Author's Notes: Yeah! Summer time! In story and life. I plan on finishing everything over the summer before school starts again. Time to update like hell given more reviews.

Last time I have group chats of over 4 people. I either neglect certain characters enough to not draw out their personality or give too much spotlight to a certain character.

Very brief intense language. Discretion advised.

Looking for Beta Readers. PM me or better yet leave a constructively critical review.

Chapter 13: Now Who Wants to Talk About MURDERS?

Saturday 6/16/2012

Summer vacation started and classes have been suspended until September 1st. Yukari seems very enthusiastic.

"Summer vacation…. so Aigis, do you have any plans?" Yukari asked cheerfully.

"Not really." I replied.

"I was thinking maybe we could go on a trip. Just the two of us plus Fuuka and possibly Stupei if he begs." said Yukari.

"That would be a great idea, but where are we going to go?" I asked.

"Yakushima would be nice, but then Junpei would probably be staring at us with that perverted grin of his." Yukari seemed angry at the thought. "Maybe Kyoto or the mountains."

"But how are we going to pay for this, we have not been able to contact Mitsuru-senpai. Planning and preparing is expensive as well." I stated. I had some money left, but it has been used for Hades exploration.

Seeing that there was time to spare, I took a hard drive from under the desk. "Aigis, what are you doing?" Yukari looked puzzled.

"I am saving my data." I replied. After a few minutes the process was complete.

"Why do you need to save data?" Yukari asked.

"It's to keep a record of everything I've done." I answered. Yukari seemed satisfied and decided to stop asking.

"Well want to go to the movies? I hear they're playing a movie marathon today." Yukari invited me to go to the movies. I gladly accepted. The nearby theaters were showing ninja movies all day long.

"Ninja movies aren't really my thing." Yukari looked disappointed.

"I like them. I find ninjas and their techniques fascinating." I retorted.

"Isn't that?" Yukari pointed to the ticket counter. It was Junpei and it appears he is talking to Yosuke, Chie, and Kanji.

They looked over in our direction and greeted us with smiles. "Sup, here to catch the movie marathon? I thought ninja movies aren't your thing Yuka-tan." Junpei grinned. "Lot's of bloody gore and not the mention the Ghost Ninja movie." Junpei chuckled.

"Shut up!" Yukari shouted, "It's not that I don't like ninjas, Aigis likes them. And I'm NOT AFRAID OF GHOSTS!"

"You sure? I think they're playing horror films tomorrow if you wanna join me." Junpei only kept his devious smile.

"Junpei-san, maybe you should stop teasing Yukari." I suggested.

Junpei sighed, "Fine. Well I ran into these guys here as well."

"Yo, remember me? I'm Yosuke Hanamura the….." Yosuke was rudely interrupted.

"The wannabe Junpei over there." Yukari replied.

Junpei was offended, "Hey, I resent that."

"Well we came here to see the movies, but it's nice to run into familiar faces." Yosuke chuckles and tried to restore his damaged pride.

"Ignore him, I'm Chie Satonaka. Nice to meet you." Chie greeted.

"I'm Kanji Tatsumi." Kanji stood tall.

"Well I'm Yukari Takeba. Are you all Persona users?" Yukari asked.

"Yep, well I'm kinda surprised to see other people have Personas." Chie replied. "I mean I thought it was only our town."

"Hey senpai, the movie's going to start soon." Kanji interrupted.

"I'll go get popcorn." Yosuke went to the stand.

Chie called out, "Don't forget the soda and steak."

"Steak? This is the movies not Junes." Yosuke rebutted.

"Make it extra large too." Kanji shouted.

Yosuke was angry and then sighed, "Whose pocket is this coming out of anyways?" he reluctantly paid for the popcorn and soda.

"Dude thanks bro." Junpei took a soda followed by everyone else.

Yosuke groaned, "My money… hey wait, does Aigis-san even eat or drink?"

"I do not necessarily digest and defecate like normal humans, but I have a system for fluids. Therefore, thank you." I got a soda.

"It does get hot around the summer, and Aigis needs to keep cool." said Yukari.

"Well ever thought of dressing lighter?" Yosuke points to my clothes. "Do you always wear that same outfit? I know I can't say much for myself but I haven't seen you wear anything else."

"Really then I could ask my mom to make you some clothes if you ever stop by." Kanji offered.

"That's nice of you." said Chie.

Kanji looked away as if ashamed or embarrassed, "Whatever, it's good for business."

"Thank you for the offer but I'm fine." I replied. "I couldn't wear anything that would expose my parts either."

"Yeah whatever the move already started!" Junpei hurried inside.

They were showing several movies back to back. The first one was about a young boy who was despised by everyone in his village and decided to become a ninja to earn everyone's respect.

He was initially considered a failure, but through his endeavors he became a full fledged ninja and saved the village from crisis several times. He became the village hero. It was inspiring.

The second movie was the Ghost Ninja Junpei-san mentioned. I looked to my right and Yukari was looking away from the screen every time the Ghost Ninja kills his target. Why do humans like seeing themselves kill one another I wondered?

The last movie was about an epic battle between ninjas and pirates. I learned that the only viable counter to a ninja is a pirate.

After the movies everyone seemed to have a different opinion. Junpei and Yosuke seem to really like the movies. Chie does too.

"Man, I can't wait to try all those moves on the shadows. Yosuke, you mind being my training dummy?" Chie smirked devilishly.

"Hell no!" Yosuke shouts. "Why can't you like normal stuff girls like?"

"Say that again?" Chie raised a fist and then kicks Yosuke to the side. Yosuke groaned in pain and crumpled to the floor.

"I'd rather watch more manly stuff. All the hiding in the shadows thing is for wimps." said Kanji.

Junpei chuckled, "Coming form a guy that has a textile shop and likes sewing."

"Hey! I'm really sensitive about that!" Kanji shouted. "Whatever laugh, I am me and no one else."

"Dude chill, I'm just messing with ya." said Junpei.

"Well I'm glad that's over." Yukari seemed relieved. "Let's go back."

"So how do you like the movie Ai-chan?" asked Junpei.

"I've decided. That I will train to be a robot ninja!" I point my finger to the sky triumphantly. Everyone stared in surprised. "Just kidding." I giggled.

"No, but you're really convincing. I mean you've changed." Junpei laughs. "Seriously a robot ninja, I think you are the only one who could do that."

"Cool, does that mean that you shoot shurikens or something?" Chie looked impressed.

"Well I would need Kanji-kun to make me a ninja suit." I looked over to Kanji.

"Hey, don't bring me into this." Kanji backed away.

We all laughed as time passed by. Chie, Yosuke and Kanji took the train back to Inaba and Yukari Junpei, and I returned to the dorms.

"First day of summer vacation." Junpei announced. "Hey let's all go somewhere."

"We already made plans, but I suddenly don't feel like bringing you along if you're going to act this way." said Yukari.

"Aww what? Come on Yuka-tan, you have to bring me along. You need to balance out the guy girl ratio you know. 3 to 1 is pretty good." Junpei pleaded.

"How about you get on your knees and call me Yukari-sama." Yukari teased.

Junpei shamelessly bowed down on his knees, "Please, Yukari-sama." he said in a sarcastic tone.

Yukari started laughing, "Hahaha, If you're that bored then I supposed you can come, but no funny stuff."

"Yesh!" Junpei pumps his fist in triumph, "So where are we going?"

"We have not decided yet." I told him. Junpei looked disappointed.

"Where's Fuuka-san?" I asked. I haven't seen her all day.

"I don't know, I haven't seen her around." Yukari looks around. We heard the sound of machinery coming from upstairs. Everyone was puzzled and decide to investigate.

The sound was coming from Fuuka-san's room. I knocked on the wooden door, "Fuuka-san, are you there?" I called.

The door opened and Fuuka stood there with goggles on. "What's up guys?" she asked.

"Oh nothing, it's just that we haven't seen you around and we heard this weird noise." Yukari told her about our plans.

Fuuka smiled and said she would be happy to join. She showed us her project. It was a stereo that Fuuka was repairing.

Afterwards we returned to our rooms and went to sleep.

Sunday 6/17/2012

I remembered that today was Adachi's trial. I went to the prison to see if he is still there. Surprisingly they have not moved him yet so they allowed us to visit each other one last time before the trial.

"Oh it's you. Ready to watch the show?" Adachi said eerily. Something was different about him. He has a dark feeling about him. His eyes were yellow like those of shadows.

"Who are you?" I was alarmed. I raise my hand ready to defend.

"Who me? I'm Tohru Adachi. The Real Adachi that was pushed away by the fool who gets trampled on by society." he spoke cryptically. "Don't you feel it? The Other World draws ever closer to our own once again. This time nothing can stop it. Even if it is stopped it will only happen again." Adachi cackled maniacally.

"What are you talking about?" I shouted. This Adachi I see before me isn't real, it must be his shadow.

"Really, haven't you been to that place more than once? Once both worlds merge together humans will all become shadows and live in ignorant bliss. Wouldn't that be a wonderful world?" Adachi had a wicked smile.

He was referring to the Midnight Channel, the world inside the TV. "I won't let that happen!" I rebutted.

"Oh? But this is what people really want. Let's face it, there's no meaning in my life and I'll waste away in some sort of confinement till the day I die." Adachi rose from his chair. "Before that, I'm going to go have a blast! I'll start throwing people into the other world again. I mean life's all about having fun right?"

"No! Your logic is irrational. I will stop you." I prepared to break through to the other side.

Adachi's expression turned into one of wicked anger, "Why does every woman I get to know turn on my like some treacherous bitch! Fuck this! Fuck the world! I'll fucking kill everyone starting with you!" Adachi shouted at the top of his lungs and suddenly there was a blinding light.

When my vision was restored, we were no longer inside the visiting rooms. We have been transported somewhere. The sky was red and everything around us was in ruins. Could this be the shadow's powers?

"Welcome to my world." Adachi greeted fiendishly. "Oh don't worry, I'll make this nice and quick. You'll be hanging on an antenna before you know it. HaHaHaHa." he laughed evilly as well. Adachi began clutching his head with both his hands as if in extreme pain.

"Awwrrghhh! Magatsu Izanagi!" he shouted. A bloody red persona emerged. It wielded a large naginata whose blade shines crimson under the red sky.

This was an unexpected turn of events. I did not arm myself with any ammunition before arriving so my only option was to fight with only my personas.

"Adachi-san, I will stop you!" I invoked my inner self, Athena.

Our personas clashed blades at each other. Spear to naginata, Athena was being pushed back.

Magatsu Izanagi pushed Athena towards the wall and I flew back with her.

"Hah! Take this! Ziodyne!" Adachi laughed confidently. His persona charges up energy in its weapon and fires a powerful bolt of lightning.

"I won't lose!" I quickly switched my persona to Odin. The Chief of the Nordic Gods easily absorbed the electricity and converted it into stamina.

"What? You can have more than one? Just like that damn brat!" Adachi rants angrily. "After I'm done with you, I'm going for those other brats."

"Odin, Thunder Reign!" I commanded. Odin raised his spear high and a massive charge of lightning gathered before Izanagi. The electricity discharged itself into a massive explosion that paralyzed the target. I ordered Odin to move in for a physical attack.

Magatsu Izanagi was paralyzed along with Adachi so Odin easily knocked both of them down. "Adachi-san, please stop this." I pleaded.

"No, it's not over yet. The game has only just begun." he got back up. "He he, scared?"

I felt a wave of malice wash over me. It was an ability to induce fear, but it had no effect on me. Odin and Izanagi continued to clash spears with each other.

I focused intently on controlling my persona. Odin lunged with his spear, but Magatsu Izanagi evaded to the side.

"Dumbass." A glint appeared in Adachi's eyes. Suddenly I was stuck by a massive emerald whirlwind. It swept Odin and myself and knocked us off balance. I lay on the ground unable to move. Magatsu Izanagi stepped on Odin and Adachi stood over me triumphantly.

"It's over. Now die and let the fun begin!" Adachi said maniacally. The naginata floated above me. It rose slightly and descended swiftly. I was scared, scared of dying, scared of not being able to fulfill that promise. No…

I am thou and Thou art I

Odin returned and my new persona emerged. I felt a burst of energy and quickly recovered from the fall. I looked to see my persona, Abel. "Why have you come to save me?" I asked. Abel kept a stoic silence. Its blade gleamed and pointed to Magatsu Izanagi.

"Urgh, and even your persona looks like his." Adachi was irritated. "Hah, there's no point, even if you beat me I will always come back. This loser can't control his inner self."

"No, you are wrong. Even if life is hard and things may not go your way, that is no reason to just give up. Even when the world is against you, you are never alone. As long as there are people in this world." I reached out to him.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! What do you know? You're good looking, cute, could get probably any guy you want, and have a promising future. Me? I'm a convict whose fate is to rot in a cell. The world can burn in the great inferno." Adachi ranted. He was in a state of denial.

"Death is a temptation that everyone should overcome. Nothing is achieved in taking the easy way out. I will stop you, before your transgressions become even more severe." I ordered Abel to rush forward. The sound of steel clashing rings through the air.

Abel leapt back and crouched. He took a stance ready to draw and sheath his blade. "Hassou Tobi!" I shouted. Abel dashed with great speed. He slashed 8 times from all sides dealing considerable damage.

Magatsu Izanagi was vulnerable. The only way I am going to save Adachi is to separate him from his shadow and Abel could do just that.

"Soul Splitter." I commanded. Abel swiftly vanished to behind Magatsu Izanagi and impaled him on his sword. Adachi fell to his knees as if the exact same thing was happening to him.

"Gack!" he choked grasping his chest. Abel pushed Magatsu Izanagi away from Adachi and he appeared to have stopped feeling the pain.

Do you truly believe that I will submit to you? A mysterious voice said. I searched around to see where the source was.

I am right before you fool. It was the persona speaking. Now that you've removed me from my other's mind, I am connected to you now. You shall make a fitting host.

Suddenly, there was an intense ringing in my head. The pain, it's throbbing. I clutched my head.

You fool, you brought this upon yourself to carry the burden of others, now submit to my will.

"N-never. I'll make sure that you never appear ever again. You shall be my persona." I resisted. Abel pushed his blade even deeper into Izanagi and the bloody persona began to disintegrate.

So be it. I'll lend you my power…. for now. When that fool realizes…. then my role will be fulfilled.

Magatsu Izanagi transmuted into card form. I grabbed it and it disappeared in my hand. I feel a malevolent power within me. I walked towards Adachi who laid on the ground unconscious. His eyes slowly open.

"Thank you….. if it wasn't for you, I would have turned back to my old self. I feel great, as if the fog has been lift from my world." he muttered. He was looking at the sky and so did I. The dull crimson sky gave way to a clear blue one. Light filled the world and everything faded to white.

I found myself back in the visiting room as if nothing ever happened. The guard nearby doesn't seem to have notice anything. Adachi was sitting on the other side. He seemed brighter than before. His eyes have returned to their normal grey hue. I wondered if everything that happened was just a dream.

"You can keep it. I no longer have a need for such power." said Adachi. He smiled kindly as if he hasn't done so in a long time. "First time I actually feel that life is good. I never guessed you were one of them, but I hope Magatsu Izanagi becomes useful to you. If I ever get out, let's go out for lunch or something." he stood up and left for his trial.

You have defeated the shadow that plagues his heart. With new resolution he walks forward ready to face the burden of living once more. The genuine bond you have forged shall never be broken.

Rank Max. Devil rank 10

The ultimate form of the Devil Arcana has awoken. Beelzebub is open to you.

The voice finished. Feeling satisfied, I followed Adachi to the courts to see the trial.

6/17

2:00 PM

Okina Municipal Court

Courtroom 2

"Clearly he has admitted his guilt. Is there any need to prolong this any further?" a man in a suit sneered. He was standing on the opposite side of the courtroom from the man in a blue suit and spiky hair that I saw.

"Objection!" the man with the blue suit shouted. "There are no witnesses and no evidence for you to press charges upon. All this is baseless conjecture."

"You think you got this case in the bag Mr. Wright?" the man across smirked. "I'll have you know that I have testimony from one of Adachi's superiors. Bring in Ryotaro Dojima."

At that moment a middle aged man walked in through the center. He stood in front of a podium. "Dojima-san, could you tell us about Adachi's crimes." the man said confidently.

Dojima sighed, "What a pain in the ass. Well, when Adachi was discovered to be the murderer, he made a quick escape. He jumped into the TV and afterwards he came out admitting his guilt."

"That sounds unreasonable." Wright looked inquisitive. "No one could go through a TV anyways. How did he even leave anyways? It sounds like you're leaving some things out."

Dojima grimaced, "Well if I told you that my nephew and his high school friends all went in after him and dragged him out then I'm sure you would believe my next story."

The sound of something strike was heard through the room.

"Enough!" the judge shouted. "I see no reason to continue this trial. There has been no conclusive evidence against Adachi other than a confession from the man himself. I've already dealt with a similar case. One which involves Mitsuo Kubo who clearly tried to take the blame for the murders. This nonsense about entering the TV is just wasting our time. My word is final, I hereby declare Tohru Adachi, NOT GUILTY."

The gavel strikes the podium, ending all further discussion. Wright-san looked bitter even though he had successfully defended Adachi. Adachi himself doesn't look too happy about this either. I left and stood in the lobby waiting.

After a few minutes Adachi exited the courtroom He was surprised to see me, "Hey, I didn't think you would go see all that." he chuckled.

"You look disappointed. Why?" I asked.

"Because that wasn't the truth. What really happened was a lot similar to what happened today between us. People don't really care for the truth especially when it's as unbelievable as this one." Adachi replied.

Dojima approached us, "Tsk, so you managed to get away." he looked angry. "I'll never forgive you for what you've made Namatame do to Nanako. But there's nothing I can do, but congratulate you on your newfound freedom." Dojima reluctantly shook his hand.

"T-thank you Dojima-san. I know apologies would never make up for what I did. If my life could atone for what I've done, I'll gladly give it to you, but life doesn't work like that. I'll live and I'll change. I won't waste this second chance I've been given." Adachi spoke with firm resolution.

Dojima couldn't help but smile, "Heh, so you've become more than just a rookie. I'll be watching you to make sure you don't make any mistakes." Dojima left shortly afterwards.

"So how about lunch?" Adachi offered. I was a bit reluctant, but I accepted.

"Great where should we go?" Adachi asked happily.

"Could we go somewhere private?" I requested.

"Sure I know this place that's real secluded." he took me to a restaurant on the back alleys of Okina.

"This is not what I meant, but I should tell you this now. I'm not human." I showed him my hand cannons and quickly switched back to normal hands.

"Whoa, didn't see that coming." Adachi looked surprised. "But you look and act so much like a real girl."

"Not like those bitches?" I said jokingly.

Adachi smiled, "That side of me is gone now. It's all because of you. Still the people would never believe this would ever happen. The truth is a very vague thing."

"But as long as people seek it, it will always be there. I believe each of us carry our own truth." I replied. "Even in the sea of lies, what matters is that people seek the truth."

"You sound like you've seen a lot. I guess you can't eat, but at least you can drink right?" Adachi poured wine into a glass and hands it to me.

"Alcohol is not good for your health" I stated.

"Don't such a killjoy. On second thought maybe I should stop drinking." Adachi puts down his glass. "Still cheers to a new beginning."

I spent a long time talking with Adachi about his future plans. I said that I would help him get a job with the Kirijo Group and wrote him a recommendation.

"Thanks, hope we'll meet again." Adachi waves goodbye as he heads for his future not once looking back. I decide to leave and return to the dorm as well.

"I felt something strange. Did something happen while you were out?" Fuuka asks as I walked in the dorm.

"No, nothing at all." I replied. I felt tired and needed sleep.

Chapter 13: End

Author's Notes: Battle chapter. Surprise lv 10 S link battle.

Spoilers: There will be a social link conclusion at the end like in FES. So far there are two conclusions to be made in the future.

Story lineup: Athena, Abel, Magatsu Izanagi, Odin, Metatron, Orpheus. ?, ?, ?, ?, and ?

Of course I can just make her pull personas out of nowhere because the compendium has not been used lately and the maximum capacity has not been reached so the other 5 personas could be whatever I need.

Hope you enjoyed reading and leave a review.