The Other Chance
Chapter 13
Disclaimer: I do not own anything connected with Persona, Atlus or ancient deities used for cultural influence. I only own myself. Yup.
Author Note: Thanks for the support my friends. Enjoy the story.
Chapter 13: Life After Tartarus
April 26, 2009: After School
The twins gathered their things and prepared to leave. It was odd how things slowly got back to normal after their midnight adventures began. Only last night had they reached the fourteenth floor. And what a trek that was!
On the tenth floor they encounter another set of guardians. This time they appeared as gigantic pink hands with masks floating on the wrists. It seemed that all the Shadows had a mask on the somewhere. Even the lion shadow had a mask on the ball the chain was attached to. Mitsuru said that the mask identified their Arcana but it made little difference to them. Regardless of what Arcana the Shadows were, it was their job to defeat them.
Akio, of course, had aptly named the pink Shadows, "The Gay Hands". His joke was less than appreciated. Minako called him a sexist but he counter that he was proud that they clearly showed their true desires, earning him a whack upside the head with her naginata.
All joking aside they were able to easily overcome the pink flamboyant hands and press onward. Each night they seemed to gain more strength and confidence. The weaker Shadows even shied away from them from time to time. This made traversing the tower so much simpler.
Then, at the fourteenth floor they encounter a single guardian. Mitsuru surmised that if it was alone, it was extremely powerful. Just looking at it told you that! It was a goliath of a Shadow with three legs on two separate wheels. Not to mention the gigantic javelins that protruded where arms should have been. That fight had not been so easy.
Their weapons bounced off it, the steel coving its body was far too thick. Akio led the group for this battle and knew it was time to test his own progress. He commanded that everyone give him room and they did so. He pulled out his evoker and faced the giant head on. He was shaking, fear of his own power corrupting his confidence. Then he heard a most joyous sound.
"You can do it, bro!" the twins called to him. Yukari and Junpei joined them in encouragement. Akio knew they were the reason he had this power. His power was to protect them and everyone else. He couldn't let fear destroy him. Not now, not ever.
He grinned at the giant Shadow and pulled the trigger. Thanatos burst forth and charged the monster. Thanatos proceeded to display a sword technique that completely knocked over the large Shadow. But Thanatos did not stop there. He continued the assault until the Shadow swung its large javelins at him. Thanatos, at last, retreated back into Akio's mind.
He was out of breath but still standing and still ready to fight. It had taken a lot from him but he was still in the game. Just then, fire and wind blasted past him and struck the Shadow. This was followed by the twin Orpheus' rushing the creature and bashing their instruments against it. Akio just smiled as everyone appeared at his side, evokers drawn.
The massive Shadow stood no chance now. The combined assault form the Personas had sent it reeling. Together, the Persona-users evoked their Personas again and obliterated the Shadow. The combined effort paid off but left them all drained. Surprisingly, Akio was the least tired. But he could see the exhaustion in everyone and called it a night.
The twins couldn't have been happier with themselves. It was time that life finally got going for them. Akio was hanging out with Akihiko pretty often and getting to know him. Akihiko was the first friend that Akio had ever had. Hell, even Mitsuru had warmed up to him. A feat that Yukari had previously pronounced impossible. It was good for him.
Akio had always been so preoccupied with his siblings that he never took time for himself to enjoy life. Besides, they had become rather popular in their own rights. Other students, not just Junpei and Yukari, had begun chatting and getting friendly with them.
It was like a dream. Having a real life was a luxury that they had never afforded before. It was like they were being rewarded for surviving all the tough parts of life or something.
As they prepared to leave, Junpei waltzed up to them. "Hey guys. You have some time right now?" Both shrugged. It wasn't like they belonged to any clubs, at least not yet.
"Great! We should all go out for ramen. My treat." His generosity was perplexing but would not be ignored.
"Free ramen? You trying to impress me?" Minako teased. "I'm afraid it'll take a lot more than just some free food." She smirked at him. Junpei smirked right back.
"You haven't tried the 'Special' yet. Give it a chance. It'll make any girl fall head over heels for me!" They both laughed and got up to leave. Poking and chiding at each other along the way.
Minato was marveled at his baseball capped friend sometimes. Junpei's bravado was as impressive as his resistance to Minako teasing. Most guys would bend over backward just to talk to her but Junpei wasn't fazed in the least. Perhaps she wasn't his type? Either way, Minato kept these interactions between them. After all, Akio's over protectiveness could spell doom for Junpei, even if it was only harmless joking.
Minato stood and glanced to the back of the class. Yukari was gathering her shoes and bag, oblivious to his gaze. Minato smiled to himself. He liked her. He knew he liked her. She was just so different. She was a tough, tomboyish, cute girl who loved pink. What wasn't to like about her? Beyond that, she had extended the olive leaf to him early on. Most of the time it took people over a month to warm up to his silent personality but not her. He just wanted to get to know her better. If only that.
As he got up and approached her, she turned and smiled at him. "Minato-kun. Heading home?"
"Actually, Junpei invited me and my sister out for ramen."
Yukari scoffed. "Nice of him to invite me to this little get together."
Minato suddenly felt stupid. "You want to join us?" he said before he even thought about it. Unfortunately, Yukari let out a deep sigh.
"I can't. I have archery practice today." She explained getting her equipment from her bag. Minato held his stoic face but inside he felt depressed. Yukari seemed to see through him though. "I'll make it up to you. I'll treat you to ramen or something next time, okay?"
Happiness flooded Minato. "Sure. I'd like that." He smiled as she began to head out the door.
"Great! It's a date!" she called back to him as she left the room. Minato's heart fluttered. A date! Really! He shook his head and chuckled to himself. No, of course it wasn't a real date. But it was still enough to make him smile.
Unknown to him, Akio stood in the other doorway with Akihiko. The ecstatic look on Akio's face drawing attention from those passing by.
"I am really proud of him." Akio earnestly told Akihiko as they headed for the west wing of the school.
"Is this the first time he'd showed interest in a girl?" Akihiko could hardly believe that someone as talented as Minato didn't have girls beating down his door. Akio practically glared at Akihiko's questioning.
"It's the first time he showed an interest in ANYTHING!" the eldest sibling informed. "Usually he has such a stone-faced look that it could be confused for blindness! Sure, Minako and I can beat a reaction out of him but for him to actually express emotion on his own…it's ground-breaking!"
Akihiko could easily believe that. Minato did keep to himself when at the dorm. Lately however, the twins, Yukari, and Junpei had been spending a lot of time together and Minato seemed pretty active with them. Then again, the cool and calculating way Minato acted was convincing enough to make anyone believe he was a loner. Akio had to explain that Minato was the quiet one and Minako was the loud, obnoxious one. He surmised that it was the only for them to balance out.
"By the way, how's the arm?" Akio asked.
Akihiko stretched it a bit but felt pain and it was only a little stretch too. "Still not ready for the fight yet. But it's getting there." He wanted to get back to fighting Shadows and boxing matches. He especially missed his training. It was his staple for life and now it was on the back burner.
Akio grinned. "Just don't kill yourself before you're recovered. Remember, I gotta pick up the slack for anyone that falls behind in Tartarus."
Akihiko grinned back. "Just make sure not to slow me down when I'm fully recovered."
They fist bumped and continued on. This had become routine. A quick verbal jab between them to take the edge off. Truth be told, Akio was particularly interested in how Akihiko fought. He'd never seen it and it was pestering him. But he would need to wait for the damn bone to heal.
They reached their destination and Akio smirked as he read the sign. "You ready for this?" Akihiko chided as he reached for the door. Akio could only smile.
"I think if I can beat the shit out of a puddle…I can handle kendo club."
April 27, 2009: School
Akio was wiped! His first day of Kendo went beyond great! He made friends with his teammates pretty quick. Mostly because he was experienced in sword-fighting, even before Tartarus. Only a few of the older guys were able to beat him. Akio made it his goal to surpass them. Meanwhile, Minato decided to join the track team; he figured it'd be good for building endurance. On the other side, Minako joined the tennis team and easily outshined over half her teammates on the first day. She certainly didn't know how to do things half-assed!
Akio had stayed up half the night most nights, swinging his wooden sword still pumped about being on the kendo team. Minato began doing laps before school. Minako practiced her swing in her room and broke a lamp and two chairs. They skipped Tartarus the night before to get some rest but Akio was too wound up and didn't sleep.
He didn't get to sleep until 2 AM and now his tiredness was becoming a problem. Now, here he was, reluctantly ready to listen to the pointless assembly. To his left sat his buddy Akihiko, who was enjoying his torment. And to his right was Mitsuru, her eyes forward and ready for the assembly. Akio was sweating bullets. He was so tired but if Mitsuru saw him sleeping through the incredibly boring speech the principal was giving…he feared for the future of his health!
The principal rolled on and on about responsibility and his vision for the future of the students. Akio had heard that the principal scheduled the speech because he was jealous of how everyone envied Mitsuru. Couldn't blame the guy for that, but still! Akio held on as long as he could but he was fading fast.
'Come to me sweet release…' he mind cooed as he nodded off. Then, a sharp pain in his side. Akihiko stabbed him with a pencil! 'DAMN!' he screamed in his head as consciousness flooded him. He twitched in his seat. Mitsuru glanced at him only to see him smile nervously at her. She nodded and turned back.
Akio glared at his boxing champ buddy. Akihiko nodded as if to say, "You're welcome". Akio just glared harder. It was not a "thank you" moment. It was an "I'm going to beat you with a blunt object until you beg for forgiveness" kind of moment. That pencil freaking hurt! Akihiko didn't seem to get the message so Akio just gave up. At least he was trying to help…he'd get revenge later anyway.
The assembly ended and Akio was now fully awake and very much not enjoying it.
Akihiko approached Akio after class finally finished for the day. "Ready to go?"
"We're free. We're free…" Akio said with mock enthusiasm, slightly waving his hands. Nonetheless, he grabbed his bag and proceeded out the door. He was met by his siblings and Mitsuru. They blocked his path. Akio looked to Akihiko for answer but he only shrugged.
"Akio," Mitsuru addressed him, "I have a favor I'd like to ask of you."
Akio pulled back from them a bit. "Is this an intervention? Because whatever it is…I can explain…"
"It's nothing like that. I assure you." Mitsuru smiled at his comment. "To make a long story short, I would like you to join the Student Council."
Akio's mouth hung open. Him in the Student Council? Was she a glutton for punishment or just high!
"Mitsuru-senpai. I don't think that's a very good idea." Minako voiced her opinion.
"I agree with her," Akio said pointing to his, at this present time, much beloved sister. "I don't think this is very thought-out idea." Mitsuru smile disappeared and her eyes hardened. Akio shuddered. "But then again you always think things out so thoroughly, so can you please tell me why?" Akio said quickly. The hardness in her eyes left and Akio relaxed a bit.
"You wouldn't need to be there every day." She explained. "In truth, I thought that someone as level-headed as yourself would be of great service to this school." Akio was slightly puzzled. Was she not paying attention when he was displaying his usual antics or was she just really delusional?
"Come on, bro. It won't be that bad." Minato tried to convince him. Wait. Why was Minato trying to convince him?
"Yeah, it's not like they really need you or anything. It's just volunteer work." Minako join in with the support. Both his siblings now were trying to persuade him. He was sure it…the world was on the verge of imploding.
'Something's very wrong here…damn' Akio concluded as they waited for an answer. "Uh, okay?" he kind of answered.
"Wonderful," Mitsuru smiled. "I'd like to take you today if you don't mind."
"Uh, sure. Just give me a sec." He glanced at his siblings. "I need to take of something real quick. I'll meet you there…where is it again?"
"Right across the hall." Mitsuru pointed to the double door down the hallway. "I'll see you there." She turned and headed for the door. As soon as she was gone Akio glared at his siblings.
"Nice going, bro" they replied in unison.
"Okay, shut up." He shocked them. "She asked you first. You didn't want to do it. And you passed it off on me." They nervously laughed. "And you wonder why I call you Monsters."
Minako opened her mouth to speak but was cut off. "I don't wanna hear it." Akio waved his hand at her. "You two owe me. I don't care how you pay me back but you two owe me." He pressed past them and headed for the Student Council room.
Akihiko slowly joined the twins. "You sure that was a good idea. You're brother is kind…"
They smirked, glanced at their brother's friend and said in unison, "Better him than us."
Akihiko sighed, "Do you really think he's the kind of guy to let something like this go?"
The smirks were replaced by look of worry. They could almost hear their brother's wicked laughter…
April 28, 2009: After school
It turned out that Student Council was as boring as he thought but not as painful. Most of the time Akio just interjected and told everyone how a "normal" student like him would question the various ideas they tossed between each other.
When Mitsuru had told him that she wanted someone level-headed, she actually meant that she wanted someone unafraid to tell the truth and be ridiculed by other Council members. Luckily Akio, possessing no shame, was not afraid to tell everyone how stupid their ideas were, and gladly. He'd definitely have to stop by more often. It was surprisingly uplifting to tell the truth.
Akio gathered his things and prepared to head home with Akihiko and Mitsuru. As they exited the class, they were intercepted by Minako, who had an overjoyed look on her face.
"You set the classroom on fire, didn't you?" Akio joked as she approached.
"Better," Minako answered, leaving Akio both shocked and afraid. "I need you, and only you, to come with me and Junpei today." Akio looked to his own friends and they shrugged.
"Okay, but why can't they come?" Akio asked.
"Because then the story wouldn't match up!" Minako exclaimed. Akio looked even more confused. "Phase 2 has officially begun!"
Akio instantly understood. "Who initiated?" he asked seriously, leaving Akihiko and Mitsuru puzzled.
"She did." Minako answered as if reporting to an army general. An uncharacteristically warm smile spread across Akio's and his sister's face. Akio whirled around back to his friends, who were still completely lost.
"Akihiko. Mitsuru." He addressed them formally, getting their attention. "You like Minato, right?" The deadly seriousness of his voice shocked them. He sounded like the overly-protective and concerned young man he only revealed to others while inside Tartarus. They nodded, unable to answer with words. Akio clapped his hands in front of them and bowed apologetically.
"For his sake, I need you to go home without me immediately and just stay there. Please do this for him. It's very important for his future, as well as ours." The seniors stood perplexed by his odd request. It's not like they were going anywhere else anyway. "I promise I'll explain all this later. So please…just trust me for now."
Akihiko and Mitsuru didn't feel the need to ask anymore. It was apparent that Akio was trying to help his little brother with something important and they wouldn't interrupt that. Akihiko glanced at Mitsuru, who returned the gaze. They shared a smile and Akihiko patted Akio on the head.
"You got it, pal. We'll take one for the team." Akihiko reassured him. Akio smiled, he'd never had a best friend before but Akihiko was quickly taking the spot.
"As long as you explain it all to us later, I see no reason not to trust your judgment." Mitsuru agreed. Akio couldn't help the wonderful feeling that welled up inside him. Although Mitsuru was terribly frightening, she was also very kind and generous to her friends.
He felt honored to have made such great friends.
"And with that said," Akio said, pointing toward the exit. "Go. Now! Before the plan is ruined!" He had instantly reverted to his usually obnoxious self, not that they minded. Akihiko and Mitsuru turned to leave but Akio placed his hand on Akihiko's shoulder stopping him momentarily.
Akio leaned in and whispered to his athletic friend, "I said this to Minato and now I'm sayin' it to you..." he glanced at Mitsuru, who walked ahead of them. "Stake your claim early." He gave Akihiko's shoulder a quick pat before rushing back to his sister.
Akihiko had to take a moment to register what just happened. Sure, he found Mitsuru to be a very beautiful young woman and more than once he'd thought what it would be like to ask her out but he never recalled giving Akio any hint that he was interested in her. Then again, Akio was pretty perceptive, more so than he ever let on. Akihiko gazed toward Mitsuru and smiled to himself. Stake the claim early…right!
He rushed after the heiress with renewed faith in himself.
Minato was loading up his books after a long and exhausting day of class when Yukari appeared next to him.
"Hey, whatcha doing?" she asked innocently. Minato's mood softened when he saw her.
"Just getting ready to head home. You?"
Yukari smiled at him. "Actually, I wanted to see if you and your sister wanted to join me for coffee." It was kind of embarrassing for her to ask but she showed no sign of it. "My treat. I need to make up for not being able to go last time."
"Sure, sounds great." Minato instantly answered, without consulting his sister. Next to him, his sister stood gaping and not because of him not considering her feelings. Minako quickly grabbed her stuff bolted for the door, leaving the two of them alone for the moment.
Although slightly confused by the young ladies sudden departure, they still maintained a pleasant atmosphere. "So, where are we headed?" Minato asked.
"There's this really nice place in the Paulownia Mall that sells really amazing coffee. They even nicknamed it 'Pheromone Coffee'." Minato was could tell Yukari was excited, he was too.
Suddenly, Minako came rushing back into the room. "Oops! Forgot this!" She said as she reached into her desk and pulled out her purse.
"Hey, Sis." Minako finally looked up to her twin and her friend. "We're heading out for coffee. You coming?" Minato pleasantly asked.
Minako smile apologetically. "Sorry, but I kind already have plans for today. Junpei, Akio and I are going to see a movie." Their hearts sank as she denied them the pleasure of her company. "But you two should totally go for it."
"Y-Yeah," Yukari agreed, fighting off her excitement.
"Maybe we could invite Akihiko-senpai or Mitsuru-senpai?" Minato offered nervously. It wasn't like he didn't want to hang out with Yukari alone, not at all. But he got so nervous being around just her, he was a shy kid beneath all his bravado and calm demeanor.
Minako was not pleased with her brother's comment but was well aware it might come up. "They already left. Akio told me himself." She informed them. "I'm really sorry about this but I'm sure it'll be fun for you guys."
Akio appeared at the classroom door with Junpei in tow. "Yo, let's go! We're gonna miss the flick!" Minako bolted up and shouted back, "I'm coming! Wait up!" she grabbed her purse and book bag and headed for the door. She turned back to Minato and Yukari, then shouted, "Have a good time!"
And with that she was out the door. Minato questioned the perfectly timed entrance of Akio and his sister's very suspicious story. Since when did Minako and Akio make plans to hang out and not include him. Could it be that…No, there was no way that they knew he was secretly interested in Yukari…or did they? Now he just felt even more nervous.
Yukari, who was also feeling nervous, offered a nervous smile to him. "Well…you still wanna go? We don't have to if you don't want…"
"No! No. It's fine. I don't need my family around to enjoy myself." Okay that felt really stupid for him to say but Yukari didn't question it.
She grabbed her things and said, "Alright then. Let's go."
When they arrived at the coffee shop they got a nice little table in the center of the café. Minato ordered a simple coffee while Yukari order the special, Pheromone Coffee. They sat nervously waiting for their coffee. It was really awkward since it was the first time they'd been alone together since that time they walked home from the hospital.
"So, how are things going for you?" Yukari nervously asked. "I mean, are you accustomed to living at the dorm and coming to school and…" She couldn't finish. She wanted to smack herself. Starting a conversation based on getting used to not only school and the dorm but also going to Tartarus and fighting the Shadows was not the best way to start.
"Fine." His answer was simple and quick, just like she should have expected. "How about you? How have things been for you?"
"Oh, fine. I guess…" she answered awkwardly. This was quickly turning into a disaster. "Archery…It's going well. How's track?" She was going for anything at this point.
"It's, well, track. Just running laps and all that." It was becoming infinitely apparent that they both weren't good at generating small talk. The waiter brought them their coffee and they silently sipped it and occasionally glanced at each other.
After a few minutes of more awkward silence, Yukari said, "I think it's pretty admirable…" Minato glanced at her, not understanding. "Ya know…the fact that you and your brother and sister are all Persona-users."
Minato finally smiled. "Thanks but you seem to be even more amazing than all of us. After all, you've been fighting the Shadows longer than any of us." Yukari fought off a blush that was rising.
"No, I'm not all that special…not compared to you all." She wasn't used to compliment from him. It was strange but nice at the same time. "I mean, you all lost your parents when you were so young. It's amazing how you've held yourselves together for so long." She regretted the word when they came out. "Sorry, that's not what I meant."
Minato tried to hide the pain on his face but failed. Yukari hated that look and she hated herself more for causing it. "I need to tell you something," she informed him. He glanced at her. "I didn't invite the two of you to just hang out. I also wanted to apologize."
Minato was confused. Apologize for what? It's not like she'd done anything but be a great friend to them since they'd met. Sure, their first meeting was kind of…disturbing, but they still connected with her better than anyone else they'd met.
Minato remained silent as she continued. "When I said that the situation your family was in was similar to mine, I was being really rude and selfish." She sighed, "I guess I just wanted to have someone in my life that has the same kind of pain as me. But I still have my Mom, even if we're not on good terms. You guys lost both your parents. It's nothing like my situation at all." She averted her gaze from him. "I just wanted to apologize for being so insensitive." She wanted to get up and leave right then. If it had been both of the twins, it may have been easier but telling this only to Minato was both embarrassing and unnerving.
"I don't think your being insensitive."
Yukari's eyes shot back to her teammate to see him smiling warmly at her. "If anything, you've been very understanding of our situation and we should be thanking you for it." Minato had the talent of knowing exactly what to say and when to say it. He wasn't trying to make her feel better, he wasn't trying to cover up his own sadness; he was just being honest.
This was one of the traits that Yukari found so attractive about Minato. She let out a quick laugh and relaxed a bit. "Sorry for getting all gloomy and weird." Minato shook his head at her apology.
"No worries. We're friends, right?" It felt weird to say that but it was true. For now they were just friends and nothing more. Yukari returned his smile and sipped her coffee.
"Yeah," she responded affectionately, "We are." Minato took a sip of his own coffee. The atmosphere was clearing up between them and it was becoming enjoyable. Yukari thought about how amazing Minato and his siblings were. They accepted her so quickly and so readily, especially, Akio. He embraced her company like she was his new little sister, it made her giggle.
"You three sure are something," she told him. "You and your sister seem really close. I'm kind of jealous. I don't have any siblings."
Minato laughed a bit at that comment. "We're twins. It comes with the territory. The real amazing one is our big bro." Yukari noticed the sad tone in his voice as he continued. "He's always been there for us. Ever since our parent died, he's been the one to look out for us." He paused, as if in thought. "I just wish he'd spend more time making himself happy. He's spent so much time making us happy that he hasn't taken the time for himself."
Minato's tone suddenly got softer. "I'm glad he's made friends with Akihiko-senpai and Mitsuru-senpai. He deserves to have fun every so often too."
Yukari smiled and said, "Tell me more about him. I don't know all that much really." Minato's eyes lit up at the invitation. For the next few hours, Minato told Yukari many of the humorous stories involving his obnoxious and over-protective brother. Particularly the ones that involved Akio coming to the defense of him and his sister.
"Wow! I didn't think it was possible to break someone's kidney!" Yukari said stunned.
"Big bro has a habit of being able to do things most people find impossible." Minato replied. Yukari nodded.
"I can definitely see that." They laughed before Yukari checked the time. "Jeez, it's late. We better go going before it gets dark." Minato nodded and they left the café.
They took the monorail back to the dorm. On the way, they chatted about other things, like school and clubs, not discussing the Shadows or Personas at all. It was nice to take a break from it from time to time. It was getting dark as they got off the train.
Minato wasn't sure when it happened but somewhere along the way home he glanced at his hand and found it holding onto Yukari's. He didn't even remember doing that. Yukari didn't seem to notice or mind so he kept it to himself, happy that it was happening at all.
As they got all way back to the dorm, Yukari finally let her hand slip from his as she climbed the steps of the dorm. Minato instantly missed the warmth.
"Today was fun." Yukari said grinning at him. "We should do this again sometime."
Minato nodded and said, "I'd like that."
Little did they know, two sets of eyes had watched them coming down the block holding hands. Akio and Minako had no choice...they jumped in the air and gave each other a high five before hugging and jumping around like small children.
Now, preparation for Phase 3 could commence.
To Be Continued…
I know I should have updated sooner but now that classes have started again, I have less time to write. Especially considering I am working on both school related and personal projects.
Do not fear! I have not abandoned this story! I have been working on other stories while my writers block for this began to dissolve. I may not be able to update as frequently as before but I promise that I will get moving on this story really soon!
As always, please Review and keep on smiling. Flames shall be used to burn away all the dreaded snow in my area!