CHAPTER 8 / Tension

February 14th, 2010

Dear Yukari,

There are some humorous incidents that happen around the dorm since no one seems to remember anything. Even though everyone's minds can't figure out the connections, everyone's heart remembers. So we get a lot of odd reactions around the dorm. Like the time I had made milkshakes for everyone and gave them all their favorite flavors. The look of confusion on Mitsuru's face was classic. I could just see her thinking, "How could you possibly know?" Akihiko's was easily as confused. Oh man, I laughed so hard when I finally excused myself and went up to my room. Now that I think about it I'm sure Akihiko and Mitsuru would get pissed if they thought I was taken advantage of the fact that I remembered everything and they didn't.

Still, maybe I did with you too. I mean without memories of the Dark Hour you had forgotten a lot of the things that had brought us closer together. Yet you don't question the feelings you have for me. Just the other day you said those words to me again. We stopped to eat at Wild Duck like we had numerous times before. And as we ate you just said it so easily. "I love you, Minato." There was no hesitation or second guessing. Sure you blushed a bit after realizing where you had said it but you didn't question it. And you were confused when I had said the same to you. Because the circumstances were tied closer to the existence of the Dark Hour than maybe we both cared to admit. The struggles we face were no doubt a huge contribution to us becoming what we are now. Still...

Just how much do you love me, Yukari? I know it is an unfair question. And one I'm not sure I want to know. Especially since I won't be here for you much longer. I love you so much.

Our time is short, but I will cherish every moment we have together. I only hope that you will be look back at our time together and smile and that it won't be a source of pain. You're the strongest girl I know. I hope you know that.

Love Always,

Arisato Minato

July 20th, 2009 / Daytime

Junpei goes charging forward and stands on the beach with an energetic air about him. Minato had no idea how he was going to keep up with him if this continued as it was. He had a horrible time trying to sleep the last night and then they got up really early in order to catch the train to head to the port. Then they were on a boat for quite a while. At the very least Minato had managed to fall asleep amidst the others excitement and conversations as the boat carried them to their destination. It didn't feel long enough though and had been awakened by Junpei's declaration that they had arrived.

Then Yukari had commented how Minato could sleep just about anywhere and through anything. He just shrugged and gathered up his things as they had arrived. It hadn't been that long since they arrived but here they were heading onto the beach. Akihiko and Minato strolled up behind Junpei. Junpei quickly turned back to them.

"Ahh…Got my sandals on…Giving my feet a chance to breath…Yup! Summer's here," Junpei grinned. Minato had to hand it to him though. At least he knew how to enjoy himself.

"Don't use your energy up all at once," Minato yawned as he stretched out his arms.

"Dude, how could you sleep on that boat?" he asked.

"I'm used to it. One of my foster parents was a fisherman. He took me out every day during the summer one year," Minato diverted his gaze over to Akihiko who looked like he was searching for something in the water. Honestly that summer with his Foster Father on the boat every day had been easily the best summer he ever had. It was him, the boat, the open sea and on occasion a few good books. Considering right now he had Shadows and the Dark Hour to contend with...he was pretty sure this summer would be busy...but probably not better than what he remembered with his Foster Father.

"Darn. There's nothing out there I can use as a marker. Too bad, I was looking for a good swim." Akihiko was genuinely disappointed.

Now that Minato thought about it, it would be a good idea to get in some exercise considering it been two weeks since they had gone to Tartarus or had club activities. "We'll have to figure something out. But we should start slow; it's been some time since we last exerted ourselves." Either way it was a good idea to do something physically demanding.

"You guys must be joking. We came all the way to the beach and you guys want to train?" Junpei gave them both a look. Akihiko and Minato shared a glance before looking back at Junpei.

"What's wrong with that? You got a better idea?" Akihiko said.

"Damn right, I do. It's summertime at the beach. I've got the perfect activity," Junpei had the stupidest grin on his face. His gaze moves over and his eyes get big for a moment which causes Akihiko and Minato to look over as well.

Yukari is standing there in her swimsuit. A two-piece and one that she had tried on previously with Minato with her. He had learned from Fuuka that the two of them had gone swimsuit shopping after the last day of finals. The swimsuit was pink, but it wasn't bright or flashy like that yellow one she had tried on. This one was more of a subdued color but at the same time distinct. She looked absolutely stunning in it. Her hair flowed freely and she wore a pair of sunglasses and was carrying her towel as well. Minato had seen her already in the swimsuit but even still he found it hard not to look at her from head to toe. Oh boy it was going to be a rough day.

"Say hello to contestant number one, Takeba Yukari! As you can see, she's chosen a bold design. Quite unexpected. It takes a lot of confidence to pull off a swimsuit like that," Junpei announced in a mock tone. Minato was now fully aware that Junpei was gawking at Yukari and he was not okay with that.

Yukari noticed them and started to walk over, giving a suspicious look at Junpei. Minato noticed as Junpei avoided her gaze taking too much effort to look innocent. Fuuka wasn't too far behind Yukari. It was going to be one of those days wasn't it?

"Next up is contestant number two, Yamagishi Fuuka!" Junpei paused for a moment. "Wow, Fuuka-san, I had no idea you were so…I mean you should wear a swimsuit more often."

Fuuka turned a bright red and hid behind Yukari.

"Oh come on, there's nothing to be embarrassed about," Junpei laughed. He was enjoying this way too much.

"Cut it out Junpei," Minato muttered and no longer amused by Junpei's antics. "I am not helping if you piss the girls off."

"And stop that creepy laugh while you're at it, you perv," Yukari added.

Junpei ignored them both, "And here comes our final contestant." For some reason everyone turned and looked at Mitsuru as she stepped out onto the beach. Minato groaned and instead turned away, heading out towards the water instead of staying to listen to the rest of the conversation. He stopped for a moment and simply looked out to the sea.

The two girls had apparently started complimenting Mitsuru about her skin…or something. Minato was through listening as he wanted to take a moment to just enjoy the scenery and feel of being on the beach. Being out of the city, and in the sun filled skies of Yakushima. The breeze and fresh air was distinctly different than how it was back at Tatsumi Port Island. An important difference. His peace was broken when Junpei appeared next to him.

"So which one is your type?" Junpei asked with his stupid grin. He could appreciate Junpei enjoying himself, but it was starting to get in the way of his own.

"That's a dangerous question," Minato muttered. It was for many reasons...because up to this point he had avoided admitting anything to himself out loud, although the answer came to his mind immediately.

"Ah, come on man. Get into the spirit of things," he nudged him. It was obvious he wasn't going to drop this subject.

"Fine, it's Takeba," Minato gave up. A part of him hoping that it meant he could have a bit of breathing room.

"Just as I thought," Junpei stepped forward towards the water. "Man, this is great. I'm in heaven! How 'bout a swim?"

Before he could answer Junpei had charged off and into the water. Minato sighed and took another step. Then something happened that caused every alarm in his body to go crazy, as if he was in danger. Instinctively he turned and looked off into the distance. What was it? What could cause him to react like that? But after a moment his nerves settled and the sensation that had come over him went away. He wasn't even sure what could cause him to react this way.

"Everything alright?" Yukari appeared next to him. And somehow her presence made the unease he had just experienced drift away when he looked at her.

"Oh Takeba I…" he stopped noting the look in her face. She had said before that she would get irritated if he went back to calling her last name. So he quickly corrected himself, "I mean Yukari-san."

She smiled, "You seem a little jumpy." That was certainly one way he thought of it...but still...

"Yeah, I think I'm just tired," he said averting his eyes briefly to the nearby trees but then back to Yukari. No point in bringing up unease on just a momentary feeling.

"Well you can't sleep now, we just came down to the beach. Let's go for a swim. If we don't we may never hear the end of it from Junpei-kun," she giggled. "You'll come with me right?"

He nodded, and before he knew it Yukari had grabbed his hand and pulled him out into the water. Minato laughed as he took the lead and then the both of them jumped into the water and went under its surface and then quickly came back up.

"Whoa, it's cold!" Junpei yelled not too far from them while he was laughing.

"It isn't that bad," Yukari said smiling at Minato. Under the water, Yukari was still holding Minato's hand. The rest of the afternoon seemed to pass by quickly after that. Minato and Yukari pretty much stayed together and swam for a good portion of the day before they all went in for lunch. He wasn't even sure how long they had been out there, but it was relaxing and fun to be able to spend time with Yukari and not have to think about the Dark Hour, Shadows or Persona.

"Darn, I think I might have a sun burn I didn't think to put on any sunscreen," Yukari muttered as she looked down at her body while they sat on the patio of the resort. The others were inside still eating lunch but Minato and Yukari had finished a bit early and wound up in their current location. Minato had been more or less led around by Yukari since this morning, but he was okay with that. It was a nice change of pace to see her like this...confident, happy, and an amazing smile.

"We're you wanting to go back down after lunch?" Minato asked, avoiding from asking his split second question of how he could put sunscreen on her if she wanted. He wouldn't be able to avoid thinking about putting his hands on her skin and...okay this train of thought needed to be derailed.

"Yeah, we should try and play some volleyball or something. But I think I'll definitely need some sun screen first. Wait here while I'll go get some." Yukari quickly disappeared and Minato did his best not to look back and watch her as she left.

What was he doing? It wasn't like he hadn't been aware of his attraction to Yukari, but ever since he went out shopping with her…She was the only thing that seemed to be occupying his mind. And that wasn't right. He had to keep his distance, didn't he? Being in a relationship with any girl was a bad idea at this point. His Social Links were directly linked with his ties to other people. Having a girlfriend could make things more drastically complicated than it needed to be. Plus trying to explain why he hung out with so many people and…well it was just a laundry list of things that would have to be addressed and he was sure it wouldn't be worth the effort. And it wasn't like she was attracted to him that way...right?

Naturally he realized that he was coming up with way too many excuses. It was obvious even more so than it had been before. He was falling for Yukari more and more all the time. But he was worried about the complications that could come from it. Was allowing himself to feel this way capable of turning it into a hindrance? Could he have a relationship on top of everything else that was going on.

Amidst his thoughts was when Yukari returned. She entered with a giggle, "And here I thought I would find you asleep."

"The thought had crossed my mind," Minato lied. He wasn't about to say that he was wide awake thanks to her and the fact that they had spent most of the day together. He couldn't help but think about her because of it...probably too much.

"Hey, Fuuka looked busy so…would you put some suntan lotion on my back? It's the only spot I can't reach so…" Yukari asked her face going red. Minato felt his own do the same though, this was not going to help his thought process. He needed to focus, get his calm back.

"Yeah sure, if you don't mind," Minato said as calmly as he could. Which actually wasn't that hard for some reason. Part of it was that despite how much his heart rate seemed to climb around her, he also felt comfortable and relaxed and something about her also eased his mind.

"Please," she smiled and handed him the suntan lotion. She then moved over to the bench that was on the patio and laid face down on it. Minato pulled a chair over and opened the lotion and put some in his hand. Not wanting to make it awkward he wasted no time on beginning to apply it on her back. He did so thoroughly and quickly. He applied it from the back of her shoulders down to her lower back. He was about to cap the lotion but a hand stopped him. "Minato-kun, don't forget to get the spot under my strap."

Well...he forced his mind not to read more into her words and focused himself. He said nothing and did as she asked. Minato had considered doing so before, it wasn't that big of a deal. It didn't help the fact that his face was getting red as he did so. He quickly finished and then capped the suntan lotion. "All done," he commented and Yukari sat up. He tried not to think about the fact he had just put his hands on her back, or the fact that he had an increased desire to touch her again. Oh man, he should have refused her.

"Thanks, Minato-kun. You ready for more fun in the sun?" She smiled and her eyes seemingly betraying nothing of her own feelings at the moment. Either that or Minato was beyond the point to appropriately judge such things.

"Yeah, I'll see if the others want to head back down and hunt us down a volleyball," Minato averted his eyes from her. Was she making fun of him or something? He didn't know what had gotten in to her but she had been acting odd ever since…his mind went blank. The Shadow. Ever since the full moon and at the hotel her attitude had changed towards him. What did that even mean? He shook his head and headed inside. It didn't matter; he couldn't involve himself in a relationship no matter who it was. It wasn't anything personal; he just couldn't risk it for his own sake. But the more he told himself this...the less he was beginning to believe it.

There would be no way he could forgive himself if a social link had developed. Then he would feel guilt over any development in a relationship. The more his links developed and grew, the more he wondered if he actually cared for them or not. Or if he was just leading them along for the power it gave him. He didn't want that to happen. Not with Yukari. Not to the only girl he felt he could trust. Not to the only girl that he couldn't help but slowly fall in love with. And if it did happen, he would have no choice but to move forward.

The power he had was seemingly unnatural compared to the rest of SEES. He could use multiple Persona and fuse and create new ones with even more power based on his social links. He had access to a place called the Velvet Room that had two otherworldly individuals that were there to assist him. He could only imagine that he had it for a reason...that there was something he would have to use that power for. So he couldn't afford to not develop it because of his conscious. If it became something that would only be possible with his power...then he needed to be prepared. But he didn't want to be a liar...he didn't want to deceive his friends...and especially not his significant other.

He knew he was falling for Yukari...he knew something was going to happen between them at some point...but...what should he do when it happened?

July 20th, 2009 / Evening

"Let me introduce myself. I am Kirijo Takeharu, Mitsru's Father and current Head of the Kirijo group," he gave them all a quick bow before sitting down. "From what I understand, Mitsuru has already given you the short version."

Minato gave a short yawn as he leaned up against the wall one the other side of the couch. He wasn't surprised by this outcome. In the end it wasn't that this information was hidden, it was just sensitive and a hard part of the past. However, it was something that all of SEES needed to know.

"We adults are to blame," Takeharu's words brought Minato's ears back to focusing on what was going on. "If I could've atoned with my life, I would have done so. Now, I have no choice but to rely on all of you. What my Father wanted to create with those monsters' power…Was a time manipulation device."

"That's what he was trying to do?" Mitsuru seemed surprised.

Minato felt somewhat amused. It made total sense. After all as a result of the accident it had created the Dark Hour. A time that technically did not exist. And Mitsuru had already mentioned before that Shadows had a power over time and space. Yet Minato also knew there was a power beyond that. No one ever seemed to notice he was gone when he ventured into the Velvet Room to fuse new persona's or seek guidance from Elizabeth and Igor. And if no one noticed how he had actually been gone for twenty minutes that meant that the Velvet Room was not affected by time. He frowned for a moment. If the Velvet Room's residents were affected by time differently…then how was Igor so damn old?

"Imagine if you could control the flow of time…eliminate unwanted events before they occur. With such a device, you could shape the future to your liking," Takeharu stated.

"Damn, that's insane," Junpei commented.

The only thing that bothered Minato was that it was obvious that the existence of Shadow pre-dated even before the Kirijo Group. That could mean several things, although it wasn't really relevant to the current discussion. However, it meant that the origin of Shadows was probably more complicated than what they knew.

"However, under my Fathers direction, the research began to stray from its original goal. In his later years, he seemed to only have nihilism in his heart. Now that I think about it, his madness may have resulted in his struggle to break free from that…it's only natural that you'd want to know the truth. And it is my duty to tell you," Takeharu reached down and pressed a button on a remote. The screen projector that he had set up turned on and began playing a video. Minato suddenly had a bad feeling in his chest.

"What's this?" Akihiko was the one to break the silence as images began to flash on the screen.

"This is the only existing footage of the accident, recorded by a scientist that was at the scene," Takeharu spoke simply.

"I pray that this recording reaches safe hands…"

"That voice…" Yukari muttered. If Minato had been anywhere else but where he was standing he might not have heard her. But he also took careful note of what was being said.

"My employer has become obsessed with a loathsome idea. This experiment should have never been conceived…I'm afraid what I've done will result in an unprecedented disaster. But if I hadn't, the whole world would have paid the price." The scientist said. Minato noticed that Yukari was tense…and her eyes were unfocused. He felt his body screaming in alarm.

"Please, listen carefully," the scientist pleaded. "The Shadows that were amassed here have been dispersed as a result of the explosion. To end this nightmare, you must eliminate all of them!" Minato felt something wrong, but the video continued. "I am to blame for this. I knew the risks, but I was blinded by the promise of success…And so I didn't raise any objectives. It is all my fault."

Yukari stood, "Dad."

Minato felt immediate discomfort. Yukari's Father was responsible for the Dark Hour? No that was idiotic…ridiculous. A man who was so loved by his little girl would never let something that dangerous reach that stage. And no one scientist can achieve that kind of result all on his own. Regardless of what this video said, the facts did not add up. Mitsuru's Father turned off the projector. No, none of this was right...and this was not going to end well.

"His name was Takeba Eiichiro. He was the head researcher at the time, and a very talented man. But, we are the ones responsible. We pushed him to continue his research. The Kirijo Group is to blame for his death." Takeharu spoke solemnly and hung his head. No, that didn't seem right either...there had to be more to this.

"I…I can't believe it," Mitsuru breathed. Even Mitsuru hadn't seen this? Minato wondered why this was coming out now...

"So, that means…my Dad caused it all?" Yukari was shaking but slowly got to her feet, her eyes looking at the ground avoiding eye contact with all of them. Minato could feel the build up coming. She didn't know how to vent what she was feeling. "The Dark Hour, Tartarus…the people who died in that incident…it was all his fault?"

"Y-you okay?" Akihiko obviously wanted to be reassuring but Minato knew better. This was the boiling point; there was only one way it would go if you pushed her now. But Minato saw the change in Yukari's eyes, it was too late to calm her down.

"So, that's why you were hiding this? Because you felt sorry for me? Is that it?!" Yukari yelled at the top of her lungs. Most of them flinched as if they had all been slapped. Minato however felt angry himself and instead thought that Yukari had more than earned to yell out her frustrations. He also knew that anything said would only make Yukari angrier. She needed to vent, to let out all of what she was feeling. Keeping it pent up would only do more harm, so Minato said and did nothing in response.

"No, Takeba, I…"

"I don't want your pity!" Yukari screamed and then ran off. A door was slammed and a vase fell to the ground and shattered as a result. No one moved or spoke for what seemed like forever. Minato's eyes went to the door as he considered what actions he should take.

"Um…should someone go after her?" Fuuka softly asked. Minato wasn't sure if that was the correct course of action.

"Arisato, will you go?" Mitsuru kept her gaze at the ground. It looked like she too felt like escaping. If anything Minato knew it would be better for him to go than the others, because something about that video rubbed him the wrong way, but he doubted he would be able to get a copy of it from Mitsuru's Father. Still, he couldn't trust a video...videos were easily manipulated, especially an old one where the static and abrupt changes could be blamed for being old, or apart of the damage from the fire.

"I'll go but not because you asked," Minato said as he moved from his spot from the wall. It would give him time to think, and he would be able to get Yukari to vent without having to worry about anything she said getting to someone else. And plus...he was really worried about her. "Takeharu-sama, thank you for telling us the whole truth. However, do not take it as a personal offense if I tell you that I don't believe a fucking word of it."

He nodded, "I understand your distrust. Thank you."

Minato took off out the same door Yukari had left before the others could comment on what he had said. He headed off to the only place he could think of. The spot on the beach they had spent most of the day at. His hurried pace turned into a jog and then faster into a full out sprint. He felt relieved when the image of Yukari came into view.

He came to a stop and slowly walked up beside her. She was looking out into the ocean and traces of tears on her cheeks. Minato said nothing and just stood next to her and looking out into the sea with her. He knew that anything he said couldn't possibly make her feel better. So just being near her was probably the best he could do for her. After a while, Yukari decided to speak.

"I believed in him so long. This is too much," she shook her head. "Remember what I told you when you were in the hospital? How my Dad died when I was little? You understand now, right? He died in that incident. Nobody knew the truth and there were all sorts of rumors. Because he was in charge of the research team, people were really mean to me and my Mom. We even had to move a few times."

Minato said nothing. Yukari needed to talk, so he would listen.

"But all this time, I kept telling myself it wasn't his fault. I loved him a lot, and I believed he'd never do anything wrong. I haven't told anyone this before but…I received a letter back in the spring. It was from him, written ten years ago…it cracked me up because, even though it said 'to my family,' it was pretty much all about me. It only made me believe in him more. When I found I had a special power…I thought it was fate. I was scared, but I thought if I cooperated with the Kirijo Group, I might find out what really happened. That's why I agreed to fight using my Persona. But as it turns out, it was all for nothing."

It didn't take a rocket scientist to tell how badly Yukari wanted to cry. Minato disagreed with her on many points, but she continued to talk. If anything that letter only reaffirmed Minato's own belief that the video they saw couldn't be trusted. But it was hardly proof he would need to convince the others.

"Why does reality have to be so harsh? I tried so hard to fight my fear, and this is what I get? Maybe, I'm just jealous of Mitsuru-senpai. I mean, why my father instead of hers?" She gave a chuckle, but one that just was full of self-loathing. "I'm a horrible person, aren't I?"

No, that was a natural thought most people had. It is a knee jerk reaction that anyone would have. It was a question everyone had...'Why me?' She looked at him...wanting him to say something, but he wasn't sure what to say. So he kept it simple. "Don't blame yourself," he said simply, but like he had thought she took it and lashed out at him.

"Well aren't you Mr. Perfect. Nothing ever fazes you. And now, you've got the nerve to try and tell me how to feel? You think you know me? You don't know anything!" Yukari yelled at him except that was the last straw. He tried to be comforting but apparently that wasn't what she needed. And Minato couldn't stop his temper from lashing out in response.

"Alright that is enough!" Minato's voice came out like a growl that instantly had Yukari recoiling. "You think I don't know how it feels to have your whole world destroyed? Do you think you're the only one that feels like the world decided to take a giant piss on you? I've been shoved family to family like some unwanted piece of garbage for the last ten fucking years of my life, in case you've forgotten!"

She shrunk back at his voice. She hung her head a bit and looked away.

"I'm not perfect, and how the hell can you say nothing ever fazes me when you know what I'm like when I get angry," Minato muttered trying to calm himself. "I know its not me you're angry at."

Yukari stepped towards him and grabbed his shirt, burying her face in his chest. Tears falling down her face, "I'm sorry, Minato-kun…I'm sorry. My head is a mess…I'm so afraid. I don't know what to do. I'm totally lost…what should I do? What should I do?" Her frustration quickly turned to cries and she lost her strength to stand and fell towards Minato. He caught and held her as the two fell to their knees and she cried against him. She continued to apologize to him again and again.

He let her cry for a while longer before he spoke again in a hushed tone. "Who said you had to stop believing in him?"

"What?" Yukari blinked and pulled back a bit.

"Why should you stop believing in him? Because of something in a ten year old video?" Minato wanted to drive this point home because something really bothered him about that video. What it said and what he imagined was said in the video contradicted each other. The video made it seem like it was an accident...but no one sends a letter to not be received for ten years by coincidence. No...whatever had happened...her Father had been responsible...that much was for sure...but his motivations and reasoning for doing so...that was the real question...and a fact that they didn't know.

"He said that…"

"No that video said that," Minato corrected.

"I don't know what you're trying to get at," Yukari said as she wiped away the tears from her cheeks.

No, Minato couldn't bring up his suspicions right now with Yukari as she was. Later when she had gotten a better hold on herself. That would be the time he would tell her. "Look, no one knows their Father better than his children, right? Besides, it really wasn't his fault."

"How can you say that, after what we just saw in there?" she said that but wanted so much to believe Minato, he could see it in her eyes. She wanted him to be right.

"You said you're Father sent you a letter, intending for you to get it in ten years. That meant he understood whatever he was about to do was going to be dangerous, and obviously going against the will of the Kirijo Group. But I doubt it said anything that gave you doubts about your Father. No one sends something like that if he felt guilty about something. No, I know that he felt he was doing was the right thing, and I bet the only regret he would have is not being able to see his little girl again," Minato could feel his cheeks warm up as he said it, but did not look away from her. "You're Father loved you. No way would he ever do something that would put you in jeopardy. I don't believe that for a second."

"You really do believe that…don't you," Yukari whispered.

"Why would I lie to you about something like this?" Minato whispered back.

"I'm just not used to this," she admitted.

"Neither am I," Minato looked away from her. "But you're the only one I trust."

"Stop that," her hand came up and took his chin, making him look at her again. Her words came out softly, "Keep this up and I might fall for you."

"You know that's not why I came out here," he replied, both of their tones still at a whisper.

"You were worried about me?" she breathed.

"I always worry about you," he said honestly. "And I wasn't about to let one of them come after you."

"You really don't trust them do you?" she shook her head. "How come?"

"You'll have to ask me again once you know me better," he teased.

"Oh so the answer comes with strings attached," she giggled.

"No it comes with prerequisites before I'll answer," he laughed.

"So how do I go about getting to this answer?" Yukari whispered as she pulled on Minato's shirt, forcing him closer to her.

"That all depends on you," Minato was sure that the tension between them was hitting critical levels.

Yukari was the first to cave and pulled him to her. Their lips met, this time under their own volition. As if the opening of a dam had occurred the two eagerly kissed each other. Minato wasn't sure how exactly this had happened, but there was no going back. Yukari seemed to be driven by some primal need for this. Minato was sure the buildup of emotions and consequently the new knowledge of what was on that recording and then their heated discussion had all cultivated to this release of sexual tension. Minato was the first to come to his senses and broke off the kiss. Despite his entire body wanting much, much more.

"Yukari-san, I know a lot of things happened. Please think about this some more. I wouldn't want you to…regret any choices you make," he looked away. Minato needed to separate himself from her, but his body refused to move from next to her.

"Please don't look away, Minato-kun. I don't think I could regret anything I do with you," her voice sounded desperate.

"Hey!" an outsider's voice suddenly interrupted them and Minato and Yukari were quickly on their feet and turned away from each other. It was obvious who it was. Junpei quickly ran up and then started taking in some deep breaths like he had ran all the way down from the resort house. He had no idea what he had just walked in on. "What's taking you so long? Everybody's waiting…" he took in another breath. "It's almost…the Dark Hour, so you should get back."

"Huh?" Yukari seemed dazed for a moment. Minato was too. "Oh yeah, that's right."

Junpei finally caught his breath and looked between Minato and Yukari, obviously noticing that both were looking away from each other. "Did I miss something?"

"I-I almost forgot. It doesn't matter where you are when the Dark Hour comes," Yukari said quickly.

"Well duh," Junpei gave a slight laugh.

"You know, I've been thinking lately. Once you awaken to the power of Persona, you remember everything that happens during the Dark Hour. It's like trading away your innocence. In exchange for power, you can no longer look away from things you don't want to see. So I guess I'm stuck with you guys, huh?" Yukari smiled.

Minato did as well; it was good to have Yukari sounding like her usual self. And she was right about Persona. The only thing was, Minato didn't remember having much good in his life before he had come here and awakened to his Persona. As a matter of fact he felt so much better after he had awakened. It was as if a blind fold had been removed from his eyes and he could finally see for the first time. After all, he first met Yukari when he arrived at the dorm, during the Dark Hour. His life had changed the moment he had seen her. And now it was definitely going to change again with what had just happened.

"Dude, don't daze out, we have to get back before midnight," Junpei nudged him.

"Right," Minato nodded as he watched Yukari and Junpei heading back up towards the resort. He took a few steps but then his whole body came to alarm. "This feeling again?" He looked all around his surroundings. He was damn sure he knew what this feeling was. Somebody was watching him. But then just as sudden as it had happened the feeling was gone. "Maybe I am just tired…" he muttered as he turned and headed back towards the resort.

March 9th, 2011 / Late Evening

It was already late. Yukari flipped open her cell phone. It was 11:45…only fifteen minutes until midnight. The limousine stopped as they had finally arrived. Yukari placed the journal down. Smiling to herself. Maybe she had taken it too far back then. Her emotions and thoughts were such a mess that maybe all she had been doing was taking comfort in a more simplistic way. Her body had not forgotten the way it had felt to kiss him the first time, even though she had done her best to forget the circumstances around it. No after that second time she couldn't get either of the kisses they had shared up to that point out of her head. She remembered the next couple days after that night being particularly agonizing for her. She spent most of her time completely denying what she had done, and that she absolutely could not have feelings for Minato.

Her body had completely disagreed with that. Her body always reacted whenever he entered a room. Her eyes were drawn to him, and she couldn't help but notice all the little things he did. Before long she had started to seek him out. Funny how Aigis had shown up the very next day and Yukari had her first taste of jealousy. It was strange how things worked.

"Oh man, this was awesome," Junpei said as he got out of the limousine. Everyone all piled out and onto the sidewalk.

Yukari looked around. The street was horribly lit. The limousine was under one of the only functioning street lights and the gate behind them was boarded up and vandalized with graffiti and various posters. The gate had recently been damaged and part of it was lying on the ground. She moved and looked through the opening and up the path. Only the outline of the building could be seen. This must have been the abandoned hospital

Turning back to the others she reached down and pulled her evoker free from its holster. It had been quite a long time since she had last summoned her Persona. So it felt odd and nostalgic to be holding it again. Meanwhile, Mitsuru had opened the trunk of the limousine and showed that several weapons were inside. She holstered the evoker before moving over to Mitsuru.

"These were all I could manage to pull together on such short notice," she apologized.

Yukari grabbed a compact bow, which only took a couple seconds to unfold it and lock it into place. Then she took a moment to test the strings pressure and adjusted it to her liking. She slung over a quiver of arrows over her shoulder and tested her reach to the arrows. "Alright, I'm set."

"Same here," Ken added. Soon came confirmations from everyone and all stood in front of the gate. Mitsuru gave them in addition varied flashlights. Yukari took one that easily clipped onto her pink cardigan sweater and then one for her to hold.

"Man, it feels like were some kind of elite squad," Junpei grinned.

"Well, there isn't really a group geared to handle Shadows like we are," Akihiko grinned.

"Alright let's establish a base at the lobby area of the hospital. After that we'll coordinate how we'll explore the building," Mitsuru pressed them all forward.

While Yukari wasn't exactly the bravest of the group, she was certainly going to press forward. Especially since Minato's sister could conceivably be inside somewhere. But there was no telling if they would find anything or not. Still she was going to find out one way or another.

As they approached the front entrance of the abandoned hospital they noticed that actually the only thing keeping people out was the large fence that surrounded the property. And other than the overgrowth that had really only just started it didn't look like this place had been closed for that long. But that could just be because of the lack of light and Yukari wasn't exactly an expert on the matter. Most of the windows were either boarded up or broken.

Yukari shined her flash light on the entrance as they approached it. One of the doors was broken off and lying on the ground. The other door was somehow seemingly undamaged. Akihiko took the lead and went in first. Yukari lingered and looked at the old sign next to the door. She reached up and moved some of the over growth from the sign. "Inoto KGR Hospital…" she breathed.

"Kirijo Group Research," Mitsuru said from next to her in a clearly disappointed tone. "This must be the location of where all the experiments took place."

"It's odd that they would just completely abandon this place," Yukari said as the others walked by her and Mitsuru.

"More than likely they had intended to box up and store the equipment and research inside. I read some reports that some local problems ceased that from happening. The Kirijo Group ended up building the newer hospital as a way of making up for closing this one. I'm guessing this facility was more or less forgotten about after time had passed. Whatever they left here might be the cause of this whole situation," Mitsuru elaborated. "There is a lot I'm still finding out about the Kirijo Group from back in my Grandfather's time."

Mitsuru and Yukari joined the others inside and saw as Junpei and Ken were setting up one of the mobile construction lights that had been in the back of the trunk. Akihiko had set one up as well. Fuuka and Aigis sat up the last one in one of the other corners. Soon the lobby area was lit up as bright as could be. They all stood in the middle of the room.

"Alright, Yamagishi can coordinate us from here. We'll split up into two groups. Yukari, Iori and I will make up one group. Akihiko, Aigis and Amada will make up the other. If anything happens, report it to Yamagishi immediately," Mitsuru quickly said.

Yukari noticed a clock on the wall. For some reason…it was still working. It was about to be…

A familiar feeling swept over all of them, as everything changed. And all of them quickly looked around, and then back to each other. The green hue and change of the surroundings made it obvious what this was.

"The Dark Hour? But how?" Junpei yelled.

"How is this possible?" Fuuka breathed.

"I get it. Now it makes sense," Yukari said.

"Wait, what makes sense?" Ken asked.

"Minato once said that he heard that a Kirijo Group scientist had found a way to enter the Dark Hour without the need of a Persona. That was how Ikusuki and the others had been able to function in the Dark Hour. Except he always found those facts odd because it was too much of a risk. There was no way they could know what would happen when the succeeded. Maybe they would be targeted by Shadows right after they find a way into it. But what if they had a way to test it before hand?" Yukari looked over to Mitsuru.

"You mean…" Mitsuru's eyes got bigger as she realized what it meant.

"That's right. A pseudo Dark Hour. It mimics its effects and for all intents and purposes is indistinguishable from the real thing. But it would only have a limited range of effect, unlike the real Dark Hour. That was what Minato theorized in the journal. He suspected that there was more research somewhere related to it. He even thought it was possible that it might have been in line with what Mitsuru's Grandfathers original research had led to. Not its end goal but the fact that the Dark Hour happens in a different time all together would have definitely caused merit to go into further," Yukari explained what Minato had written rather elaborately about in one of his journal entries.

"No doubt my Grandfather would have divided that research off to another facility and team," Mitsuru shook her head. "That means there is a good chance that the missing people are somewhere inside. They may have been trapped in the Dark Hour this whole time."

Fuuka stepped away from the others and summoned her Persona. "I sense…Shadows but also…people. There is a group of three of them. They're moving up on the fourth floor. I can't get a clear sense of them but it feels familiar."

"We should hurry," Yukari felt urgency in her body. No this feeling came from her Persona, Isis.

"If we're correct then something must be causing the appearance of the Dark Hour. Keep the teams as they were. We'll rescue the others. Akihiko, try and find the source," Mitsuru quickly tied her sheathe to her waist for her rapier. Yukari did a final check on her bow but was definitely ready.

"Let's move it, senpai," Junpei indicated he was ready.

Yukari took a moment and pulled the necklace out from under her shirt. The charm that Minato had given to her so long ago came into view. Within the charm was actually pieces of a broken chain that had been a memento of Minato's mother. It was Yukari's source of good luck and her most prized possession. One day she would give it to her daughter along with all the stories of how great a man her Father had been. But right now she had hope of finding the love of her life's unknown twin sister. While it pained her so much that he would never meet her…there was no way she would make it so that his sister never knew about him.

Just like her brother had, she was experiencing the Dark Hour, even if it was a fake one. Yukari couldn't help but wonder on what Hamuko was like.

She shook off her thoughts. Right now she needed to focus. It had been too long since she had last been in a fight. And there was no telling what they could face. She steeled her resolved and headed out to find Minato's sister.

Author's Note:

Majority of this focuses on the first day of Yakushima and you'll notice some pretty big changes in the interactions between Minato and Yukari. Obviously this is a huge plot point in not only Persona 3 but also Minato and Yukari's relationship. Even the game itself supports it because you can't do anything with Yukari until after this point in the story. But things are going to be different in this fan fiction, obviously. Considering what I have happen here is a pretty big departure in terms of their relationship.

Hamuko/Minako will be entering the story next chapter and you will see present day events will start to have larger sections and relevance to the overall story. More mysteries are coming about the Arisato line and what really happened during the incident. I'm here to tackle the questions that the game merely skimmed over. And part of the main reason I wrote this was because there was just so many more questions that I didn't feel were answered. I hope you'll all enjoy it. See you tomorrow with Chapter 9.

Thanks for everyone that has taken time to review! It really does keep my motivation up to make sure I get a chapter up every day. So please make sure to read, review and maybe spread the word if you are so inclined.

OhtaSuzuke Trust me I am pretty big FeMCxShinji fan myself. But it doesn't work for this story...the sequel...is a bit different in that regard...haha. But one story at a time.