CHAPTER 22 / Doubt

February 24th, 2010

Dear Yukari,

To be honest I was never sure what I wanted to do with my life. For the most part I never even really thought about my future. Instead my focus was always on the present and just surviving my day to day. Things were different when I arrived to the dorm. Not because the events that would eventually happen but because of the unique nature of my situation. For the first time I was no longer in the system and I was on my own. As long as I kept a certain GPA I had full funding along with living expenses taken care of.

In hindsight I could see that maybe the chairman had his hands in that arrangement. But I wonder what was more suspicious the fact that my living arrangements had been manipulated or what information the chairman had gotten that made him aware that I had the potential to begin with. I understand that the Kirijo Group had taken an active approach in finding new members but they aren't forthcoming on the way they acquired that information. I honestly can't think of any time that they could have figured something like that out. Then again I'm not sure how you would determine how anyone would have the potential. Except maybe seeing them active in the Dark Hour.

Obviously I arrived just before the Dark Hour had occurred and I ended walking all the way to the dorm as a result. Trying to find a new place in a new environment is hard enough…try finding something in the Dark Hour which is truly like another planet. It would have been a lot different I'm sure if Mitsuru had been capable of scanning outside of Tartarus. I know she still has some capacity for it but for the most part she had to be lucky to actually succeed in finding anything. Just like the night of the second full moon.

It wasn't until much later when I finally had that question come to the forefront of my mind. What was I going to do with my life? What did I want to accomplish? What exactly would make me happy? I didn't know the answer to those questions because of how I had lived up to that point. I had never really thought about what I wanted, I mean all I was really worried about was how I was going to eat that night or if I had to worry about being abused. My frame of mind was so different that it took me a long time to really get out of that way of thinking.

It was why I was so scared and unsure when it came to us. I fully expected for you to walk away from me at some point, so even as I fell in love with you…I was prepared to lose you. Just like I lost everything in my life. But along the way I changed. Everyone was important to me, and for the first time I actually gave a damn about the events going on around me. I had a power that I could never fully explain to anyone, a power that was different from everyone.

I had seriously thought about my future…I thought of continuing kendo and maybe becoming a teacher. It was always one thing I had always enjoyed. I wonder how good of a teacher I would have been. Yet in the end I would never get that chance. Funny that once I had finally figured out who I was and what I wanted in life that I would end up having to save it in this matter. I can only hope that you will find happiness in your life, even if I am not in it. You deserve it so much. I just hope you continue to keep up your relationship with your Mother. I love you. I hope you continue to show that brilliant smile of yours to people.

Love Always,
Arisato Minato

November 3rd, 2009 / Dark Hour

Minato felt wrong for some reason. Something about this fight was more than just wearing on him…it felt like there was something else that was wrong. And that same thing was stirring inside of him…as if it could not wait to destroy the Shadow that was in front of him. Because of it he continued to feel something unsettling in his gut. Either way he couldn't just let it be. But this fight was unique compared to all the others.

So far the only way to bring the Shadow down to actually attack it was to take out the three strange shadows that it manifests on the ground. Even Aigis and Yukari's ranged attacks could not reach it. Fuuka had mentioned that the Shadows were somehow connected to the larger one. So when the three were eliminated it temporarily lost its ability to stay in the air and collapsed in the ground. But so far they weren't able to deal a decisive strike to the Shadow in order to end the fight. Time was running short. Only so much time remained before the Dark Hour ended and with it the chance to eliminate the Shadow.

"This guy is really starting to piss me off," Junpei muttered from next to Minato.

Minato felt his grip tighten on his katana looking up at the Shadow that hung just out of range. "Why here?" he muttered finding the whole situation irritating. This bridge…the moonlight bridge was the place his parents died. This was the place where he was left alone…and it was because of the existence of these shadows. No, it was far more complicated than that. If it was one thing Minato knew, it was that nothing could ever be simple. That was why he so firmly believed that even after they defeated this shadow…the fight wouldn't be over. At the moment they just needed to figure how to defeat the enemy in front of them. One thing at a time.

He took a moment to step back and get a lay out of the battleground. Thankfully there weren't many vehicles on the bridge, the last thing he wanted was to somehow create another child like himself. Knocking down the Shadow wasn't the problem…it was getting a strike powerful enough to penetrate its mask. This Shadow was the largest one they had fought to date. It wasn't surprising considering its choice in location. Yet there was too much here that was symbolic to Minato. To end where it all began? He could remember a time when he considered traveling to this place to jump off the bridge himself, much like Takaya and Jin. Except he would have done it to die. Die to join his parents.

His life was different now. No, it was much more than just different. Minato himself was different. He was in love...surrounded by people he cared about...and fighting for a future he wanted to protect. Yet it was the past deeds of ill intended individuals that were looking to halt that future...to strip it to nothing...and for what? That was a question he didn't have an answer to. It had to be some other motive than a time manipulation device. Something that gave a clearer goal. Money? Preposterous. The Kirijo group was highly successful. Money wasn't an issue. Power? Maybe. But they had enough influence to control a whole island enough to experiment on high school children. How much more power could they have hoped for? There had to be something else. How did Shadows and the Dark Hour factor in? Why delve into something so supernatural and unpredictable?

All of those answers would make a lot of things more clear...and possibly what the proper course of action should be. It was those experiments that had caused it all. And also what had killed his parents on this very bridge some ten years ago. So should he be angry? Should he crave the destruction of all shadows in revenge? It would be so easy to hate but he wanted to believe that it wasn't a path his parents would want for him. That much he knew was true even if he would never have the opportunity to know for sure.

Right now he needed to clear this obstacle. No matter what happened...the Shadow couldn't be left alone. He had to have the leverage and force to make the decisive blow. He had a strong Persona capable of it...but he needed the right angle and precision. The only way for him to get that was to take to the air. But he would be vulnerable. Much like the fight against the Hermit Arcana Shadow. Fortunately Akihiko and Shinjiro had been able to prevent most of the attack. Shinjiro...he still didn't pay Takaya fully back for what he did. But Minato had a feeling he would get a chance. Right now he felt that this time it would be a safer strategy. He had more people to back him up...and for some reason...he knew it would work.

"Akihiko-senpai! I could use a lift," Minato grinned as he looked over at his senior. The silver haired boxer looked over at him with a grin on his face.

"You got it," Akihiko took off on a sprint towards him.

"Aigis-san, Yukari! I need you to cover me," Minato gave out the orders. They nodded in affirmation.

"What are you doing, Minato?" Yukari already worried but readying her arrows regardless.

"Something reckless and stupid no doubt," Minato chuckled. "Junpei-kun and Kirijo-san. Cover the others. Be ready to charge forward all of you."

Akihiko was coming in close and fast, "Here we go."

There wasn't time for Minato to second guess himself. Akihiko slid to a stop and knelt down with his hands down and intertwined ready for him. Minato ran forward and stepped onto Akihiko's hands with his left foot and then jumped. Akihiko combined with the power of his Persona launched Minato far into the air and propelled towards the Shadow. The Shadow seemed to glare directly at Minato. He wouldn't falter.

If it wasn't for the existence of Shadows none of this would be happening. His parents, Yukari's Father, Ken's Mother and the countless number of people that died or had been affected just by their existence and the people that would use their power. No one needed to experience what they had. No one needed to suffer in the way they had. And if Minato could prevent that then he knew that without a doubt he would do anything to stop that.

He could feel his emotions moving to a boiling point as he gripped his katana and prepared for the impact. The shadow responded by spawning more shadows in mid air. However a barrage of bullets and arrows cut them down before they could fully form. There was no time to thank his support. Instead he put his evoker to his head as he came closer to the 12th full moon shadow. He pulled the trigger just as the shadow began to swipe at him. "Siegfried!" This was more than just any other Persona. It was the best one I could make from the Strength Arcana. So when his hand came forward at Minato...Siegfried simply cut his hands to shreds. Minato holstered the evoker and gripped his katana with both hands as it slammed into the mask of the Shadow. It went in almost completely to the hilt in the forehead of the mask. This shadow was big enough that Minato's feet were using the nose of the mask to steady himself.

Well, Minato had penetrated the mask but now he was hanging from it with no leverage to finish the job. Minato steadied his footing as best he could and then tightened his grip as much as he could with his left hand on his katana. Then with his right hand he grabbed his evoker once more. His mind switched Persona's. He didn't know how much time in the Dark Hour remained...but it wouldn't be much longer.

"Minato! Hang on!" Yukari yelled.

He realized what they were about to do. Get rid of the statue shadows that held it up...which meant he would be falling with the Hanged Man. If that was the case it would be the ideal to land the finishing strike. The landing wasn't going to be very kind to Minato though. A small price to pay to kill a gigantic shadow like this though. He prepared himself for the drop...but the shadow was swiping at him...its huge hollow like eyes looking at him the whole time.

"You will be welcoming destruction by destroying me," a voice spoke in my head. It was the Shadow.

"Maybe but we can't allow you to do as you please," Minato responded, he knew it didn't matter how loud or softly he said it. The shadow always heard him. "Whatever happens we will deal with it then."

"Your future is plagued by misery and death. And you all have yourselves to blame," The Shadow spoke again.

"That has been my life since the beginning. But that isn't all there is in my life. And no matter what trials are ahead...I will face them head on!" Minato growled as he and the shadow began to fall towards the bridge below them. "I choose my fate and will do everything in my power to protect the people I love! And not you or anyone else can stop me!"

Minato yanked his katana free as he jumped back into midair as the shadow fell faster than him. Putting his evoker to his head as he dived straight at the Shadow. He pulled the trigger. Siegfried came down upon the Shadow with an unbelievable speed and cut in hundreds of directions. The shadow tried to block the attack but its hands and fingers were chopped away like they were nothing. Minato holstered his evoker and then twisted his body a moment before throwing all his weight forward propelling himself into a front flip and causing his momentum to increase further. Then he extended his body out so that he was spinning sideways instead of forward and brought both hands with a tight grip on his katana. The attack path clear he spun and connected with extreme force to the top of the shadows mask. It only resisted for a second. Then the mask cracked down center aligned with where he had stabbed the beast earlier and Minato used all the strength he could muster to finish the cut and slamming his weight against the resistance...it finally gave way.

The Shadow gave out a final scream as Minato landed back on the bridge and the Shadow disappeared behind him. Any hesitation he might have had about defeating the Shadows had gone. Regardless of the outcome he wouldn't let any more people get hurt. And if something worse was going to happen. He would stop it too. His power existed for that purpose. He was sure of it.

"Holy hell, Minato. That was awesome. And what Persona was that?" Junpei grinned as he came up.

"You are way too reckless," Yukari breathed as she pulled Minato somewhat forcefully into her arms. "You scared me so much today, you know."

"I know...but I will make it up to you. I promise," Minato said against her. Her tight grip on him cemented a lot of things in Minato's mind. He knew he had made the right choice and had prevented Takaya and Jin of Strega from having the upper hand. Maybe he could have told more people but he had no idea how well their information they got was. Or what its source was. He trusted all of them with his life but he also knew he had to be cautious so he only told the two people that needed to know. Mitsuru had to know as she was the one in charge of SEES. And Fuuka because Minato needed her help.

Yukari stayed quiet against his chest as the rest of SEES gathered around them. There were smiles all around the group. Minato couldn't help but smile. What they had just done couldn't have been wrong. Regardless of what happened from here on...Minato knew that it was the truth.

"Not a bad fight for being our last. Even got to show Strega a thing or two," Akihiko came over and offered his hand to Minato. "You sure like to do things the hard way."

Minato laughed, "I like to think it is efficient. Besides it worked right?" He shook his Senpai's hand.

"...so is it really all over?" Junpei asked.

"If it isn't I will be waiting to hear all your lovely singing voices," Minato grinned which made Mitsuru laugh as well as Akihiko.

"Well if anything we know that these Shadows can no longer hurt anyone. Even if it doesn't bring an end to the dark hour, we can feel accomplished with what we have done," Mitsuru said with a warm smile.

"Operation successful...or should I say, Mission Complete," Aigis said. "I believe a celebration is in order."

"Well considering that battle...I think we all earned a celebration," Minato gave a light chuckle. "Thanks all of you. I wouldn't be able to charge into battle if I didn't have all of you at my back."

"Yeah but...man you got launched way up there. I would have been scared as hell. What if you had missed him?" Junpei asked.

"I suppose it would have been really awkward for me," Minato shrugged. "It might not have been the safest of methods. But when you lack options you get creative."

"You looked like a total badass though. Wish I had the guts to do that." Junpei and Minato had a high five.

"Most of the time I don't have time to consider how stupid of an action I'm about to take," Minato laughed which prompted him to be punched in the shoulder as Yukari pulled away from him. He still grinned at her, "Would you rather I lie about it?"

"One of these times, your gamble isn't going to pay off, and I'm the one that is going to be left behind," Yukari spoke in a tone that caught everyone's attention.

Minato didn't miss a beat though, "Well if you guys are right then we don't have to worry about it anymore, right?"

"Is this perhaps a chance to use a victory cheer?" Aigis interjected.

"Victory cheer?" Minato looked at her curiously.

"Yeah you know, like after a big game," Junpei supplied.

"Why not? Everyone's hands in here," Minato said as they all gathered round and put their right hands in the center on top of each other. "Hip hip hooray?"

"1…2…3…Hip hip hooray," Everyone said but way out of unison.

"What was that?" Yukari said breaking up into laughter.

"So, um, Senpai…You're gonna throw us a party tomorrow, right?" Junpei asked as the group separated from their failed victory cheer.

Mitsuru shook her head, "You don't waste any time, do you? Well, I suppose I could arrange for it."

"Ooh! In that case, how 'bout sushi!?" Junpei was quick to jump in with the suggestion.

"Sushi, huh…It's been a while…Well, I've got dibs on the halibut and sea urchin!" Akihiko quickly turned the tables on the conversation.

"Oh, then I call the fatty tuna," Yukari staked her claim

"Um, we're divvying it up already? In that case, save me the salmon roe," Fuuka was next to claim hers.

"Hey, wait a minute…You can't do that!" Junpei objected.

"I reserve the shrimp, squid, scallops, and sea eel," Aigis claim had everyone looking at her for a moment. Minato wondered if there was a lot more to Aigis than he had seen so far. Well that was a fair point…as a mechanical maiden she probably only reveal things that were relevant to the given situation.

"Hey! That's not fair! You don't even eat!" Junpei was obviously getting a worse deal as more time went on, which had Minato laughing.

"You should all be ashamed of yourselves, fighting over sushi. Senpai, please order tamago for me. They say you can tell a chef's skill by how he prepares eggs," Ken interjected and certainly came off as more mature than Junpei, but Minato couldn't help but laugh more.

"Um, how old are you again?" Yukari asks with a somewhat deadpan look.

"Okay, okay. I'll have the very best delivered tomorrow," Mitsuru shook her head but was obviously smiling at this scene that was happening.

"For real!? Aw man, it's great to be alive!" Junpei exclaimed with a celebratory fist pump in the air.

"Don't get too excited, Junpei-kun. You're getting the leftovers," Yukari couldn't help but tease him.

"What!? But it was my idea in the first place!" Junpei groaned which immediately had everyone laughing again.

Minato shook his head, smiling and turned away from the group, looking up at the full moon that filled the Dark Hour's sky. He was sure he was right. Nothing was finished. There were still too many questions they didn't have answers too. Some piece to the puzzle that he was missing. No, this would not be the last time they would see the Dark Hour…Minato was positive of it.

Mitsuru walked up next to him, she was looking at the moon as well. "You really think that the Dark Hour could come tomorrow?"

"Do you really think your Grandfather was still pursuing the time manipulation device until the end?" Minato countered with his own question.

"My Father says he did," Mitsuru answered to the only answer she really knew.

"Maybe he did, or maybe something changed. If your Grandfather's experimentation's on Shadows is what brought about the Dark Hour in the first place then I can't help but wonder if the real goal was something else. The powers that Shadows possess…and their origin. Perhaps your Grandfather had a better grasp of the true nature of Shadows," Minato sighed, his thoughts as always a mess and filled with nothing but conjecture.

"Arisato, as much as I trust your judgment and opinion. I hope that this one time, you are wrong," Mitsuru said in a whisper.

Minato looked back up to the full moon in the eerie light it admitted during the Dark Hour. "Yeah, me too, Senpai."

March 16th, 2011 / Daytime

Tokyo…who would have thought that members of her family lived this close to her and yet she had never been able to find out on her own. Actually it shouldn't be that surprising, her name was a lie. Takahashi Hamuko was a name given to her by the researchers of the Kirijo Group when she was separated from her parents and twin brother at birth. Her real name should have been Arisato Minako. The problem with that though was that on paper, Minako had died in child birth. It meant only the vague emails and cryptic exchanges of ex-Kirijo Group employees were the only solid proof of what had occurred. And trying to claim her real name would also possibly lead to a formal investigation into the past of the Kirijo Group. Something that Mitsuru was doing herself. It would only slow things down and ultimately get them nowhere. Probably taking years to get the whole mess resolved to a point where she could take the name Arisato Minako.

This was also the same reason why she was hesitant to meet her relatives face to face. She had no proof to offer them of her heritage. Other than a blood test, but that wasn't exactly something that could readily convince someone. Now that she thought about it…in her brother's journal, he had at one point mentioned having an Uncle that managed Minato's assets until he was older. Or was it something like that? The problem was…he had never talked about it to anyone, even Yukari. Perhaps he didn't really consider him family. Obviously his Uncle had never taken him in. It was all a stupid mess.

The Arisato's…a family that was torn apart by the greed and desires of others. And had a connection to the research of Shadows and Persona's. There was no easy explanation as to how all the pieces fit together. And there was no proof that the power of Persona was something that was inherited. As they had discussed just the day before…each individual grew in their power as a Persona user differently. The fact that Hamuko was using the Wild Card ability didn't mean it was simply because they were twins or from the same family. They could have both simply had that potential to begin with. She shook her head; she was just as capable of guessing that as she could understand how a Shadow could take her form and more or less be just about as human as her. There was no easy answer.

Kana was walking next to her as they made their way down a path through a neighborhood in Tokyo. She needed time to think, so they all agreed to meet at the local ramen shop in an hour. So she took Kana with her as she walked around close by, but not going to far from the location they needed to be at.

The Shadow was enamored with everything around her, taking a moment to stop and touch, or smell the things around her as they walked. Hamuko would stop and happily explain what mail was, or why there was garbage piled up in one area, or even why people would cut and do what they would to their lawns. It was refreshing to see the smiles and joy on Kana. Funny how it was like looking at a mirror…one that reflected her at a younger age. She had at one point been just as curious and inquisitive of the world around her because at one point she had been locked up down in that lab, and never allowed to see the upper world. Her world changed when Kana helped her escape. So she owed this Shadow…no…this girl, more than she could ever fully express.

They went down a back alley and came to a stop when the blue velvet door appeared to Hamuko. When Kana became interested in some drawings on the side of a building, Hamuko went to the door and quickly stepped inside.

"Good evening, my dear. It has been some time since you last came to visit us," Igor welcomed her with a smile.

"Igor-sama," Hamuko found herself smiling back as well. Her thoughts quickly went back to Kana though. "I wanted to ask about Kana-chan. How can a Shadow become…well what she is now?"

Igor grinned and sat back as he entwined his fingers together and chuckled softly, "Yes, I would assume it might seem confusing on to how it would be possible, however…" He pulled a single tarot card from the deck on the table and flipped the card over. "Death…in the upright position. Do you know what this card represents?"

She shook her head; she hadn't done much research into the Arcana or things of that nature, although her brother had after learning the nature of Shadows and Persona being closely linked to it. She was going to look into it herself once she had time to really stop and take things in.

"The Death Arcana is not the ultimate end of a journey; it is simply a point of transition, or change…a time for contemplation before the last half of that journey begins. Like your Brother before you, Kana is linked to a change…a transitional period in your life. The reason the Shadow became the being you know as Kana is simply because of a choice. She made the choice to question and re-think her purpose, and because of those thoughts…the Shadow gained an Ego of her own. So Kana began her own journey by helping you," Igor stopped and offered Hamuko another smile.

"So…it's because she began to think as more than a regular shadow? Just how vast is the power of a Shadow?" Hamuko shook her head.

"That, is perhaps a question that can never be fully answered. Now is there anything else that you require of me, my dear?" Igor chuckled.

Hamuko recognized when the time for questions was over. "Igor-sama, I want to fuse." She wasn't sure what to expect from here on out. But if Yoshimitsu had more in store for her, in order to test her limits compared to her brothers…then she could only expect that things would get worse. She could only hope that she was wrong.

November 4th, 2009 / Evening

Minato stared at the clock on the wall opposite of him in the dormitory's lounge. He leaned back against the wall as he watched the seconds go by. The sushi had arrived and most of the group was around and digging in for themselves. However, Minato could only focus on the time as it went by. Pharos was gone…and he couldn't help but feel like something was now missing from him. It was as if something that had always been there was just…gone. And it had to be Pharos. He had no idea how he had felt about the whole business but Pharos presence before and after the Full Moons had always been something of a comfort and intrigue for Minato. The last Shadow defeated had led to a change. A change that would greatly affect them all. But how and what would occur was still open to debate at the moment. At least until it became midnight and he would either be proven wrong…or worse…that he was right.

"Hey, where are Aigis-san and Ikutsuki-san?" Ken's question caught Minato's attention.

"He took her to the lab for a tune-up or something. He said they'd join us later," Akihiko was quick to explain.

Fuuka giggled, seemingly unsurprised by this, "The Chairman just can't stay away from the lab, can he?"

Minato was going to speak on how the timing of it was a bit too convenient but the sound of a vehicle stopping in front of the dorm stopped him and Mitsuru quickly got to her feet in response.

"That must be my Father," she said as she moved over to the door to open it. Sure enough as she opened the door, her Father and two other gentlemen came in. Judging by the way they looked they were obviously Kirijo Group employees. "We've been waiting for you."

Minato half agreed with that. At the very least it would be good to have her Father here if the Dark Hour did continue. Still he merely looked over towards them for a moment before looking back at the clock. He would let them celebrate, at the very least they deserved that much after all the hard work they had done to train and eliminate the Shadows. He would remain unconvinced until 12:01 AM and no Dark Hour had come.

"Congratulations, everyone. You've done well. There are no words to express my gratitude. Though you will never receive recognition you deserve, it is undoubtedly a monumental achievement," Takeharu spoke with definite sound of pride and thankfulness for what they had done. Minato only wished that they were done and that this could be a true celebration. But ever since the morning and Pharos had said goodbye…he hardly felt like much of anything.

He had remained mostly silent for the day. Not even talking much at all to Yukari. She asked him what was wrong and he had merely shook his head and told her it wasn't a big deal and would tell her about it later. Minato glanced over as Takeharu went over to Yukari.

"To you, I owe special thanks…For lending us your power until the very end," Takeharu took her hand as he said this.

"Oh it's…it's no big deal," Yukari said looking a bit embarrassed by the focus on her. But Takeharu moved back to where he had been standing before only a moment later. Minato could only assume it was because he felt he owed her because of her Father's involvement, but Minato was still sure that the Kirijo Group had the details of the cause wrong. Though he supposed they would be open to reevaluating it when the Dark Hour still continued.

"The 12 Shadows that were the cause of all our troubles have been destroyed, thanks to your efforts. You needn't bear this burden any longer. You deserve a chance to experience the joys of youth. The Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad will be dissolved as of midnight tonight. No longer must you put your lives on the line in battle. Tomorrow, you can triumphantly return to a normal school life," Takeharu offered a smile, but no one shared that sentiment.

The whole of SEES looked at Minato and he merely shrugged in response.

"Is something the matter?" Takeharu asked picking up on the group's response.

"I thought this was supposed to be a celebration?" Minato said although he didn't necessarily agree about what was being said. But he also didn't care to have everyone too focused on it either.

"Alright, everyone…It's time to celebrate. Your feast awaits you. There's no need to hold back; eat as much as you'd like," Mitsuru smiled at the group.

"Sweet! I've been waiting for you to say that," Junpei grinned and was the first one to dig into the sushi.

Minato shook his head and looked back to the clock. It wouldn't be that long from now and they would know the truth of the situation. Still time seemed to crawl by. And his focus remained such that he didn't notice Mitsuru's Father approach him.

"Arisato, was it?" he asked with his hand extended towards Minato.

Minato shook it, "Yes. Arisato Minato."

"Hmm for some reason I feel that name is familiar," Takeharu shook his head. "Tell me, do you still feel the same now as you did in Yakushima?"

"Yes, I still firmly believe that it isn't over yet," Minato said eyeing the clock again. Takeharu followed his sight to the clock on the wall.

"I suppose when it hits midnight we will know either way," Takeharu mused.

"Even if the Dark Hour disappears…all of us still have the power of Persona. I don't think that is something that goes away. You can't expect us to all just return to being regular students. Mitsuru-senpai especially will have a tough time. I imagine you know just how long she has had a Persona," Minato looked over at him, at which the older gentlemen shifted uncomfortably.

"My daughter awoke to her power to protect me when we foolishly entered that tower thinking we had nothing to fear. Two of my men became Shadows right before our eyes. If Mitsuru did not awaken at that time, perhaps the Kirijo Group would have been no more," he spoke softly as to not let the others overhear our conversation. "You would not have had to lead them in this endeavor of that was the case."

Minato chuckled a bit, "I think I would have still been here and fighting this battle but it would have certainly been different. If Mitsuru-senpai wasn't here, then more than likely neither would Akihiko and Shinjiro-senpai would have ever gotten involved. However, Yukari and I would still have ended up fighting them. Her quest to find out what happened to her Father would have had her investigating the downfall of the Kirijo Group and I would have still come back here as a means to live on my own. Who knows, maybe Junpei and Fuuka-san would have still been here too. Brought in the same way as before, but only a bit different. I'm sure we would have found a way to summon our Persona's without evokers as well."

"So do you believe in fate?" Takeharu asked.

"Not really. I believe in fated encounters," Minato shrugged but was given a questioning glance from the older gentleman. "I believe some things are meant to happen. However, it is our choices that determine the outcome and the future. For you, that moment when your men became Shadows. That was a fated encounter. But there were two decisions that happened to make the current outcome to be what it is. One, you had decided probably against your better judgment to bring the young Mitsuru with you."

"And the other?" he nudged.

"She decided that she would protect you. If anything in my experience with Persona has taught me…it's that those decisions that weigh such heavy consequences that influence the power of Persona more than anything else. Her desire to protect you is what I am sure still drives her to this day," Minato looked at Takeharu. "She must have watched you fight against the Shadow that your own Father left behind and his ambition. Leaving you to shoulder a large responsibility for the entire Kirijo family. Over time…a child who watches their parent struggle and being as powerless as children tend to be, they do really silly things to try and close that gap just a little bit. Every child wants their parents to be happy. At least that is what I am told."

Takeharu said nothing for a moment and then chuckled, "You are quite insightful. It is no wonder that my daughter and Akihiko saw fit to appoint you as leader. Perhaps going back to a normal school life would bore you."

Minato laughed, "You might be right. Still I could stand for my life to be a little bit more boring."

"Listen up everyone!" Junpei said calling for everyone's attention. "I have an idea…How 'bout we all take a picture?"

It took everyone a moment to register what he had said as Junpei pulled out a camera from behind the couch. Minato found it curious because it looked like a pretty nice camera at that.

"A picture, huh?" Minato chuckled as he moved behind the chair that Yukari was sitting in.

"Actually, I tried to take one last night…but I forgot it wouldn't work in the Dark Hour," Junpei admitted.

Minato couldn't help but laugh, "You were fighting with that thing in your pocket the whole time?"

"You mean…You brought a camera with you into battle?" Akihiko raised an eyebrow.

"Well it was our LAST battle, after all," Junpei defended himself. He got up and walked over to one of Takeharu's men he had brought with him. "Hey, could you take our picture?"

"Sir?" the man looked past Junpei and asking Takeharu if it was alright.

Takeharu merely nodded his confirmation.

Everyone got up and walked over by the door where the unspoken agreement of where the picture would take place, Minato walked over with Yukari.

"I feel like such a tourist," Yukari sighed. "But, I have to admit…I kinda want a picture, too."

"Takeharu-san, you should be in the picture too," Minato said urging the older man into the picture and positioning him next to Mitsuru. They both stood there awkwardly and Minato frowned along with Yukari next to him. "Don't be strangers you two." Minato moved and forced Takeharu's arm around Mitsuru and then quickly got into position himself next to Yukari and put both his arms around her and looking at the man with the camera.

"Is everyone ready?" the man asked.

"You bet!" Junpei was a bit too enthused.

"Knock it off," Akihiko muttered from next to Junpei.

"3…2…1…" The photo went off and then Junpei fell to the ground seemingly pulling Akihiko with him unintentionally.

"Dammit, Junpei. You screwed up the picture!"

"Sorry, Senpai. We have to do another one when Ikutsuki and Aigis get here anyway," Junpei pointed out.

Everyone laughed and Minato took a moment to steal a glance at the clock. Minato took Yukari over to the couch and sat down, pulling her down next to him and keeping her close. He eyed the clock from where they sat as he got ever closer to midnight…only a couple minutes away.

Koromaru took this moment to sit next to Minato and nuzzle at his hand. Minato smiled and scratched him behind the ear, but he notice that Koromaru was nudging towards the clock as well, "Yeah, it's almost time."

"Minato, I'm scared…I want it to be over," Yukari whispered and clung to his arm tighter.

Minato said nothing as the whole group watched as the clock ticked over to midnight. His eyes narrowed on the clock as it struck 12…and that all too familiar feeling engulfed them. The Dark Hour emerged in defiance to the rest of SEES desires for it to be over. But Minato had known there were too many unanswered questions that lingered for things to simply end in such a manner. But now the most pressing question that came to Minato's mind was…where were Ikutsuki and Aigis?

March 16th, 2011 / Evening

"I don't like this," Junpei muttered as they all sat around a table at the ramen shop. "Do you really think this Yoshimitsu guy would release a large scale Shadow just to test Takahashi? Isn't it going too far? Tokyo has to be like the dumbest place to do it."

"I have to agree. Even if he had allies within the Kirijo Group, they don't have much of an influence in the more commercial large cities like Tokyo or Okinawa. He might have been lying to us," Akihiko added his thoughts to the discussion.

Yukari stayed quiet and instead just took a bite of her ramen. Arguing about if they were in the right place was pointless. She was here to meet with Arisato's Aunt and Uncle and introduce them their nephew's daughter. It was also the only real clue they had as to what Yoshimitsu's movements would be. What bothered her more was what his motives behind his actions were. Much like the man Ikutsuki…they knew far too late what the man had been hiding. And Minato had been the one to express his concern way before it had ever been a point.

She looked at the blue leather bound book that was in her purse. What had run through his head when all of that had happened? That was what she was about to read in the journal. The situation was much how it was at the moment. They had known something was wrong when Ikutsuki had not returned with Aigis when the Dark Hour occurred on that night some two years ago. And right now…they had no idea as to why Yoshimitsu wanted to explore the possible potential of Hamuko. Did it have a purpose?

Minato had put it best. All people have a goal…an objective. Ultimately all actions serve to fulfill that goal. They will even go so far as to subconsciously react to people that are negative towards that end goal.

What if the end goal was the same as Ikutsuki? In order to achieve the fall…it would mean breaking the Great Seal. And for that you would need to be able to somehow match that power. And what better way than with another Wild Card user? And to make it worse…to be his twin sister. Then to make it even more personal…aim at the family. It could all be a wild goose chase to achieve one goal…to build up Hamuko's power and then ultimately direct her to attack something…something specific that could possibly give him the effect Yoshimitsu wanted. And if all that was true then that meant all of this was meant to simply strengthen Hamuko until she was powerful enough for him to use.

Yukari glanced over at Hamuko. She wasn't really paying attention to the conversation and instead was instructing Kana in the use of chopsticks. Watching as Kana failed to pick up any food a few times the Shadow girl looked to be getting frustrated. Hamuko laughed and then picked up a portion of ramen with her own chopsticks and feed it to Kana.

Minato's sister…whose life was saved by a Shadow…a shadow that had once been used to harm her. Used by Yoshimitsu and the Kirijo Group scientist, using children to gain more power for themselves. Splitting up the Arisato twins before they could even defend themselves. And now the rest of the Arisato family was possibly at risk. People that were not a part of that world…had no knowledge of it. They probably were unaware of Minato and Hamuko's parents having worked for the Kirijo Group, or their involvement in it.

There was also a small chance that at some point Yukari herself had met Minato's parents…or even Minato himself before his parents died. There was no way she could ever know for certain. But she did know that their parents did know each other…it was something she would have to talk to her Mom about. Looking around at everyone then at her phone she grabbed it and decided there was no particular reason she couldn't do it now. Her mind was far too occupied with other thoughts than to get into the debate that the rest of SEES was in.

Stepping in to the night air she felt somewhat more at ease than in the ramen shop. She opened her contacts and dialed her Mom's number.

"Yukari? I was about to call you," her Mom's voice comforted her.

"Hey Mom. Sorry I haven't called the last few days, I've been busy," Yukari said holding a smile on her face as she looked up into the sky. The moon was getting fuller…only a few days away from a full moon. "I've got a question."

"What is it dear?"

"Was Dad friends with a Kayane and Miyuki Arisato?" she asked feeling a large weight leave her as she spoke it.

Her Mom didn't respond for a moment, "Actually, we were all friends. You're Father and I…went to college with them."

Yukari blinked for a moment as she registered what she was just told. "Then…wait…did I know Minato before?"

"You were too young to remember, Hun. But yes. The last time you saw him would have been when you had just turned six. But yes…his family were really close friends to me and your Father," Yukari's Mother spoke much softer this time. "You both had a connection to that town and each other. I'm not surprised that the two of you fell in love. You were always close to him. You don't remember because…when your Father died we were basically chased away by the media and everything else. And that poor boy was left alone."

"No, don't blame yourself Mom. Minato understood what you did more than I had. He's the reason that we…" Yukari wiped a tear away from her face.

"He was a great man, Yukari," her Mom said comfortingly. This made Yukari begin to cry even harder. "Let me tell you a story, my dear. There was a time when we would go to the local park as a family to the local shrine. It's also the same place that we would often meet up with the Arisato's and enjoy…well just being friends. Your Father and Kayane-san would leave their work for another time and would simply just enjoy a simpler time. You and Minato would play on the jungle gym, although you would be spending most of your time bossing him around. You wouldn't let him be more than five feet away from you or you would get upset. Yet it was in those times when I saw only smiles on everyone. When I heard that Kayane and Miyuki were dead…I just felt broken. All those memories came back and I just couldn't handle it…I…"

"Its fine, Mom," Yukari said wiping her own tears away. "It seems strange that I could forget him like that. I was so focused on Dad's death that I couldn't even remember anything from back then. I only focused on my memories of him. But then again…the same must have been for Minato. His life wasn't easy after his parents died. He probably didn't realize I was the young girl he knew when he was younger."

"What is important, that even if it was a brief time, you both found each other again. And your little girl is proof not only that Minato was a part of your life, but also that he loved you. Isn't that part of the reason Minato wanted her to be named Kokoro?" Yukari's Mother reminded her of things that had brought her to tears many times before. The loss of Minato would always be felt by her, no matter how much time passed. But right now she needed to help what family Minato had left on this world.

"I should get going. The others might be worried on where I went off to," Yukari spoke after a moment.

"Alright, take care of yourself. Be strong, just like you've always been," her Mom added.

"Thanks, Mom. I love you," Yukari said softly with a smile on her face.

"I love you too, talk to you later," her Mom said and after a moment Yukari ended the call.

"Be strong, huh?" Yukari repeated as she looked back up into the night sky. And then…the Pseudo Dark Hour appeared, the familiar feeling washing over her as the pale green light illuminated her surroundings. "I will protect them, my love. I won't let your family get hurt." She could only hope in some capacity that Minato would feel her resolve.

Author's Note:

The interactions with Takeharu and Minato have always been really fun for me. Even in the game if just seemed like Minato was smart but opted to keep his mouth shut unless he had solid evidence to back himself up. And that is more or less how he is in my story, and why he doesn't try to stop SEES activities despite his doubts. But towards the end he realized even if something comes as a result of it...leaving the Shadows undefeated was hardly an option. It is more of a damned if you do and damned if you don't kind of situation. The main difference is that Takeharu only knows what he is told, and by and large he trusts the reports he is given. This causes some problems as you can imagine.

Minato and Yukari being childhood friends just made more sense as I wrote it. The major thing to keep in mind is that they both had traumatic life changing experiences which prevents them both from remembering anything before that point in their lives. Mostly it was just everyone's inability to deal with the events that happened. Yukari's Mother had definitely been unable to deal with it, and Minato had no choice as to what happened to him, and could hardly feel anything at all. And Yukari became resentful of her Mother on top of the grief of losing her Father. Pain and loss has a tendency to drown out everything else in your life. It probably would have been months or years before either Minato or Yukari had a realization that something or someone in their life was missing or had been forgotten. But also, six year olds don't have crazy good memories, regardless of who you are...at most you'll remember moments or flashes of that time, but nothing clearly. So looking back for both of them would be incapable of seeing past what they had lost at the time.

Along with that, there is more to be revealed about present day...and maybe the bigger picture will start to make more sense.

I hope you are all enjoying it so far. You know the drill, read, review and maybe spread the love a little bit, lol. See you tomorrow with the next chapter.