Author's Notes: Thanks for the reviews so far. Keep leaving reviews because they inspire me.

To make things clear, Shinji would have died from the drugs as long as he has Castor in him. Besides this is the world of the male MC.

Meh I pissed off some Ken fans. It's my story and Ken does not appeal to me. I'm not a shota and I like Naoto better as the overly mature kid. Ken's a nice guy and has plot. He appears around the summer because I like to appeal to everyone…

To those Minako/Hamuko fans rejoice! I won't tell you why though hehe.

Chapter 8: The Half Moon Guardians

Friday 5/25/2012

I watched the news early in the morning to see the weather forecast. The forecast for the next 5 days are:

5/26 Sunny

5/27 Cloudy

5/28 Sunny

5/29 Cloudy

5/30 Cloudy with fog.

May 29th was the day of the half moon and it would be a good time to check on the lock that day. I used the shower when no one was in the dorm and for impossible to reach places; I used some silicon oil to maintain myself.

The test today was somewhat challenging. I would estimate that I got a passing grade, but not the top 15% of the class though.

Outside, Maya was walking by and she greeted me. "Aigis, you want to go hang out? It's really boring lately with all the sisters busy with work and school."

"Don't you have the work and school as well?" I asked. Maya gave a relaxed response, "Well, people in Japan work really hard because of the high living costs so I'm planning to move to America." she seemed confident in her decision.

We went to Chagall Café where we sipped our coffee. "It has a higher caffeine concentration than normal." I stated.

"Really, you can tell?" Maya finished her coffee. "I thought it was the sweet blend of the cream and sugar that makes this place great."

"About the sisterhood, I apologize if I did not make it the last few days." I told her. Maya seemed understanding and said it was fine.

"Nothing much happens anyways. I wish something big happened. Hell even if the world ends what difference does it make?" Maya said carelessly. "Something wrong Aigis?"

I look worried. There are still people who feel that way. Preaching wouldn't help, but I will slowly change them. "Life is finite and ephemeral. Which is why it is so precious and why we should not waste it." sage like words spewed from my mouth.

"Yeah, well that day on 1/31 seemed pretty real that the world was going to end. I don't think it matters to people as long as they live peacefully, comfortable, and happily." said Maya. I slowly try to understand Maya as our bond deepens.

Rank up! Fortune rank 4

The wheel of fortune, well Maya does seem to have a wait and see attitude towards the end. But spinning the wheel and waiting for the result is…..

"Well I got to go. Thanks for hanging out. It was fun if not profound." Maya left smiling.

I quickly returned to the dorm to get my maid uniform. I hung it neatly on a clothes hanger and concealed it so that people couldn't see it. Then I carried it to the café. The manager looked at me, "Is that?" he asked.

He looked delighted, "Thank goodness, it's been getting so busy around the evening. Go change in the back." I did so and made sure no one's around. I didn't remember having the uniform fit so tightly around my chest and waist, but it doesn't matter.

The other employees showed me the basics of how to do my job. I was to listen to the customer's order, write it down, and report it to the chef. It was fairly simple so I worked through the night until around midnight when customers came less often. I couldn't shake the feeling that during the job, I felt several people looking at me.

I stored my uniform in the closet along with the others mine had slight differences so there was no need to label it. The manager paid me 5000 yen (equivalent of $50) for working 5 hours.

Afterwards, I returned to the dorm. I went on the computer to study. There was so much happening in the world at once that it was too much to comprehend. I felt tired and went to sleep.

Saturday 5/26/2012

I head for class today as usual except that on my way there, I saw Junpei leave the administration office with a serious look on his face. "Sup Ai-chan." he smiled. "Guess what? I've thought long and hard about it and I decided to stay here as a student."

"What about the team?" I asked. "I would be sad knowing you gave up your career for this." I said in a concerned tone.

Junpei didn't seem to care, "Don't worry about it. I've talked it over with everyone and they understand though they do miss me. Besides I only got the scholarship money because I agreed to play on the school's team." he chuckled slightly.

We went our separate ways for the day. After class, I decide to go to the art room where the man with orange hair was. I entered the room and saw him sketching graffiti on a canvas. He looked focus so I decided to wait until he finished.

20 minutes later he turned around. "Oh, it's you. Have you been there long?" he asked awkwardly. Afterwards he bowed and apologized for not noticing me sooner.

"It's alright." I told him. I looked around the room and saw canvases with graffiti on them. "This is art?" I asked. I had no concept of what art was and look dumbfounded at what he calls art.

"Oh these are just the scale versions of it. I'm going to paint entire wall sections with these someday. You look confused." he said.

I returned to my senses, "It's nothing." I replied. "I never got your name."

"I'm Neku Sakuraba. What's yours?" he introduced himself.

"My name is Aigis." I introduced myself cordially.

"Wow, we don't see people that polite in Shibuya." he remarked. Neku sighed, "You think street art is the same as vandalism don't you?" asked Neku. He gave me a stern look and anticipated my response.

"No, it's not that. It's just that there are so many things in the world that are new to me. It's the first time I've been in an art room." I said shyly. I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and a mix of confusion. "What is art?" I asked.

Neku seemed surprised about me. "You really don't know?" he looked as dumbstruck as I was when I first entered the room. Neku scratched his head looking for the right words.

"Art is….. well it's hard to explain." a there was a loud ringing and Neku took his cell phone from his pocket. He stared at it for a moment then he put it back in his pocket. "Sorry, I'll tell you another time. The next time you come here, I'll show you my art." Neku left.

Art, it's a new thing I have yet to learn about. But after Neku left, I felt a bond grow between us.

A new bond has been formed. The light of the Star brings hope and salvation to the virtuous. Star rank 1

I examine the designs in the room one more time before leaving. I then noticed that within the chaotic sea of words and images that there was a hidden message.

"Enjoy the Moment."

At the café, I changed into my uniform and went to work serving the customers. There is an increase in the amount of male patrons tonight. "Aigis you're really popular and it's just your 2nd time here." giggled my fellow coworker.

It turns out that customers were leaving larger tips than usual according to the manager. He decided to pay me extra making it go up to 7500 yen tonight.

I returned to the dorm. It was too late at night to study so I went to sleep.

Sunday 5/27/2012

Visiting hours are open at the prison. I decide to visit Adachi. Upon my arrival, the guard stopped me as I was about to enter.

"I remember you; you're that girl that always visits Adachi. Well, you might want to make the most of it cuz he's going on trial soon." said the guard. I was worried and the guard noticed this. "Sorry, I just think you would like to know." He moved aside and bowed in deference.

Adachi was called to the visitor's booth in a few minutes. "Hey, it's been awhile. Why the long face?" he greeted cheerfully as if nothing was wrong.

He suddenly became serious, "You must have heard. It's nothing really. It's a long time from now, like in June 17. So don't worry about it."

I gazed unblinking at the man. Despite the cheerful façade he shows to the world, inside he's lonely. "You are not alone." I said. Adachi looked at me profoundly.

"Of course not, you keep visiting me." he gave a weak smile. "Even though you have no reason to." he muttered under his breath.

"I am sure someone will be there for you at the trial when you need it the most." I tried to encourage him. If possible, I want to save him from his fate. It feels as if history is repeating itself as if I've seen this before.

"Thanks, if you could I would like you to be there." said Adachi.

I nod, "I promise."

"Hehe, promises are harder to keep than you think. Just don't make empty promises or else you'll regret them." chuckled Adachi. He looked tired.

Rank up! Devil rank 7

"Ugh, what's with these headaches?" Adachi groaned as he left.

It was about time for me to leave as well. I passed the day working at the café again and made 6000 yen.

It was still early in the evening when I returned to the dorm so I studied in the lounge until dark.

Monday 5/28/2012

Today is the day before the half moon. Instead of going to class, I prepared for battle. I don't know what I'll face, but I will be ready. I went to buy ammunition with the money I made recently.

I called Junpei over and we prepared to enter the Midnight Channel from my room. I retrieved a large rifle with wings on the side from under my bed.

"Whoa, you're seriously going to bring that Ai-chan?" Junpei was astonished. I attached the weapon to my arm and it clicked several times to check the firing mechanisms. "That's some serious firepower there. You sure we'll even fight anything that strong?" commented Junpei.

"It is better to be safe than sorry." I quoted. We entered the TV.

The Midnight Channel was the same as ever. Several portals lead to different places yet they were all connected to this central area along with the entrance to Hades.

We saw the Investigation Team at the entrance and another girl that I do not remember seeing before.

She had reddish brown hair tied in two pigtails and wore an orange shirt with white pants. They saw us coming and we exchanged greetings.

"I'm Rise Kujikawa. Nice to meet you." she greeted cheerfully. "Though I can't believe all this is happening while I was gone." She stared at me for awhile. "Sorry for staring…."

It was the normal reaction for most people so I didn't mind.

"So you're THE Risette? Wow, meeting someone so famous like this.." Junpei chuckled.

"Aren't you a bit old for her?" mocked Chie. Junpei returned to reality, "Hey, I'm 18!" he shouted.

Rise giggled as the two argued. "I was surprised to know that there are other Persona users other than us."

"Did Naoto tell you the whole story?" I asked.

"No, I didn't have time to. It seems one can enter the Midnight Channel from just about anywhere and still arrive here." said Naoto.

"I'm not that good with all the complicated stuff, but now it's nice to know that I can see my friends again." said Rise.

"Well now that Rise's back, then Teddie can be a part of the exploration." said Yosuke.

"But I wanna stay here with Rise-chan." complained Teddie.

"Nice try." Yosuke dragged Teddie along. We all laughed at their antics.

"We should go check out that coliseum with the half moon lock." suggested Junpei. "It's almost midnight."

Once it was midnight, the date changed to May 29th the half moon.

"Well let's get into teams then." said Yukiko.

"Who's leading this again?" asked Kanji.

"I believe the best candidate would be Aigis-san. She has more experience not to mention that she has more battle capabilities." said Naoto.

"You're making Aigis-san look like a machine." Yukiko thinks my feelings were hurt.

"It's okay. It is true." I said calmly.

"I've got no objections." Yosuke nods. "But we've got so many people. We should have another leader."

"And that leader should be you?" said Chie. Yosuke shook his head, "I never said I wanted to be, but…. sure. It shouldn't be that hard."

"Are you prepared to accept responsibility for the lives of your friends?" I asked him. Yosuke gave a firm nod. "I'll fill his shoes for awhile." he said.

So we formed teams of four.

Me, Junpei, Teddie, Naoto

Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji

We went down the lift to the first section then to the other lift down to the second section. Yosuke led us to where he found the coliseum. "Hey, the lock is gone." he said.

"Should we all go in or have someone stay outside incase things happen because last time we went in the exit closed on us." said Junpei.

I didn't know what the best choice was. To have everyone enter and possibly risk trapping all of us or to split into groups. Going on with logic so far and using my best judgment it would be best to split into groups.

"Let's split up. There is still another source we have not discovered." I told them. Yosuke understood and went with his team to search the area.

We entered cautiously but as soon as the last person entered the gate shut itself. "Again?" shouted Junpei. We had no choice but to continue forward.

Be careful! There are four strong enemies in the center. Rise's voice ran through our minds. Indeed there were four Shadows in the center. They don't seem to be making aggressive advances towards us…yet.

"They seem to be protecting something." said Naoto. "Rise can you scan them?" she ordered.

On it, just give me a minute…. Three of them are weak against physical attacks. The 4th is strong against light and dark.

"This will be a cinch! Ai-chan and I kick ass when it comes to physical attacks." Junpei said confidently.

Shadows identified as 3 Indolent Mayas and 1 Tenjin Musha.

We approached the Shadows and they begin to attack. Junpei takes out his evoker and points it to his head. Naoto and Teddie jumped back in shock.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Naoto shouted fearing that Junpei was committing suicide.

"Ah! Ai-chan, stop him!" Teddie shrieked.

"Oh right, you've never seen me use my Persona before. Well, this is how I summon it so relax. I won't die." said Junpei calmly. He resumes to pull the trigger, "Trismegistus!"

"Bear-sona!" Teddie summons his persona, a large spherical creature like him with claws.

"Persona!" Naoto did the same. Now it's my turn.

"Athena!" I called out.

We charged at them with our Personas. The Mayas called forth a rain of lightning. "Ahhh!" I screamed. Lightning was my weakness and then I saw Teddie fall alongside me.

The Musha leaped in the air and performed a piercing stab while I was down. Quickly, I gathered my strength and had Athena deflect the blade with her shield giving me the time I need to recover.

"Oh.. how cruel." Teddie got back up. He looked slightly embarrassed, "Sorry, but I'm beary weak against electricity."

"You're going down!" shouted Junpei. He was swinging his katana like a bat and was hacking wildly at the Maya. Trismegistus flew deftly drawing their lightning attacks away.

"Iori-san step back!" Naoto aimed her revolver. Junpei leaped back and Naoto fired. The bullet hit the shadow right in the mask. The shadow dissolved leaving 3 enemies left.

"Once more!" Naoto fires again hitting the other Maya in the mask. The Shadow melted down into a puddle and vanished away.

Wow Naoto-kun! You defeated two enemies. Rise cheered.

"Can't have Naoto taking all the fun. Kamui!" Teddied shouted. The temperature was decreasing at a rapid rate. Large boulders of ice formed around the Shadows freezing them in place.

Now was my chance. Athena rushed towards the frozen Maya and impaled it on her spear shattering the ice along with it.

Only one enemy left! said Rise.

The Musha slashed at Athena, but the blade was parried by the shield. I retaliate by firing my rifle. The shells scattered in several directions and hit the shadow.

"There's only one left let's finish it!" Junpei charged in. Something didn't feel right. It was a trap. A large magic circle appeared on the ground and Junpei ran straight into the middle of it.

"What the? Mudo?" Junpei didn't have time to escape the circle. My heart was racing.

No, no, I wasn't going to let my friend die. I jumped in and pushed Junpei to the side. The circle enclosed on me and I felt my life fade quickly before my eyes. Then there was darkness.

It was dark. I could barely see myself within the vast emptiness.

It's not time for you to die yet. It was Pharos and he looked concerened. Making a selfless sacrifice is honorable, but it would make people sad to see you go. Pharos faded away.

Systems rebooting… ok.

"Aigis!" someone shouted. I could not see who. I slowly opened my eyes to see Junpei over me. There were tears in his eyes. "Thank god you're alive." Junpei wiped his tears and looked away.

"What about the shadow?" I muttered. There appears to be no shadows left in the area. "I'm sorry."

"No, I'm the one who should be sorry. Guess I'll always be the same ol Junpei that charges into everything." Junpei was despondent.

"We're glad that you're alright." said Naoto. "Is it because you are a robot that you can survive mudo skills?" she looked intrigued.

"I can't die. Guess that only proves that I will always be a machine." I spoke sadly. I knew the burden of being alive and I didn't want to go through that again.

"Cheer up Ai-chan. If you weren't there, Junpei would have been wiped." said Teddie.

"Thanks." I said softly as I got up. There was a chest in the center where the shadows once stood.

"We don't know what's in it. We didn't want to check without you." said Naoto. I opened the chest to find a strange mirror. It was pretty, but something was odd about it. I decide to keep it for the time being.

You did it guys. Yosuke-senpai and the others already headed back. Let's get some rest. said Rise.

I was feeling tired and there was no point to staying here any longer. On our way back, Junpei seemed depressed. He still feels that he was responsible.

We've defeated a guardian of the 2nd floor and we've found a strange mirror. I was too tired to think about it as we returned to the real world.

Chapter 8: End

Author's notes: I know hama/mudo skills are instant kill and Aigis would have died from it, but I'm not going to use the rule that when the MC dies the story ends. Aigis can not truly die because she is a machine. She can be revived unlike human beings like Junpei where then I would have to make him fall unconscious instead of dying.

Even if by chance the skill fails, I find that spontaneous failure lacks effect.

I think I'm making the fights a little too easy. Leave a review and fan rant about whatever. I respect people's opinions, but they should respect mine as well.