Author's Notes: Cameos and more references yay. Trinity Soul was not my thing. I watched it and did not like the extremely slow story. Abel was badass though he wasn't used much. He's like a alternate version of Izanagi.

Minato and Yu (I call him Yu because it's pretty much established) appear don't worry. Just enjoy the ride and leave reviews.

Chapter 10: Situation at Hand

Thursday 5/31/2012

The sun shines through the curtains to our room. I got up slowly and looked at the clock on the wall. It was 9:30 AM. "Must have overslept." I mumbled to myself.

I looked over to the side and saw Yukari was getting up as well. "Yawn, morning Aigis. Last night really clocked me out." Yukari said drowsily.

"We have class today and we are late." I said worryingly. Yukari was still tired from yesterday. "Let's skip class today. We can always make up the work." she got the remote and turned on the TV.

The morning news was still being broadcasted and the weather report for the next 5 days is:

5/31- Sunny

6/1- Cloudy

6/2- Cloudy

6/3- Rain

6/4- Rain

"That's weird, it shouldn't rain much this time of year." Yukari noted. 6/3 was the best time to investigate Hades further so I kept a note of that. "So got anything to do today?" Yukari asked.

"There was class today, but you decided to skip." I retorted.

"Let's go around town then." suggested Yukari. She started to be more energetic. We left the dorm and head for the station.

"We're going back to Inaba?" Yukari asked. She seemed apprehensive at the thought. I told her there was something I wanted to do.

The train ride took about an hour so it was around 11 AM. We arrived in Inaba and headed for the Central Shopping District. There was an antique shop there that opened recently. The store before it was out of business.

"Here?" Yukari looked at the store with suspicion. "Talk about your sketchy stores." Yukari commented. I walked in casually and the owner greeted me.

"Could you make a Quintessence Bow?" I asked. I closed my eyes and drowned in the sea of my soul. In it I saw Chi You and manifest it as a card which I placed on the counter. The shop keeper nodded. "Sure, but the bow itself will cost some money."

I reached into my skirt pocket and took out two 10000 yen bills. "Will this suffice?" I inquired. The shop keeper quietly took the money and said it will be ready in two days.

Yukari was waiting outside, "So are you done?" she asked. I nod and we decide to take a tour around Inaba today.

"It's so peaceful around here." Yukari remarked, "Guess there are some charms to living in the country."

"It is isn't it? Everyone looks so content with their lives." I responded. "It's hard to believe there were serial murders here."

Our tour eventually ended at Yasogami High School. It was a small school compared to Gekkoukan and from what I can see, it only has two buildings. The bell rings signaling the end of school. Students were leaving in droves.

"We should get going too." said Yukari. We were about to walk away when we heard a familiar voice call us from behind.

"Yo, Aigis-san! Takeba-san!" Yosuke approached us.

"Good afternoon, Hanamura-kun." I greeted cheerfully. Yosuke was slightly embarrassed, "No need for formalities, just call me Yosuke, but then again this was the first time you actually addressed me by name."

"Well we'll be on our way now." Yukari was about to leave, but Yosuke interrupts.

"Naoto wants to talk with both of you." said Yosuke with a slightly more serious tone. "Well I have to help out at the store." he sighed and pedaled off on his bicycle.

A few minutes later, a bluenet in her trademark cap came to the entrance. Naoto noticed us and told us to meet her in Junes's food court. We complied albeit Yukari was gawking at the so called Detective Prince.

"I never thought the Detective Prince would be in such a small town." Yukari chuckled.

"I would say princess would be the correct term." I said jokingly.

"That's a good one." Yukari doesn't seem to believe me. We arrived at the food court after a few minutes. Naoto was already there waiting for us.

"Good afternoon. I heard everything from Hanamura-senpai." said Naoto. Yukari was initially surprised, but then she deduced the obvious.

"So you're a Persona user too." said Yukari. "That explains a lot."

"Do you have any business with us?" I asked. Naoto didn't seem like she's going to interrogate Yukari regarding Personas.

"No, I just wanted to meet the Persona user Yosuke and Teddie were raving about. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Naoto Shirogane." she shook hand with Yukari.

"Wow you're pretty charming." giggled Yukari.

"Yukari, he's….. a she." I said awkwardly.

"It's true." said Naoto. Yukari's eyes widen and she was left speechless. Then she started laughing. "Oh my god, really? So for all these years people thought she was a guy? It's pretty funny. Oh sorry Shirogane-san."

"It's fine, I've accepted who I am. That's the reason why I even have a Persona." said Naoto coolly.

"Still you're pretty amazing. I mean not many girls can be a prodigy like you. I heard there's no case you can't solve." said Yukari in amazement.

"Not quite, there's the one regarding Hades and another case that I have not been able to solve." Naoto looked as if she had something else to say so I asked her what the other case was.

"It's not related to this case, but it happened around 10 years ago. My parents died in a car accident." Naoto said somberly.

"It's okay. You don't have to say anymore." I said in an understanding tone. Naoto shook her head, "No, it's good to tell someone."

"In reality, the accident was merely a cover up. My parents were famous detectives and they were out on a stakeout. It was a simple job so they assumed it would be fine if I came along. But my memory gets hazy after this. There was an explosion….. and cars were being flung about,….. I was scared so I cowered…. the car was knocked over and I crawled out the window, but I remember that my…. brother was there with me…. I couldn't see him past the smoke and wreckage, but then I heard screams and then I fell unconscious." Naoto took a deep breath as she finished her story.

We looked at her with sympathy. Naoto straightened out her expression as if nothing was wrong, "Well the case was mostly solved anyways. They found the culprit and he's been dead for a long time. The only thing I wish I knew was what happened to my brother."

"I'm sure your brother is fine and alive somewhere." I tried to comfort her.

"He's the only direct relative other than my grandfather I have left. I've been working on this case for a long time, but only now could I find the time to actually look over this seriously." said Naoto.

"Who is your brother anyway?" asked Yukari.

"I.. don't know." Naoto looked away. "I assume his surname would be Shirogane, but I haven't seen or heard of him since that day. Even grandfather presumes that he's dead, but I refuse to believe that. If you could help with any information then I would greatly appreciate it."

Naoto's quest for the truth about her brother awakens a new bond between us.

Hanged Man rank 1

Hanged Man the arcana for selfless sacrifice.

Naoto decides to leave to search for more clues. We decide to leave as well.

"Hey, do you think her brother is who I think he is?" Yukari looked worried. I was concerned as well. "Every time I look at her she looks just like him." said Yukari. I noticed that as well, but I kept it to myself.

After a long and somewhat depressing train ride back, we headed straight for the dorm.

Friday 6/1/2012

It was the first day of a new month. Yukari didn't feel like attending classes until Monday. I went down to the lounge heard a familiar voice.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" it called out. I was about to reach the bottom of the stairs and we saw each other. "Aigis-chan!" a teal hair girl cried out. I smiled and was happy to see Fuuka.

"So Fuuka-san you've come." I greeted cheerfully. Fuuka was smiling as well.

"Wow Aigis-chan, you're so different from when I first met you, but you really don't need to use such polite honorifics." smiled Fuuka.

"Then drop the-chan from my name then." I chuckled slightly.

"Sure Aigis." replied Fuuka. Fuuka and I talked for awhile in the lounge. She transferred here to investigate the Persona users. We also talked about the Dark Hour reoccurring, our lives, and things that were on our minds. I also gave her a long explanation of everything that has occurred.

"So…. we have to fight again." Fuuka said sadly. However the resolve in her eyes have not faded. "I will do my best to help you."

"Thank you." I said.

Yukari came down from the stairs soon afterwards. She was surprised to see Fuuka and then she ran to her smiling and giving her a hug.

"Yukari-chan it's been a long time." Fuuka said happily.

"I know right? Does this mean we'll be dorm mates again?" said Yukari cheerfully. The dorm is finally getting livelier. The few residents here are usually out all the time or kept to themselves so the change in atmosphere was really pleasant.

We helped Fuuka unpack her things. Her room was next to ours and had no one else living in it. Now that Fuuka is here, we have enough strength to venture into Hades without the Investigation Team.

"Oh, I saw Junpei-kun earlier today. He seems really happy to see me." said Fuuka.

"Guess I should pay Stupei a visit. Hey Aigis, did Stupei do anything strange to you before we arrived?" asked Yukari.

"Not really." I replied. Yukari looked somewhat surprised.

"That's a first." said Yukari. "Well I'm going out. Going to get some fresh air." with that Yukari left the dorm.

"Junpei-kun also asked about when the next exploration will be. He seems like he wants to fight." said Fuuka. "I'll stay in my room for awhile. I'm pretty tired from the trip." Sensing that Fuuka wanted some time alone, I left her room and decide to go out.

I remembered that Shiki wanted a maid outfit for some fashion related research. I got the spare and brought it over to her.

"Thanks! I really appreciate this." Shiki took the dress and laid it out on the table. We spent time together talking, watching her work, and hanging around the room.

"Hey I've been wondering why I am even here." said Shiki her tone darkened.

"Was it not so you can get your degree?" I inquired. Shiki nods.

"Yeah, but then again, I've come to realize that I was afraid. I didn't want to compete among all those people in Shibuya so I went to the countryside to do my own thing. I'm pretty weak aren't I?" said Shiki sadly.

"Shiki-san, I think you're very strong to have the courage to say that." I tried encouraging her.

"Hey, I'm thinking of going back to Shibuya. I want to get back into the chaos and fight for my place in this world, but do you think we will still be friends?" said Shiki.

"Of course we will. As long as we are alive, we will surely meet again." I told her. We smiled and then we shared our contact information.

Encouraging Shiki to realize the pursuit of her dreams strengthen the bond between us.

Rank up! Strength rank 9

It was getting late and I returned to the dorms.

"Sup." Junpei greeted from a lounge chair.

"Greetings." I smiled back. "But you shouldn't get caught in the girl's dormitory."

"Dude, this place is a ghost town until Yuka-tan and Fuuka-chan came. No one's going to know or worry. Sides don't you think this school is kind of under populated considering colleges are one of the most competitive goals in Japan?" Junpei explained his logic.

"You're right, that is unsettling. I never knew colleges we're supposed to be crowded." I said confusedly. "Where is everyone?" I asked.

Junpei replied, "Well Yuka-tan said she wanted to find a job and I guess Fuuka is asleep in her room or something." That reminds me that I should go to my part time job. Junpei decides to follow me to work saying that he was bored.

At the café, the manager gave me a disappointed look, "Aigis, where have you been? We've been getting less customers ever since you left unannounced. Well not that you we're a full time employee, but…"

"I understand and I apologize for causing you any inconvenience." I bowed. Junpei tapped my shoulder.

"You don't have to apologize. He should be grateful to have someone like you working for him." said Junpei sternly.

"Aren't you Junpei Iori? The baseball player that was on the news?" asked the manager with a gleam in his eyes, "Would you mind working part time as well? It pays well."

"Well, I am looking for some money." said Junpei. After that we both went to the lockers in the back. I changed into my maid outfit and Junpei had a butler uniform prepared for him.

"Man, I feel the breeze without my cap." sighed Junpei. He had a crew cut and dark hair. He blushed slightly. "Wow Ai-chan, you look really good in that."

We both went to work serving customers, taking their order, and delivering to them. The café became crowded. After a long night's work, the manager paid us each 7500 yen.

"I think he hired me because of my Junpei charm." smirked Junpei waving his money. "I can see why all the guys flock there too." he chuckled.

I was slightly embarrassed as we walked back. Junpei noticed something, "Hey Ai-chan, since when were you able to blush?"

"I don't know. I never could before." I replied. "Well whatever, but I think it's cute." Junpei whistled happily as he head back to his dorm while I went to mine.

Saturday 6/2/2012

Yukari and Fuuka were in the lounge talking. I joined in their conversation.

Yukari: I'm glad you decided to stay, but I feel bad forcing you out of your normal life just for this.

Fuuka: Oh don't worry Yukari-chan, I don't mind. Besides this is the only thing I can do to help.

Me: If possible, I didn't want to involve anyone, but…

Fuuka: It's not your fault.

Yukari: Of course, it's humanity that's the problem. We're left to clean their mess. –slightly depressed-

Me: But we can't give up. I believe people can change and we must fight to make sure we see that happen.

Yukari: You're right. Let's do this. Tomorrow will be a rainy day so the Midnight Channel will probably show something.

Fuuka: I heard about it, but I've yet to try it.

Me: Tomorrow it is.

I remembered to go to Inaba to pick up the bow I ordered. Since I was here, I decide to spend the day in Inaba. I went around the shopping district wondering at all the goods the stores held. I arrived at the Junes food court to rest. Carrying around a large case with a bow inside was tiring.

Over by one of the stands, there was a blonde boy in a flamboyantly blouse-like dress shirt. He turned around and noticed me and he ran towards me smiling. "Ai-chan! Are you here alone?"

"Teddie?" I asked looking puzzled.

"Yep! That's me. So how about something to eat? Maybe a drink?" He gestured. He had what Yukari told me was Fuck Me eyes. I was to presume that people with those generally have sexually oriented intentions.

"Sorry, but I don't eat nor do I need to drink." I said sadly. "There are things that I cannot do no matter how far I become as a human."

"Well I'm a Shadow." said Teddie.

"But you have flesh and blood." I interjected. "Sorry, I guess I'm a bit self conscious about these things."

Teddie went back disappointed. He continued to stand around attracting customers to the food courts. A few minutes later Naoto came by.

"Oh, Aigis-san I was looking for you." said Naoto. I asked her why.

Naoto said bluntly, "Well I've found a clue regarding to my brother. Apparently he shares my appearance. Here's an old family photo." Naoto took out a small photograph from her pocket.

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. To think that it would him. No, I must make sure for certain. "Shirogane-san, may I have a piece of your genetic material. Anything will suffice."

"Please, you can call me Naoto. But if it's a DNA test you are looking for then I already have my results. I can show you it next time, but what will you compare it to?" she asked.

"Nothing, I just wanted to confirm something." I muttered under my breath. Naoto gave me an inquisitive look before leaving. The image on the photograph was etched into my memory. No it couldn't be.

One step closer. Rank Up! Hanged Man rank 2

I decided to head back to Okina. Upon arriving at the dorms, Yukari was lying on the sofa reading a book. "Hey Aigis, what's in the box?" she asked.

"It's a bow I got for you." I showed her the Quintessence Bow. Yukari's eyes gleamed with joy.

"This bow, it's the best of its kind. How did you get one?" Yukari was amazed.

"I asked the shopkeeper from the antique store to fuse one of my Personas into a bow." I explained. Yukari was still admiring the bow I gave her.

"I know I shouldn't be excited about fighting, but thanks. This is a nice bow." Yukari was cheerful.

I returned to my room to study, something that I had neglected the past few days.

Sunday 6/3/2012

Looking out the window, I see that it hasn't rained yet. It would be a good chance to see Adachi.

When I arrived at the visiting rooms, I saw Adachi already had another visitor. It was a man in a blue suit with dark spiky hair. It looks like he's having a serious conversation with Adachi.

"Adachi-san, you must tell me the whole truth. You're still hiding something." the man was fiddling with a small, green magatama. He appears to be focusing intently on Adachi ignoring my presence. Adachi noticed me by the side and he called out, "Oh Aigis, nice to see you here."

The man in the suit turned around. "Another visitor?" he asked. Adachi nods in as if in relief, "That's right. I swear I'm not hiding anything Wright-san."

"I'll come back later and you better tell me the whole story or I won't have much to work with." the man Adachi called Wright left the room. Adachi sighed looking relieved.

"Who was that?" I asked.

"My defense attorney." Adachi replied. "It's nothing for you to be worried about. He was the only one who will accept my hopeless case."

"I am not familiar with the judicial system. Would you care to elaborate?" I said.

"Really, you don't know what a lawyer is?" Adachi began talking about the judicial system and about his trial two weeks from today. The results of the trial will determine whether or not Adachi shall be executed for his crimes.

"He said you were hiding something." I said in a concerned tone.

"It's not like he'd believe me even if I did tell him." Adachi replied bluntly. "I mean who would believe the tale of a poor fool throwing people into TVs and watching them die. That wouldn't help my case; it would only make them execute me on the spot."

"But even if it's just a little and even if it might not be believable, you should tell the truth." I scolded him. Adachi seemed annoyed.

"What are you? My grade school teacher. The truth is…" Adachi paused to ponder on his thoughts. "The truth is something that one makes for himself." he chuckled, "Me and my big mouth, we've talked all day about my case and I'm pretty sure you're worried."

I continued to look at him silently.

"Hey, do you think I can change for the better? I know that even if I die it will never be enough to atone for what I've done, but that is why I've decide to live and change others." said Adachi with firm resolution.

"To suddenly bring this up." I was confounded.

"It's thanks to you. You're the reason I even said this. You've given me hope. You've showed me that I'm not alone in the world. You've formed a bond with a fool who has cut all his ties." Adachi laughed. "But that's what makes you yourself."

Rank up! Devil Rank 8

Visiting hours abruptly came to a close as we talked. By the time I left the prison, it was raining. I quickly ran back to the dorm.

In the lounge, it appears that Junpei, Yukari, and Fuuka were all here. "Sup, let's go back in the TV. I have a feeling that something's going to happen in there." said Junpei. We went to my room.

"Um.. enter the TV. I'm a bit nervous." mumbled Fuuka. Yukari held her hand for assurance, "It's fine. We'll be with you."

We crawled one by one into the TV.

"So this is the inside of the TV." Fuuka examined her surroundings. "I didn't know a place like this existed."

We took a short walk to the entrance of Hades. Fuuka stared in amazement.

"That's the usual first time reaction." Junpei smirked. "Well we'd been through so much that you'd think this is normal."

"I can agree with you on that one." said Yukari.

Rise was at the entrance, her Persona was active and it held some sort of device over her head. We approached her and she lifted the mask. "Aigis-san. Iori-san." she greeted then looked over to Yukari and Fuuka, "Who are they?"

"Wait aren't you Risette the famous pop idol?" Yukari was surprised.

"Yep that's me. Want an autograph?" Rise said cheerfully. "Buy the way, senpai and the others went down ahead of you."

"So you're also a support type." Fuuka remarked. After brief introductions we prepare to enter Hades.

Fuuka clasp her hands as if in prayer and her Persona, Juno manifests around her. Fuuka floated in a sphere of some sort of liquid.

Can you hear me? It looks like I still haven't lost my touch.

"We're counting on you Fuuka-chan." said Junpei. We got on the lift and went down. On the first floor, we went straight for the other lift to the second floor.

"That coliseum that was locked before, we should go check it out." suggested Junpei. Yukari was looking around Hades.

"This is just like Tartarus and the Abyss." she commented. "Whatever let's go." We dispatched any shadows in the way as we head for the coliseum. Just as we figured the lock was gone on a rainy day.

There should be a strong presence there, be careful. Fuuka's voice echoed in our minds. We rushed in ready for anything. But Yukari stopped completely.

"That's… impossible." she muttered. Her eyes looked straight ahead at our target. We saw who it was… impossible. This shouldn't be….. but it's there right in front of us. What she left behind to move on.

Chapter 10: End

To commemorate 10 chapters of your support, I will now introduce Bropei's and Brosuke's character corner!

Yosuke: Yo this is Yosuke Hanamura's

Junpei: and the great Junpei-sama's

Both: Character Corner!

Yosuke: Aigis-san is really cute don't you agree. But she's a robot

Junpei: Screw that, I don't care she's cute and that's all that matters.

Yosuke: Yeah, but you wont be able to…..

Junpei: Let's not go that far. Still there are more to women than you may expect.

Yosuke: Like?

Junpei: She's got lots of other great qualities, like her innocent blue eyes, cute demeanor, and ideal measurements. Not to mention she looks great in a maid outfit.

Yosuke: Wait what? She wears a maid outfit?

Junpei:-smirks with pride- Yep, she works part time at this café. I got a job there too so I get to see her in it without looking awkward like the dudes that come every night.

Yosuke: -tears- I'm jelly.

Junpei: Still I wouldn't want to mess with Ai-chan, cuz she packs more heat than you can handle.

Yosuke: Speaking of people you shouldn't mess with, what about Takeba-san.

Junpei: If you're thinking of going with Yuka-tan forget it. Her temper is shorter than whatever's in your pants.

Yosuke: Hey! I resent that. What about you? Not so impressive either.

Junpei: Self control young one. Don't get caught in Yuka-tan's archery fingers or you'll regret it. –rubs cheeks-

Yosuke: Heaven smiles upon us for giving us two beautiful women as party members.

Junpei: Sadly we'll always be the sidekicks.

Yosuke: I'm more of the advisor type, but yea it sucks to be in someone's shadow.

Junpei: Actually I wouldn't mind being under Ai-chan's shadow. Hehe.

Yosuke: ?

(Reference to Metis: Technically she is Aigis's other self which could be considered a shadow. She resides on the other side just like shadows and it's a technicality I made fit into this.)

Author's notes: Not to be obviously obvious, but I am sadly being obviously obvious. Adachi is in good hands my friends. I don't look forward to how I am going to write the next battle, but I should stop falling into my habit of suggesting the obvious.

Leave a review, thanks.