CHAPTER 27 / Devotion

March 1st, 2010

Dear Yukari,

There isn't much time left. My energy is quickly disappearing. I will have to spend these last days pouring into this journal to ensure its completion. It has to be completed…I refuse to move on with all of you not knowing the struggles we faced together. Although I am so tired lately I just have to push on a little bit more. Graduation day…isn't far off. The day we all promised to meet each other again. I know that everyone will be there that day.

All I have left to recount…is our last two months…the time where we all were tested the most. When Junpei was tested the most. And in the end…so was I. I hope I was able to make everyone happy…and I'm sorry that we all couldn't stand together in that final battle. But you all were still with me in that fight. I could look into the heart of Death itself only because of all of you. And maybe it could be hard to grasp…but I had a realization in that battle…something that cannot be explained with words.

It was much like finding peace within myself and my life. For a few fleeting moments everything in this world…and the next made complete sense to me. I hope that day is far off for you, my love. I won't waste much more time with these words. I still have much more to transcribe before the end.

Love Always,
Arisato Minato

November 22nd, 2009 / Dark Hour

Minato sat up at attention, mere seconds before he heard the telepathic message from Fuuka. "I'm sorry to wake you up…Um, I'm not sure how to say this, but…you need to come to the 4th floor, hurry!"

"I'm on my way," Minato said as he quickly changed into his school uniform and slipped on his SEES arm band. Then grabbing his weapon he made his way out of his room and quickly towards the command room and saw everyone gathered.

"I was just about to go get you," Yukari said who was fully dressed but somewhat groggy.

"So, what is the situation?" Minato asked.

"Yamagishi has sensed something," Mitsuru spoke looking at the others. "Other Persona users. They're outside Tartarus."

"Other Persona users? Don't tell me…" Ken muttered.

"Strega…they're still alive," Akihiko commented looking at Minato for a moment.

"I was wondering when they would show up again," Minato sighed.

"First the Dark Hour won't go away and now Strega is back?" Yukari shook her head and grabbed Minato's arm. "That last fight wasn't easy."

"That is one reason we kept training, right?" Minato said looking at all of them. Akihiko nodded.

"How many are there, Yamagishi?" Akihiko asked.

"There is only one, but…I thought she was in the hospital…" Fuuka started and Minato's mind put the pieces together quickly.

"No cut your connection!" Minato said running towards Fuuka.

There was a flash of light but Minato still went forward. He saw Fuuka grabbing her head, "No…she's…she's inside…" Fuuka then screamed and some force knocked Minato off his feet and to the ground.

"What is it?" Mitsuru asked.

"…Long time no see." It was Chidori.

"Chidori!?" Junpei moved forward.

"She's speaking through Yamagishi?" Mitsuru was surprised at this possibility…and while Minato had only thought of it at the last second it clearly hadn't been early enough.

"I can't stand the sight of you all anymore…So, I've decided to do something about it. Come to me…" Then Chidori's voice cut out and Fuuka was back in control. She fell to her knees and Minato scrambled to her side along with Yukari.

"Are you okay?" Minato asked.

"I'll be fine…" Fuuka said still taking her a moment to recover.

"What the heck?" Yukari was confused she looked to Junpei. "Junpei, do you know what is going on?"

"No, dammit! I have no idea! Just leave me the hell alone!" Junpei who had already been edging to the door took off in a run.

"Junpei! Junpei, wait!" Yukari yelled after him getting to her feet.

"We don't have time for this," Minato said getting to his feet.

"This is most likely a trap. But, we're dealing with Strega, so we must pursue this. And if we confront them, we main gain some insight into our current situation," Mitsuru said as she went to what was now the equipment cabinet and retrieved her rapier.

"I only sense one of them, but she has cloaked the two of them from me before," Fuuka warned.

"Okay, Kirijo-san, Sanada-san and Yukari are the main force with me. Aigis, Ken and Koromaru will be back up and ensure we don't get ambushed by Takaya and Jin. Gear up, and let's get moving," Minato gave the orders as he put his sword to his belt. He turned and made his way down to the lobby waiting for the others. "That Chidori is a bad liar."

"Why do you say that?" Yukari asked as she was the first to appear in the lobby.

"She's in denial," Minato said bluntly.

"What do you mean?" she eyed him curiously.

"Oh come on, she's got it bad for Junpei," Minato chuckled.

"Enough to want to kill him?" she didn't seem convinced.

"You aren't curious as to why Strega can summon Persona's? And remember what Jin said at the end of our fight?" Minato said as the others could be heard coming down the stairs.

"You mean how they have to force theirs out…plus…those pills they need to suppress their Persona's from going beserk?" She looked at him for a moment. "You think something happened…something that is causing her to act this way?"

"The pieces fit," Minato shrugged as the rest of SEES came down. "Let's get going."

They had to move quickly so he moved double time towards Tartarus…not exactly an easy destination to get to from the dormitory. This is why when they were going to be adventuring in Tartarus they met in front of the school before midnight. Their purpose had them all motivated so thankfully it didn't take them long to arrive.

"Chidori! What's going on!? Why are you doing this!?" Junpei was pleading…and from the sound of his voice Minato knew that Junpei couldn't figure out her motives. Minato had to assume that Junpei and Chidori's relationship had progressed quite well…and that it was a conflict within Chidori herself. This was about something else…a secret she had not told Junpei. Her silence in response to Junpei told Minato all he needed to know…especially those eyes that looked back at him. That was not a girl looking for revenge…this was a girl in pain…and confused. She didn't know what to do when it came to Junpei.

Still Junpei pressed on, "It doesn't make any sense! I mean, I know I'm not that smart, and I've done a lot of stupid stuff…But we shouldn't be fighting like this!" He went to move forward.

"Junpei-kun! Look out!" Fuuka warned him through telepathy.

Chidori swung at him…it was a wide…predictable arc and Junpei easily dodged it and stepped back. She looked angry…but there was too much emotion behind her eyes to know exactly how she felt. Or to even realize that she had intentionally telegraphed her intention so that Junpei would dodge it.

"Chidori…Why!?" Junpei was breaking…his heart being torn apart in front of his eyes.

Chidori went to attack him again; both Minato and Akihiko were the ones to act. Minato stopped Chidori's attack with his sword still sheathed as Akihiko pulled Junpei back.

"Get back, Junpei! It's useless to reason with her right now!" Akihiko said as he shoved Junpei away.

"Why? Why do you interfere?" Chidori turned her rage towards Minato.

"Why don't you tell me, why you are lying to yourself and Junpei?" Minato countered. She tried to attack him again, but Minato let go of his sword with one hand and grabbed her hand. "Look, I don't know what happened to you in the past but…"

That was apparently the wrong way to go about it. Minato was suddenly thrown back from her. "That's right, you don't know!" Chidori pulled out her evoker and summoned Medea. A blast of fire hit Minato hard and sent him tumbling back further, but he went into a roll and quickly popped back up to his feet and slid to a stop.

"Looks like I hit that nail on the head," Minato muttered as he switched his Persona to one of his most recently acquired. Surt, the ultimate Persona for the Magician Arcana.

"You okay?" Yukari asked her bow aimed at Chidori.

"Akihiko, keep her debuffed. Let's try not to hurt her too much," Minato said looking at SEES. "She's fighting two battles right now. And for her to win the other battle…she needs to lose this one."

"Heh, not sure I get it but…you're the leader," Akihiko said pulling out his evoker.

"Mitsuru and I will back you up," Yukari added.

Minato nodded and unsheathed his sword and tossed his sheath aside.

"Minato…" it was Junpei. Minato looked back at him. "Please don't…"

"I already know, Junpei. Trust me," Minato said looking at him.

"Thanks," Junpei added.

Minato charged back towards Chidori. She blasted him again but Surt took the fire attack and absorbed it. She panicked and threw her axe at him, but Minato side stepped and knocked it away as he closed the gap. He took the surprise to step into her reach and flip his sword around, hitting her hard in the gut with the hilt of his katana. She stumbled back putting her evoker to her head and this time Medea appeared to smack Minato back with a physical attack to create some room for herself.

"Takaya was right, you're a nuisance!" Chidori said as she attacked Minato again. He jumped back to avoid it.

"Takaya?" Minato questioned it for only a moment. "I see." He could almost see it…as if Takaya was there whispering into her ear…urging her to do this. So…the others were here. Takaya must have seen it in Chidori as well. She was wavering. Moving away from Strega and into the arms of someone she had fallen for.

Chidori used Medea to attack the whole party. He knew what it was instinctively…it was maragidyne. He would be fine, but Mitsuru would be…

"Gah," Mitsuru was knocked to the ground. Chidori followed it up quickly, attacking Mitsuru directly with another fire spell. Minato however jumped in the way and took the blast instead.

"Why!? Why won't you just leave me alone!?" her cry was more desperate than Minato anticipated. Her gaze moved to Junpei who was standing back. "I just don't get it, Junpei…"

This was a critical moment…Minato charged again while she was distracted. "This isn't what you want…you know that!" Minato yelled.

"Don't pretend you know me," Chidori responded as she tried to push him back with a physical attack from Medea.

"I don't but doesn't Junpei?" Minato words caused her to stop. She recovered just when Minato was essentially on top of her again. She tried to throw her weapon at Minato…but an arrow flew past and knocked the weapon harmlessly away as Minato once again struck Chidori hard with the hilt of his blade. She fell to the ground this time and let go of her weapon and evoker. "Don't you want him to know the truth?"

"Chidori!" Junpei said running up to her as Minato gave him some room. With no regard to anyone he took her into his arms.

She looked up at him, "I told you…don't touch me." Yet she made no effort to move away from him.

"Chidori, please…tell me why you're doing this…" he pleaded.

She didn't look away from him as she spoke, "What I fear most isn't death. What I fear most is…attachment. Once I become attached to something, I fear I will lose it. That's why we only live for the moment. But you…" Chidori suddenly had tears falling down her eyes. "You brought me pain. Pain I didn't want…pain I didn't ask for."

Junpei was confused by her words.

"When I'm with you, Junpei, I fear everything…" she brought her hand up to Junpei's cheek. "I fear loss…I fear death…" her tears intensified. "I fear my time with you will end. That's why I…" Chidori suddenly gasped as if she had realized something.

"Chidori?" Junpei looked at her…still piecing together what she had said to him.

"I'm sensing…" Fuuka started saying.

Minato already knew…it was Takaya and Jin. They emerged out from the front doors of Tartarus.

"There you are, you sons of bitches," Akihiko was first to speak.

Takaya ignored him and looked at Chidori clearly disappointed, he shook his head and sighed, "Chidori…I see that it is too late. You've been poisoned by them."

Minato switched his Persona to Siegfried and put a hand on his evoker. He needed to play this carefully…Takaya had the high ground. Minato cursed at himself internally…he had already messed up again.

"What the hell does that mean, you friggin' ghost!?" Junpei said now holding Chidori protectively.

Takaya grinned and then broke into a laugh that seemed to send chills in the air, "I am no ghost…Fate permitted me to live, even though I wasn't attached to life. You might say I was…chosen."

"You bastard…I've made up my mind," Junpei placed Chidori on the ground to which she seemed confused for a moment.

"Junpei, wait…" Chidori pleaded.

"I won't let you do this to her anymore! I'll protect Chidori with my life! Chidori, you don't have to stay with them. Come with me," Junpei said looking at Chidori.

Minato saw Takaya move and pull out his revolver. He had to make it to Junpei!

"Junpei!" Chidori's eyes grew as she realized what was going to happen.

Takaya simply laughed as he shot Junpei. Minato stopped in his tracks.

"No…not again…" Minato eyes looked at Junpei.

"Huh?" Junpei put his hand to his chest and pulling it back his hand covered in blood. He collapsed…but Chidori was there to catch him.

"NOOOOO!" Fuuka screamed.

"Junpei! Junpei…Junpei..no no no no no no no…" Chidori eyes looked over him. She looked at all of SEES. None of them…none of them knew what to do. "I…I won't let it happen!" She scrambled over Junpei to her evoker and without hesitation…summoned Medea. "Junpei…I…I was wrong…I was scared…and I blamed you for my heartache. I never felt that way before I met you, Junpei. And for the first time in my life, I…I realized what I wanted."

She took her hand to Junpei's cheek as Medea seemed to cover Junpei's body in an odd light. No one moved…not even Strega.

"I …want to be with you, Junpei. Forever," Chidori spoke softly. "But it could never last. I'm different from you…Since the moment I gained my power; I've known the day I was going to die."

She leaned down and put her forehead to his, removing his hat to do so, "Knowing that scared me…because I had never really thought about dying…And it made me realize that I wouldn't be with you anymore."

The glow around Junpei intensified and Chidori brought her lips closer to his, "That's why this is how it should be…You can't die here, Junpei." Chidori kissed Junpei and a blinding light caused everyone to flinch away. After a moment it subsided and when they looked back…Chidori broke the kiss and Medea was gone. Junpei's eyes opened and Chidori smiled…a smile that only a girl who loved someone could make. For what was probably the first time in her life…Chidori looked happy. She giggled, "It worked."

Junpei sat up, Chidori holding on to his face so she could look at him. "I…" he was confused for a moment.

"She revived him…I can't believe it…" Akihiko was stunned just as all of them were.

"Her power…is the opposite of mine. She doesn't sense life…she emits life! But…in order to revive someone she has to…" Fuuka's voice dropped.

Minato didn't know what to do. Had he really let something like this happen in front of him again? Had he failed again?

Chidori collapsed against Junpei, "Chidori!"

Her head rested against his chest, "I can hear the life pulsing through you…" Chidori giggled again against his chest. She struggled to look up at him. "Now I will live inside of you, we'll be together…forever." Her hand weakly moved to his cheek.

"What're you saying? Chidori?" Junpei couldn't keep up…he only realized that Chidori was fading away.

She awkwardly managed to capture his lips from that angle, and kissed him for a moment, "I'll protect you, Junpei..always…"

"I'll protect you too! Please…don't go…not now," Junpei's face was soon covered in tears as he knew Chidori was dying.

"It feels so nice to be with you," she said as she collapsed against Junpei, her strength quickly fading. She raised her hand up to his cheek again, rubbing it affectionately with what strength she had left.

Junpei shook his head, "No, Chidori. Please…I love you."

She smiled, "Thank you…Jun…pei…I love you…" Then her arm went limp…falling to his side.

"This can't be happening…Chidori…Chidori…answer me…Chidori," he shook her hoping for a response. He wrapped his arms around her and let out a scream. One of pure agony and despair. Minato felt his heart break as if it was his own…just hearing the pain in Junpei's voice twisted Minato's insides.

How did it come to this? How did he let this happen? He was no leader…he was a failure…he no longer deserved to be in their presence. It was his responsibility…it was his duty to protect them..to stop this from happening. Junpei had died…and if it hadn't been for Chidori sacrificing herself…he would have still been dead. But the price…the price was so high. Now…two people who loved each other would never have a future together. And it was all Minato's fault…his carelessness…his lack of strategy and ability to lead. It all was his fault.

"What a pity…such a meaningless death," Takaya announced.

Junpei was pissed the moment Takaya had finished speaking. Junpei carefully placed Chidori on the ground before he glared at Takaya. "Meaningless?!" He growled as he picked up Chidori's evoker and got to his feet.

Takaya merely had a smug look on his face. He obviously wasn't ready for Junpei to attack him. In the fastest and smoothest motion he had ever seen from Junpei he put the evoker to his head and fired. What happened could only be described as a fusion. Hermes and Medea both appeared and then merged together forming a new Persona. It had happened so fast that it could have been missed if you blinked. Jin reacted quickly and jumped in front of Takaya as Junpei's new persona released a powerful fire spell that knocked the two from Strega back and hard against the door.

"Junpei!" Minato yelled. His teammate looked as Minato tossed him his katana.

Junpei caught it with his free hand and charged the down Strega.

Takaya pulled out his revolver from the ground but it suddenly flung from his hand. Aigis sat in position and had fired it away before Takaya could do anything. Junpei shot the evoker again, "Trismegistus!" Another blast came at Strega. Jin pulled out a grenade, using its explosion to cancel out the attacks.

"Don't forget about your mission! This is just a waste of energy!" Jin said to Takaya. Junpei didn't give them much time and came swinging at them with Minato's katana. Jin used his briefcase to block the sword.

"You son of a bitch! I'll kill you both!" Junpei yelled trying to push Jin back.

"I have something greater to accomplish. And since you have no means of destroying the Dark Hour, I will let you be…for now," Takaya said as he got to his feet. "But know that the day I shall finish this is soon approaching!"

Jin then kicked Junpei in the leg causing him to momentarily lose his footing. Jin followed up with enough leverage to push Junpei back. Jin suddenly threw down another bomb…and flooded the area with smoke, stopping Junpei from being able to charge in after them. "Wait! Get back here you bastards!"

"Stop!" Akihiko was there and grabbed his arm.

"Let me go! I…I'm going to…" Junpei tried to break free but then was suddenly smacked hard across the face by Akihiko.

"She entrusted you with this life! Don't waste it," Akihiko said…his words instantly deflating Junpei.

Junpei dropped the katana and the evoker as he slowly walked back to Chidori. "Chidori…Chidori…" he fell by her side again and took her hand. "This is so hard…but…it's not just my life anymore."

Minato clumsily got to his feet and picked up his katana and sheathed it. Attaching it back to his belt, he also picked up Chidori's evoker. Yukari was by his side a moment later. Her hands seeking comfort…as was he. Minato and Yukari held hands looking at the door to Tartarus.

"Minato…I…" Yukari was unsure of what to say to him.

"When everyone else has gone to bed…come to my room," Minato whispered.

She nodded and squeezed his hand. It was too much…even though Chidori had not fought with them…it felt like they had lost another of their own. And Minato no longer knew how to handle it. What if it had been him? What if he had been the one to die? Wouldn't Junpei have been happy? Or would the roles simply been reversed…If Yukari's Persona was a healer type…could she possibly do something similar? That wasn't something he ever wanted to find out. He had to protect them…right?

No…maybe that wasn't something he could do after all. Minato looked to the ground. Maybe it was time he resigned as leader…someone had to be more capable than him. Then…maybe no one else would have to die because of his incompetence.

March 17th, 2011 / Morning

Junpei hung his head and put his hand over the spot where he had been shot. A shot that had killed him, "Chidori…" he muttered for a moment before looking at the others. "You know…it took me a long time…but I can still feel her with me. Like I just feel her near me. But isn't that odd…how is it possible to merge Persona's like that?"

"The power of Persona is quite vast…and it is fueled by your emotions and determination. It changes based on your psyche. Quite simply…the desire of both of you to be together is what made it possible. Just as she was able to revive you from death…her desire was still to be with you. So in her eyes it must have been the perfect solution," Isako smiled at Junpei. "I'm sorry to hear that such an event happened."

"Thanks," he said with a nod. "I didn't realize Minato had taken it so personal…he really blamed himself for every death that happened. Didn't he…tell us?" Junpei looked at the rest of SEES. "You don't think…it's another effect of the Abyss of Time?"

"It certainly seems more likely as we read the journal," Mitsuru folded her arms. Then the sounds of a vehicle made them all look to the front. Yukari crossed over to the front door and opened it to Mitsuru's head maid Kaede. Holding Kokoro in her arms.

"Kaede-san, thank you," Yukari smiled as she took the child in her arms.

"She was an angel as always, Takeba-sama," Kaede smiled.

"Kaede, prepare for our departure to Iwatodai and Tatsumi Port Island," Mitsuru was there

"As you wish, Kirijo-sama," Kaede bowed and disappeared out towards the limosine.

Yukari brought Kokoro over to the couch as she sat back down. Reading that part had been incredibly difficult…she forgot how emotional that event had been…and how that night both Minato and Yukari had spent it in tears in his room. Minato…didn't feel the same after that…no…because not too long after…everything changed…and they all finally knew the truth. The truth of who Ryoji was…and a truth about Minato.

"It took me a few days…but I realized I needed to move forward. Chidori didn't want me to mope around…she wanted me to live. So I knew I had to face it all head on," Junpei smiled.

"Minato says the two of you bonded," Yukari added.

"Yeah…and it shouldn't have taken something like that for it to happen but…Minato and I became best friends after that," Junpei shook his head. "He fought hard…he didn't want anyone to die…yet…"

"If there had to be one more…it would be him," Yukari said softly which brought everyone's attention to her. "That is what he wrote. That he was done with death…that he couldn't bear to see it anymore…to see anyone suffer. What happened with Chidori and Junpei…it broke him…more than I had noticed…"

"There isn't much left of the journal," Akihiko commented.

"No…there isn't," Yukari said solemnly. "We…we should keep reading."

"Yeah…after all…we're going to go meet Yoshimitsu…his uncle. Hopefully all of this can be over…and maybe then Minato can get some rest," Junpei spoke up. "I mean…he did like his naps."

SEES all laughed in an attempt to break up the mood. But what remained of the journal was not anything cheery. No…all of it that remained was a painful reminder of the truth…that Minato was gone…and he was never coming back.

"Don't forget the good times," Kana was the one that spoke and stood in front of all of them. "He may be gone…but don't forget why he is gone. What he sacrificed was because he loved you all, right?"

Hamuko who had been silent smiled and stood next to Kana, "Onii-chan, was such an amazing person…look at all of you. This one man…one person affected you all so greatly…and he accomplished so much…all of you should remember the times he made you smile. Like when he would go jogging with Sanada-san…or would go to the arcade with Iori-san. He took Kirijo-san to all those restaurants or taste tested all of Yamagishi's cooking…and was always thoughtful of Amada-san and Koro-chan. He loved…so much…that was why…why he was able to do what he did. So don't…don't forget the man you all loved…don't forget why…why you loved him."

SEES was quiet for a long moment. "We can't forget why we started this," Mitsuru spoke softly. "Because we all wanted to know more about him…about the man who we all loved but didn't know as well as we all wanted."

"So we could know what motivated him…what made him into the man we saw at the end of his journey. To understand that smile he had on his face when he passed," Akihiko added. "That was not one of a man filled with regret…it was a man who had felt privileged to be alive."

"You're all right…we have to keep going…we have to finish this…before we face Yoshimitsu," Yukari motioned for Hamuko to come and take Kokoro. Hamuko did so gracefully and smiling at her. "Thank you…you don't mind?"

"Watching over my cute little niece? Never," Hamuko said as she leaned over and kissed Yukari's cheek. Then sat next to her. "We're going to be right here and listen all about your Daddy, okay?" Hamuko said looking down at Kokoro.

Yukari ran her hand over the blue leather journal and picked it back up opening up to the page she had left it on. No, it wasn't easy to read it…as if they were all reopening old wounds…but this was a decision they had all made…and they would see it through to the end. For Minato…for them and their future.

November 30th, 2009 / After School

He sat on the steps to Naganaki shrine and felt himself yawning. It wasn't the same around the shrine as it used to be. Maiko was gone…having moved away with her Mother when her parents got divorced. He still remembered all the time he had spent with her as if it was yesterday. He wasn't sure how it had all happened…only that he had been surprised when he had formed a social link with the young girl. She grew attached to him…more than he had realized.

Oh man…that was going to be something to explain one day…if Maiko ever came back looking for him and really wanting to get married with him. It wasn't like the young girl had given him a say in the matter. The girl had kissed his cheek and quickly left before he could say anything more to her. Of all the lives he had touched in his time in Iwatodai and Tatsumi Port Island he could only wonder how much it would really help them all in their lives. Now time slowly marched on…and his number of social links that he had not nurtured to its max could be counted on one hand. The power he gained from it was significant…and he knew that it would be important for him to maintain all of them and not focus on just a few. Juggling his schedule was quite a chore and his calendar in his room couldn't handle any more notes about when and where he could meet people. Well fortunately for him most of the people he hung out with generally were always around the same area. He frowned a bit…maybe a bit too convenient.

Today though, he had gotten a message from Mamoru to meet him at the Naganaki shrine. He didn't mind it…he didn't have anything actually planned for the day…but he was worried…something felt off in his life.

Junpei was feeling much better after receiving the sketch book that Chidori left…all pages were filled with only one subject. Junpei, himself. Minato had to wonder at what moment Chidori realized she had loved Junpei. In the end she had to do it the hard way. The words she said that day…it haunted him still. As Junpei was dying…she spoke to him as if he was responding…not only that…her power…she sacrificed herself to save him.

Could Minato do something like that? For Yukari? Yes. For the others in SEES? Yes…without question. Of course he could think that, but until the situation actually happened there was no real way of him knowing what he would really do or not. But he felt that it was these thoughts that he needed to address.

"Hey," Mamoru suddenly appeared and shook Minato from his thoughts.

"Yo," Minato nodded towards his friend.

"Thanks for coming down here," he said taking a seat next to him on the steps of the shrine.

"I don't mind, I like this place. Lots of good memories," Minato said looking up towards the jungle gym.

Mamoru smiled, "Well I needed to speak with you someplace quiet…so I figured it was a good place."

Minato looked up to the sky for a moment. "How's your Mom doing?"

"Actually, I just came from the hospital. I still have to pick up my sister from pre-school, go shopping, cook dinner…do laundry," Mamoru said doing a checklist out loud.

"Sounds like you shouldn't be wasting your time sitting here talking to me," Minato said nudging his friend on his arm.

"I need just a small break before I get to all that. Besides I can handle it," Mamoru shrugged with a grin on his face. "My Mom did this every single day so someone has to pick up the slack. Might as well be me."

"Gotta do what you can, right?" Minato glanced at him.

"Yeah, I knew you'd get it. But…" Mamoru looked off into the distance. "I'm going to have to skip out on Kendo now. I just don't have the time. Even with that scholarship…I won't be able to afford college. I mean, what about my living expenses? My family can't even pay for their own. Just like Dad…now Mom can't earn any money either…" He shook his head. "I'm gonna have to support them. I don't have any choice but to give up Kendo. Damn! I wish Dad was alive."

"I can understand a bit. My parents died when I was young. I didn't have any siblings though…but I was six years old and didn't even know where I was going to sleep that night," Minato shook his head. "There isn't much you can do about what happens to your parents."

"Yeah, I guess…but still. I wanted to challenge you to another match," Mamoru sighed. "I enjoyed kendo because I got to compete against people. It was something to strive for…is it really going to just end like this?"

"Don't give up on it, Mamoru. I know you have a lot going on…but why don't you try combining your training in with your chores," Minato suggested.

"What do you mean?" he looked at him for a moment.

"Well like, running over to the preschool to pick up your sister. You get your jogging in for the day. Do your studying while you are cooking dinner. Use timers and other stuff so you don't overcook anything. Maybe make flash cards and take one of your siblings with you to quiz you as you go shopping. And laundry you can easily do with other activities in between. All you need is some good ol' time management," Minato said with a chuckle.

"You know…you're right. I've come too far to give up now," Mamoru said pumping himself up. "I'm going to take part in the meet! I'll have to sit down and work out a training schedule so I can still get everything done."

"You'll be fine, I'm sure of it," Minato said.

"Thanks, man. I'm glad I was able to talk with you today. I have devoted a lot to kendo. It would be a waste for me to just throw it away because of a few bumps in the road. I'm going to take all this experience, apply what I learned and achieve victory! I have a goal to aim for now, thanks to you." Mamoru grinned and put his fist out.

Minato laughed and bumped it with his own. "You better get going. Don't keep your sister waiting for you."

"Oh crap, you're right. See ya later man…I'll hit you up later," Mamoru waved and then ran off.

Minato felt the social link strengthening again as he got to his feet. He looked up to the sky, "Everyone is fighting their own battles. Just because they don't know about mine…doesn't make it any less meaningful. Right? Is that a lesson you would have taught me…Mom…Dad?" he shook his head and started walking down the road…he looked off down the street to see the Moonlight Bridge. "Even still I have to try and live, right? That is what humanity continues to struggle for…to persevere…to make it to the next day…taking it day by day…problem by problem. I'm sure that is close to the answer."

He sighed and walked slowly to the dorm as the sun set off in the distance. Before long he had gotten to the dorm and he entered. He was met with Ryoji leaving.

"Oh, hi. What's up? Studying?" Ryoji greeted him.

"Well I'm about to," Minato shrugged.

"You know, I'm here a lot, but I hardly ever run into you. Strange, huh?" Ryoji chuckled.

"It's mostly because I just get home late," Minato said as he shrugged once more.

"Well, I'm outta here. See ya later," Ryoji said passing him and leaving out the front door.

Minato looked at the door for a moment…that strange familiar feeling coming to him again, "He's…strange." It was about the only word that Minato could think of to describe Ryoji.

"Was that Ryoji-san?" Aigis asked as she walked into the lounge. Minato walked over and took a seat next to Yukari on the couch.

"Yeah, he said he was going home," Yukari commented as she was going over her notes. "Minato did you start studying yet?"

"Do you not remember who helped write your notes you are currently studying from?" Minato eyed her and she blushed.

"How are you so good at studying anyway?" Yukari asked.

"Yeah…seems…" Junpei struggled to come up with the right word.

"Odd?" Minato provided.

"Yeah, I mean don't you have other interest?" Junpei asked.

"Well they shut down that MMO you gave me…which was fun while it was going. And I do try and read at least one book a week. I do spend a lot of time with friends and try to attend club at least once a week…" Minato continued trying to remember all the things he did in his schedule. "Plus I try and make sure everyone's equipment is up to date and…"

Junpei's eyebrows went up and looked to Aigis and then back to him, "Are you sure that you aren't the robot?"

Minato shrugged. "Anyway, what was Ryoji doing here for? It isn't like the two of you were studying."

"Well he has been coming here a lot lately. But Junpei and him hang out a lot," Yukari pointed out.

"But, visitors aren't allowed here…" Aigis seemed puzzled.

"Yeah, but Mitsuru-senpai said it's okay during the day," Yukari said as she flipped to the next page of notes.

"I don't think we have to worry about Ryoji-kun," Fuuka added in.

Minato yawned, "Never rule out a possibility until it is proven otherwise, Yamagishi."

"You saying we should be worried?" Fuuka asked.

"He's…dangerous…" Aigis said.

Minato pointed at Aigis, "See we have one person suspiscious of him."

"Why do you think that, Aigis-san?" Fuuka asked her.

"Come to think of it…he did hit on Mitsuru-senpai the first time he met her," Yukari commented.

"Please he hit on all of you the first time you met," Minato muttered. "That hardly makes him dangerous though. Just annoying."

"Don't worry; he knows never to hit on Yukari again. Not after last time," Junpei shivered.

"Last time?" Yukari's eyebrow went up.

"Oh yeah…that's because I…"

"He-Hey now…I don't think you need to describe it…let's just say Ryoji learned his lesson," Junpei interjected in which Minato just shrugged.

"Either way, having him around has really cheered Junpei-kun up," Fuuka said.

"It isn't like moping around is going to bring her back," Junpei muttered.

"That's true. I envy you, Junpei. I am a machine, so I cannot understand how it feels to live," Aigis said.

"…But you don't seem that different," Junpei said.

"I'm with Junpei on this. I think you are just looking at it in the wrong perspective," Minato said.

"However, it is more accurate to say that I am 'functioning' as opposed to living. There are times when I malfunction, but I can always be repaired," Aigis stated in a factual manner.

"So if we were all like you then we wouldn't have to worry about dying…" Junpei registered what he said and shook his head getting to his feet. "Uh…sorry…Hey, I don't have time to talk. I seriously gotta go study. You guys should too. I heard math is gonna be killer."

"I can help if you need any, Junpei," Minato offered.

"Thanks man. If I get stuck I'll send you a text," Junpei said as he disappeared up the stairs.

"He's not gonna study at all," Minato sighed.

"He waits til now to say that? Well I'm going to go turn in and focus on studying then," Yukari gave Minato a kiss on the cheek. "Stop by later and help quiz me?"

He nodded, "Yeah, no problem." Yukari and Fuuka were gone up the stairs next and Minato went over to the kitchen to grab a drink when he heard Aigis speak again.

"I should not possess the gift of 'life'…A 'living' weapon is difficult to operate…However I believe I understand the concept of loss…should you ever be harmed…" Aigis stopped looking unsure of what to really say.

"Are you still thinking that way? You do realize that the fact you have a Persona says that you are in fact not just a machine or a weapon," Minato shook his head. He had expressed this belief many times before. "Would just a machine have been able to overcome her programming to save her friends like you did that night against Ikutsuki?"

She said nothing for a long moment. "I'm sorry. I'm just concerned. You are very special to me. I do not know why, but I always want to be by your side. I want to protect you. I apologize for interrupting you…I will leave you to your studies."

"Aigis," Minato shook his head as he watched the mechanical maiden disappear to the stairwell. "The very fact that you are concerned…the fact that you can have feelings like that is the very reason why you are not just a machine. Persona…it's the proof that you are an individual…capable of free thought." He went into the kitchen and grabbed a soda from the fridge. He popped it open and took a long drink. Then something struck him as odd and he opened the fridge once more. "Oh crap…I knew I forgot to do something."

Minato began running off a checklist for the grocery store as he headed back out of the dormitory.

Author's Note

Love is not something that can be taught. And what it is and what it means will vary from person to person. One individual's description will be simple and seemingly simple to acquire...while some may have a more complex description and seem to be incredibly rare to ever find or experience. It's because of overlapping emotions and heartbreaking experiences that can change what an individual might feel or experience when it comes to love. This is definitely true when it comes to the relationship of Chidori and Junpei. While Junpei is not a predominant role in the fan fiction, it doesn't make this moment any less important to Minato. If anything this event serves as a wake up call to Minato about the dangers that are coming.

I think love blind sided Junpei. Sure as players we clearly saw the attraction he had to Chidori, but Junpei himself probably didn't realize it. Why do I say that? Think about what just happened recently. The hot springs in Kyoto. His plotting with Ryoji to "accidentally" be in the Hot Springs when the time changed from men to women wasn't him betraying his thoughts about Chidori or anything like that...but it was more because he wasn't aware of how much he cared for her...or in what capacity. No doubt he thought of her as just a friend. But in those last moments...a realization hits him all too hard. I can imagine what thoughts crossed his mind. "I'm an idiot. Why didn't I realize it sooner?" In the end...even if he had come to the realization sooner and confessed to Chidori she might have fought against him harder. Chidori tells him the reason for her hesitation and it was clear she was done fighting it, despite knowing the pain she would endure because of it. It was never death that she feared...it was the fear of leaving something she loved behind. And that fear is hard to ever properly describe unless you've felt it.

Chidori knew the moment she would die...but now she was able to use her life as she wanted. She was able to give life and save the one she loved. I can imagine just how happy she was in those last moments. And it would be difficult to understand why she was with only the vague hints of her past that are given. We know she was part of a Kirijo Group experiment that more or less forced potential into these kids. And that it had a negative effect on them...shortening their life spans. But now she'll live on in a small way with Junpei. Well actually I think it is a much bigger way than most people think. If Persona is a manifestation of the psyche, then she essentially merged apart of her own heart and mind with Junpei. Then again looking at it in reverse...she destroyed her own heart and mind to save him. I'm not sure how else you could show how much you love someone then something like that. But this isn't like the last time we'll see her...haha.

Anyway, read, review and all that usual business. I hope you enjoy it so far and continue to do so up until the end. See you tomorrow with the next chapter.