The Other Chance

Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own anything connected with Persona, Atlus or ancient deities used for cultural influence. I only own myself. Hmm.

Chapter 7: Fighting Is Bad…But In This Case…

April 20, 2009:

No matter how desperate Akio was for answers…it didn't restrain his undying hatred for meetings. At first they were interesting to him, being called in specifically for a reason to be talked to. But after his 43 or 45 meeting about how he shouldn't beat other kids to a bloody pulp, he began to gradually hate them.

He always had a reason for fighting, of course. He had to defend his siblings from bullies, teachers, kidnappers, dogs, cats, etc. He never saw the problem in pounding problems back into their place…until he was expelled from a high class private school.

One of his relatives had placed them there to not have to bother with them. But that plan backfired. After Akio was expelled, his siblings refused go without him. It was the first time in their lives that they had deliberately terrorized the students and faculty. In the end they were also expelled for fighting, except it was a teacher they knocked out. After all, insulting their brother was a serious offense that was not to be taken lightly.

After that they moved to another relative and life went on but nevertheless, Akio came to hate meetings. And the current meeting with "that man" felt no different, hell worse.

Everyone sat in the Command Room. The siblings on the couch. Mitsuru and Yukari on stools. Akihiko and Ikutsuki in the armchairs. Akio just wanted it to be over. A hope that would soon be drawn out farther than the eye could see.

"Okay, let me start off by asking you this…" Ikutsuki began. "Would you believe me if I said that a day consists of more than 24 hours?"

Akio could have sworn Minato had told him that he informed everyone about the "extra hour", so why ask?

"Is this a trick question?" Akio asked.

Ikutsuki smiled at him and responded, "Not at all. I just wanted to know if you understood what I was asking."

This pissed all the Arisato's off. Of course they understood. They had experienced an "extra hour" for years, so much so that it became a part of life. Ikutsuki knew they had experienced it and he had the gall to make light of it. Obviously he had not fought those shadow creatures before or else he would have been more respectful. Or so Akio wanted to believe.

Mitsuru saw their anger welling up and decided to skillfully defuse the situation. "Do you remember the night you came here?" she asked, getting their attention focused on her. "You must have noticed the signs…"

Minako cut in, struggling not to explode with anger. "Oh, you mean how the streetlights went out…Nothing was working…and there were coffins everywhere!" she nearly screamed, half-sarcastically.

Minato put his hand on Minako's shoulder. She snapped her head to look at him. He shook his head, telling her not to be angry at Mitsuru.

Minako calmed herself down before muttering, "Sorry," to her red-haired senpai.

Akio decided it was a good time to clarify things. "I don't know exactly what my siblings told you but…we've been experiencing this 'extra hour' for over ten years," he told to everyone.

Everyone, even Ikutsuki, was shocked by this. Most of them had just come to know about it recently. These three had lived with it for over half of their lives. Mitsuru, Akihiko and Yukari felt sad for them, having no one to tell about his. Imagine having such a secret that you could never share with others. Even if they had, people would never believe them.

Ikutsuki on the other hand, felt a surge of joy overtake him. They were exactly what he needed. Experienced Dark Hour explorers would be the answer to all his problems, if only he could convince them to join SEES. He decided to let things run their course for now. He could tell his words had upset them and anything he asked for now would have been thrown back at him out of spite. He could wait. He had waited for so long already, a little more couldn't hurt.

Silence lasted for nearly a minute before Minato finally spoke.

"So, what exactly is this 'extra hour'? We've lived with it for so long that we see it as normal but it isn't is it?" he inquired, wanting to understand exactly what they wanted the three of them for.

Mitsuru, again, answered them. "We call it, the Dark Hour. The time period hidden between one day and the next."

Akihiko chimed in to back her up. "Normal people don't realize it, since they're all sleeping inside their coffins," he added.

"I had always thought that was the case," Akio told them. "We never saw anyone else around. Only the coffins…" he said getting lost in thought.

His thoughts were interrupted by Akihiko again. "But, that's not what makes the Dark Hour so interesting…" he paused only to grin, "You saw those creatures. We call them 'Shadows'."

"Yeah," Minako affirmed, "Yukari told us about them. Well, a little anyway."

"They only appear during the Dark Hour, and attack anyone not in a coffin," Akihiko explained further. "It's our job to defeat them…" he looked right at Akio, "Sounds exciting, huh?"

"Yeah, if by 'exciting' you mean 'crazy and stupid'," Minako growled. Everyone was taken aback by her comment, except for Mitsuru who completely agreed.

"Akihiko!" she reprimanded, "Why are you always like that? Your arm is still injured from the fight with that huge Shadow from the other day!"

"Now, now. He does his work well," Ikutsuki said coming between them.

"Apparently, not well enough," Akio said, drawing everyone's attention after being silent for so long.

"What?" he asked, pressured by their glares, "The reason you fight is to protect yourself or someone else. If you get hurt, then you lost that fight."

Akihiko lowered his head in shame while the rest struggled to respond to his comment. It was obvious to everyone that his frustration was getting to him, even if only his sibling knew why. He really didn't want to be here, he knew these people wanted something from him and his siblings and he could guess what it was. The only question was…what was he going to do about it?

Ikutsuki chose this particularly bad moment to make himself known. "Then would you say that you, 'lost', that fight the other night," he said giggling at his own joke.

Akio, however, found no amusement. Only rage. "Yes!" he yelled at "that man". "I lost that fight because my little brother and sister got injured. I lost! Are ya happy now!"

Everyone, including the Arisato twins, grimaced. The twins had rarely seen their brother explode at someone. He always kept his cool and found a way out without letting anger take over. At least most of the time. Even when he beat up people for messing with his siblings he did it calmly and precisely. Akio knew he had a bad temper if it ever got out, which it rarely did. But he had had enough of beating around the bush.

Minato and Minako were worried now. They could see everyone, especially Yukari, visibly become afraid of their beloved older brother. Even Akihiko was a little scared. The twins also felt partially responsible because part of the reason he was so upset was because they had gotten hurt. It wasn't their fault but they still felt guilty.

Ikutsuki was worried as well. What he meant as a harmless joke to help calm everyone down not only backfired but he may have lost the opportunity of recruiting the Arisato's help. Ikutsuki knew if Akio didn't join, his siblings wouldn't either. So, he gathered his broken pride and faced Akio.

"I am terribly sorry," he apologized, "I didn't mean any harm. The last thing I wanted to do was upset you…"

"Its fine," Akio said, his rage slowly subsiding, "I just don't like people making light of our situation."

"You're right," the chairman continued, "It was rude and totally uncalled for. Please accept my most heartfelt apology," he said bowing his head to Akio, praying it was enough.

'You think a little apology is enough,' Akio thought to himself, 'But it'll have to do for now. Can't afford to screw things up…Not now…damn.'

Akio completely regained his calm demeanor and said, "Like I said, it's fine. I overreacted. My bad." He really didn't want to say that but he had more important things to deal with.

Everyone relaxed, especially Minako and Minato. Still, what could be worrying Akio so much to have him blow up like that? They wanted to think that it was just because of Ikutsuki but it seemed deeper. But for now, they were just happy he had calmed down and wasn't scaring everyone to hell and back.

"So," Akio continued, "What exactly are you guys supposed to be?"

Ikutsuki took this as chance to clear things up and began to explain. "Long story short…We're the 'Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad' or SEES for short."

The siblings nodded in affirmation as he continued, "On paper, we're classified as a school club. But in reality, this group is dedicated to defeating the Shadows. "

They nodded again. It was smart. Disguising it as a school club eliminated suspicion, for the most part. Plus, since they all lived in the same dorm it would be easier to plan and communicate with each other.

"Mitsuru is the leader," the chairman continued, "I'm the club advisor."

"It's smart," Minato said, "This way it's easier to work without causing a panic."

"Um, I have a question," Minako said raising her hand, "I know that these 'Shadows' are dangerous but if they only exist inside the…Dark Hour, why are you making them out to be such a huge threat?"

Minako pretty much already knew the answer but she felt she needed to ask.

"A Shadow feeds on the mind of its prey; the victim becomes a living corpse," Mitsuru explained. "They're responsible for most of the incidents on the news, if not all of them," she told them.

Akio had pieced that much together already. But hearing it from them had solidified it. The Shadows were a major threat. To everyone. Just then a thought came to him, one he had never considered before.

'We've experienced the Dark Hour for years and we've never run into a Shadow before…why is that? Are we different somehow?...damn,' he thought a little concerned. He left the thought alone for now and focused back on the meeting.

"So, what about the police?" Minako asked hopefully, "Can't they do anything about this?"

Mitsuru laughed a little at the comment. "Unfortunately, the police can't do anything during the Dark Hour…" she said.

"Yeah, that make sense," Minako confirmed sadly.

"Then, how do you fight them?" Minato questioned.

"Although rare, there are those who can function during the Dark Hour," Ikutsuki began again, "Some may even awaken to a power that enable them to fight the Shadows. That's 'Persona'. The power you used the other night."

Akio scoffed. "So let me guess," he said getting everyone's attention, "The Shadows can only be defeated by people who have a Persona, right?"

"Yes," the chairman confirmed, "Only Persona-users are able to combat the Shadows." He smiled at the siblings and added "Which means, it's all up to you guys."

Minato and Minako were shocked by his straightforward approach but Akio sat still. He had expected as much. And it did not bode well for them.

Mitsuru picked up the three cases beside her and placed them in front of the siblings. She opened each of them to reveal a silver "gun" gleaming inside each case.

"What he's trying to say is, we want you to join us," Mitsuru said once she was finished.

"Yeah, got that part," Minako said staring at the 'gun'. It brought back unpleasant memories but also a feeling of excitement. Minato felt the excitement too. Akio, on the other hand, was not pleased with this development, predictable as it was.

Mitsuru took note of Minako's comment but continued anyway. "We've prepared Evokers for all of you," she said as the looked from the "guns" to her, "We'd like you to lend us your strength."

Minato and Minako looked at each other and then back to the Evokers. This was something they knew they wanted. It was a means to protect, not only themselves but their brother as well. They wanted, no, they needed this power. They reached out for them but Akio beat them to it.

He snatched his Evoker and examined it. His eyes were unnerving, like he was about to do something reckless. And he did.

He turned to Ikutsuki and said, "I have a condition for joining."

Everyone, including Ikutsuki was surprised by this. "And what would that be?" 'that man' asked.

"I'll join. I'll do whatever you want me to do," Akio stated, "In exchange…You keep my brother and sister out it." His demand sent a wave of tension through the room.

An unexpected development. Ikutsuki had wanted to recruit all three but at the very least acquiring Akio's service was enough for the time being. He could always persuade the other two later. However, it seemed the twins had other plans. Before any of the other Persona-users could register shock, the twin began shouting at him.

"Bro, how could you!"/ "Akio, you jerk!" they yelled in unison.

Akio was prepared for this…or so he thought. "Look…" he began before Minako slapped him hard across the face. As he turned back he felt, Minato's fist crash into the other side of his face. The momentum was so fierce that he fell out of his seat and hit his head on the coffee table before plopping down on the floor.

'That can't be good for my health…damn,' he thought quickly as he lay on the floor. Before he could get back up, both his siblings grabbed him by the collar and pulled him up to them.

"We're a family!" they yelled at him in unison, "We live, fight and die together! You're not getting rid of us! So get used to it!"

Akio suddenly remembered the first time they had said that. Right after he was expelled from the private school they had shouted something similar at the principal, scaring him for life. Akio had known they wouldn't like this idea, even if it was to keep them safe. But he never expect them to react to violently. Perhaps he was rubbing off on them a little too much?

He wanted to tell them "No". He wanted to tell them he just wanted to keep them safe. He wanted them to let go of his shirt. But then he looked long and hard into both of their eyes. Dark blue and crimson orbs that showed more determination and courage than he had ever seen. And amidst that, tears were welling up. And Akio'd be damned before he ever let his selfishness be the reason for their tears.

"Family…Right," he replied to them. He let his head fall back to look at Ikutsuki upside-down. "I take it back…" was all he was able to say before his siblings released him and he fell to the floor with a thud and a groan.

Everyone watching the spectacle could barely comprehend what had happened. Not only had they seen Akio's rage but the anger and determination of Minato and Minako as well.

They stayed silent as Akio picked himself up from the floor and resumed his position on the couch, rubbing his head while he did so. As he sat back down, Minako and Minato took their Evokers and began examining them.

It was at this time that Yukari finally spoke to them. "I'm so relieved," she told the twins, "I was afraid you'd say no…" she trailed off blushing. The twins smiled at her and Yukari extended her hand to them. "Welcome aboard!" she shouted gleefully.

The twins grabbed her hand and pulled her into a group hug. Mitsuru breathed, a little relieved and Akihiko just grinned happily.

Akio smiled at his siblings. He still was very concerned about letting them join. But they had always been together…no matter what.

His whole concept of life had changed in such a short time. He knew that things were going to get worse before they got better. But in that moment, seeing his little brother and sister smiling and hugging their first real friend, he didn't care about the consequences. All he wanted was his siblings' happiness, nothing else in the world mattered to him.

Ikutsuki spoke, getting Akio's attention. "Thank you so much. I'm really glad," the chairman said very politely. "About your room assignments..." the twins looked to him, still hugging Yukari. "Why don't you stay in your current rooms?" he offered. "I don't know what the holdup is but it looks like it won't be necessary," he said chuckling to himself.

"But wasn't that…" Yukari began before Mitsuru gave a look. "Oh, never mind…" she said shrinking back down.

Akio didn't miss the message, however. He was now certain they had been being watched. Perhaps a little tampering with the Command Room was in order…

After the meeting, Yukari walked with the siblings down to the third floor, the girl's hall.

"Sorry," she whispered. The siblings looked to her puzzled. "I should have told you…your rooms were assigned here on purpose. To see if you had the potential."

Yukari looked back to the siblings expecting anger or at least frustration but there was none.

"It's not like that's your fault," Minako told her new friend.

"Besides," Minato added, "If we hadn't been assigned here, we never would have met you."

The moment the words left his mouth he blushed, realizing what he had said. Yukari also blushed a bit before Akio ruined the moment.

"Damn, I'm tired," the oldest sibling said yawning. He moved toward the downstairs and called back, " 'Night." His siblings called after him, jokingly insulting him but he was too tired to listen.

As he descended the stairs he heard the twins and Yukari keep talking. He was tired and his head hurt from the double-team attack from the monsters. But he also couldn't deny the happiness. At long last they had a place, even if it was only to fight of dangerous creatures bent on destroying mankind.

Akio pushed open the door to his room, closed it behind him and somberly walked over to this bed. He collapsed face first onto it and let sleep take him.

The Dark Hour came as it always did but this time something woke Akio from his deep slumber. He felt a presence in the room. He turned his head to see the boy in stripped pajamas grinning down at him.

If Akio had any energy left he would have screamed but since he didn't he settle for, "Uhhhh."

"Hi, how are you?" the boy asked.

"Need…sleep…" was all Akio managed to say before turning back to his pillow. The boy chuckled at his response but continued anyway.

"Soon, the end will come," the boy said to him.

"Good for it…" Akio said desperately trying to sleep. Then the words suddenly registered in his mind and he shot up, fully awake. "Wait, what!" he shouted.

The boy in pajamas looked up to him and said, "I remembered, so I thought I should tell you."

Akio stared at him, at a loss. "…Thanks," he finally said sarcastically.

The small boy laughed at his comment. "I wasn't expecting you to thank me," the boy explained, "But you're welcome. That…is what I'm supposed to say, right?"

Akio raised an eyebrow at him in response. "Yes…but please look up sarcasm. It will make me feel less awkward," Akio said to him. The boy looked at him puzzled. "Never mind…" Akio finished.

"So, what exactly did you mean by…the 'end'?" Akio asked the boy.

The boy turned away, as if in shame. "…I don't really know what this 'end' is about, either," the boy confessed.

"Then why did you bring it up?" Akio asked, puzzled.

The boy however, did not answer him. Instead the boy said, "Oh, looks like you've awakened to your power and an unusual power it is."

Akio knew he was dodging the question on purpose. So he tried again. "Does my power signify the 'end' you were talking about," he inquired.

The boy, again, avoided answering. Instead he said, "Your power takes many forms, yet is bound by none…" Akio was getting fed up with the kid until the boy said to him, "It may prove to be your salvation, depending on where you end up."

"Salvation?" Akio asked puzzled, "What do you mean by that?"

The boy did not answer him this time, he simply turned away and remained silent for a moment. Akio was beginning to feel uncomfortable until the boy suddenly whirled around and moved toward him, staring into his eyes.

"Do you remember when we first met?" the boy asked with vain hope in his eyes.

Feeling really creeped-out, Akio nervously answered, "You mean when I got to the dorms the other night?"

The young boy in pajamas hung his head and moved away from Akio. Akio felt that he had given a very unsatisfying answer but it was the truth. He'd never met the boy before then…had he? For some reason he questioned that. He had no reason to. He was positive that he had never seen that boy before the night he signed the contract. But it still felt off somehow, like he already knew the kid but that was impossible…right?

Before Akio could contemplate further, the boy turned back to him, smiling. "I expect you to honor your commitment," he told the young man, "I'll be watching you, even if you forget about me…"

'Now that's just plain freaky…damn,' Akio thought quickly.

The boy took another small step back and said "Okay then, see you later." Then, just as abruptly as he had appeared, the boy disappeared into the darkness of the night. Leaving Akio confused and even more tired than before.

Akio settled for sleeping over thinking as thinking took more energy and often led him to responsibilities he otherwise did not want. He plopped back down on his bed and slowly let sleep take him as the Dark Hour ended for that evening.

To Be Continued…

As always, please R and R. Thanks. I am tired from all my work in class these days but I have a three day weekend coming up so…yay sleep. That is what I will be doing. Anyway, I will update as soon as I can. Enjoy Veteran's Day…or else. Flames will be used to light the way home for returning soldiers.