Author's Notes: Regarding metal detectors, Aigis is "very well designed" so she does not get detected. Also she's very realistically built if you catch my drift. People should read this more. If there are any holes remember the notes from the other chapters. In Shin Megami Tensei, everything happens because it does and everything is symbolic, especially Mara.

Limits are only there for you to surpass.

A new miracle starts once more, in a shining place, with you.

Chapter 5: Really now?

Monday 5/7/2012

I had awoken from my slumber at 6 AM sharp. School resumes today so I woke up anyone that was still sleeping.

"Oh crap, I forgot we had school today." Yosuke panicked. He was calmed with a kick from Chie.

"It's been fun." Chie left dragging Yosuke out with her. Yukiko gave a courteous bow and left followed by Kanji and Teddie.

"If you'll excuse me." Naoto put on her hat and left in the same manner. Junpei was still asleep. Moments later though, he was beginning to stir.

"What happened?" he said groggily. Junpei sat up and observed his surroundings. I changed my clothes from yesterday for clean ones.

"Woah, Aigis…" Junpei was flushed. I've come to realize that everyone sees me as female and I should be more offended and have more femininity.

"Please stay calm." I pleaded. I quickly changed and Junpei finally calmed down.

"I know you're a robot, but still not everyone knows that and it would not be a good idea for you to do that anymore." said Junpei. I question who designed me to look this way, not that I mind being who I am. I must be getting self conscious.

"Class resumes today and I do not want to miss it." I said to Junpei as I fasten my tie. I have 20 minutes to spare. As I leave, "Junpei, tonight meet me in Inaba at the station. Bring your evoker as well." my tone darkened upon this.

Junpei's expression has become serious as well. "My evoker? What do I need that for?"

"I'll explain it to you later." I left the dorm. I couldn't think of what I should do. Should I involve my friend once more with fighting shadows? Or should I just let him live his life in peace? I am conflicted between these choices. I don't want to drag people into this.

There was a lecture today concerning the laws of physics. I took notes and my academic rating increased.

After class, I returned to the dorm to rearm myself. Just in case, I placed the Metatronius in a case and brought it with me to Inaba.

Junpei was waiting for me at the station. "What took you so long?" he asked.

"I was restocking on supplies." I replied.

Junpei nods. "Ok, I get it. Let's go kick some shadow ass." Just telling him to bring his evoker was simple enough for him to understand that we'll be fighting shadows.

"If I could help it, I would rather not have you get involved." I said while looking down at the concrete.

Junpei placed his hand on my shoulder, "Don't worry about it. That's what friends are for. Just give me a run down when we get to wherever we're going." Rain suddenly began to pour as I quickly led Junpei to Junes.

"Shit, does it rain that often here?" exclaimed Junpei. We dried ourselves in Junes's home appliances section. "You should prepare for battle." I said. Junpei was slightly confused about the reason why.

He went over to the sporting goods section and after browsing through the selection of baseball bats, Junpei finally found one he was satisfied with.

"This is a nice bat coming from a place like this." commented Junpei. After we're ready, I took Junpei to the electronics section where all the large TVs were on display.

I checked to see if anyone was around but after a few moments there was no one nearby. "Let us proceed." I stuck my hand into the TV. The screen fluctuated and rippled like water and Junpei gawked in extreme shock.

Junpei stuck his hand into the TV as well and it went inside. "Whoa, that's some crazy shit."

"I'll go after you." I assured him. Junpei hesitantly put his foot in and then the rest of his body into the TV. After he went in completely, I followed.

Inside Junpei was still examining his surrounds in shock, excitement, disbelief, and surprise. "What is this place?" he asked.

I explained everything I know about the Midnight Channel to him. "So it's like another version of the Dark Hour and Tartarus?" he asked for confirmation.

"Yes, but to enter one must appear once on TV in real life." I said.

Junpei smirked, "Well I've appeared plenty of times, but I never went inside a TV before."

There was also the predicament with Pharos, Hades, and the foretold end to explain to Junpei, but I slowly went over it along the way so he understands it.

"So then, everything we've been fighting for…. was all for nothing?" Junpei sighed.

"No, we can prevent it, but we need humanity to stop yearning for Nyx anymore." I said. "I've been living my life to achieve that goal."

"Well me too. I've made lots of new friends and I've been spreading the word to live life. But we got to tell everyone else about this. They'll flip!" remarked Junpei.

As much as I would love seeing the team together again, I'd rather not endanger them anymore. Junpei saw my expression and spoke up, "Aigis, you're not alone, so don't feel like you should do this yourself. We're all here for you."

I felt better after he said that. At the gates of Hades, the Investigation Team was already here. Izanami was at the entrance and they looked at me rather disapprovingly.

"How could you go explore without telling us." scolded Naoto. "It's dangerous, even for you to go alone."

"Yea Aigis, you should have told us." followed Chie. Yukiko agrees as well.

"Well let's not dwell on the past. She's safe and right here before us." said Yosuke.

"Still, it doesn't feel right. Having Izanami as our guide, she's the one who almost killed us." Kanji said strongly.

I turned my attention to the goddess. "Well, I don't expect your forgiveness, but the underworld is my domain and it responds to the will of humanity." said Izanami.

"But wait, why's Junpei-san here?" asked Yosuke. "Don't tell me he's a…"

"Yep, I'm a persona user. Still, I didn't expect there to be so many others." replied Junpei. "Nice to meet you all."

Likewise they all greeted in return. The Investigation Team has already prepared for combat. "I will only allow passage to four." said Izanami sternly.

"We should let Aigis lead, because she has experience inside." said Naoto.

"That means I may select the party members as well?" I said. I already have a team composition in mind for exploration. Naoto nodded and I picked Junpei, Yukiko, and Yosuke for my party.

"I may not look it, but I'm pretty decent at fighting shadows." bragged Yosuke.

"I'll do my best." said Yukiko.

"Really, I guess this is a good time to brush up on my skills. Do I sound like Akihiko to you?" said Junpei.

"Yes, you do somewhat." I replied. Everyone else seemed disappointed that they can't come with us. "I'll support you from here-kuma." waved Teddie. The four of us enter the lift and it descends into Hades.

Along the way, it was the same scenery, but everyone was staring at it with surprise and wonder. "This is not gonna be pretty." sighed Junpei.

"Dude, let's kick ass." Yosuke shouted enthusiastically. "This is not a game." Yukiko scolded.

When the lift stopped, we stepped out into the blazing wasteland. I explained the use of access point and that shadows lurked and roamed everywhere.

"How do we go further? I don't see anything that will take us down lower." said Yukiko. I do not know the answer to that question either. Then I hear voices in my head.

"To advance further, one must clear away this floor's guardian. Souls of the dead filled with malice and regret yearn for the living to join them. Every moment, more and more join their ranks." said Izanami in a foreboding tone.

She knows more than she's telling us, but then again gods are never there to solve your problems. They only watch over you as you struggle.

I ordered the team to spread out in team of two. Yosuke and Yukiko went in one direction while Junpei and I went in another in search for the guardian. "Dude, the floors here are way bigger than the ones in Tartarus." groaned Junpei.

They were and I kept a close eye on the positions of our team through Teddie. We approached a massive coliseum like structure that I had never seen before. "I'm beary sure a guardian is here-kuma." Teddie's voice rang in our minds.

We entered slowly as we checked for any traps or ambushes. In the center was a large area of flat land. It really was a coliseum, but for what purpose? Suddenly the gates behind us closed abruptly, sealing off our only exit.

Junpei gripped the bars of the gates and shook with all his might, "Dammit, it won't budge." Junpei turned back towards me.

"Let's not waste energy. We should focus on the guardian first. Maybe then the gate will unlock itself." I said calmly. We proceed to the center of the coliseum. A faint sound of chains jangling was around us.

"Who's there?" I reloaded and took a battle stance. Life sensors do not detect anything nearby and even special detectors for shadows are not reacting. "The enemy is not a shadow, yet is it not a living being." I wondered how this was possible.

"Whatever's here, I don't think it'll let us go without a fight." Junpei raised his bat ready for battle. The sounds drew closer and I fired at the stands. After a brief pause, the sound continued to move.

Junpei and I pressed our backs together. We scanned our surroundings for the enemy. The sound of chains was still there. The target was moving around us. Then the enemy made the first move, an axe was thrown towards me. I effortless grabbed it and realized it was attached to a chain. Quickly with all my might, I pulled the chain dragging the owner towards us.

It was surprisingly light as the target flew over from the stand and crashed on the ground before us. "It can't be." Junpei muttered.

I looked at whatever attacked us and I was astonished as well. It was a girl in a white lace dress. She had long red hair and chains on her clothes.

"Chidori, is that really you?" Junpei was still staring. The girl's eyes were cold, and emotionless.

"Junpei, you don't belong here. I gave you my life so that you wouldn't be here." said Chidori coldly.

"But, but what are you doing here?" Junpei shouted. Chidori pulled her axe back.

"This is Hades, the underworld. The place where the dead go to be judge and to rest eternally." Chidori spoke coldly. Even though she said this, something still doesn't feel right.

"But, don't tell me… you're the guardian?" said Junpei in disbelief. "The guardian could be anyone, but it is the reflection of your past, your regret, and resolution." Chidori readies her weapon.

Junpei lowered his bat, "Still, I can't fight you. You were the first one I ever loved." Without hesitation, Chidori threw her axe at Junpei, I quickly jumped in between them to intercept.

"A-aigis." Junpei snapped to his senses. "Stay alert." I warned.

"If you won't fight her, I will." I said firmly. I took aim and fired. She deftly dodged to the side and threw another axe with a chain at me. I grabbed the chain and pulled her closer to me.

Chidori abandoned her axe and broke the chain off. She pulled out her evoker and pointed it to her head.

"Medea!" Chidori called out.

"What the? I thought Medea fused with Hermes to become Trismegistus." Junpei raised his bat. "Ok, who the hell are you?"

"I am Chidori Yoshino. I've come from the depths of Hades to challenge you." she pulled the trigger. A darker form of Medea emerged. Temperature was increasing. A dyne level skill was imminent. Junpei stepped forward and blocked the attack.

"Thank you." I said. Junpei gave me a thumbs up and faces Chidori with a serious expression.

"I don't know what kind of sick joke Hades is making out of this, but I will not falter. You gave me life and I will not have it end here. I'll stop Hades and save the world." Junpei' was full of resolution.

"Good, then I don't expect you to hold back. I don't regret giving my life to you. I feel it now, my life force flows through you as strong as the flame of your heart." replied Chidori.

Junpei held his evoker to his head… "Trigsmegistus!" The god of three spread his wings and took flight. His wings cleave Medea, making her vanish and knocking Chidori to the ground.

"Chidori!" Junpei ran towards her. I walked towards them and heard Chidori's parting words.

"Junpei, you've grown so much. But this time, I must say our final goodbye. I will always be with you." she held on to Junpei's face and they kissed. I looked away awkwardly.

Junpei had tears running along his face as Chidori fades into a ball of light. The light lifted and soared high above Hades.

"Junpei…." I mumbled. The gates were open and a lift appeared in the center of the coliseum. Yosuke and Yukiko finally arrived to see Junpei on the ground crying and we returned without saying a word.

It was a stressful night. We stayed at the Amagi Inn while I wandered in my thoughts.

Pharos appeared before me. I stared at him grimly. Why the long face? He said innocently.

Hades, it is where death sends the souls it reaps. Souls that died without regret rest eternally yet those who have attachments to the world still yearn for it. They are forever reaching out to the living and that drives Hades closer and closer.

"Then, if this continues then we'll have to confront more people from our past?" I asked in a worried tone.

Who knows, I'm sure He has no regrets. Or does he? Anyways be ready for the full moon in two weeks. You will need my power to avert Hades.

Pharos faded away. I feel that he seems less cryptic the more I see him. I was tired and fell asleep.

Tuesday 5/8/2012

There was class today, but it was not mandatory for me to attend. I decided to go check on Junpei and to my surprise he was already awake.

"Sup, Aigis." he greeted casually. Junpei does not seem depressed at all. "What are you doing? Don't you have college to go to?" he asked.

"I wanted to see how you were doing." I replied kindly. Junpei smiled and appeared to appreciate my concern. "Yeah, but we can't dwell on this forever. We have to stop Hades. I've made up my mind. I'm going to work hard to change this world."

"What about the team?" I asked. Junpei looked calm, but I was sure he was shaken on the inside.

"Let's trade numbers. Call me whenever you are exploring Hades and I'll come along. I think I can enter from any TV." Junpei took out his cell phone and so did I. Junpei was about to leave afterwards but I put my hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"What is it Aigis?" asked Junpei. I paused for a moment then dropped my hand. "It's nothing, never mind."

We head for the station and waited for the next train to Okina. Junpei was not very talkative as we sat in silence for 15 minutes. The train finally arrived and we boarded. There were few people on the train and after arriving in Okina, we head our separate ways.

It was a bit late for class so I returned to the dorm. Under the door to my room there were sheets of paper on the floor. I went to pick them up and saw the note written on the first sheet.

You weren't in class today so I thought I would give you some notes from the lecture. It's to pay you back for last time. –Shiki

That made my day as I went inside my room. It was the middle of the day and I had to change my clothes for they were ruined during the fight in Hades. I usually fight without clothing, but it would be very inconvenient to have people see my mechanical parts afterwards when I leave.

I checked my ammunition supplies and reloaded. There were also empty magazines lying around so I stocked them for emergencies. I had forgotten that I had left my Metatronius in the Midnight Channel. I really hope nothing steals it, but then again because there is no Dark Hour, I cannot carry heavy firearms without being detected by someone.

There was still time left over so I studied the notes Shiki left for me.

Wednesday 5/9/2012

I attend class and hang out with Shiki afterwards.

Thursday 5/10/2012

The same thing as yesterday, but I felt our bond growing. Rank up! Strength rank 6

Friday 5/11/2012

Shiki wasn't around today. As I was wander around the campus, I overheard some students talking about a sororities and fraternities accepting new members. The term soror and frater comes from the Latin root meaning sister and brother. A sisterhood sounds interesting as I have never been to one before. I assume it is like a school club.

Their building was a specific section near the dormitories that I never visit because I never had the need or interest. There were sounds of people inside, but the door was locked with a piece of paper taped on it.

Κωδικός Νυξ

I analyzed and translated the message as Password: Nyx.

Nyx, it was a name I hope I would never have to see. I knocked on the door and someone shouted in response, "Password?" it said.

"Nyx." I responded. The door opened and a young woman with black hair greeted me. "Welcome to the Sisterhood of Nyx."

Now I have a very bad feeling about this. Could they be the remains of the Nyx cult that Takaya created? It would be best for me to investigate further into this matter.

She led me inside to the lounge where a circle of women gathered around. "Sisters, we have a new recruit. Go and introduce yourself." she pushed me into the center.

"My name is Aigis, nice to meet you." I introduced myself cordially. It felt awkward having all these people stare at me.

"Aigis, as in the Aegis of Athena?" asked one member. She wore different clothes from the others so she must be the leader.

"You're such a mythology freak. Maya." teased someone from the circle. "Hey shut up! We all have our interests." Maya shouted back.

"Anyways welcome to the Sisterhood, Aigis." Maya held out her hand and she showed me their secret handshake. "Well that's it for the most part. We meet everyday except Sunday and you don't have to come everyday, but what kind of sister would you be if you never came at all."

She briefed me on the activities that take place here. This was a place of bonding.

A new bond has been forged. Fortune rank 1

They are actually nice people. I really hope they are not involved with Nyx and that the name is just for show.

Saturday 5/12/2012

The professor was sick today and there was no class. I decide to go to the stadium. Junpei was practicing. After he was done, I went down to say hi.

"Sup." Junpei wiped the sweat from his forehead. "No school today?"

"Would you like to explore Hades tonight?" I invited him. There was nothing planned for tonight so I should go train.

"Sure, I really could use the training. I still have my katana and it's begging to be used." Junpei accepted the offer. "But let's get a TV and move it into your room. I don't feel like going all the way to Inaba."

We went out and bought a TV. "Junpei, even I have limits to the amount of money I can spend." I said.

"Don't worry, we can always call Mitsuru for a loan." Junpei smirked as we hauled the TV on a cart. When we got into my room, I had to reorganize closet so that the TV would fit and I moved the guns underneath the bed.

Time passed and it approached midnight. "Let's go." Junpei went inside.

I followed afterwards.

Still, I wonder what awaits at the end of all this.

Chapter 5: End

Author's Notes: I think I'm lacking in fine details. I wanted to make the theme of the story: Face the past, embrace the future kind of thing. But I think the battle with Chidori and stuff could be improved and I am asking for advice on that. I really don't like how the story plays so well in my mind but fails to make it on paper.

The Investigation Team is exploring Hades separately from Aigis. They play a part in the story that I will not spoil.

Note: Aigis's body temperature is warm and her hands are shakable without realizing it's mechanical.

Future plans:

Aki vs Shinji

Orpheus vs Eurydices

Further information shall not be disclosed.

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