A/N: Well, this is it, the moment of truth, the final chapter. This chapter is particularly longer than the other chapters, too.
***: Yup, it was longer than I expected, too, but it was worth it. Plus, we do get to upload sooner than last time.
Empyrea: Okay… Before she spoils anything, we better get on with the fic.
Disclaimer: For the umpteenth time, I don't own Persona 3: FES.
Final Chapter: Voice from the Past
Yukari was finally able to defeat Aigis, and thought she can finally obtain the wild card and bring him back. But, to her surprise, Minato himself is willing to fight her for the wild card. But, she, too, is ready, if fighting him is what it will take, then, she'll take it…
Yukari: … *looks down*
Mitsuru: *steps forward* Wait.
Yukari: *turns to Mitsuru* Senpai?
Mitsuru: *readies her rapier* I wish to help you, Takeba.
Yukari: Senpai…
Mitsuru: I'll help in anyway I can, Takeba.
Junpei: *walks forward* I'm willing to help, too!
Yukari: *turns to Junpei* Junpei…
Junpei: *readies his katana* I may not be a big help, but-
Akihiko: *walks towards them, while wearing his gloves* And that's the reason why you should let me join, too.
Junpei: *turns to Akihiko* Hey!
Yukari: *turns to Akihiko* Senpai…
Ken: *readies his spear* Count me in, too! I'll fight.
Yukari: *turns to Ken* Ken-kun…
Fuuka: I'll help, as well! I know I won't be much of a big help, but, I'll do my best!
Yukari: *turns to Fuuka* Fuuka…
Koromaru: Arf! Arf!
Yukari: *turns to Koromaru* Even Koromaru, huh…
Aigis: *steps forward towards Yukari* Yukari-san…
Yukari: *looks at Aigis* …
Aigis: I wish to help you.
Yukari: Aigis.
Aigis: I acknowledge defeat… I accept your decision… *smiles* Yukari-san.
Yukari: *smiles* I know that…thank you, everyone.
Junpei: Of course. We're SEES, remember? *turns to Minato* So, you're coming with us! Get it?!
*everyone turns to Minato*
Minato: I see… This is the answer you give… Fine.
Yukari: Minato…
Minato: I won't hold back just because it's you guys.
Akihiko: You're the one who shouldn't let your guard down.
Minato: We'll see about that, senpai.
Akihiko: I see. Let's get started, then. *raises his fists*
Mitsuru: *points her weapon towards Minato* Be prepared, Arisato. We won't hold back, either.
Junpei: *swings his sword* Yeah! We're ready to drag you back with us if we have to!
Ken: *swings his spear* We can't lose anymore! Not even if were up against you, senpai!
Kormaru: *growls*
Aigis: I believe we can all go back again! Please realize this, Minato-san!
Fuuka: I know we shouldn't be fighting like this, but, please, come back with us, Minato-kun!
Yukari: Everyone feels the same way! Realize our resolve, Minato! This is our answer to life!
Minato: *looks at all of them* You all came this far, huh.
Others: …???
Mitsuru: What are you trying to suggest?
Minato: You claim you found the answer to life's greatest question, and yet, you understand nothing.
Mitsuru: How could you say that, Arisato?!
Akihiko: We know clearly what we're doing!
Junpei: Why can't you understand us?!
Minato: You're the one who doesn't understand!
Junpei: We'll show you we do!
Minato: You know the price for all this, yet, you don't realize how wrong the decision you're going to make is.
Mitsuru: You do not decide that, Arisato! If our decision is wrong, then, the mistake may be big, but the regret isn't! We are only following the dictations of our hearts! You taught us that, Arisato. That's why we fight!
Minato: …Even if the price is your lives? You don't care?
Junpei: Of course, we're scared!
Ken: But we can't give up!
Koromaru: Arf! Arf!
Aigis: We wish never to regret our actions again! Never! I want for all of us to live!
Minato: Enough talk! I'll show you the difference of our resolve!
Minato's Personas, which once resided within them, now appears before them, not as allies, but as adversaries…
Minato: The end is nigh. Surrender.
Junpei: NOO!!! Trismegistus!
Fuuka: Please defend me, Juno!
Ken: Help me, Kala-Nemi!
Mitsuru: Artemisia! Be my sword!
Akihiko: Caesar!
Koromaru: *howls*
Aigis: Athena! Stand as my shield! Please answer my call.
The members of SEES all concentrate hard within the reflection of their hearts, and yet, no Persona appears before them…
Junpei: Why?!
Akihiko: How can this be?!
Mitsuru: It can't be…
Ken: I…
Aigis: We mustn't give up!
Yukari: …
Fuuka: Why isn't Juno…?
Koromaru: *whimpers*
Minato: Now you all see the difference. My power is far beyond yours.
Mitsuru: But, we-
Minato: I gave you all a chance, now, it's time for judgment.
The Personas attack the members of SEES, meanwhile…
Yukari: Messiah…
Messiah: I will not fight thee if thou will merely stand there.
Yukari: *walks towards Minato*
Messiah: *blocks Yukari's way* I cannot let thou near mine master, either.
Yukari: I know very well my limitations, and I know clearly well that Isis cannot bring you down… I know this, because, you were once a part of me, Messiah…
Messiah: …
Yukari: That's why, with that resolve… *looks at Minato* I won't lose! Not even to you! *summons a Persona* Orpheus Telos!
Orpheus Telos appears before Yukari…
Minato: Yukari…
Yukari: Morning star!
Messiah disappears with Yukari's attack…
Yukari: *walks towards Minato* "Minato… I want to know the truth… Why?"
Yukari continues to walk toward Minato, meanwhile, the other members of SEES are struggling with Minato's Personas…
Mitsuru: Takeba! *trying to guard the attacks of Helel*
Junpei: Ugh! You're really one tough cookie, Surt! Take this! *attacks Surt with his katana and notices Yukari* Yuka-tan? Hey! Where are you going?!
Yukari: …I have to stop this.
Fuuka: *defending herself from Norn* Yukari-chan?! Be careful!
Ken: Senpai, we believe in you! *fighting Lucifer back*
Koromaru: *growls at Kohryu*
Aigis: *looks at Yukari* Yukari-san… "Please make a realization to our resolve…without needing to sacrifice your own life…"
Asura: Will thou not fight back?
Aigis: *turns at Asura* Even if I do, it will not change anything, right?
Asura: That is correct. My master has already decided.
Aigis: Maybe not. We believe in Yukari-san.
Akihiko: 'Course we do! *punches Odin* That's why we can't lose here!
Aigis: *nods* This is our answer.
Minato: *looking at Yukari* …
Yukari stops after reaching Minato's location…
Yukari: Long time no see, huh…
Minato: …
Yukari: Do you still remember?
Minato: What?
Yukari: The promise we made?
Minato: …
Yukari: Back when…you talked to me at the dorm…
Minato: I do…
Yukari: Then, why?
Minato: Why?
Yukari: Why stop us? Why do you reject our decision?
Minato: Because the price that you must pay is clear to me.
Yukari: Well, it is also clear to me! I have to replace to you! …I want you to live!
Minato: I won't allow that!
Yukari: Why not?
Minato: Why do you always ask?!
Yukari: …
Minato: Why ask why?! It's should be clear to you more than to the others!
Yukari: Minato…
Minato: Like you said before to Aigis… Let's settle everything through combat. You'll know the answer that way.
Yukari: Very well. *takes up her bow*
Minato: …Messiah.
Yukari: Isis…
Their Personas appear before them…
Minato: "I know I promised you, but…"
Yukari: "Minato… I know you're just worried, but, I…"
Minato & Yukari: "I can't lose!"
Yukari: *summons her Persona* Now, Isis! Garudyne!
Minato: *summons his Persona* Pass judgment, Messiah! Megidolaon!
Minato's Persona clearly overpowers Yukari's. Even so, a fierce battle raged between them. Yukari kept casting her wind spells, as she knew Messiah's impervious to her arrows. Minato, on the other hand, knows that he can beat Yukari, though, he is astonished that Yukari is able to keep an equal footing against Messiah. After exchanging numerous blows, Yukari reached her limit, falls to her knees, exhausted, and Isis disappeared. Minato thought he won, but to his surprise, Yukari is struggling to stand up…
Yukari: It's not over yet! "Please! One more time! Aid me!" *summons a Persona* Orpheus Telos!
Orpheus Telos appears before Yukari…
Yukari: Let's do this!
As if responding to the strength of her will, in Yukari's right hand, appears the World Arcana tarot, which dictates that the battle's victor has been decided…
Yukari: I-I won? I really won?! *looks around*
Minato's other Personas disappear, as well…
Minato: You win, Yukari… *walks towards Yukari* I guess I have to accept the things that will happen, no matter what that will be.
Yukari: Minato…
Minato: Go on. Do what you think is right. I'll wait until we meet again.
Yukari: *nods* I know.
Minato: *turns around and whispers to himself* Stupid…
Yukari: …Minato.
Minato: *looks at Yukari* Hurry up. You don't have much time left.
Yukari: Yes.
Metis: *stands up* Minato…
Minato disappears…
Yukari: *looks at the World Arcana tarot* So, this is the key, huh… I'll definitely bring you back.
*everyone walks towards Yukari*
Junpei: Good going, Yuka-tan!
Mitsuru: You really won.
Yukari: We did, senpai.
Mitsuru: Yes, we did.
Akihiko: So, what now?
Fuuka: Is this really-
Yukari: *turns to Fuuka* Yes, Fuuka. This is goodbye.
Others: …!!!
Fuuka: NO! *falls down to her knees*
Yukari: Fuuka…
Aigis: Yukari-san… I'll go in your place, and-
Yukari: *looks at Aigis* No, Aigis. I decided this.
Aigis: Yukari-san…
Akihiko: *grits his teeth and clenches his fists* Dammit…
Yukari: *turns to Akihiko* Please, don't feel sorry for me or yourself, senpai. I chose this path.
Mitsuru: *tears are about to fall from Mitsuru's eyes* Takeba…
Yukari: *turns to Mitsuru* Senpai, I'm sorry.
Ken: Senpai…
Koromaru: *whimpers*
Yukari: *turns to Koromaru and pats his head* Be a good boy while I'm gone, okay? *turns to Ken* You, too, Ken-kun.
Ken: I know, senpai…
Yukari: *smiles* Well… I'll be going now.
Junpei: Yuka-tan… I can't stop you, right? So… See you.
Yukari: *looks at Junpei* Thanks, Junpei.
Yukari leaves the others and walks towards Metis…
Metis: What do you want to do?
Yukari: How do I use the wild card?
Metis: … *walks towards the door of Empyrean* Let's go in.
Yukari: Okay.
Metis and Yukari enter the Door of Empyrean, as they reach the final door, Metis suddenly stops…
Metis: *faces Yukari and extends her hand* Give me the wild card!
Yukari: What?! No way!
Metis: Trust me, please!
Yukari: What?! What are you going to do?
Metis: *slaps Yukari* Wake up!
Yukari: Wha-
Metis: Stop acting like the heroine! There's no point for Minato to go back!
Yukari: How dare you say-
Metis: There's no point if you're not there!
Yukari: …!!!
Metis: That's his answer…and mine.
Yukari: Metis…
Metis: Trust me on this.
Yukari: But…
Metis: I'll bring him back. I promise.
Yukari: Metis…
Metis: Please… There's no longer any time left.
Yukari: *hands over the wild card to Metis* I understand.
Metis: You can wait here.
Yukari: *nods* I'll trust you.
Metis: *turns around* By the way, Yukari…
Yukari: What is it?
Metis: Please, tell my sister, thank you for everything.
Yukari: *a tear falls down Yukari's eyes* I will.
Metis: Thank you.
Metis runs further into Empyrean until she reaches the door wherein Aigis turned into a human…
Metis: Let this be the door to salvation, right?
Metis opens the door and ends up in front of the Great Seal…
Metis: I want you to be with your friends. I want you to be happy again. Please make sister happy, too…
Metis uses the wild card, and then, everything is engulfed by a bright light…
Junpei: What's happening? "I want to see everyone again… Chidori… Yuka-tan… Minato…"
Fuuka: Did Yukari-chan do it? "I hope they're all right."
Mitsuru: Yukari… Minato… "Please be safe."
Akihiko: Is this our way back? "Everyone… I found it…right, Mitsuru?"
Ken: Senpai… "I'll follow my path now, senpai."
Koromaru: *howls*
Aigis: Will they succeed? "Please be safe, Yukari-san… Please live, Minato-san… I don't want to lose anyone anymore! Metis… Even though you never told me…I know that you're a part of me. The feelings that I wished to cast away… I'm sorry. I could not tell you these feelings, but, I'm truly grateful for all that you've done for us…and for him."
Meanwhile, in Empyrean, everything is being engulfed by white light, as well…
Yukari: "Everything is being engulfed by this bright light. Did Metis succeed? I hope she did… *turns her head* Huh? What's that? A door?"
Yukari walks towards the door and opens it…
Yukari: This is… *looks around* Gekkoukan rooftop…
Minato: *sitting in one of the chairs in the rooftop* …
Yukari: Minato?
Minato: *turns to Yukari* Like before, right?
Yukari: *walks towards Minato* Can I sit?
Minato: *nods*
Yukari sits down next to Minato…
Yukari: Are you…coming back?
Minato: Metis said…goodbye…
Yukari: …
Minato: I want to thank her so much, crying won't be enough…
Yukari: Minato…
Minato: *looks at Yukari* Hey…
Yukari: Yeah?
Minato: Now, I won't leave you anymore.
Yukari: …!
Minato: I promised, right?
Yukari: …
Minato: *looks at the scenery* I can't mourn forever, or else, her sacrifice will all go to waste.
Yukari: Minato…
Minato: You knew, right?
Yukari: Knew what?
Minato: You knew why I didn't want you to win…
Yukari: I did…
Minato: *hugs Yukari* You know what?
Yukari: What?
Minato: You love in such a cruel way…
Yukari: *looks down* …
Minato: Too cruel and painful that I can't stop crying…
Yukari: Minato? I'm-
Minato: I can't stop being happy… You love in such a wonderful way…
Yukari: …!!!
Minato: *whispers to Yukari* I can't wait to be with you…
Yukari: *hugs Minato* Me, too…
Minato: I have something for you when we get back to the dorm…
Yukari: The dorm?
Minato: For our last stay… I have a present for you.
Yukari: Minato?
Yukari starts hearing voices…
Voice of a guy: Yuka-tan!
Yukari: *looks in the direction of the voice* Junpei?
Mitsuru: Takeba? Yukari! Please, wake up!
Ken: Senpai!
Koromaru: Arf! Arf!
Aigis: Yukari-san!
Akihiko: Yukari!
Fuuka: Yukari-chan!
Yukari: Everyone?
Yukari finally wakes up in the Velvet Room…
Yukari: …!!! The Velvet Room?
Mitsuru: Thank goodness.
Man with a long nose: Welcome to the Velvet Room. I am Igor, *points to Elizabeth* and this is my assistant, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: It's a pleasure to meet you all.
Igor: We are both residents here.
Junpei: *points at Elizabeth* You!
Elizabeth: I'm pleased to finally see you all in person.
Yukari: Why are we here?
Igor: Do not fear. You are all about to go home. The time is here.
The Velvet Room stops moving…
Mitsuru: Is this an elevator?
Akihiko: It stopped.
Igor: We are here. The time we had was short, yet, it felt long. Always remember that "Strength of Heart, when united, is barred by no door". Hold firm to the answers you all found in this journey. It shall lead you all to a life without regret.
Elizabeth: I thank you all, on behalf of my master, for being our temporary guests.
Yukari: What?
Then, they all wake up in the Kirijo dorm…
Yukari: *slowly opens her eyes and suddenly sits up* The dorm?
Fuuka: Is this our dorm?
Mitsuru: The sun…
Akihiko: It's…morning…
Junpei: *looks at his cell phone in the table* Oh, yeah!
Mitsuru: Iori?
Junpei: It's April 1st! We made it back!
Aigis: We did…
Ken: *touches Aigis' hand* You're still human, Aigis-san!
Aigis: *smiles* Yes…
Koromaru: *runs around* Arf! Arf!
Yukari: *giggles* I see Koro-chan's happy, too.
Mitsuru: We all are.
Fuuka: I wonder how Minato-kun and Chidori-san are doing, too.
Others: …!!!
Mitsuru: Let's go see!
They all ran towards Minato's room, but, they didn't find him there, and so, they started searching the whole house, but, they couldn't find him anywhere…
Fuuka: Oh, no…
Akihiko: What?
Fuuka: What if we failed?
Yukari: That can't be! "Metis said so!"
Mitsuru: What if he had amnesia?
Junpei: Amnesia?
Mitsuru: What if he forgot he lived here? What if the Abyss of Time robbed him of his memories of his past life?
Junpei: No way! What about Chidori?!
Akihiko: That may be a possibility.
Yukari: No way! That's totally impossible! "He promised!"
Fuuka: What if he just went somewhere?
Yukari: I'll look for him!
Yukari runs towards the door of the dorm and opens the door…
Minato: *hands extended towards the knob* Oh? You're back? *raises a plastic bag* Me and Chidori bought some food. There's none in the refrigerator, and-
Yukari: You scared me!
Minato: *staggers back* …??? Huh?
Yukari: I thought you were gone again! Meanie!
Junpei: *runs towards the door* Chidori!
Chidori: *smiles* Junpei!
Junpei: It's really you!
Chidori: *nods* Welcome home, Junpei.
Junpei: Thanks.
The others run towards Yukari and Junpei, and all of them have a smile on their faces with the happiness of being reunited once again, then, after all the commotion, Yukari and Minato went up to the 4th floor Command Room…
Yukari: *closes the door* Are you sure it's here?
Minato: Yup! I hid it here, just in case!
Yukari: It better be good.
Minato: Of course! Like I told you, it's the best present ever!
Yukari: That better be true.
Minato: *looks through the boxes below the board of consoles* Found it!
Yukari: Already?
Minato: I'm so lucky it's still here!
Yukari: Great!
Minato: But, you have to close your eyes first!
Yukari: Huh? Why?
Minato: You're no fun.
Yukari: Hmph. Okay, okay, fine. *closes her eyes*
Minato: Don't open it until I tell you the present's ready, okay?
Yukari: Okay.
Minato: Hey, no cheating.
Yukari: Am not.
Minato: Good, then. Ready?
Yukari: I'm ready when you are.
Yukari can feel Minato hold her close, and then, to her surprise, Minato gently kisses her lips…
Yukari: …!!! *suddenly opens her eyes*
Minato: *slowly breaks away from the kiss* I love you.
Yukari: *blushes* Wha-
Minato: *smiles and winks at Yukari* I told you it's the best, didn't I? Your first kiss!
Yukari: Minato…
Minato: So, what do you think?
Yukari: Huh?
Minato: *blushes* You know, about my present…
Yukari: *beams with happiness* I love you, too!
Minato: *smiles*
Yukari: *smiles and hugs Minato tightly* Welcome home…
Minato: *hugs Yukari* I won't leave you anymore… Yukari…
THE END
A/N: Well, that's it folks. But, there are still two extra chapters after this, so, please wait for us to update those.
***: Oh, yeaaaah!!! I've waited so long for that! Too bad it's the end, though…
Empyrea: Well, like I said, please stay tuned for the two extra chapters. And we really hope you like my fic! Thanks to vastler75 for his reviews and for adding me to his fave authors! Also, thanks to cncgamefan, Tatsu-kun and Anonymous Nin for putting our fic in their fave list. It meant a lot to us!