CHAPTER 28 / Chaotic Mind

March 1st, 2010

Dear Yukari.

I have to keep going…I have to keep writing. You're in your archery club at the moment so I have some time before you get done. I just have to make sure I don't fall asleep in the meantime. So in order to stop that, I grabbed coffee from the teachers' lounge while no one was in there. And I have to say…this coffee is horrid. How can any of them stomach this? Well I guess caffeine is still caffeine in the end.

As I come closer to the end of this journal…I can only hope that this will answer all the questions that you have. That in the end you know the full story of us…how we really met…how we really fell in love. And all the trials we faced together. I wasn't about to accept the fact that you couldn't remember. And who knows…maybe you will remember and by the time you get this it won't matter. And at the very least you can see things through my eyes…and maybe re-live our relationship from start to finish…something I have enjoyed doing since I began writing this.

I love you.

Love Always,
Arisato Minato

December 2nd, 2009 / Dark Hour

Minato opened his can of green tea and took a long drink from it as he looked out the window from the lounge of the dormitory. The moon was full. Yeah…he couldn't help but feel uneasy. Considering up til now…every full moon had brought…what was it that Pharos said? Oh right. An ordeal. This Full Moon was one he welcomed…without Pharos…and so much had changed that now…he felt somewhat lost. And while he did his best to push SEES forward…to be ready for anything…there was still too much to consider.

A part of him wanted to quit…as leader. Under his leadership…three people had died. He supposed…it could be argued that none of them were his fault. But to Minato…it would be no different than running away from the truth. A leader is someone who has responsibility…especially over the people that follow him. No he wasn't the leader of the Kirijo Group…or even SEES. He was the leader in battle. That meant…what happens on the field of battle was his responsibility. He was in charge of strategy…the ones who participated in battle…and even to protect those that aren't in battle. All of that….that was what he was in charge of. Three people had died on his watch. What kind of leader could he claim to be with that record?

Aragaki Shinjiro, Kirijo Takeharu and most recently…Yoshino Chidori. Each one…he could justify how he couldn't have been able to stop their deaths. But for what reason? To make himself feel better? No. It was because he had been careless and didn't think of all the other possibilities. He should have thought of where Aragaki Shinjiro and Amada Ken had gone to instead of charging off against the Full Moon Shadow. If he had also thought of Strega and what they could possibly be doing. He could have arrived fast enough to be able to counter Strega. And if he had been more diligent then he would have made sure to keep closer tabs on Ikutsuki Shinji. For Chidori…he should have realized it when she gave away that Strega had been close by. He should have secured the high ground…he should have been prepared to capture Strega. Minato should have prepared to take them down before anything happened. But he didn't…and because of that…Junpei had died. If not for Chidori…and her love of Junpei…plus her Persona ability…he would have stayed dead. But the price for that…was Chidori's life. Even if her time on Earth was short…she and Junpei deserved time together…to be happy…to be in love. Their time was cut short because of him…because of his inability to be the leader that they needed…that they all deserved.

He wouldn't run from his responsibility…doing that would be the worst move he could make. Because leaving as leader would hit the morale of SEES hard. He couldn't do that…in order to make sure SEES as strong as he could…he had to remain confident and under control for the good of the team. His thoughts…his insecurities had no place in SEES. He only needed to keep going…and surely…that would provide the answers he needed. It was the only option he had…it was the only one he would allow himself to have.

Truly he was a coward. He couldn't be honest with himself…and he couldn't even get the guts to go to Yukari about his insecurities.

"Minato-kun!" Fuuka was suddenly talking to him telepathically.

"What is it?" Minato asked automatically shifting his thoughts to the moment. The full moon had already made him expect something would happen.

"It's Aigis-san. She's on the Moonlight Bridge. And I'm sure she had been using a Persona," Fuuka quickly explained. "We're on our way down stairs. Yukari-chan is grabbing your equipment."

"Alright, as soon as you are all down here we'll head out," Minato said as he shifted his gaze back out the window and downed the rest of his drink and placing the empty can on the window sill. He looked at the full moon…the dark hour giving it the eerie emerald glow. "Why there? Why is she there?"

The others made their way and they quickly headed out to the Moonlight Bridge…it wasn't that far from the dormitory. Still Minato felt his steps heavy as his thoughts were still heavy in his mind. So when he arrived at the bridge…he could barely register what he saw in front of him.

Koromaru barked and ran right over to what Minato was looking at. Aigis…who looked badly damaged. He made his way over to her. Aigis…did it have something to what she was saying before? Why hadn't he been able to see it? Why didn't he question her further? Was there anything that he could do right? Why was he so incompetent as a leader?

"Aigis!" Yukari was by Minato's side as they both leaned down next to her.

"I'm sorry," Aigis said looking at Minato…her hand coming up to him and Minato took it as he looked at her. "I…I…remember everything…who I am and…who 'he' is…"

"Aigis, forget that…who did this? Who…" Minato knew that Aigis could be repaired…but that didn't make it any more acceptable.

Aigis ignored his question though, "I remember why I wanted to be by your side…I'm sorry…I failed."

"Failed? Look that doesn't matter. It's going to be okay," Minato shook his head.

"I'm…" Aigis looked…the most human that Minato had ever seen her. She looked sad…disappointed, and…fearful. "…sorry."

"There is no need for you to apologize," another voice entered and Minato instantly got to his feet and put his hand on the hilt of his sword. The person that appeared was not one Minato could have anticipated…it was that of Mochizuki Ryoji.

"Ryoji! Why are you here?" Minato demanded not taking his hand off his sword.

"Aigis!" it was Fuuka behind her but Minato didn't take his eyes of Ryoji.

"Minato-kun. All of this is my fault," Ryoji looked to the ground. Minato could tell he meant what he said…maybe it was his tone…still Minato kept his guard up. And Akihiko was at Minato's side looking ready to fight.

"Wait you two. He isn't showing any signs of aggression. Tell us…Who are you? What are you?" Mitsuru was the one to ask and had come up to ease Akihiko and Minato.

Ryoji looked at all of SEES before his sight settled on Minato, "Minato-kun…I'm not here to harm you."

"Then why is Aigis that damaged? What did you do?" Minato demanded…not even bothering to ease his stance. "You have a lot to answer for…you…"

"I know that. I have no intention of running from this. You deserve the truth," Ryoji said his gaze not leaving Minato's. "I am the same as the beings you call Shadows."

"You're a shadow?" Junpei shook his head.

"You aren't just a Shadow," Minato said.

"You're right," Ryoji looked to the ground. "I'm the embodiment of all Shadows…The Appriser, born from the union of twelve Shadows."

"The Appriser?" Yukari wasn't that far from Minato. Still Minato refused to ease his stance and kept his hand on his katana.

The twelve Shadows? Of course…it was those Shadows…So…something was happening…even without Ikutsuki…even without Strega…this was something else…something much bigger than anyone could have predicted. The Appriser. None of this was good…all of this only led to "The Fall" as it was the only thing that made any sense.

"I remember everything now. The frightening truth about myself. About Shadows…it's all so hard to believe," Ryoji collapsed forward to his knees and hands in front of Minato. He looked back up. "Minato."

"You know the truth about Shadows?" Mitsuru asked.

"Yes," Ryoji kept his eyes towards the ground. "Shadows are here to facilitate the rebirth of the maternal being. She will begin to awaken as she is drawn to me. The Appriser."

"You? You're the Appriser?" Mitsuru sounded shocked.

"Shut up, all of you," Minato growled, sending a glare back to the rest of SEES. He couldn't think with their ridiculous questions. They all just needed to shut up. "Appriser…you are supposed to be the proof that Death is coming…is that what you are saying? That 'The Fall' is going to happen? By the hands of this maternal being?"

"I knew you would begin to figure this out quickly," he looked up at Minato. "The maternal being is a great entity…there is no comparable word in your language for her. Ten years ago, a man gathered a great number of Shadows and contained them in a laboratory. That's where I was born. But the unification was interrupted, and I awoke in an incomplete state. Not long after that, I fell to Aigis…as she did to me."

"Yeah I figured she had been there ten years ago. It is also related to why she has an attachment to me…isn't it?" Minato said which caught everyone off guard. He ignored them.

"Minato…what are you saying?" Yukari grabbed his arm but he shook it off and took another step to Ryoji.

"You know then," Ryoji locked his eyes with Minato. "She knew she could not defeat me. So in an act of desperation, she sealed me within a child who happened to be standing nearby. That child grew up, carrying me inside him." He looked towards the ground once more. "And by a twist of fate, he later returned here…as a transfer student."

Minato finally eased his stance as everyone took in the weight of the words Ryoji had said. Then Minato moved forward and bent down picking Ryoji up by his collar and pulled him up to his feet. "It was your battle…your battle with Aigis that killed my parents!" Minato growled with such anger that it looked like he was going to hit Ryoji. Instead he dropped him to the ground and turned away. "God DAMMIT!" Minato kicked a nearby car and the sound made everyone there afraid to speak. "Sealed inside of me? A twist of fate?" Minato shook his head. "What the hell?"

Yukari stepped next to him, "Minato…"

"Don't touch me!" he said moving away from her. And diverted everything back to Ryoji. "It all started because I came back? Because I came here? That night! When I awoke to Persona…that is when it all started…right?"

"Yes…when you awoke so did the 12 Shadows, all in order to become one with me," Ryoji muttered but loud enough for everyone to hear. Then he got back up to his feet and stood before Minato…when he turned he saw tears in Ryoji's eyes. "It's all my fault…I'm sorry, Minato. I didn't know! We're friends and I…I have more to tell you…to tell all of you. I…" Ryoji collapsed but Minato caught him. Still angry…still not sure what he should be doing.

"Pharos…" he muttered as he looked at Ryoji. He picked him up and started walking away. "We can continue this later. Please see to Aigis, Kirijo-san."

Minato spoke to no one else as he carried Ryoji back to the dorm. What was he supposed to do now? The people that had died…the reason everyone was still in danger…it was all started by a simple fact. Minato had come to Iwatodai and Tatsumi Port Island. He had triggered the events that had killed multiple people. The appearance of Pharos…the Velvet Room…all of it…he should have ran…he should have left…then more than likely the large Shadows would have come chasing after him…then…he would have been the only one that died. There had to be another solution…something that he was missing about this situation. "The Fall"…was it something that could not be prevented? This maternal being…what exactly was it? Ryoji…or Pharos had the answers to that question…all he could do was wait.

As soon as he returned to the Dorm he put Ryoji on the 4th floor and then instead of returning to his room…Minato left the dormitory. Passing SEES as they returned to the dorm…he didn't glance at them or acknowledge them when they tried to talk to him. He simply moved to a place where he could think. Before long he was at Tartarus and he strolled in and straight into The Velvet Room.

He sat in the chair and said nothing.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room. It seems you have learned much more about your past and you come here seeking solace. Please, relax," Igor smiled and talked in his usual tone, and Minato found it more comforting than he ever imagined it could be.

"I know you can't give me answers but I have to ask anyway," Minato clenched both his fists. "Could this have been avoided if I never came to this place?"

"If you had never returned?" Igor shifted and then laid out tarot cards in front of him. "Hold that question in your mind." Igor picked a card and flipped it over. Minato knew what the card was. "Death…in the reverse position."

"What does it mean?" Minato pressed.

"It means that very little would change. Even if you had not returned…eventually you more than likely would have awakened to your power. The events would still occur, although you may have changed the location. However you would have been at a great disadvantage," Igor said as he looked at Minato. "Does the revelation trouble you this greatly?"

"I don't like feeling as if I had no choice in the matter," Minato said honestly. "My fate was predetermined."

"That is simply not true," Elizabeth said. The Velvet Room attendant looked at him for a long moment. "Although your life may have been altered…it was your choice, no one else, to return to this place. Need I remind you of the contract you signed when you first arrived at this place?"

Igor waved his hand and summoned the contract. "I chooseth this fate of my own free will. Ultimately what occurs will happen of a choice that you will make. Perhaps you will be able to find another option among the ones you are presented. Is that not what you are concerned about?"

Minato sighed, "My parents died on that bridge when the Appriser was sealed within me. Does that mean I had been aware of the Midnight Hour all these years?"

"Would your knowledge of such a time, changed the events that have occurred thus far?" Igor asked.

Minato shook his head, "No, it wouldn't have. It wasn't like I would have had any answers for it if I had. I still wouldn't have found out anything until I came to Iwatodai and Tatsumi Port Island. Anywhere else and I wouldn't have had access to the information that the Kirijo Group had. I would have been in the dark…and on my own. Besides…I didn't have that knowledge then…so I would have made the same decisions no matter what. I get it." Minato laughed a bit and got up from the chair. "Thank you, both of you."

"Always a pleasure," Elizabeth bowed.

"We are here to help you. As long as you are a guest to the Velvet Room…we shall do what we can to assist you," Igor grinned. "Is there nothing else we can provide for you this evening?"

"No, I think I need time for contemplation…to consider new information. And I will more than likely have more to think on tomorrow," Minato turned to head to the door and took a couple steps before looking back at the residents of the Velvet Room. "Until next time."

"We shall see you soon, Minato-sama" Elizabeth smiled.

Minato walked out and then found himself at the base of Tartarus. An advantage of the Velvet Room was that time didn't flow while he was in there…and when he needed extra time to think it would be the place he would go to in order to collect himself. He walked out of Tartarus and found himself looking at Yukari.

He came down the steps as she approached.

"What do you think you are doing Minato! You've got the rest of them scared to death about what you were doing. Fuuka-chan felt you go into Tartarus and they were all ready to charge in after you…thinking that you were going to do something stupid. I told them to let me deal with you…but you can't just push everyone out because you don't know how to…" Yukari stopped…she was shaking so much. "Don't push me away."

Minato stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. "You don't have to worry…I wouldn't do something like that…I just…needed to clear my head. The base of Tartarus is just where I ended up. But I didn't go in or anything."

"I know," Yukari said as her words became a bit harder to make out as it turned to sobs. "All this time…you were…you had to see that when you were just a kid."

"Maybe…can't say I remember it. Well I do now, but before I only knew where my parents died…more specifically…where I was found that night. The Moonlight Bridge…I was found unconscious. More than likely a result of Ryoji being sealed in me. I was taken to a hospital…where apparently I didn't wake up for over two weeks," Minato said as he looked up at the Full Moon.

"Two weeks?" Yukari looked up at Minato from within his arms. His words had calmed her and instead were making her think. "Like when you awakened to Persona?"

"There is definitely a correlation there…I doubt we would be able to determine if that is the reason though," Minato said and smiled at Yukari. "I'm sorry, love. I just…it hit me all at once. That battle…everything that happened ten years ago. I think it is hard to know why my parents were on the bridge at that time. I mean midnight is kind of an odd time to be traveling. Or for a six year old to be awake…and even more so…be aware of the Dark Hour. More than likely when Aigis sealed him inside me…it also sealed my potential. It makes the most sense."

"That would also be why the 12 Shadows didn't start moving until after you awoke to your power," Yukari thought about it for a moment. "Wait…but the first one appeared before you awoke."

Minato shook his head, "No, Ryoji awoke the night I arrived at the dorm. But at that point I only knew him as Pharos. So I'm guessing I awoke to my potential when I came to the dorm…during the Dark Hour. I just hadn't summoned my Persona yet."

"When you first arrived? The night we met?" Yukari put her arms around him and pulled him close. "So that's why Ryoji was almost talking exclusively to you."

"Yeah…Pharos was the one that warned me of 'the ordeals' before they happened. I wasn't about to tell you guys about it. Would you believe me if I said some little kid was visiting me sometimes during the Dark Hour?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Kid?" Yukari shook her head. "That question you asked me that first night…you weren't joking…you really saw a kid."

"Oh yeah…I did ask you if 'that kid' lived at the dorm when I arrived," Minato gave Yukari a squeeze. "There is a lot that happened…but you've been here since the beginning."

"And I will continue to be here, with you," Yukari whispered.

Then the Dark Hour ended and the two of them were left standing in front of the school. Minato kissed the top of Yukari's head, "I'm sorry for worrying you."

"We do this together, Minato. We're partners right?" Yukari said looking up at him.

"As much as we can, Yukari. I won't run off like that again, okay?" Minato said.

"Good," Yukari said and broke from Minato. "Mitsuru-senpai might get mad at you. You were a bit too…bossy you know."

Minato frowned, "Yeah…I was kind of pissed at the time. I'll apologize to her tomorrow." He rubbed the back of his head. "I'll apologize to everyone."

Yukari grabbed his arm and started pulling him down the street. "Then leave that for tomorrow…for now you are coming back with me…and I am not letting you out of my sight tonight."

March 17th, 2011 / Daytime

Yukari slammed the book down. "Did any of you remember that?" She felt herself becoming angry.

"No," Mitsuru said her hands clenched into fists.

"What the hell is this? Did we really do this to ourselves? Did we re-write this past so we didn't have to remember how much pain Minato went through?" Akihiko punched the wall.

"He was conflicted…he was just as clueless as all of us were. He kept so much more of his thoughts inward because…he didn't want us to worry about it," Junpei shook his head. "How could we ever just forget all of this?"

Hamuko was unsure if there was anything she could say. Just how different was what they remembered versus what Minato was telling in the journal? And could something have the ability to change memories on this kind of scale? Something seemed off about it.

"It's possible," Kana said from next to Hamuko.

"Is the power of Persona really capable of altering all of their memories?" Hamuko turned towards her. Everyone's attention went to Kana.

"Shadows have power over time and space…that was how the Dark Hour came to be in the first place, through their power. So why wouldn't the power needed to fight them not have that same ability? Minato-san was able to create a barrier in the sea of unconscious…the place where all Shadows reside…a place that should never have been possible for a human to reach or even be aware of. So there is probably an equal amount of potential and power for Persona users just as there is for Shadows," Kana's words got everyone thinking.

Isako moved in her seat, "So precisely what is the difference between what you remember and what Miyuki's son has written?"

"In what I remember…Minato didn't get mad, he had stayed quiet the whole time…and we had all simply returned to the dorm after Ryoji-kun passed out. Everything after that…him yelling or running out into the night…that all didn't happen, not from what I remember. But it makes sense…why wouldn't he have been angry after learning that? He had more right to be…" Junpei shook his head. "Still to forget all that? It's like I betrayed him. Like I'm forgetting all the things he was passionate about just so it is easier for me. That sure as hell isn't what I wanted when we left the Abyss of Time."

"Yeah, it feels like we're forgetting all of his struggles. I remember so much…yet when it comes to Minato…the only thing I can really remember is that he was there. But not what he said or did…until we started reading the journal…I remembered him as more of a quiet and strong individual. But that isn't true," Akihiko clenched his fist.

"Memory manipulation?" Isako thought out loud and looking over at Yukari and the blue leather journal that was on the table. "Theoretically it is possible. Kana-chan brings up an interesting point. Persona users would have the same potential as Shadows because they must. A power to oppose it would naturally have the same potential. It explains why someone like Minato-san would have that depth of potential. Perhaps his family line was meant to be warriors against Shadows…and their family will always get involved in situations that call for that kind of power. There has always been a running theory of there being a balance between the power of Shadows and Persona users."

"The one who disturbed that balance was my Grandfather," Mitsuru commented.

"He disturbed the balance which more than likely led to all of you awakening to the power of persona. After all there would have been no need for Persona users to gather otherwise," Isako noted as she got to her feet. "All of your lives might have been different, but one cannot change the past. I think with the actions and experiences you've all taken and had are clear proof of this. Saving Minato-san from his fate on the Great Seal cannot be done without breaking that Seal…and then it would unleash 'The Fall' to the world. My husband's actions…I'm unsure how he could restore Minato-san to his body or if that is even his true intention here. Obviously his plan has to do with Hamuko-san."

"Yeah or he wouldn't bother testing her…to make her stronger," Ken added.

"So he needs me to achieve what he wants?" Hamuko looked to the ceiling for a moment. "Onii-chan is also a part of this. But maybe Yoshimitsu-san just feels that he has to correct what happened using both our powers as a means to change the past?"

"Perhaps," Mitsuru shifted somewhat uncomfortably. "Perhaps he intends to open a place similar to the Abyss of Time and use the power of that place to achieve it."

"To do what? Do you think he intends to bring Minato back?" Yukari looked confused. Then a different thought struck her. "What if he means to go back further than that?"

"Go back further?" Mitsuru thought for a moment.

Hamuko made the connection quickly though, "He wants to save his brother…my Mother and Father."

"If he did that…what would happen?" Ken looked to Isako.

"Hard to say, we don't know how much Minato-san's parents knew of the events that had occurred. It would be safe to assume that they would have known what my Dad did. More than likely they would have kept Minato away from Iwatodai and Tatsumi Port Island," Yukari looked to the journal. "They would have warned my Mother…and probably kept me away from it too. And I have a feeling they would have warned Mitsuru's Father as well. They would have kept people from hunting those Shadows and the Dark Hour would still exist. Ikutsuki would have had no way to trick us into progressing 'The Fall' at that point. None of us would have met…and we might not have awakened to our Persona's. It's possible that Minato's parents would have told me what happened with my Father eventually and I wouldn't have been so angry at the Kirijo Group. Everything could have been immensely different."

"Instead the Dark Hour would have never gone away…and the Apathy Syndrome would continue to be a problem. And those 12 Shadows would have continued to run wild and all that would have happened was create a stalemate," Mitsuru said. "Tartarus would have still been there to this day…and eventually even if years or decades later…it would have happened."

"You're right," Hamuko was reminded of something Minato had said to her in her dreams. "Even with how things turned out…if anything changed, then more than likely the world would have ended. All of you meeting…becoming SEES and even the people you lost along the way. All of those events were important and contributed to where we are today. They shaped Onii-chan into the person he needed to be to become the Great Seal and save all of us. And he couldn't have been able to do it without any of you."

If one thing that she realized about her brother it was that he had no regrets in the actions he took to save the world, or in the way that he did so. She was curious before as to why him sacrificing himself in the manner that he did was really the only way to create the Great Seal. After learning more about the journey and about Shadows and their power…it seems like it really had been the only choice he could to save the world. Save the world…her brother was such a great individual that he was able to save the whole world. And that included her too. He protected everyone.

So her Uncle…Yoshimitsu…was he not considering 'The Fall' in the outcome of his actions? He said that he never cared for 'The Fall' but depending on what he does he could trigger it to occur. And then there wouldn't be anything they could really do. The Dark Hour would return…and all the things her brother accomplished would be rendered void. She couldn't let that happen.

"You should all remember the main reason that Onii-chan wrote it…he wanted to make sure you all remembered...in case you all forgot what you all went through," Hamuko added.

"It's frustrating that we have forgotten so much, but Minato had taken in that possibility and planned ahead," Mitsuru spoke softly.

"I'm pretty sure Minato-senpai was born to be a leader," Ken said with an amused chuckle.

"It would have been better if he wasn't such a heavy sleeper," Yukari muttered. "But I think that was because he was always thinking and only really rested when he fell asleep. But sometimes when he woke up…he looked more troubled than before."

"Oba-san," Hamuko looked to Isako. Calling her Aunt felt a little odd at first but she wanted it to be real…and the only way to do so was to start calling her that. "Is he really looking to bring back my parents?"

She looked at her for a moment and then smiled, "My husband…he wasn't himself for a long time. I would say the timeline lines up from when he took you from your parents when you were born. I believe he always regretted his actions and that was why he changed. He stopped talking to me…and after a while I just stopped seeing him and couldn't even contact him anymore. I can't say one way or the other what his intentions are because of that but the possibility is certainly there. I tracked his documents and everything through the Kirijo Group database…since I was a researcher I was allowed certain privileges thanks to Takeharu-sama."

"That is why you have an understanding of the more recent events. Still we won't know his true intentions till he shows himself on the 19th," Mitsuru was more or less saying there was no real point in focusing on Yoshimitsu's motive for the moment. Hamuko more or less agreed on that point. However…she was also concerned about what happened next in the journal. From the way it sounded…Minato did not take the events that occurred well. But with how things were now…that final time they spent together…it had to be hard for all of them. And the stress that Minato carried had to be immense.

That stress and weight on her Brother's shoulder…Hamuko could not imagine how much more difficult it made those last months for him.

December 3rd, 2009 / Evening

He spent most of his time in the day avoiding the others. Only letting Yukari close to him and she more or less dragged him along and wouldn't let him get away anyway. No…he just didn't care to see them all…to have them look at him with pity. How was he supposed to know? To remember something like this? The clues were all there but there was no way he would know.

Still as they were all here…Ryoji wouldn't look towards Minato at all. Minato stood against the wall and kept his eyes averted from the group.

"Is everyone present?" Mitsuru asked getting this…meeting started.

"Are you okay, Ryoji-kun?" Fuuka asked.

"He's fine," Minato muttered with obvious anger.

"Arisato!" Mitsuru called out.

"No, its fine," Ryoji interjected. "Please let Minato-kun be. He has every right to be mad. I have much more I need to tell all of you."

Yukari moved next to Minato and placed her hand on him, he glanced over at her and knew what her eyes were saying to him. He sighed, "Sorry."

She grabbed his arm and pulled him close to her, "There is a lot of questions we want to ask."

"Yes, you mentioned that Shadows were here to facilitate the rebirth of the maternal being…can you elaborate on this?" Mitsuru asked.

Minato decided it was best to keep his mouth shut and listen for this portion.

"The maternal being is called Nyx," Ryoji said.

"Who the hell is Nyx?" Junpei asked.

Nyx? Minato found it more entertaining than anything else. In Greek Mythology Nyx was Goddess of the night but in the tales and stories she was often depicted as having immense power and being extremely powerful. Maybe it was funny to him that Thanatos…the Persona that was the result of maximizing the Death Arcana Social Link…and Ryoji whom he had that link with was sitting in that chair. In Mythology Thanatos was actually the son of Nyx. It made a stupid kind of sense. Actually now that he thought about…most of the stories of Nyx were accredited to Orpheus who had been his original Persona. Should it be considered funny? A mere coincidence? Or perhaps it was a warning of what to expect.

That was no good. Nyx had several children with Erebus…and well there was a lot more to it than that but there was way too much for him to remember. Still much like how things had been…the Nyx from mythology was not going to be the same here.

"Nyx is the mother of shadows. In ancient times, she bestowed 'death' to this world. If she was awakened, darkness will once again cover the land, and all life will banish," Ryoji explained.

"You mean, everyone will die?" Akihiko stood up.

"All life will vanish…? Then, that must mean…!" Mitsuru averted her eyes trying to compute what had been said.

"Well, life will effectively vanish…but everyone will simply become like The Lost. We would all die not long after that. Because everyone would simply just lay down on the ground and wait for death. Right, Ryoji?" Minato asked looking at him for the first time today.

"Yes," Ryoji said casting his eyes downward.

"The Fall…" Mitsuru said softly.

"But it's still possible to keep it from happening, right?" Yukari asked and clutched on harder to Minato.

"Ryoji, I know what you are going to say," Minato said as he moved towards him and it alarmed the others.

"Arisato? What are you talking about?" Mitsuru demanded.

"That 'The Fall' has already started. There is no way to stop it," Minato shrugged.

"Yes, you heard the bell. I'm the Appriser…The Appriser of Death. My existence is the affirmation of 'The Fall'." Ryoji kept his eyes downcast as Minato approached him.

"All we did when we stopped Ikutsuki was delay it…nothing more. As a matter of fact it may have done nothing by killing us. Ryoji would have simply continued on…and been here when Nyx arrived," Minato stopped in front of Ryoji.

"When? When will it happen?" Akihiko was next to demand an answer.

"I'm afraid you will not live to see the spring…" Ryoji said solemnly.

"But, that's not too far away!" Junpei said getting to his feet. He paused for a moment and then begun laughing trying to push off what Ryoji had said. "What're you guys freaking out about? All we have to do is defeat this Nyx! And that won't be a problem cuz we've never lost!"

Minato looked over at Junpei…his friend looking for someone to support what he was saying. However, Minato could guess what Ryoji would say in return.

"Defeating Nyx is…impossible," his words visibly deflating Junpei. "It has nothing to do with strength, ability, or power. Just as all living things die…and the flow of time is continuous…Nyx cannot be defeated."

"What? That's bullshit!" Junpe sunk back into his seat.

"This is all so sudden…" Ken had remained quiet so far…and looked unsure of what he could say.

"I was born from a collection of Shadows. But now, I have a human form…So I can talk with you, laugh with you, cry with you… These are all gifts I received because I was inside you, Minato," Ryoji said looking up at him.

"It makes sense…I know I had some changes because you were there with me as well," Minato said softly.

"It's also because of that I can offer you all a choice," Ryoji said looking at everyone.

Minato stood next to Ryoji so he could look at the rest of SEES. A choice? Minato felt that it was more or less…simply a choice between two lesser evils. Both would be undesired results…none of this was what any of SEES would want to hear.

"Nyx's coming cannot be avoided. But, it is possible to live in peace until she arrives," Ryoji looked around and then looked over at Minato. "You'll have to kill me." He looked back at the rest of SEES. "If I were to disappear, all memories of the Dark Hour would disappear with me, as would any recollection of the fate that awaits you all. You won't remember anything and the coming of 'The Fall' will be instantaneous…and you will not suffer."

"Ryoji-kun…" Fuuka muttered but was unable to say anything else.

"You'll be able to return to your normal lives. And in doing so, the time until 'The Fall' will be slightly delayed. In essence, I am the same as Nyx and cannot be killed. However, thanks to Minato, there's part of me that is human. So if death comes from his hands then…I think it may be possible."

"And if we don't?" Yukari asked.

"If you don't kill me, you will suffer more than you could ever imagine. With no hope for salvation, you will live every day paralyzed by your impending death. And I…I don't want you to have to endure such pain," Ryoji said softly.

"…I don't want my memories to be erased …To forget everything would be like hiding from the truth!" Yukari's words of protest made Minato feel a lot better…everything that Ryoji was suggesting to do seemed utterly ridiculous to him.

"Would that really be such a bad thing? All that awaits you now is despair. You don't know the terror of absolute death. Please, don't make your decision without at least thinking about what I've said," Ryoji got up to his feet. "You don't have to decide right now. You have until December 31st, New Year's Eve, to think about it. After that I'll disappear into the blackness of the Dark Hour and become intangible."

"Ryoji?" Junpei probably didn't fully understand the full gravity of this situation. No…for all of them this would be too much information to take in at once. The only reason Minato understood it was because of a simple fact. He had been holding the pieces of the puzzle the whole time but was missing the details to put it all together.

"I will disappear with the coming of Nyx anyways… So, don't worry about me. I will be back on New Year's Eve," he walked over to the door and Minato walked over with him. Minato opened the door and stepped halfway out with him.

"You tell them they have a choice, but the only one that can do anything about it is me," I looked over at him. "And you are still as cryptic as you've always been."

"Yes, but the difference being is that I remember all of it and not piecing it together when I was still the being you knew me as Pharos. However this time it isn't about being cryptic…this is the truth and reality of your situation," Ryoji said with a solemn smile looking at Minato.

"You mean our situation," Minato corrected. "We're still friends…always will be. So don't pretend that this doesn't affect you as well."

"Thank you, Minato. Your friendship truly was a miracle to me. However, regardless, I will disappear regardless of what route you choose to take," Ryoji shook his head. "I have to go now, but I will see you soon."

"Before you go, how about a bet?" Minato grinned.

"A bet?" he looked confused.

"You say there are only two options that resolve this situation. Either we forget everything and allow 'The Fall' to happen, or we remember and live in despair till 'The Fall' and fighting Nyx would net the same outcome. So here is my wager, I bet I can find a third option. One where 'The Fall' doesn't happen." Minato said and extended his hand.

Ryoji smiled, "Coming from you…I want to believe you can do it. Alright, it's a bet."

"We can determine the payment when the bet is concluded, deal?" Minato said as Ryoji shook his hand.

Ryoji laughed, "Deal. I look forward to the days to come then." Then Ryoji gave a final nod and turned and started walking away. Not even four steps away, Minato watched as Ryoji disappeared into the darkness of night…just like he had as Pharos on the first night he appeared…or like every night he talked with him. Minato couldn't help but smile as he walked back into the dorm and closed the door.

"H-Hey, Ryoji…" Junpei started but Minato shook his head.

"He's already disappeared, he won't be back until New Year's Eve," Minato said simply.

"It's true, I can't sense him anymore. He's no longer here," Fuuka added.

"He's been like that from the beginning…always appearing and disappearing as it is convenient for him," Minato muttered as he walked back over towards SEES. He looked around and saw the different looks from everyone on SEES. Then turning towards the stairs he began to head towards them and talked loud enough for all of SEES to hear him, "Ryoji has never lied to me. He'll be back on New Year's Eve…I hope all of you consider what it is like to face death. After all…that is our opponent this time."

Minato then headed up the stairs to his room. No one said anything to him or followed him…not even Yukari.

Author's Note

How hard would it really be to hear that truth told to your face? I imagine it would go one of two different ways. One, you clam up and are unable to say anything, or you get immensely angry like how Minato does here. But honestly, could anyone blame him? Especially when all of them were learning about it as well. But there are a lot of thing in the game that really urk me because they never get addressed.

He was six years old at the time of the incident. That means that Minato does have some vague memories of his parents. (Memories of when you are younger are typically associated with sights, sounds and smells. This is because when you are younger, you remember things by associating them with one of those three senses. Touch can be too but isn't common for many reasons. Developmental Psychology is a interesting subject, lol) It's possible that Minato might have a negative reaction to seeing a car wreck or smell of fuel or maybe fire. It's hard to know because we don't get a full view of exactly what happens or how his parents died. However any negative reaction he might have is because of the battle on the bridge. They talk about how Ryoji/Pharos is sealed in Minato in the game...but nothing else. Not why he was on the bridge...not if that was the moment his parents died (who is to say that they didn't die from a car accident or something before the battle takes place. We will never know the order of events very clearly or even if the Aigis and Ryoji fight is what cause d their death)...or why Minato was even on Iwatodai/Tatsumi Port Island to begin with! This is such a big gaping hole in his background that...well I made this Fan Fiction because of it. I wanted to know why Minato was there when he was six. Why was he on the bridge? Why was he on the bridge at midnight? That is not a normal time for a family to be out on a drive. There is a reason...a specific reason why they were on that bridge. Why? Well who knows. Who knows. That is why I wrote this...because there are questions and if I'm never gonna get answers...well I'm gonna make them.

I know a lot of people won't like or agree with the answers I come up with but that's okay, I'm writing it more for myself than anyone else.

Anyway, read, review and if you do happen to like the story then maybe spend some time to spread the word.

Also if you are concerned about the revival scene of Chidori not being included here...don't be.

See you tomorrow with the next chapter.