((A/N: Slowly getting to the main story))

December 7th, 2013

Ten days had gone by since the two groups of the Persona Users had met and become one group going after a goal. The older members of the group were driven for the time being by the idea of getting their beloved friend back while the younger members were happy to help and desired to see just what the world had in store for them as they were coming to the time in life where one wishes to learn more about themselves after the high school years have traveled on by. Naoto herself exhausted a lot of time memorizing the ins and outs of the equipment, information, techniques, proficiencies, and any other resources that Mitsuru's group had or offered up to her in the hopes of being more of an aid to everyone. Her efforts and know how really impressed Mitsuru herself. So while constructing plans for their next move she would often ask Naoto to take a second look at her ideas to have a more beneficial understanding of the wrongs what could go wrong before laying it out to the others and getting their individualized inputs on their roles. This back and fourth limited the number of meetings they all had to have before the day arrived for their operation to take place.

Mitsuru and Elizabeth, during the end of their first meeting after everything have been said and done, had explained that a tournament was being held in Moniren. Elizabeth with on to explain while she was there with Yukari both of them had gotten the wind from the locals that a fighting tournament was held once a year for monks and any fighter that knew about their small village to come and test their might in unarmed combat. And as luck would have it for them it was coming up on December Eighth. This was the perfect time for most of them to move into the town without much concern being while the battle was for fighters the village encouraged any that knew about it to come, watch, and learn from the others….it also didn't hurt if any wanted to donate to keep the place running but that was kind of kept under the table.

There were two scenarios they hoped for that would arrive from the event. One if they just happened on 'Maya' once again and they could maybe befriend her and get her to meet Yu. Elizabeth had expressed how this would most likely not be enough to cause a reaction in her power. "We need a way to draw out her power. Simply meeting Yu isn't going to be enough just to push it out. This isn't some fairytale where a chance meeting just causes something to happen without any effort. Besides….that would be way too boring and anticlimactic," Elizabeth threw this statement out one day after it was brought up on the topic of what they hoped was going to happen and how it was going to take place. Besides the fact everyone could tell she was comparing this state of affairs to old movie scenes they had to admit just meeting Yu would most likely not get a reaction out of Maya having to do with her power at least.

The second hoped for outcome was they hoped Maya would enter the tournament thereby meeting her that way. In which they would have Akihiko, Chie, Junpei, and Yu along with one more possibly enter to try and make to through fighters round by round in hopes of fighting her and wearing her down. This would hopefully back her into a corner and force her power to come forth. Yu would be the fighter they would mainly be banking on to cause her to awaken however the hope was just by meeting him in the ring would jump start the process since there was no full proof way, minus cheating, they could be sure Yu had a fight with her worn out.

"Let me ask you something Senpai. How good of fighter was she?" Yu asked Akihiko while the two trained for the tournament along with Junpei and Chie while Ken watched taking notes on their fighting style and minor bad habits they had of choreographing their moves," When you first punched me you talked some good shit about how she was a sweet angel but blow for blow she would murder me. And not going to lie that really got my system going," he got this look in his eyes that was off-putting for Akihiko," I wanna see these killing senses you were talking about" The two of were facing each other in a workout room in fighting stances as they begin to circle one another. Sweat dripped off their bodies and was hitting the mat under them. Akihiko cracked his neck as he took off his shirt and threw it to the side of the mat. Junpei had a grin on his face as he plugged his phone in the radio sitting near him cracked it up and the words 'Spit Yo' Game, Talk Yo' Shit' could be heard in the room as Yu took off the jacket he was wearing and was in a sweat covered wife beater.

"Frankly that is the scary thing about her but I really doubt a pretty boy like you would get it. She seemed on the surface like you normal everyday high-school girl. However-" he stopped moving on a dime and lunged right at Yu with a left hook aim at his forehead. Yu jumped back two inches but he could feel the wind from the swing blow against his forehead as he moved his head to the right watched Akihiko left arm fly right pass his head Slightly hearing the muscles tightening in his arm" When fighting shadows she was ruthless. When sparring with me she….I don't know I could never bring myself to hit her"

"Couldn't find it in you to hit a girl or-" Yu dropped to the ground before spinning on the grounding rotating on his left knee which folding while fully out stretching his right leg trying to sweep the legs out from under Akihiko. Akihiko jumped as he saw Yu drop foreseeing the sweep. He cleared Yu's leg and landed on the ground right when Yu rose back up to full height taking a defensive stance"-Were you afraid of her? Also interesting, I was under the impression you were a pure boxing type. But you saw the kick coming like you were waiting on it. Come on old man let me in on the fun or are you too scared once I figure you out you going to be embarrassed by me in front of Maya in the Ring"

"Why does that surprise you, little boy? Come on now do you really think I've never been in a street fight before. Anything goes,"As he was talking and said the word little boy Ken started circling the room like he was looking for something he dropped on the floor. Right when Akihiko said anything goes Ken was right behind Yu in a flash and round house kicked Yu right in the small of his back. Yu fell to the ground as breath cause by the sudden strike escaped from his lungs," K-ken….oh shit…..Yu? You good man?"

Yu panted on the ground face down," Y-you cock sucking motherfucker….ugh..." His voice had a slight whine to it as his body twitched. You could hear Junpei and Chie both trying not to laugh as they ran up to help check on him.

"W-what you said anything goes!" Ken shrugging.

"Yeah, but I thought you were going to try and hold him for a second causing him to briefly drop his guard and then I was going to punch him!" Akihiko looking from Yu to Ken with a surprised look on his face.

"Training, Senpai this is Training. Spell it with me T-R-A-I-N-I-N-G. I knocked the wind out of him due to surprise. You were planning on knocking him out cold cause he was getting all up in your feelings. Thereby delaying training and risking the plan because he would have to recover. Then I would have to go tell Mitsuru-Senpai and she would Execute you along with Yukari…..the way I see it I just saved your life. So with all due respect, you can kiss the smallest part of my ass," Ken rolled his eyes while he went down to one knee beside Yu to check on him.

Akihiko sighed," I am seeing Shinji more and more in you by the day," He gave a sad smile," I honestly don't know if that is a good of bad thing"

"Someone has to keep you in line. And I promised him I would look after you. Besides always wanted a stupid older brother to yell at,"Ken helping Yu back to his feet.

"Can I hit him for you Senpai?" Yu chuckled with a cough as he rubbed his head and stared at Ken after he could stand on his own," After all you did say anything goes and it would seem we have a new fighter that has entered the ring"

"No….that would be far too easy my dear friend….let's give him a ten-second head start. Then we hunt him down" Akihiko nodded at Yu.

"Oh, An All-Out Attack? I like it!"Yu looked down at Ken," One...two..."

"Um...um….oh crap" Ken took off running followed closely behind by Yu and Akihiko. Akihiko forgot doing this wasn't going to pay off for him if Ken had his way. But that was going to have to wait a day.

]=Later That Day=

After they left their mountain hideout at five o'clock it took about seven hours for them to arrive at the village. They took a company plane to the local airport that was closest to the village then hiked in the woods till they arrived at around midnight in the village. This was a very secluded area with lush forest everywhere around. The ligneous plant life, the buildings, the air, and well just the atmosphere seemed to just breath life in every direction. A few children were playing as they walked around with what seemed like shine maidens hurrying them along with a gentle smile on their faces as they watched the children laugh and play.

Junpei had a peaceful look on his face as he politely watched the shrine maidens. He spotted one sitting happily on a wood chair near the main dirt road drawing on a big sketch pad. Mitsuru noted this and patted Junpei on the back," Don't worry I'm fine just day dreaming a little that's all" Mitsuru smiled gently and nodded in understanding. Over the years she had tried to become more aware of the people around her to better care for them. She really loved all her friends and always did the best she could try and be there for them now.

"This village doesn't feel normal" Yukiko said as they all walked to a camping area right outside the village," I don't how to fully explain it but I feel a lot of spiritual energy. This place feels well protected but at the same time, it's just comparable to an open wild. Like there are things watching us in the dark that we are just are too blind to see"

"I agree," Fuuka said tracking closely behind her," It doesn't feel mischievous or grievous but still we had better be on your guard here. If the data I got before departing is right we can use our powers here just like with the Midnight Hour and em..TV World. If that is the case other people most likely have abilities we are not aware as well so we shouldn't make any sudden moves by stepping on the wrong toes"

From there they got information on the camping area right outside the village that a lot were using to wait until the next day partake in the tournament and festival that was being had right after. So after arriving at the camping area, they set up their tents to rest before the competition was to begin.

Before turning in for some sleep Chie was walking around the tents making sure everything was safe and in place when she spotted Yukari staring off into the nighttime sky. She walked to her and tapped her lightly on the shoulder to get her attention." You okay? Do you wanna take a short work before we should head to bed. Sorry to be annoying but you look like you have a lot on your mind right now. Better to just talk these things out then have then stuck in your head you know?"

"Huh, I'm the older one here shouldn't I be the one worrying about you not the other way around/" Yukari sighed with a slight smirk. She didn't know Chie that well but she was thankful nonetheless. And being utterly honest with herself there was something that was chafing her about a slight phasing Chie said a few days ago. So this seemed like the best time to kill two birds with one stone without being the one to start it off. All she had to do was just be honest about anything asked and wait for her moment if it came up.

"Your getting hung up on age? Besides age has nothing to do with worrying about someone," Chie rolled her eyes in a slightly teasing manner.

"Point taken. Sure let's walk a little bit but not wonder off to far."

Chie followed Yukari as she took the lead. They walked far enough from the campsite so they wouldn't be overheard without yelling. There was a nearby lake that glowed as it reflected the moonlight. Yukari leaned on a tree they came across and sighed," She would be the one able to find a beautiful place like this….or cause us all to have a chance to see a place like this even if she is unaware of it," Yukari looked over the lake and the moonlight reflected in her sad eyes. She decided not to beat around the bush because she knew what Chie wanted to hear" No use hiding right? I mean my own feelings about everything that has to do with her. That's what I get for not being able to take my heart off my sleeve….I wear the fucking thing way too much," She chuckled," Guessing most of your group figured out why I keep getting riled up every time Maya is involved in conversations. Not like anyone tried to really hide it, to be honest on my group's side," Yukari voice was low making her sound like a soldier that had been gone from home way to long thinking of past regrets.

Chie folded her arms," I guess you could say that but it is not like we have discussed it or nothing, but yeah even me with my limited my mind can clearly guess your feelings," Chie didn't seem uncomfortable with the subject but she was still perhaps overly selecting her words" Were you in love with Maya before her parting?" Chie asked if to nothing else just to hear Yukari say the answer she already knew.

Yukari blushed. It was one thing if people could tell but it was another thing to hear it said out loud by anyone else,"Yeah….l-like I s-said no use hiding it"

Chie gave this grim look. "Before she 'gave' up her life did she know you loved her 'in that way' however?"

"You have better insight then I thought you would. No…. I didn't get the chance to tell her I loved her in a romantic sense. Back then even a few years ago same-sex couples were still looked down upon and I was unsure of my own emotions. It's stupid I was so worried about what the masses of the world thought I ignored what I wanted to say and needed to know,"

"So it was a regret I was feeling in your voice. Thought so," Chie spoke sadly.

"However since I have been honest with you isn't it about time you stopped fucking around with us and come clean?" Yukari didn't raise her voice at all and there was no malice in it.

"I don't know what your talking about-"

"Why do you call Maya...Sensai? Most of us noticed it other day but from what we know you-you two don't have a history with one another we are aware of"

Chie didn't hide the shock on her face," Crap I didn't know I was still doing that. If I tell you do you promise not to be mad at me?" Yukari just nodded," I knew Maya years ago. Mind you this was during childhood before I even started starter school. I was scared to tell you all because I thought you would think I was hiding something from you-"

"Oh, there is no reason to hide that. I was worried it was going to be something weird. You should have just told us. We have been looking into her past but we couldn't find anything"

Chie looked bewildered,"Wait are you telling me none of you know her past?" Her face went from confused to worried," That explains way to much right now..." Chie looked at the ground before falling back on it carefully and sitting down gently on the cold dirt," If I can ask, did you all ever have time to ask her about her past or better said what she remembered of her past?"

As soon as Chie said remembered a sudden frigid feeling began creeping into Yukari's stomach as she looked to the lake collecting her thoughts. "Besides her parents dying 13 years ago...I am sad to say that is about all I know for the most part that she said personally about herself. She was always so worried about everyone else it seems like she never had time to talk about herself from what I know and experienced. Plus she was only in our lives about a year," she looked back down at Chie," So we didn't have all the time needed to get to know her fully as we would have liked" Her voice shook.

Chie put her hand over her mouth before shaking her head. She uncovered her mouth," Maya never had any parents," Yukari raised an eyebrow. This statement didn't shock her as fast as it confused her," Not literally! I mean back when a was five...Maya lived on the streets unaccompanied. Hold on let me start from the beginning"

The conversation continued for the next hour as Chie revealed her knowledge of Maya's past to Yukari.

December 8th, 2013

The following morning everyone arose and got ready to head to the arena in which the tournament was being held. As they got closer to the arena Mitsuru took Yukari, Rise, Fuuka, Yosuke, Naoto, and Ken and split from the others who were fighting plus signing up for the contestant. As this happen Yukari gave Chie this understanding looking and Chie nodded as everyone departed from one another. There seemed to be a much heavier understanding with the two that Naoto by chance detected as she caught sight of the two silently communicating with one another but decided this was not to best time to try and see what was going on as well as it didn't seem her place.

"I don't know how well this is going to go but besides the fact we are here to get Maya back I am looking forward to testing myself against all the fighters here. I need this to help me see how far I have come" Akihiko looked pumped and ready for a fight as the fighting group walked down a narrow path to a monk sitting at a check booth with a welcoming grin on his face.

The monk bowed," Welcome to the Moniren Transcendental Festival Tournament. Be aware this is a battle of the arts, however, no weapons, poisons or unnatural physical weapons are allowed. Be warned killing is not allowed in the normal matches but deaths have happened before when contestants have pushed themselves too far. If two opponents agree before a match starts then a fight to the death can happen. The final match is always a fight to the death however you can at any time give up. There is no shame in walking away," The man looked them over like he was scanning over they bodies," Huh, I see. All of you here are allowed to enter without problem. Use your gifts to achieve victory and fight with honor young warriors,"

To be respectful they all bowed in thanks as two double doors behind the booth parted open sliding into the wall. They headed forward.

After going in and the gates closing behind them they walked around for a good ten minutes before they were told where to wait with the other fighters. It was a large room painted slick black with bright lights," Hey Junpei" Akihiko poking Junpei in the gently as he scanned the room," Going to just put this out there since we are such good friends and all...being the pervert you are..have you spotted our target yet?"

"Why are you also calling me a pervert now and besides that what the hell would that have to do with me finding our target?" Junpei signed.

"Like you don't know the answer to that question, but if you really want me to answer out loud then fine. When we use to fight you would always be the one staring at Maya as we fought and you would comment on her ass every time she fought in her school uniform. So let me ask this again in a way you will understand. 'Yo, Junpei have you spotted that ass yet?" Akihiko mocked Junpei's voice as he rephrased the question with a teasing smirk.

"Are you still bitter about the whole me telling you to lighten up thing with Yu and Elizabeth?" Junpei laughed softly," Anyway to answer your question...yeah. In the back corner, I notice the woman sitting down alone on the floor that fits the profile," suddenly Junpei's face took a much more serious look as he glanced over his shoulder in the direction he had indicated," While we have been here I noticed a few things. Monks have been coming up to her every few minutes asking her different questions. She seems to be getting treated with a lot of respect and honor from what it seems like"

A lean mean dress in blue robes leaned over to the side of the two young men talking in a soft manner as he butted in after overhearing their conversation slightly," The girl over there you are talking about is the current top fighter here. She won last year hands down without any trouble. It was for a lack of better words unreal how flawless her fighting was. On the outside, she seemed like just some cute young girl but a lot of us found out the hard way how scary her aura was when facing her,"

As they talked and watched her yet another monk came to her and she pulled back her hood and they saw her face in full for the first time since they had arrived. As in the reports, she was wearing red drapes that made her stand out for all the other robed monks along with the hair, eyes, and body features all matching up. As Chie turned to see what the young men were looking at what see noticed first in this moment was the smile that the woman had on her face. It was so gentle but at the same time, you could feel a monster laying low under what she was projecting on the surface.

Akihiko being a fighter was feeling the same weight as he looked at the woman he knew in his heart was Maya. After the guy who had butted into their conversation excused himself to go back to waiting. Junpei looked back at Akihiko and said in a questioning voice," I just had a thought that maybe a little bit too late but if I remember right Maya never did any unarmed combat when she was around us did she?"

"Sorry to speak out of turn but I wouldn't worry about that too much right now. I don't think the details of that are really that important right now. Cause if that was the case I could say the same thing about you" Chie said.

"Eh, I'm a brawler," All because he used two hand weapons people always forgot he was a brawler by nature. What he lacked in pure technique he made up for in endurance. So he could take punches while defending himself. He waited till his opponents were worn down in energy and then went on the offensive. But the cons of this would get to him easy with a skilled fighter going head to head with him knowing how to work around this.

Suddenly they heard a voice ring out all around the room.

"Welcome Transcendental Festival Tournament! We have a great group of fighters this year who are ready to go. We would like to welcome all of you that have come from all corners of the world to watch and fight here today. Your ongoing support is what helps keep this small village going where we can keep training fighters in peace and harmony. However, today is the day where all get to let loose and fight to the fullest. To everyone watching please do not worry about harm coming to yourselves by mistake because surrounding the fighting arena there is a barrier. That being said all fights will be one one one, not material world weapons, and no unauthorized killing. A Death Match can only be had if both parties agree to it before fighting and it is approved by the judges. The final is always a Death Match, however, anytime during that fight you are allowed to give up because knowing when it is best to walk away is also a skill that many warriors forget it prideful times"

To Be Continued.