeesh. That workout wore me out.

"U-Um…try to cheer up." Huh?

"I'm not feeling down." I deadpan. I'm not yesterday seemed to have given me more strength than just Persona wise.

"O-Oh, okay then. U-Um…sorry, Minako." she looks away at this. "I know you're strong…" Considering the alternative…I look around the dorm and sigh. There's nothing I can really do so I head to bed.

12/8/09

Gekkoukan High School, Front Gates…

"Oh, Minako-chan…" Fuuka greets me. "Um…have you decided what you're going to do…?" Not really. Part of me wants to see if this "Nyx" is truly undefeatable. I sigh heavily.

"No…"

"I'm scared…" Fuuka whispers and the look of vulnerability on her face makes me pause. "Even Ken-kun is down…what are we going to do…?" Maybe I should have lied…being uncertain isn't helping them. We go our separate ways.

After school I go to see the old couple, I might as well see how they're doing.

Iwatodai Strip Mall, Bookworms Used Books…

Hm? Is Bunkichi sleeping? Mitsuko doesn't seem to care so I go and pat his shoulder causing him to mutter, "…Please…wait a while longer. …Even if the tree is gone…you'll still live on…inside us…" He's sleep talking apparently. Frowning I release him, I should just leave him be.

He shakes his head then and his eyes flutter open. "…Oh, Minako-chan, you're here? You could've just woken me up…or did you just want to watch me while I was asleep?" Huh? "Oof." He stretches. "I feel relieved now, probably because the problem has been solved. Even though it's the middle of the day, I feel so sleepy…"

"Why are you relieved?"

"…Since Mitsuko is here too. I think it's time we told you. Minako-chan, we sent a letter to Gekkoukan. …I told them to cut the persimmon tree down."

"Huh?" I stare at him in astonishment. Really?

Bunkichi laughs. "Wow, you should've seen your reaction Minako-chan! It was totally worth it to surprise you like that!" Huh. "sorry that we did it without asking you."

"No, no," I shake my head. "That was your choice to make…I was just…surprised is all. So…why did you?"

"…Recently when I went to visit the persimmon tree, I met a student on my way back. He told me that the school is planning to build a new addition. It would be selfish of an old man like me to deprive those young people of new learning opportunities…helping those kids is more important than hanging on to his memory. I think it'd make our son happy, too. He was a teacher after all!"

"You're right." I can't imagine what teacher wouldn't appreciate their students getting better facilities for learning.

"We're hoping, as we believe our son in heaven is too, that more kind students like you, Minako-chan, will graduate from Gekkoukan." smiling Mitsuko nods in agreement with Bunkichi's words. "…Please take this. It's the first fruit that came from the persimmon tree. Mitsuko is the one who suggested we give it to you, Minako-chan."

"Thanks." I take the persimmon fruit and gently place it in my bag. With it I feel their appreciation and the warm feeling in my heart.

Thou art I…

And I am thou…

Thou hast established a genuine bond…

The innermost power of the Hierophant Arcana hath been set free.

We bestow upon thee the ability to create Kohryu, the ultimate form of the Hierophant Arcana…

"…Now, we have to cheer up and get on with our lives! We're too old to waste a single day! Our son would want us to be happy…I'm sure he's smiling down on us from heaven."

Mitsuko nods. "It's difficult having such a well-respected son. …Oh, does it sound like I'm boasting?" she chuckles.

"Not at all." I add looking around the store. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No…go have fun! Live!" Bunkichi shoos me out the store and I laugh at the irony of his words. Live…yeah. I'm going to live. It may not be for long…but I'm going to live as much as I can. I head straight for bed.

12/9/09

Gekkoukan High School, Front Gates…

Akihiko is waiting for me at the front gates as I walk close to him he falls into step beside me. "Hey, Minako…don't you think it's funny…?" Funny? "We have so much to worry about, but we're still going to school as if nothing's changed."

"True."

"But, we'll have to make up our minds sooner or later. Otherwise, it'll be too late." …Yeah. What was I going to decide? To fight Nyx and damn the consequences…or to live the remaining time in relative peace? But…if I forgot about the Dark Hour…would I forget about SEES? About Shinji, Ryoji and Theo? Would I forget about my friends? What about the others, Hidetoshi, Akinari…would I forget them as well? Frowning I headed to class. No sooner than I feel like I've decided than do I end up wondering again.

Homeroom…

Ugh. I had forgotten exams…I groan inwardly. Why is it every time I blink we have more exams! Jeez! After school I worked at Be Blue, I know I need to think about the decision I'm going to make but…for now…

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"Oh, hey…" Yukari greets me. "It's been a week since Ryoji-kun's been here. I couldn't sleep for three days after that." I don't blame her. "Do you think it's weird for me to be this scared?"

"We're all scared Yukari."

She looks around the room at the grim faces of the SEES members. "…Yeah, I guess you're right. You don't really know how much you take your life for granted…until there's a possibility you might lose it. It's difficult to explain…" she sighs.

"There's no need. I understand Yukari." I give her a small smile before heading upstairs to study.

12/10/09

Gekkoukan High School, Front Gate…

Mitsuru's waiting for me today. "Good morning. Did you talk to the others?"

I nod. Well…everyone but Junpei really.

"I see…well, I feel the same as the others. We can't continue on like this…we should talk with everyone tonight." I nod in agreement and the two of us head to class. I train with Tatsuya until evening falls and head straight for the dorm.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

Everyone's already here when I come in…well except Aeon who's still getting repaired.

"Well, it's been a week. What're we going to do?" Yukari breaks the silence. "…You okay, Fuuka?"

"You just seem so calm…" Fuuka looks at her in wonderment.

"We have to make a decision…I mean, it's been such a drag around here lately," that's the damn truth. It's like a fucking funeral in here "and no one will go to Tartarus…"

"…You're right." Mitsuru nods. "We humans are quite resilient. We can adapt to any situation given enough time. So, how about it, everyone? Why don't we talk about it?"

Junpei sighs.

"…Have you made your decision, Sanada-san?" Ken looks up at Akihiko as he speaks.

"No…" Akihiko clenches his fist. "But, I don't plan on running away."

"So you're going to fight Nyx?" Mitsuru doesn't look surprised by his answer.

"…I don't know. I mean, it's supposedly undefeatable. What about you? What are your thoughts on it?"

"Honestly," she draws her arms closer to herself "this is the first time I've ever really contemplated my own death…It's quite a sobering thought. I don't want to suffer…and I don't want to kill Ryoji. But, either way, we still die. So, there is no simple answer."

"Then, do we all agree that we don't want to hurt Ryoji-kun?"

"We may not want to hurt him Fuuka…but that doesn't stop it from being an option." I add dryly. "Besides…I'm the one who'll have to do it." I look down. "I…don't want to hurt him…but…if…if I have to…" I bite my lip. I'm still not sure.

"Minako…" Akihiko looks over at me. I say nothing. "So…that's your choice, Fuuka?"

"Um…I…" she looks between him and me in alarm.

"It's okay, Fuuka." …Yukari is really calm about this. "I mean, it's not natural to choose how you're going to die…" …and even if we can't kill Nyx. There's nothing stopping us from doing something to stop it from killing us right? But…how? Yukari turns to Junpei. "What about you, Junpei? Have you decided?"

"No…" He sighs.

"What's the matter? Scared?" Yukari teases. What the fuck? That's not funny. At all.

"…What the hell do you mean by that?" Junpei snaps before I can say anything. "You think this is a joke?"

"Junpei, I…" she looks chastised.

"We're going to die! Of course I'm scared! You all need to wake up! This is death we're talking about here!"

There's silence before Mitsuru turns to him. "Then, what do you want to do? Do you want to kill him?"

"There's nothing I CAN do…the only one who can kill him is…" he glares at me. "Minako. …Did you never notice…? You had that thing inside you and you didn't notice…?"

…Well…I sort of noticed. I mean…creepy jailhouse kid was kind of a big warning sign especially considering I was the only one who saw him. There's nothing I can say to that.

"You're the one that raised it…you're the one that brought about the Fall…"

"Junpei…!" Yukari's warning is far to late.

"Can't…can't you do anything about it!"

I say nothing instead looking on the floor. I wish I knew Junpei. I wish I knew.

"Don't talk to her like that! Her carrying it is the only reason we even have this choice." Yukari snaps.

"I know that, damn it! But…in my head, I might know…" he bites his lip. "But even though I know thinking about it might not solve anything…I'm still scared, damn it!"

With a sigh I sit back into the chair.

"I know how you feel, Junpei-kun." Fuuka turns to him. "I'm scared too."

"Yeah, we're all scared." Akihiko…

"Yes…" Mitsuru's arms are still draw against her. "I…I can't stop shaking."

"Me either…" Yukari sighs. "I'm sorry I teased you, Junpei. I was just trying to lighten up the situation. Personally, I don't want to forget everything. I've learned so much since coming here…"

"Yuka-tan…I'm sorry I kept yelling like that…"

"I don't think any of us could have stood up to you right now, Junpei…So don't worry about it. Right, Minako?"

I sigh. "Yeah…"

"Alright, I don't think we're prepared to make a decision just yet. Ryoji said he'll be back on New Year's Eve, so we still have some time to think about it. …So until then, let's just try to live our lives as normally as possible." Fat chance of that Mitsuru. We're supposed to just ignore the pink elephant in the room?

I head to bed and dream.

Moonlight Bridge…

"Mommy! I'm so happy we got it!"

My mother looks back at the car at me with a fond smile. "Yes. The last one too." I had grinned at her.

"You certainly ran quickly." My father chuckled as he drove. "I was stunned when you managed to reach it before that blue haired boy. My little runner. You'll be a star one day."

"What? Ryo! The road!"

"What-!"

When I wake up I remember blood, my parents blood, Aeon, Ryoji and the Dark Hour. I run my hand through my hair. That dream was so…so vivid. …It wasn't a dream though…it…was a memory wasn't it? A memory of the accident. Car accident my ass. One of Aeon…or Ryoji's I'm not sure whose attacks hit the window shield. My parents were probably killed immediately and I crawled out the open side window…all of that blood.

…I remember now. The crash…why we were on the bridge…I just had to have that stupid toy didn't I? If I hadn't insisted…if I had just let that blue haired kid take the last one their would have been another shipment in a few hours…I know my parents would have waited instead we rushed home…on the road back home the stupid dark hour had kicked in and my parents…I fall to the ground. I killed them…it was no one's fault but my own. If I hadn't insisted on that stupid toy…if I had just waited until the next day…they…I burst into sobs. Junpei…had been more right than he thought…if I had just waited…none of this would have happened.

[It would have happened regardless…even if you hadn't become the container.]

Messiah?

[Such things…can not be avoided.]

…why do you come to me now of all times? Did you know this was going to happen?

[…]

Well?

[Even if I did. Does it make a difference now?]

Yes it makes a fucking difference! If you knew- and you didn't warn me-!

[I'm sorry…]

So…you knew? Well…fuck you! I hate you all!

[Minako…]

No shut up!

I feel a strange force as though I just shoved something away and there's complete and utter silence in my mind.

Even my goddamn Personas betray me. I throw my sheets over my head and go to sleep.

12/11/09

I work at Be Blue before heading back to the dorm.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"Welcome back." Mitsuru greets me as I walk in. "Exams begin next week." Oh joy. "I know it will be difficult to study for them, but…if you run away now, you'll just be giving up on life. Oh, and please let me know when you'll be going to Tartarus.

"Yeah, let me know too." Akihiko interjects. "I need to get some exercise…so I'll explore with you. I'm not leaving the ring without a win."

"Alright then…we'll go tonight." Might as well. I sure and hell don't feel like studying.

Tartarus…

We explore the tower some more and I create a few more Personas, with that done I leave it was nothing more than a light workout anyway.

12/12/09

I'm exhausted so I sleep through most of the classes.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

It's still a bit gloomy here though it's not as bad as it was a few days ago. Koromaru walks up to me with his tail wagging. I guess he wants to play.

"Wanna play Koromaru?"

He gives me a affirmative barks and runs around me. After he's done he nuzzles my side as I play with him throwing a ball back and forth he runs back and forth in sheer joy. I can't help smiling.

Fuuka walks up to us and giggles at Koromaru's playful behavior. "Are you playing with Minako-chan? Good for you."

Koromaru barks, tail wagging fiercely he walks over to Fuuka and sits beside her when she bends to pet him.

"Good boy." she looks up at me. "Hey, Minako-chan…I wonder…if we're okay as replacements for that priest. The reason why Koro-chan always walks the same path and goes to the shrine…it's because…he can't let go of that priest, right?" …Is that why? "So…do you think Koro-chan is still feeling lonely…It might be faster if we just as Aeon to interpret for us. But…I'm a little scared to get a straight answer."

Koromaru looks up at me in silence. …He wants me to translate?

"Is it hard to let go?" I ask. He leans towards me and I frown. …Was that not right? I hug him and his heartbeat is warm and steady, he smells really good and feeling his warmth and his steady beating hard is comforting.

"Koro-chan looks so content…He must really like you, Minako-chan…"

Koromaru barks again and I let go. I think…I think I know what we are to him.

"Fuuka…"

"Hm? What is it?"

"We're not replacements for the priest. We're his friends." Koromaru wags his tail…and I smile. I figured that was right.

"I see…I see, that's right…I kept saying that Koro-chan is a part of us…but deep down, I may have been thinking of him as a pet…Koro-chan has so many memories of his own too…I'm sorry, Koro-chan." Koromaru barks again he's accepted her apology to solidify this he licks Fuuka's hand causing her to giggle.

"What a sweet dog…" Fuuka smiles at him. "Hey, Minako-chan…let's make sure to stay with Koro-chan for the priest too…let's go on living together with him…"

Koromaru barks happily. Living huh. He runs in circles again and I laugh…yes…let's live. No matter what this "Nyx" has to say about it.

"Koro-chan, are you hungry? Want me to make you something?" Oh god no. She'll kill him!

Koromaru whimpers and hides behind me.

"Uh…I don't think he's hungry Fuuka."

"You think?"

"Positive." Koromaru barks quickly in agreement.

"Oh…" she frowns "Oh well. It's late so I'll go to bed." with that she heads upstairs.

"Dodged a bullet there huh?" Koromaru barks in joy tail wagging. "I'll make you something good tonight. How about that?" Another happy bark and I head into the kitchen.

I make him a simple meal before going to bed.

12/13/09

It's Sunday…so I go train with Tatsuya before heading to Naganaki Shrine…

Naganaki Shrine…

I sit besides a somewhat cheerful Akinari I sit close to him as usual and he turns to me with a smile.

"So…I'd like you to congratulate me. As of today, I am a free individual."

"Free from what?"

He frowns somewhat. "From the hospital…they were going to put me under care, but now I don't have to do it. …I guess my body is too weak to undergo surgery. So, I refused any medication as well…which means I'm done with the hospital." he gives me a genuine smile. "…Now I'm just waiting for the end." Odd…how cheerful he can be about it. "But, I don't feel like I'm the only one being singled out anymore. Everyone is waiting to die if you think about it. …Some just have longer to wait than others." …Yeah. I guess so. "But once the time comes, it's the same for us all. …I'm still a little lonely, but I'm not sad anymore. …I want to remember what you look like, Minako…you are…beautiful…you're like…a pristine lake…" his smile is slightly sad at that line. A lake? I look at him in confusion but he doesn't answer. "Thank you…I'm…I'm a little bit tired today…the story is almost done, so…I can show it to you soon…" I nod.

"You should go home and rest. You don't want to tell me the story exhausted do you?" I smile at him.

"Yeah…" I offer my hand and he takes it…his skin is so cold but the way he smiles when I help him up is bright.

"Hopefully you'll be able to tell me next Sunday. I'll be waiting!" I turn to leave and wave goodbye cheerfully. Yes…death is inevitable…but one doesn't have to weep over it. Instead we can use the time we have to truly live…in every way possible.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"…S'up, dude? Exams start tomorrow, huh…?" Urgh. I hadn't even studied…gah! Junpei leans back in the sofa. "Ha! This is the first time an exam's taken my mind off of something else. Usually it's the other way around!"

I laugh. "Did you even study?"

"Uh…kind of!"

"Kind of he says."

"H-hey!" Laughing I head upstairs and study myself. I don't get too much of it but I'm sure it's enough…

12/14/09 - 12/18/09

Huh…like I thought. I did pretty decently

12/19/09

I head to look at the past grades and see Mitsuru standing by the sign looking bored.

"Hey senpai."

"Arisato…Hey. Since I'm a senior, I was thinking of assigning more tasks to the underclassmen in Student Council. I deserve some free time, after all. I'll still show up to the meetings, of course." …speaking of which when was the last time I was in Student Council? Hidetoshi has that under control though… "I've also heard a lot of rumors about you recently." I cringe. She laughs at my expression. "I know better than to listen to those," Oh. "I was referring to your grades. You seem to be studying really hard." she looks pleased."It's rather impressive…but, try not to stress yourself out. By the way, Arisato…this is completely unrelated, but…" …why is she blushing? "I'd like to talk to you about something. If you don't mind…can you spare some time?"

"Sure." I can't help but wonder what she wants.

"Great. …Um, well…" …just can't spit it out can you? Heh. Guess you suffer from tongue tying like the rest of us normies. "Can you come with me? I'd rather not talk about it here."

"Okay…I'm hungry let's go get something to eat."

"Where?"

"Hagakure." with that I start walking. Mitsuru follows me looking a little lost. Huh. You'd think she didn't have any friends.

Iwatodai Strip Mall, Ramen Shop "Hagakure"…

We take a seat and I order to specials. They're delivered pretty quickly. Yum. I pick up the chopsticks and am about to dig in when-

"Psst…Arisato." I turn to Mitsuru who's sitting next to meet looking at her own bowl like it's an alien. "Please tell me what the etiquette here is. Are there any customs I need to follow…?" …she's joking right? I look at her and…yeah. She's dead serious. And I thought Theo was bad.

"Eat it before it gets soggy."

"I understand. So, I should eat quickly before the noodles expand. Doing so must show appreciation to the chef."

"Right…"

"Bon appetit! …Let's eat." with that she eats her ramen it's obvious she's enjoying it. "Hmm…the taste is quite interesting…I thought it tasted strange at first, but as I continued to eat, I realized it had a subtle charm to it." She takes another bite. "…It's quite delicious." she smiles before turning to the ramen cook behind the counter. "Pardon me, Chef…" …

"…Chef? You talkin' to me?"

"The ramen tastes absolutely wonderful. …It's been a while since I last complimented the chef. What do you use for bouillon?" Bouillon? What the hell is that?

"Bouillon? …What the hell is that?" I shove my hand in my mouth to keep from chuckling. "Anyways, if ya want to know the recipe, sorry, I can't tell ya, lady. Without our secret recipe, we'd be outta business."

"Well then, if it's a secret, I completely understand. You don't have to tell me. Now, this would be considered a meal if one were to eat it with rice, yes? That is very interesting." …do I even want to know?

"Uh, no, that's not, uh…"

She chuckles. "You could probably make more money if you patented the recipe and sold it." she turns thoughtful. "Oh, sorry. My imagination got the best of me. I've been wanting to try ramen for a long time…" she looks at me. "…Does that make me strange?" Uh…yeah.

"A little bit yes."

"I see…I could have come here anytime, but…" she sighs in frustration. "I felt awkward coming alone…I'm so glad you're here with me. You've taught me so much about ramen etiquette." …there's ramen etiquette? "…Let's eat here again sometime."

Thou art I…

And I am Thou

Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Empress Arcana…

…Figures.

Mitsuru looks at her watch. Damn! How much did that thing cost? Though…I end up touching my own watch. The one that Shinji gave me. I don't ever take it off unless I'm in the shower…it's not anything fancy, or expensive but…I listen to the gentle ticking. It's perfect. "We should go."

"Uh…yeah."

"Should I-?"

I shake my head. "No this is on me, I was the one who brought us here." I place the money on the table. With that the two of us head back to the dorm.

As we walk back I can't help but notice the large amounts of The Lost staring into space. It's creepy.

"Arisato…The Lost…they seem to be everywhere. Perhaps…that's because of the Fall."

"We…have to do something." I look at even more right in front of the dorm.

"Yes, I agree. We must continue going to Tartarus until the very end. Whether our opponent is a shadow, or whether it is fate, we will need to be strong to win."

"Yeah." I smile at her. "We have to try if nothing else." with that I head into the dorm doors.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

Koromaru barks happily as I enter the room.

"You wanna play? Or go out for a walk?" He runs towards the door so I take a walk with him in Naganaki Shrine.

12/20/09

It's Sunday so I train as usual before heading to see Akinari.

Naganaki Shrine…

As soon as I walk up the stairs I see Akinari's bright smile. He's waving to me and seems to have a lot more energy than usual. Oh he's feeling better! I walk up to him quickly.

"Hey! There's something important I want to tell you." I sit next to him. "I must warn you, though. It's a little depressing…" Depressing?

"I don't mind."

He gives me another smile. "…I've been waiting. I finished my story and wanted to show it to you…" Oh it's done. That's great! "As you know, I was having a lot of trouble with the ending…but I finally figured it out. Since the alligator ate his friend the bird, he cried and cried for a very long time. In fact, he was so sad…that he drowned in his own tears." …they both died? Oh…I look down. "His tears became a beautiful lake, around which grew beautiful flowers and a tree with delicious fruit." A lake? "The other animals in the forest came there often to relax…" I look up at him. "…but, none of them knew the alligator had created it or that he was gone. The end…" he smiles at that. How…sad and yet at the same time… "That's the ending I decided on. …Even though the alligator did not find the meaning of his life, the residents of the forest did. They just didn't realize it…because…the meaning of my life is not something I should worry about. It's really what others think of my life or what I was able to do for them."

What…you can do for other people huh. I guess…maybe that's how Shinji and Ryoji think. They give no thought to how their lives end but…rather how it effects others. Could I do that? Be strong enough to die so that others find the meaning of life?

"So…for me, or you, or anyone…the meaning of our lives is something that we make but don't see. People can't survive without help from others. …We all depend on one another. I don't know if that made sense, but…do you kind of get what I'm saying?"

"Yeah. I understand."

"I'm glad…This is my notebook…I wrote my story down in. It's all I have to leave behind. I wanted you to have something…since you shared my last moments." He gives me a worn notebook and I gently hold it. He's giving this to me? Akinari stands then smiling. "My…body feels lighter…thank you for everything…coming to see me, talking…even discussion the meaning of life…I…I can be glad that I was born…" with his words I feel a warmth in my heart.

Thou art I…

And I am thou…

Thou established a genuine bond…

The innermost power of the Sun Arcana hath been set free

We bestow upon thee the ability to create Asura, the ultimate form of the Sun Arcana…

"I have to go now…Minako…Maybe…Someday…I hope…we meet again." wait…what? He's…he's disappearing? How-! He vanished into the daylight and there's nothing but sparkling light where he was standing before that too disappears. Akinari…did you…did you stay here even after death to give me this? I feel tears running down my face and I smile.

"Thank you…Akinari." wiping my eyes I gently pick up the notebook and hold it tightly against my chest as I head back to the dorm.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"Arisato? Is something wrong?" I walk in and there's still tears in my eyes.

"No…" I smile. "I just found the meaning to life is all."

"The meaning to life?" She looks at me in confusion.

"I'm…going to head to bed." with that I head upstairs gently I place the notebook in a dresser. I won't ever forget your words Akinari. Or how you helped me find the meaning of life. I'm still scared…but…I'll try to be strong…

12/21/09

Hm…I'm in the top ten. My score dropped not that I'm too surprised. I'm in the top ten granted…I'm in third but still…I head to cooking club on the way there though I literally run Akihiko and land on my ass in the middle of the hall. "OW!"

"Ah. Minako…I wanted to talk to you."

"Huh?" I look up at him. He has an oddly contemplative expression on his face. "Sure…what did you have in mind."

"Let's…go to the rooftop."

Gekkoukan High School, Rooftop…

"I…heard you playing…before you know."

I turn to him. "Oh." I knew someone had been listening. The door had been ajar when I had closed it but…

"It was…nice."

"Nice?" I arch a brow and he blushes.

"I mean…I liked it…"

"Thanks Akihiko."

"Sure…but what I wanted to tell you was that…" he trails off then looking uncertain.

"Tell me what?"

"That I'm grateful. For everything you've done for me, for SEES. I know it cost you a lot."

"Yeah…" Ryoji…Shinjiro…I was a regular black widow wasn't I?

"Yeah and do you remember the stuff I told you about my sister?" he sighs. "I'm tired of losing what's important. I thought it would be better not to let things get too important than to risk losing them…but lately," he looks up at me. "I don't think so." our eyes meet. "If I want to avoid that feeling…I have to work to protect what's precious to me. And that means everything precious…including you."

"Akihiko…" I just…I can't.

He arches a brow at me. "Is something wrong?"

Oh…he didn't mean it like that? I feel relieved. "It's nothing. Hey what are you doing for Christmas?"

"Nothing. Why?"

"I was thinking about throwing a party…maybe you could help."

"How?"

"Make sure Mitsuru stays. Also presents! We have to get each other presents!"

"What?" He turns bright red. Why would he blush because of presents? "Uh…okay then."

"Thanks Akihiko!" I hug him tightly. "So…maybe we should pick out presents now? I mean…I have an idea of what to get everyone except Mitsuru. I mean…what could I give her that she couldn't get herself?"

Akihiko turns thoughtful as well. "Maybe you could make her something?"

"You think I should?"

Akihiko shrugs. "I'm not sure. I've never gotten a Christmas Gift before."

"Then I'll be sure to make it special Akihiko. Hey wanna race back to the dorm?"

He just grins in response. He won…aww…I guess I need to train some more with Tatsuya.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"…oh, hey. Today is December 21st," Yukari looks up at me as Fuuka and I enter the dorm. "There are less than ten days until New Year's Eve. But, for some reason," she smiles at me. "I'm not scared at all. Well, maybe I'm scared a little…But, I'm still gonna fight. Win or lose, I'm gonna give it my all."

Yeah. I nod and Akihiko gives me a look of concern as I head upstairs to my own bedroom.

12/22/09

Bedroom…

My phone is ringing…

"Good morning. This is Theodore. There is a human-1 of them, I think-wandering around Tartarus. Please carry out a search and rescue. Goodbye, now." I close the phone and sigh before getting ready to head to class.

Mitsuru approached me at lunch and asked if I wanted to go out somewhere with her. I go ahead and go.

I head to the faculty room after school and meet her.

"Ah. For your test results." she hands me a King Card Set. "So shall we go?"

"Yeah. Let's go to Duck." I'm hungry anyways.

Iwatodai Strip Mall, Duck Duck Burger…

"Interesting…so this is what it looks like inside…it's surprisingly small." she looks a bit nervous.

"You know how to eat?" I really don't want her asking me about burger etiquette.

"How rude…but, to be honest, the answer is no." …That's about what I figured. "I did, however, see a television commercial for a fast food restaurant once…tch, listen to me. I sound like such a snob." The fact that she says it stuns me a bit. "I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm not very familiar with fast food etiquette. So, I'm glad you're here with me." she forces a small smile. "Is it profitable to sell these items at such low prices…? I'd be interested to know the average cost per unit…" she looks a bit lost in thought. "I didn't ask you here just to eat…I wanted to express my personal thanks to you." Thanks? I take a bite of the burger. Again I had offered to pay…well insisted on paying. "We are all facing a trial, in the true sense of the term. …And we've made it this far because we've been blessed with each other. I admit that I've been hard on you, much more so than the others." isn't that the truth. "But I just wanted you to know…I appreciate your contribution."

"No problem…it's been rather fun." I smile at her. Despite all the hardships…I can say I've had as much fun times as sorrow. I feel my inner strength increase as well.

"…Oh, I didn't realize it was so late. When I'm with you, time seems to pass so quickly. Unfortunately, I have another engagement. This was fun. We should do it again some time. I apologize for the inconvenience. I'll see you later." with that she gets up and leaves…leaving her food completely untouched. Shrugging I go ahead and eat that too before heading back to the dorm.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"…S'up, dude?" Junpei waves as I come in.

"Hey…" I should cook for Ken today…it's been a while…and with everything that's happened. …What did he say he liked…omelets? …with rice I believe.

It doesn't take long for me to make it.

"Ken…" He's already sitting by the dinner table fortunately. "Here."

"Huh? Is this…for me…?"

"Yeah. You said it was you like it right?"

"Minako-san…Oh, th-thanks for the food!" he digs in. "Yep, it's delicious." he keeps eating I can't help but smile strange…how doing this makes me feel so much happier. "It's really good!" I chuckle as he gets ketchup all over his face. "Thank you very much, Minako-san." as he eats I feel my inner strength increase, though after that he starts eating slower.

"What's wrong Ken?" …There wasn't any eggshells in it. I checked. He keeps eating so I guess it wasn't anything major.

"Whew…I'm full." he finishes the omelet and relaxes into his chair. He's still really quiet though. "D-do you…cook for other people like this, too?" …I'm sure Koromaru doesn't count as a person so…no. "Um…like, for your boyfriend?" Boyfriend…I look over at Akihiko who is as usual eating a Beef Bowl. "…Do you have one?" Ken is looking down so he doesn't notice my glance. "Oh, Um, well!" he looks up then, embarrassed. "I saw on TV that all high school girls have a boyfriend, so…um…I was wondering…if you had one too, Minako-san." he looks down again. "It's that…if you did have one…I don't think I'd like that…" he's silent for a moment before he's realized what he just said. "Wh-what am I saying? A kid like me shouldn't be butting into personal stuff like that!" He looks down again….

"Who cares! It shouldn't matter Ken."

"You're…right. I'm sorry. There's no point in talking to someone like me about that." …what the hell is that supposed to mean? "I'm just a little kid. Yeah…" I sigh. "Ah, thank you for the food!" And that is not what I was agitated about. "Well then, I should…get to bed. …Good night!"

Ken grabs the dishes. "Wait…I'll-"

"No! Let me…" Okay then. Bewildered I headed for bed. Okay then.

12/23/09

I head to the theater and work. Yawning I reenter the dorm.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"Hello…" ken greets me when I walk in. "There are 8 more days until New Years Eve. Have you made up your mind yet, Minako-san?"

I haven't…but I smile and the lie slips easily from my lips. "Yeah. I have Ken."

He nods. "I'm going to fight. When I thought about it, I realized that there really wasn't a choice to be made. I don't want to have to tell my mom and Shinjiro-san that we failed."

Yeah. I smile at him Koromaru runs up to me barking excitedly he looks towards the door and then back to me.

"Alright. We'll go for a walk."

"I'll come along. I can use the walk." Akihiko stands and follows us out.

Naganaki Shrine…

Koromaru as usual takes off barking in excitement the moment he gets to the park.

"It's pretty cold today, too. Shouldn't you be wearing something warmer?" Huh. I realize I'm just wearing my long sleeved shirt, it's not overly thick or anything so… "If you're cold, tell me."

"I'm fine. I'm not a baby." I smile a little though.

"The city's getting pretty lively around this time of year. I never looked forward to Christmas before. And yet now…man, it feels strange."

"What's strange?"

"Thanks to you…everything's changed."

"Urgh. How cheesy!" I laugh shoving him lightly. He laughs in response.

"But it's true!"

"Still! Urgh! Talk about a cheese overload!" more laughter. "Besides you lot aren't getting any presents until Christmas! So no begging on Christmas Eve!"

"I take it that means you're feeling better?" He's serious now. I look up at him and nod.

"Yeah…I'll be okay." I give him a grin. "I'm rather resilient after all."

Koromaru comes back, I guess he's done.

"Welcome back, Koromaru. Let's head home. …Hey, you're shivering." Damn it. I thought he was distracted. "C'mon, give me your hand…" somewhat reluctantly I give him my hand with that the two of us walk back to the dorm with Koromaru darting in between our legs. So much for being tired. I go to bed the second I get back to the dorm.

12/24/09

After School

Paulownia Mall…

And now I have to go shopping! So…first person's first…Aeon. What should I give him? He's a bit of a combat junky…maybe a shooting game will do. Oh wait…the ninja movie! I browse the CD store and grab a bunch of martial arts movies with guys on black on the cover. Not the nicest way of picking out a gift but I have the feeling Aeon couldn't care less.

Now…Akihiko. What should I get Akihiko…wait. I'll just give him that scarf I made for him…and maybe some workout DVDs? It's not like I have a shortage of money. Though I can't help but wonder why they always give me all the money they find during our excursions.

….Then again I am the weapons supplier so maybe it does make sense. Bastards are too lazy to buy their own damn equipment.

There's a whole bunch of couples everywhere holding hands, smiling at each other. I freeze in the middle of the shop and smile bitterly. Would I be like that with Ryoji? Most likely. He wasn't shy about things like that. …Where is he? What is he doing right now? Though…his sad helpless expression as he told us about Nyx…he probably is alone…crying. Ryoji…I wish…I could be by your side right now. You shouldn't be alone at a time like this.

I buy Fuuka a kaleidoscope, Yukari a brand name bag that I'd hope she'd like. For Koromaru I brought a new softer brush and toy. Ken I went ahead and bought a detective manga. It wasn't anything special or anything but just looked interesting. Was about some adult man who got turned into a kid and tried to find out who did it.

Mitsuru…what to give her? I wasn't sure. I wonder if I should give her that teddy bear I made…it seems ridiculous but…I'll give it to her. It's not like she can't buy a better one…but at least I tried.

Now…Junpei. What to give Junpei…maybe some typical good guy/ bad guy comics. Nah. I spot some new games for his handheld in Game Panic so I grab them and head out.

As I'm passing by the strip mall I notice there's some cake being advertised for a really low price. It looks delicious! I go ahead and buy the cake and head back to the dorm. Huh. It's a good thing I have the BoH or this wouldn't have gone so smoothly. Walking into the dorm with a handful of bags would've been a dead giveaway.

As soon as I'm in my room I take the gifts out and stash them in my closet. That done I place the cake in a black box and place it in the fridge. That done I head for bed. It's been a day.

The last thing I see before darkness is Ryoji's sad eyes.

12/25/09

Yay! Christmas! …and no one cares. I still have to go to school. Urgh.

Lunch…

Akihiko walks up to me in class. "Everything's set." Yukari and Junpei looked at him oddly.

"What's set?" the ask looking at me when Akihiko looks away.

"Oh. We're just…uh…having an operation!" both of them give me obviously disbelieving looks. …Not the best lie I ever told there.

After School…

I quickly head to the dorm. Akihiko's waiting for me in the lounge.

"I bought you an hour."

"You're helping right?"

"Uh…sure." with that I run upstairs and place all the gifts on the table. They're not exactly wrapped by rather are in bags with nametags so…

"I uh…bought you something."

Akihiko holds out something to me. Hm? It's not wrapped some sort of box? I open it and a lullaby plays.

"A music box?" I smile up at him. "Thank you." I can't help but listen to it.

"Christmas never meant much to me to be honest. It was always more painful than anything. "Santa" never visited me. He visited Miki of course but…" he looks around there are no decorations save a few hand sized trees that light up and the gifts on the table but he smiles as though the whole room was filled with light. "So…I guess he finally gave me a gift huh?"

"Yeah. Let's make this a day to remember."

"Anyways what do you think the two of them were up to anyways? All crouched and whispering. Like someone couldn't see them!" Junpei? "Oh. Am I interrupting something?"

Huh?

Akihiko turns bright red and practically jumps away from me. "Uh…oh! No! We weren't do anything!"

Way to make it suspicious.

"Riiight." Junpei gives Akihiko a "yeah right" stare.

"Hmph. If you're going to be like that Junpei, I should just take my presents back." I reach for the bag with his name on it and he practically bowls me over when he grabs at it.

"Presents!" He takes out the game. "Sweet! I was looking for this! It was sold out!"

…Well he didn't need to know I'm the one who snagged the last copy.

"Oh…but I feel bad now because I didn't get you anything…"

"It's not a-"

"Wait!" he digs in his pockets for something and takes out something that looks like a ruby but…when he drops it in my hand it's almost as though it's…a heart? It's warm…and pulsating….what is this?

"I found it in Tartarus."

"What? When were you-!"

"Oops."

"Junpei!"

"Oh calm down! I was with Yukari, Koromaru and Mitsuru! We were fine!"

"Wait…Mitsuru?" I could see Yukari indulging Junpei but Mitsuru?

"She said we shouldn't stay on the sidelines so much. We lose experience that way."

….Oh yeah. He has a pretty good point. If something happened and I wasn't able to use the people I usually do I'd be in trouble. I was far too reliant on both Akihiko and Aeon.

"Yeah…sorry, I shouldn't have yelled."

"It's fine." Junpei shrugs dismissively. "Anyone you got me this so everything's cool-" he waved the game around when Aeon's voice came through the door.

"It was suspicious. Minako and Akihiko were on the rooftop together and I-"

The door opens and Yukari and Fuuka come in.

"Minako?" Yukari looks over the three of us and then the bags on the table.

"Merry Christmas!" I can't help but laugh at the startled expression on Yukari's face. "There's presents!"

Fuuka frowns. "Why didn't you tell me Minako-chan. I'd have gotten you a gift…"

"I don't want one. I've got all the gifts I need."

"Still…"

"Look if you feel so bad about it just give me one later." she nods in agreement before opening it.

"Ah! Thank you Minako-chan."

"How did you know I wanted this?" Yukari looks at the gift in wonder. "Though…" she looks at me suspiciously. "Did someone help you pick this out?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing!" she giggles. "Thanks for the gift. Though…are you sure you don't-"

"Positive. I'm fine without a gift." I'm getting a little tired of repeating it but.

"Alright then." she sounded uncertain.

The tell tale sound of Mitsuru's heels are next.

"Hm?" She looks around at all of us. "Is something going on?"

"Merry Christmas!" Yukari and I say in unison. I hold her bag out to her.

"You…" she looks into the bag. "A teddy bear?" she takes out the teddy bear. It's an ordinary brown teddy bear with brown eyes, I messed up a little on the stitching but the word's: Mitsuru's Bear was on it's belly. It was for just a second but I thought I saw her lips twitch. "Thank you Arisato. Though why didn't-"

"I don't want anything in return. It's a gift."

"Alright then," she gave me one of her small pleased smiles. "I'll accept it."

"Good."

"Though this does mean that should I decide to give you a gift you'll do the same right?"

"Yeah…"

"Is something going on?" Huh? Ken was upstairs the whole time? "I heard a commotion and-"

"Merry Christmas!" I hand his bag out to him. He reaches in and blinks at the comics. "I know it's not Featherman R…but…"

"Thank you Minako-chan." He looks so happy that I gave him a gift I'm stunned for a brief second.

"No problem Ken. And no before you ask you don't have to give me anything in return."

"Oh…okay." he looks a little shocked at that but nods.

Koromaru comes up to me with a soft whine. I kneel down and pet him. "Don't worry Koro-chan. I haven't forgotten about you." I give him the small toy and take out the brush. "See?" he gives me a pleased bark in response.

"Oh yeah Akihiko." his being the last bag on the table I hand it to him. "I managed to find some DVDs of the training scenes of that wire fu movie we watched during the Marathon."

"Thanks. Hm?" He takes out the red scarf I knitted for him.

"I sorta made it for you." I shrug to cover my embarrassment. I should have burned it.

"No. I'm grateful. There's nothing wrong with this sort of gift after all." he gives me a small peaceful smile.

"Too bad there's no cake…" trust Junpei to ruin the moment with his stomach. …That said I am sort of hungry.

"Actually there is." I say this as I head back into the kitchen.

"YES!"

The rest of the night is spent eating. Mitsuru orders some food and all of us spend the rest of the day eating and playing some Karaoke game Junpei has. The only thing that would have made this day better is if Aeon was here. His bag is still upstairs in my room. I wonder if I'll ever have the opportunity to give it to him.

…Well. I've finally found something Mitsuru's not good at. It's rather late when we finally go to bed.

12/26/09

Huh. Winter break is soon. I head to the Faculty room and invite Mitsuru to come with me.

"Ah yes. Arisato." She takes out a small hairpin. "I know you didn't want us to return the favor but…" she hands me a small box. When I open it up there's a beautiful silver hairpin in the shape of XXII. Twenty-two? Despite the weird number they are beautiful hairpins.

"Thank you Mitsuru." I take them out and replace them with my old ordinary hairclips.

"So…where are we going today." she looks excited or as excited as one as composed as Mitsuru would look anyway.

"Let's go to the strip mall and get something to eat."

Iwatodai strip mall, takoyaki stand "Octopia"…

I might as well take her here.

"Interesting…so, "takoyaki" doesn't consist of an entire octopus, only a small portion. Well, it makes sense…an entire octopus would be too much food for one person." she sighs. "Sometimes I'm amazed at my ignorance of the world…" she looks a bit dejected.

"Well, let's eat."

"Y-You're right…I will have one takoyaki, please. …What? Takoyaki isn't sold in individual pieces? So, I can buy a dozen at this price?" she seems…oddly excited about that. Sheltered indeed. She pays for both our meals and as we eat she smiles in enjoyment. "So, it's filled with diced octopus inside. Interesting…mm…it tastes slightly sour…are there other ingredients in addition to the octopus?" I can't help but remembering Theo's reaction to this place. I'm still wondering what the hell is it that he tasted… "Well, whatever they may be, they taste absolutely delicious…C'est tres bon!" she happily eats more and I find myself oddly not annoyed by the random interjection of French. I think…I understand her a bit better…with that knowledge my inner strength increases.

"That reminds me of what Akihiko was talking about when we walked past here…" she stops eating and looks thoughtfully down at her takoyaki. "Don't you think Akihiko has been acting differently lately? I don't mean to be rude, it's just that I've known him for such a long time…perhaps he's just maturing…"

"Does that make you happy?"

"…Of course that makes me happy." she chuckles. "With all we've been through, it can be difficult to get over our pasts. …However, Akihiko is trying to learn from his experiences. I'm very impressed by him. When I look at Akihiko, I'm reminded of so many things about myself. I can't explain why, though…"

"Could be loneliness."

"As Graduation Day approaches I do find myself feeling sad from time to time." she laughs. "You may not understand because your only a junior." she forces a small smile before sighing in frustration. "I don't even know what I'm talking about. Sorry for subjecting you to my incoherent ramblings…please forget what I just said."

"Done." with that I eat more takoyaki.

"Thank you." she looks relieved at that. "The takoyaki was absolutely delicious. We should eat here again sometime."

"You wanna walk back together?" Mitsuru shakes her head.

"I cannot. I have…engagements." she looks somewhat sad at that.

"See you later then!" I spend the rest of the day at Game Panic playing games before nighttime hits.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"…S'up dude?"

"The second term has finally ended…there are only five days left until New Year's Eve. My fear and anxiety still remain…but I'm no longer confused." Mitsuru has a book open in her hands as always. "I will fight until the end…I've made up my mind."

Koromaru barks and runs to the door excitedly and barks and barks.

"Okay! We'll go for a walk! Sheesh!" What's with him today? He trots beside he happily but even while he plays he never goes far form me. After a while he sits right in front of me and looks up with his big red eyes. Hm? He looks resolved. I guess he's been thinking about our choice too huh?

I scratch him behind the ear. "You ready to go back?" He barks a yes and I nod. "Let's go then…" with that the two of us head for the dorm. …Even Koromaru's made up his mind…what am I going to do? I only have five days left…

12/27/09

First day of winter vacation huh. It's Sunday…today I'd usually train and thing talk to Akinari huh…I guess it's just training today. I open my drawer and there's Akinari's notebook. With a sigh I close it back before heading downstairs. I spend all day training.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

Urgh. …I still haven't saved that poor bastard.

"…Hi, how as your day?" Fuuka greets me when I walk in. "Four more days until New Year's Eve…I've been thinking about what I'm going to do on the 31st…I was afraid I might go crazy from fear…but, I was wrong." she gives me a small smile. "I feel strong…because everyone is with me." She looks over at me.

"Hm? Is something wrong Fuuka?"

"Uh…no! I was just thinking."

"You don't mind going to Tartarus tonight do you?"

"No. That isn't a problem! I'll get ready." with that she practically flees up the stairs.

Have I turned into the boogeyman or something?

Tartarus…

I take Akihiko, Mitsuru and Yukari with me. It's been a while since I've explored Tartarus with Yukari.

The person is on the 203rd floor. Ken and Junpei deliver the shivering woman to the dorm and I keep training in Tartarus. I fuse Abaddon, Hariti and Hell Biker to create Kartikeya of the Star Arcana…she's strengthened by my bond with Akihiko. It's a man? On a giant peacock with a spear in hand.

Hm…Abaddon gave me something called Tome of the Void…

With that I headed back to the dorm.

12/28/09

Uh…Tartarus wore me out yesterday. Strange considering I wasn't there long, despite my fatigue, I head to the theater to work

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"…Hi, Minako-chan." Fuuka greets me again as I walk in. "There are three more days until New Year's Eve. Have you decided what you're going to say to Ryoji-kun?" …No…I'm not sure yet. I don't want to just give up…but if Nyx really is undefeatable…what are we supposed to do?

"No worries." I plaster a fake smile on my face.

Koromaru whines and gently tugs on my wrist. Hm? I guess he wants to go to the shrine.

Naganaki Shrine…

Koromaru runs behind the shrine and comes back with…hm? Is that some sort of collar? He's carrying it in his teeth. He looks up at me and I take the collar from him. It's sort of raggedy and dirty…

"Is this yours?"

He barks a yes. His tail is wagging…he…wants me to hold on to it?

"I'll cherish it Koromaru." he runs in circles happily. Still…a collar?

"Do you want to wear this?" he whines shaking his head. I figured.

"The priest's your master right?" he barks a yes. "So…you'll stay by my side?" another yes but his tail wags this time. He looks straight at me and I know that wherever the path takes me he'll follow.

"Thanks…Koromaru."

Thou art I…

And I am thou…

Thou hast established a genuine bond

The innermost power of the Strength Arcana hath been set free

We bestow upon thee the ability to create Siegfried, of the Strength Arcana…

"Wanna play fetch?" He barks energetically and I throw the new ball I bought him, it's fun and relaxing and I feel at peace. The looming threat of Nyx seems like no big deal now.

12/29/09

Ugh. I have a cold now…I knew I shouldn't have walked Koromaru without a coat…and yet. I can't bring myself to regret it. I work at the theater again today after taking some cold medicine.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"…S'up, dude? The day's almost here…I've made up my mind; I'm gonna fight with all I've got." he shoots me a grin. "And I know we're gonna win. I got so confused thinking about it, but then I figured it out…whatever Nyx is, all we have to do is kill it!" he's so enthusiastic I can't bring myself to burst his bubble by pointing out that Nyx can't be killed. Ryoji has no reason to lie about something like that…

12/30/09

Bedroom, Early Morning…

Someone's knocking on the door…

"Hellooooo? Are you awake?"

"Go away Yukari!"

She laughs. "I just wanted to tell you the good news! Aeon is coming back today!" Huh? He is? "Mitsuru-senpai said his wounds have finally healed. We're meeting in the lounge tonight. Don't forget, okay? See ya!"

…Aeon's better? That's…good to hear. I sit up in bed and yawn stretching. I think…I'll just rest until evening today. I want to be here when Aeon comes.

Dorm, 1st floor…

Aeon will be back soon so I head downstairs. The door opens up and Aeon comes in. "I'm back. I'm sorry if I worried any of you."

"Man, I'm glad to see you. I was getting nervous."

"Hm?" Aeon looks confused. I don't blame him. Since when was Junpei glad to see him? "I missed you as well Junpei." he gives Junpei a small smile. "I missed all of you…"

"I was fearing the worst…" Fuuka sighs looking Aeon over. He looks perfectly normal…well as normal as he can be anyways.

"You shouldn't have…I can always be repaired. Even if nothing existed of me but scraps I could be recreated. I am…not at all irreplaceable." he sounds pained as he says this.

"Hey…don't talk about yourself like that." Yukari looks over at him.

"They said another week would be required for a complete recovery, but I had the process expedited. …Tomorrow is New Year's Eve."

"I apologize for all the pain I've caused…" Aeon looks down. "Mitsuru visited me at the lab and told me everything…that must have been…an ordeal for all of you to go through. Minako…how have you been? Are you okay? Considering the circumstances…"

"Sort of…"

"What I did to you…ten years ago was…" he sighs.

"It hurt me and ruined my life." I say coldly.

"What-!" Junpei looks a little stunned at my tone.

"Minako! Don't-" Fuuka's pretty shocked as well.

"I…see…" Aeon looks like he wants to fall into the floor.

"But…" He looks up at that. "I understand why you did it. I can't say I wouldn't have done the same in your position. The ends justify the means and what not. You…gave humanity an extra ten years to exist. I can't fault you for that."

"Minako…it's is my fault." Aeon looks down at the ground almost shamefully as he speaks "…my fault that you're suffering like this…so…I know that you've likely made up your mind…and that Ryoji has given you a choice…but…I want you…I would like if you took his offer and killed him" he falls onto his knees. "Please…I've already caused you so much pain," …huh? Was that a tear? "I don't…I don't want to see you suffer anymore. I have failed you…so…please choose to forget! To forget so that the time you have left can be spent in peace! Even if…even if it means forgetting me…"

"Aeon?" he places his head on the ground by my feet. "What are you doing?"

"I…I am sorry. If I possessed a life…I would give it too you but…" he looks up at me. "I can not stop your death! No matter what I do…"

"A-Aeon, what're you talking about?" Yukari looks stunned.

"Yeah, this isn't like you. You're usually the first to kick some ass." Junpei looks at Aeon who is silent.

"What's wrong, Aeon?" Mitsuru looks him over.

"Why…? Why did I come back here? My mission was to protect humanity from Shadows…I…I have failed that mission. I know they are undefeatable! So then…why…why am I here? I'm useless! I can't even cry for you!" …there's no way there was a tear in his eye earlier…just….no way.

"Oh, Aeon…" Fuuka murmurs.

"What's the point in fighting an unwinnable battle! What is the purpose in that? Why are you willing to throw away your lives?"

"I'm not wasting my life."

"Yeah, she's right. We're just planning for the future. Right, Ken?"

"Right."

"I…I don't understand." he sighs. "Perhaps it's because…I'm not truly human and do not possess a life."

Junpei laughs. "This has nothing to do with having a life."

"I'm a weapon. A weapon that was created to protect humans from Shadows. But, I can't complete that mission with the powers I currently have. So…what is my purpose? I'm…a useless weapon…a broken tool. What…am I supposed to do? Can anyone tell me?"

"We don't know the answer, Aeon. The only one who can tell you what your purpose is, is you. That's why we're having such a hard time making our decision. There's just no easy answer. But as long as we're alive, we have to do something…when we see others hurting, we want to help them." Junpei gives Aeon a small smile at this. "So that's our purpose." he laughs. "I'm not too good at explaining it, but…that's what we all think."

"Can it be so simple?"

"When I saw you collapse, I realized something." Fuuka looks at Aeon directly in the eyes as she speaks. "I want to protect you…I don't want to forget about you."

"Fuuka…"

"There are times when you will lose sight of your goal, and you will have to search for it. But if you can't find it again, then you must set your heart on a new goal. I'm not really one to talk…but I feel that I've come to understand something important this year. To truly live, you will need to make changes sometimes."

"You think I'm capable of such a thing, Mitsuru? Of…change?"

"Yes. I mean, you've changed so much already. …Haven't you noticed? In fact, you're changing even as we speak."

"I know what my purpose is…I'm a weapon…a weapon who is here to "live" and the one who has given me this purpose is…me…this is the promise I've made to myself. I don't know how I'll do it…but I guess that is part of living, too."

"That's for you to decide Aeon. You decide how you're going to live."

"Yes." Aeon smiles at me. Huh? Tyr's…changing? It's turned into some sort of young man on a throne…he has a crown on his head and there's large golden pillars with almost blinding light surrounding it. "…may I join you?"

"Aeon…" I laugh. "You've always been a part of us." He smiles in response.

"Yeah. I will be with all of you…no matter what happens…"

I nod in agreement. Though I can't help but wonder even as everyone else agrees to give their all fighting Nyx. …Is that really the best decision?

Troubled I go to bed.

12/31/09

It's New Years Eve…I sit in bed all day thinking about the choice I have to make…

It's nightfall…and I'm still not sure. I stand up with a sigh and head for the lounge.

Dorm, 1st floor lounge…

"Hey, long time no see…" he gives me a small smile. "Midnight's just around the corner…at midnight, I will change from this form into something unrecognizable. So, have you reached a decision?"

No one says anything.

"Okay, I'll be waiting in her room until midnight." he looks at me. "Come see me when you have your answer.

"Ryoji-kun…"

"Oh, and one more thing. Don't let the fact that you'll have to kill me influence your decision. As I said before, I'm going to disappear anyways. I won't feel any pain by "dying". So, there's no need to worry about me. I'll be waiting."

Junpei looks away.

Mitsuru turns to me. "Have you made your decision?" I say nothing biting my lip. "I understand. You don't need to say anything." she turns to the rest of the group. "Have the rest of you made your decision?"

"No need to ask me." Akihiko looks around at the rest of us.

"You know how I feel." Yukari's resolved as well.

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't on board." Junpei's grinning as always.

"I'm with the rest of you." Fuuka adds

"I'm in, too." Ken smiles and Koromaru barks an affirmative as well. …All of them…they're all resolved…

"I've also made my decision." Aeon looks over at me and I look guiltily away.

"Then, we're all in agreement, yes?" Mitsuru nods when she hears no dissent.

"Better let him know, then." Akihiko looks at me. "…Okay?"

"Yeah…" I feel almost…mechanical as I head back to my bedroom.

Bedroom…

Ryoji's standing by a corner. "Hey. I didn't think I'd ever be in this room under circumstances like these. I had a good time, you know…back then." I look down. "Don't tell me you've all decided to let me live…you're all going to risk your lives on a battle you can't win. But, you're the only one here right now, so…I'll say this one more time. If you kill me, Tartarus, the Dark Hour, and your memories of the battles will all disappear. Tomorrow, you'll wake up a normal high-school student. You'll be able to live in peace until the moment of the Fall." It's…really tempting. I look out of the window and take a deep breath. "But if you let me live, you'll spend every waking moment until that day in fear of you inevitable death. Nyx cannot be defeated…it's useless to fight her. …Are you still thinking? Or, have you already made up your mind?

…I…I don't know…I shake my head.

"I guess my words didn't change your mind…there's still some time until midnight." he looks down. "I didn't want to have to show you this…but I have no choice." Huh? Did he just…transform into Thanatos? I stare at him in astonishment. "See…? I'm not human. I will bring death to this world until I am finally satiated. Do not hesitate to kill me. …I want you to think about this carefully. Is facing Nyx really the best decision…? Some things in this world cannot be changed. You do not understand this yet. Memories are ambiguous…Old ones can be replaced with new ones, creating a new reality. Don't you want to end all your friends' pain and suffering?" …Of course I do…but…

"…It's up to you. You're the only one who can make this decision." Do I have the right to take this choice from them? "Now, this is your last chance. Tell me your answer…Minako…Please…kill me…I don't want you to suffer."

End Chapter 16

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AN's: Akinari died the week after Minako saw him for the second to last time. He died sometime in the middle of the week. (after finishing his story). What day is up to you but he's not dead when she takes his hand.

Answering Reviews Time:

XxXTwilight-SinXxX : It chocked me up too. I remember my first play through going: "NOOOOO! You fucking bastards!" And waving the controller angrily when Strega left. I wanted to rage quit. Doesn't help that they're the most anti-climatic bosses ever. I mean all of them suck.

Hamujiro: I think it's sweet too. And the next chapter is the last chapter. Whoot!

Kisdota-The Freak Gamer : Yup Minako's milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. XD I hate that song but it won't leave my head! T_T

Tsuki Rae : I answered this in a PM but yeah. I was aiming for that. Poor Minako…she's such a black widow even if she doesn't want to be.

DropletofSour : Thanks for the review! I sent you a PM too…I'm not too sure how Minako's losing her personality though. (My intention was always to base her off of the more…bitchier dialogue options) but I guess she must've ran off with it. O_o

Thanks for the advice and I'll keep it in mind. I hope this chapter is a little better about that. Though seeing as it was practically finished before I finished the last chapter probably not.