Author's Notes: You do realize that the story spans one year right? It's only like 6/3? I'll skip days or weeks for my own convenience or if nothing relevant happens every single day for multiple days.

Expected date for Yu: 7/?

I have no intention of rushing things. Except maybe battle scenes I don't particularly like such as the one here, but it's required.

Chapter 11: No One Deserves It Most

There was a man in a large, white lab coat standing the center. I couldn't believe my eyes. Yukari was struck with shock and Junpei was recalling who he was, but he was still surprised.

"It can't…be. Dad?" mumbled Yukari. The man turned around showing his face. Indeed it was of Eiichiro Takeba. I remember him vaguely from ten years ago when I was still on Yakushima.

"Yukari, I was hoping you would never have to come here." Eiichiro gave us solemn looks. "In this realm where the dead are given false life to repent and regret."

"Explain yourself!" I shouted.

"Ah Aigis, you've changed. You've become much more human no, you've truly become human." Eiichiro looked amazed. "Nothing like the last time I saw you."

I stared sternly at the one who was presumably deceased.

"Hades refers to the Greek Underworld where the souls of the dead go to be judged, then sentenced to either eternal punishment or rest. I've committed a grave sin in my life and I've regretted not spending time with my daughter." Eiichiro had a sad expression.

"But you're innocent. It's not your fault at all!" Yukari's sudden outburst got everyone's attention. "If it wasn't for Kirijo….."

"I'm only here because I've longed to see you, Yukari. It seems Hades revived me just for this. No one is innocent. I've helped along that sick experiment and now the young generation must spend an eternity for our mistake." Eiichiro's grave words resounded in the air. I am beginning to understand the true nature of Hades.

"But if you're alive, that means you can come back and we can be a family again and…" Yukari went on until Junpei grasped her hand.

"Yuka-tan….. it doesn't work like that. We have to defeat him to move on." Junpei's words were held mixed feelings. "I don't want to kill your old man again if I could help it, but I don't want you to go through what I went through."

"Let go! What do you mean we have to defeat him?" shouted Yukari. "It's been over 10 years and now I get to see my dad again." her voice was tearful.

"Yuka-tan calm down! I've seen what this place does with my own eyes. I…. killed her. Chidori was in one of these things as well and to move on we had to…." Junpei eyes were tearing up. He wiped them and faces Eiichiro.

"It's true. This life is not truly mine to live. I am bound to Hades. As much as I would love to be with you again, I must guard the way. This is my eternal punishment." Eiichiro's eyes were resolute. Words will not persuade him to move.

"Then you must know the consequences of your actions, Takeba-san?" I pointed my fingers at him. I loaded the bullets and prepared to fire. "Don't!" Yukari stood between us.

"Yukari…." I muttered. "Please move."

"No, I won't. I… don't want to lose people precious to me….again." she muttered.

"Watch out!" Junpei suddenly jumped in and pushed us away. "Argh!" he screamed as if in pain. I regained my footing and looked towards Junpei. He had been hit with a Garudyne.

"Attis!" Eiichiro shouted and called forth the Persona, Attis. However it was a more dark version of the one I have. The bandages were dark crimson and it was more malevolent.

"What the…" Yukari stared in disbelief as her father summons a Persona. Chains bound his feet to the ground.

"It is the will of Hades that we must fight. Now engarde!" Eiichiro waved his hand and summons several shadows to his aid.

Everyone! Their attacking! warned Fuuka. I'll scan them, but your main target should be Takeba-san.

Yukari stands in disbelief. "We have to protect Yukari." I commanded. Junpei got up and we stood between the shadows and Yukari.

They're weak to fire!

"Fire is my forte!" Junpei eagerly points the evoker to his head. "Light em up! Trismegistus!"

A blast of fire incinerated a shadow, but there were many more left. The most efficient way to eliminate all of them would be to use the strongest area of effect fire spell, but I have certain reservations for using that.

"Ai-chan, got any fire personas on you?" Junpei was panicking as the shadows drew closer.

"Well here goes… Mara!" a surge of power flows through me. A massive blast of green fluid sprays over the enemies. Apparently it does fire damage.

"Woot, you go! But…. that persona….it's very…." Junpei could barely control his laughter.

"Yes, it does resemble a male's genitals now if you would focus on the matter at hand." I glared. Eiichiro continued to summon more shadows.

Oh no! There's no end to them. Takeba-san is weak to wind so use that to your advantage.

"Yo Yuka-tan. Mind stepping in before your pops murders us." Junpei cut down an incoming shadow. I fired my hand cannons as well.

"Dad, rest easy. Your daughter has grown so much and changed. I won't falter. I've put the past behind me and moved on. If there is something you regret then I'll settle it now!" Yukari got her evoker and pointed it to her forehead.

"Isis, lend me your strength!" Yukari fired. A winged deity with a woman's face manifests itself. "Magarudyne!" Yukari shouted.

A raging emerald whirlwind tore apart everything. For good measure, I switched personas. "Norn!" I called.

"Phanta Rei!" I commanded. A powerful green whirlwind appears and merges with the one Yukari made. The sounds of Eiichiro's screams could barely be heard through all the raging wind.

He was launched into the air, the chains breaking from the ground. He fell before us and lay there smiling.

"Thank you… Now, I'll finally be free. I can return to the sea once again….. Yukari…. as your father…. I've never been more proud of you." he said weakly.

"Dad! Wait, please." Yukari was frantically casting recovery spells on him, but they seem to have no effect.

"Stop, it's pointless. –cough- I have no life to heal." he was coughing blood. "Yukari, thank you…. I'll now be freed from this cursed place. My biggest regret was not being able to see you grow into the fine young woman you are today…. I love you Yukari."

"Dad…." Yukari embraced her father crying. No one could find words to say during this moment. He was fading way in a warm, gentle light until he finally disappeared.

Yukari was still crying. "Yukari…." I called softly. She stood up and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Aigis, I've made up my mind. I will end Hades. I'm starting to understand the meaning of why this place exists." Yukari was sniffling. "Sorry, but I can't explain it… "

"Don't worry about it. Now let's get out of here. It's traumatizing." said Junpei sullenly. His vigor vanished along with Eiichiro. As we left we a large elevator emerge in the distance. The Investigation Team must have defeated the third and final guardian, but we decided to leave early.

Monday 6/4/2012

It was morning and Yukari didn't say a word after what has occurred yesterday. I know she was resolved to finish this, but she still seems shaken.

"Oh, I'm fine. Let's go to class." she gave a false smile. I glanced at her worryingly, but we walked slowly to class.

Class today just seem slow. Yukari was taking notes, but her eyes seem void of emotion. Afterwards we spent the afternoon together. We went shopping around the city for anything that catches our eyes. We returned to our room early.

"Aigis….. I know you're there for me, but it hurts…. to lose someone precious to you…again." Yukari muttered. She sounds as if she was about to cry. I can relate to her pain….. I've lost someone precious to me. Yukari leaned on to my chest and wept.

"I'm pathetic aren't I? I promised everyone that I was going to be strong." she continued to weep. I patted her back gently. "Yukari, you are not alone. Don't bear the pain by yourself." I tried to comfort her.

After a long time, we went to sleep. Sadness fills the air along with mixed feelings and resolve.

Tuesday 6/5/2012

I went with Yukari to class. She seems much better today and I felt happy. As soon as class was over and I left the halls of the building, I saw Shiki walking towards the direction of the station. She had her bags with her.

"Shiki-san?" I greeted. I wondered where is she going.

"Oh hey Aigis." Shiki seemed nervous for some reason. "Great timing, or maybe not. I wanted to say goodbye to you before I leave."

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"I told you before. I'm going to return to Shibuya. I realized what I truly wanted. I will go and become the best fashion designer in Japan! No, better yet the world." Shiki's eyes lit up.

"I'm happy for you and wish you good luck." I smiled.

"Thanks, but I am going to miss you. You're such an understanding person, you never complain about anything, and you are always so supportive." Shiki was telling me how much of a friend I am to her.

I was blushing from the embarrassment, "No, I'm not that…."

"You were also always so modest." giggled Shiki. "Here, this is for you." she reaches inside her bag and takes out a small stuffed animal.

"Is it a pig?" I stared inquisitively at the animal. Shiki chuckled, "No! And I thought I had gotten better at this. His name is Mr. Mew Two. Mr. Mew Two the cat."

"Mew Two? So is there a Mew One?" I giggled slightly. Shiki gave me an amused look, "Yep, this is the second one I've made. Neku also said that it looked like a pig."

"Thank you, I'll always cherish it." I smiled as I felt the soft fur of the black pig…er cat.

"It's the proof of our friendship." Shiki said cheerfully. "Let's meet up sometime in the future. If you ever come to Shibuya, I'll show you some clothes that you'll kill for."

The train arrived and Shiki boarded. We continued to wave goodbye to each other through the window until the train was out of sight. "What I really want." I mumbled to myself as I ponder that. I heard a voice in my head.

The bittersweet farewell to a friend shows that a true, genuine bond has been forged. Even when apart, you shall always be connected. You are one step closer to making your miracle come true.

Link Maxed! Strength rank 10

You have drawn forth the true power of the Strength Arcana. The bond between man, machine, and beast awakens a new power.

Another voice calls out.

I am Abel, from the sea of your soul I emerge. I will fight by your side until the bitter end.

A mental image of a warrior clad in green with red spiky hair and a large sword appears in my mind. The Persona, Abel has awakened.

What miracle? Is this what he hears every time he forms a bond? I head back to the dorm.

"Sup Ai-chan. Wanna go to work tonight? I just blew all of the money I earned for a new game. It's called Midnight Arena." said Junpei.

"Again? You never learn do you, Stupei?" Yukari gave Junpei an annoyed look.

"Junpei-kun you really should learn to save your money. Otherwise you won't have any left when you need it." Fuuka lectured.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll let you guys play it if you want. So you wanna go? I don't feel like working by myself." asked Junpei.

"Sure." I nodded. I went to my room to put Mew on the bed before going with Junpei. Yukari glared, "You two are working together? You'd better not be taking Aigis to strange places."

"Relax, it's nothing to worry about." smirked Junpei. Yukari was suspicious, "Fine, I'm looking for a job anyways. Why don't you let me follow you and see if I'm interested in the job."

Junpei sighed as we head for the café.

Yukari was ready to grab Junpei and throw him when she saw us in butler and maid outfits. "You horn dog…." she grumbled.

"Hey hey, this job has good pay and it was Ai-chan that was working here way before I did." Junpei spoke to his defense.

"He followed me to work one day and the manager decided to hire him." I explained. "Besides Yukari, you don't have to worry about me. I can handle myself."

"Don't worry. If anyone tries to manhandle you, I'll kick their sorry asses." Junpei puffed his chest with pride.

"It's you I'm worried about." said Yukari.

"What? Grow up Yuka-tan. I would/could never make a move on Ai-chan." Junpei smirked. "So this place is hiring. You wanna join us?"

Yukari was repulsed, "No way. There's no way I would dress up in a maid outfit and walk around with guys drooling over me."

"I don't see why you dislike maid outfits so much. They're actually comfortable and easy to move it." I pointed out.

"Aigis… have some pride as a woman please. It's degrading to have men fawn over you like that." sighed Yukari.

"Forget it. Yuka-tan's a hard ball feminist." Junpei looked over at the clock, "Dammit Yukari, we're late."

We we're 20 minutes late to work which resulted in some scolding and a minor pay cut, but other than that, it was a fairly successful night. 5000 yen earned. The rest of the night until we got back I spent socializing with Junpei. I learned several new sexual slurs in one night.

Wednesday 6/6/2012

Class was the same as usual. It felt so different since nothing was mandatory other than earning high scores on exams. Afterwards, I decide to spend some time with Sakuraba-san.

In the art room, he didn't seem busy as he was leaning on a wall with his headphones on. I entered the room and he glanced at me quickly then taking his headphones off.

"Oh right, I said I'd show you art." he led me out the room and into the city. "Isn't the art stored in the room?" I asked while he led me around the city.

"Art can't be contained or confined to that small room. Behold!" he gestured towards a large wall painted with several forms of stylish graffiti. I stared with amazement. I was stunned at how one could paint an entire wall with visually appealing images.

"This is what I do." Neku said proudly.

"This is amazing!" I exclaimed. "I have never seen anything like it. So this is art."

Neku gave me a confused look, "Well there's more to art than just street murals. Art has many forms and is bound to none."

"I see, so it is similar to the Fool." I mumbled to myself. He seemed to have heard me. "The Fool?" he asked.

"Sakuraba-san, are you familiar with the Tarot?" I asked.

"You mean those cards people use to read the future? No, I never believed in them." he replied bluntly.

"From what I see now, art is like the Fool Arcana. It begins with nothing yet can become anything." I explained. Neku nods approvingly, "I see you are starting to understand. Well I hope you come to appreciate and understand the deeper meanings as well."

We share a new common interest; art.

Sharing common interests lead to further understanding and relation. Rank up! Star rank 2.

"Enjoy the moment." said Neku. "It's one of my many mantras. I'll tell you more about it next time." with that we part ways.

I returned to the dorm to see Fuuka on her laptop. Yukari and Junpei were not around. "Hi, how's your day." Fuuka greeted.

"Very educational, I learned new things that I have never understood before." I replied. Fuuka smiled, "That's nice. Yukari-chan and Junpei-kun went out. I don't think they will be coming back soon."

"Well what are you doing right now?" I was curious to see what Fuuka was constantly doing with her laptop. Fuuka seemed startled, "Nothing really." she replied rather quickly and nervously. Now I truly feel the need to pry.

I peered over her should and she covered the screen with her hands. I could see the letters behind it.

"You keep a diary Fuuka-san?" I inquired. She was as red as a tomatoe, "You could kind of say it like that."

"So it's not?" I continue to stare at the screen.

"It is, but it's got some embarrassing things I don't want others to see." said Fuuka. I see. I managed to read part of the contents. It would appear to be a normal diary except there was a light novel written in it as well. The beginning talks about a boy and his romance... There was a file labeled Boku no…. I decide not to pry further as to respect Fuuka-san's privacy.

Chapter 11: End

Author's Notes: The battle between Yukari and her father wasn't as great as I hoped I would be. Hades is where dead people come back to do stuff. Let's clearly establish that.

I don't like Trinity Soul personally, but I fucking love Abel. He's like Izanagi only he can cut Personas off people. Benefits of same arcana social links here, Siegfried is not one of the most appealing Personas according to the rule of cool so I replaced him with Abel.

I feel that I should make Neku the Fool, but there are already two Fool links. SEES which is already maxed and the IT which progresses.

Neku's imagination is infinite and holds many forms which was why he was picked, but Star fits him well because of the meaning of the art. (Read the secret reports from TWEWY to understand the significance or stay tuned to my story)

Ever wonder what's in that laptop? Well what's in there stays in there and there will be periodic journeys into the mystery that is Fuuka's laptop. XD