CHAPTER 31 - Love

March 2nd, 2010

Dear Yukari,

My childhood was full of memories that are painful to remember now. I think I have forgotten more than I could ever possibly remember. Most of it has to do with the death of my parents and when Aigis sealed Death inside of me. Which I actually think makes sense. My mind must have been affected in some way by just having Death inside of me. It is more than likely why I gained the ability to use Persona and the wild card ability along with it.

It is probably for the best that I don't really remember the past. What I do remember of it was only filled with regrets. There were always things I never got to say to my parents…things I didn't know then that I would ever want to say. Then there was my time as a foster child…things I would want to say to the people that abused me…things I want to say to the people that truly cared for me and helped me. Yet still in the end I am still alone. Though I guess in one way or another that is just how it has been in my life. I was left alone for the majority of my childhood…and then there were the many people I was forced to say goodbye to over the course of my life.

And now…I have to do it again. All of these people that I have come to care for like family. No…this is the first time I feel like I have finally had a family. Yet this time it is me that has to leave. And while I may not regret how it has come to this…that doesn't mean I do so peacefully…I will miss all of you. There are no words that can properly describe the pain that this causes me. That is why I have to leave this journal behind. I want you to know…to let everyone know that I didn't die for no reason…that I did it for all of you…so that even if for a while longer you can all look back at the journey that we all made together. Remember the sacrifices we made to win. And that I love all of you.

I'm sorry, Yukari. I wanted to keep living…to grow old with you…to have the family we talked about. But if my life is the price it takes to make sure that you keep living…then I will gladly pay it.

Love always,
Arisato Minato

January 19th, 2010 / After School

"So this is it then?" Minato examined the motorcycle a bit closer. "This is your personal one?" He turned looking at Mitsuru. She nodded and stepped towards the bike.

"I haven't been able to ride it in a while. I mostly just ride the other one now," Mitsuru gave a slight shrug. "I should find it humorous that I have been doing most of my riding in the Dark Hour. Driving one of the only vehicles that can work in that time frame."

"Well things just happen to work that way. It isn't like you've had time to…do much else," Minato could harly imagine how to handle all of that. The death of her Father…and learning the news of the fate of the world…coupled with the Kirijo Group handling the change in power. Mitsuru was planning to take direct control of the company after graduation. Yeah…she was pretty damn busy.

"Arisato…I wanted to thank you. But I'm not sure exactly how to do that," Mitsuru admitted and the usual confidence with her was replace with an odd timid and embarrassed behavior. "So I decided to give you this." Mitsuru turned towards him and placed something in his hand.

Looking at it, he realized it was a key. He looked up at Mitsuru with an obvious confused look on his face.

"I want you to have it," she said.

"A motorcycle?" he raised an eyebrow with more than obvious doubt.

She nodded, "Honestly I don't think I can ever fully repay you for all you have done for me. Even if you don't realize how you've helped me. And I don't need this motorcycle anymore. The whole reason I learned to ride a motorcycle was to get away from my problems…but I'm not going to run anymore. So I won't ever use this as a means to escape from my problems or feelings. Though I do feel bad that I haven't ridden it in a long time. But it'll feel better if you have it."

"Well…okay. But I have only a general idea of how a motorcycle works," Minato scratched his head.

Mitsuru laughed, "Don't worry, I'll teach you how to ride. And you can ride with me until then. So you can get used to it."

"Yeah, probably a good idea. You know I really want to reject this, right?" he side glanced at her.

"It's too much, isn't it?" she frowned.

"Alright, well I guess I can accept it. But you have to teach me how to drive it and when the time finally comes we can go on a ride together," Minato smiled at her and doing so immediately seemed to ease Mitsuru.

"Only a few days left until the promised day. But I'm glad I'll be able to fight with you by my side, Minato," Mitsuru said in more of a whisper. She was talking about the end…the confrontation against Nyx. Everything would be determined then. Minato knew he had no right to make any promises to anyone not when he was resolute on what he was willing to do to ensure the future. If he was the only one that didn't come back from the confrontation...then that was fine...so until it was resolved he knew he couldn't make any promises.

"Mitsuru-san, I'm glad that after all that is happened you still remain strong and resolved to face this. Anyone else in your position would have given up. Your Father was a great man…and because of how he tried to protect you…it ended up pushing a lot of responsibility on to you. Yet despite all of that…you continue to push forward. Your leadership has always helped SEES move forward," Minato looked out into the distance. Mitsuru and him were at a garage close to the dormitory. He could see it now. Looks like this place housed a number of vehicles for the Kirijo Group.

"No…if you hadn't led us in battle I don't think any of us would still be here," Mitsuru said standing next to him.

"Then it is a good thing we're both here then," Minato said with a slight chuckle.

He felt his social link with Mitsuru reach its final and maximum level. He sighed heavily and turned to see Mitsuru with a smile on her that blindsided him. He could see it without having to be told. Mitsuru was in love with him…but she said nothing because of his relationship with Yukari. She was just that kind of individual…a person that was always reminded of her station…or her place in the world. And maybe if things had gone differently he might have ended up with her, but he was happy with how things were now. He smiled back at her and the two of them said nothing for a long time.

Time was bringing the end faster than he would have thought. There were only days left before the promised time. He hoped he could prepare all of SEES to be ready. And that he himself…would also be ready for the end.

January 21, 2010 / After School

"Eesh…that lecture was a drag," Junpei groaned as he got to his feet. "Hey, Minato, what are you doing today?"

Minato shrugged, "I dunno. I was thinking Yukari and I would do something probably. Why do you ask?"

"I dunno, we never get the chance to hang out, it feels like," Junpei added a shrug of his own.

The door to the room opened and Mitsuru came in and approached Minato's desk. He looked up wondering what she would need from him. Probably student council related.

"I'm sorry to ask so suddenly, but…Can you come with me? There is something we need to discuss," Mitsuru was looking directly at Minato.

"Uhh, you want all of us, or just him?" Junpei was probably concerned it was related to SEES.

Mitsuru looked over to Junpei, "Just him for now. Come with me to the Student Council room."

That caught Minato's attention…so it was something that might include the others. Minato got to his feet and took a look at Junpei and then Yukari who had a curious look on her face. Minato merely nodded before following Mitsuru out of the room and across the hall to the Student Council room. As soon as they entered Mitsuru took a moment to take a deep breath before looking at Minato.

"Okay, what's up? You look like something is wrong and not in the usual way," Minato observed her facial expressions and she seemed to ease up a bit but something was clearly getting to her.

"There is something you have to know. Do you remember the girl named Chidori, who was with Strega?" Mitsuru stared right into Minato's eyes.

"How could I forget? This is why you didn't want Junpei to know just yet. But she's dead Mitsuru," Minato couldn't hide the confusion from his face.

"There…is a possibility she could wake up today," Mitsuru averted her eyes. "I know what you are going to say…yes we saw her die. But…her body began to go transmogrification a few days after the incident."

"A few days? That incident happened back in November! She's been alive for this long?" Minato shook his head…he was unsure of what to make of this news.

"I was only recently made aware of what happened. And for the last few weeks she has been essentially in a state of neither living nor dead. We don't know how or why she is in this state. We could speculate that it had to do with her abilities as a Persona user but…"

"…We saw her Persona merge with Junpei's," Minato finished Mitsuru's thought.

She nodded, "We just don't know. But my real purpose was to discuss how we should break this news to Iori. You see, she's probably…" Mitsuru's phone began to ring. She quickly flipped it open. "Mitsuru here," after a few nods and a confirmation she hung up the phone and looked back to Minato. "That was the Hospital. It seems…she's awakened."

"Chidori is…alive? This is nuts," Minato shook his head. "What is the best way to tell Junpei…"

"What did you say?" the door to the Student Council room suddenly opened and Junpei rushed in. "Did I hear that right? Chidori is alive!"

"Iori…" Mitsuru was rather alarmed for a moment. But Minato who had momentarily lost his ability to select words just nodded a confirmation.

"This isn't a joke right? Some kind of trick?" Junpei was looking with such hope in his eyes.

"No…it is no joke or trick. She is currently recovering in the same hospital as before," Mitsuru admitted. "But, Iori. She probably…"

"Chidori…Chidori's alive!" Junpei turned and ran out.

"Junpei! Dammit!" Minato jumped into the hall but Junpei was already heading down the stairs. "In no way will I catch up to him."

"Maybe it's better he found out this way. Come on, let's head to the hospital," Mitsuru said as Yukari appeared.

"Why did Junpei run off that way?" Yukari was by Minato's side.

"Well…Chidori is alive and Junpei overheard so…"

"Wait, she's alive!" Yukari's eyes got big. "How is that even possible?"

"No idea. Let's just head to the hospital and try and sort this out there," Minato said as they headed out. Junpei must have been moving pretty fast because they didn't see him until they finally got to the hospital. Fortunately the hospital wasn't that far from the school...well considering the school had once been a Kirijo Group facility it made sense...Now that Minato thought about it...exactly how different was it now from back then? A question for another time as they approached the hospital room for Chidori.

To Minato's surprise he saw Junpei stopped in front of the hospital room door. He was simply looking at the door…but then maybe Minato shouldn't be surprised. People don't just come back to life. There was no way he could understand what Junpei was probably feeling.

"Junpei…you took off so fast and you still haven't gone inside?" Yukari spoke alerting Junpei that they were there.

He glanced over at us, "Well…I mean, it's kinda…" He slumped a bit and sighed.

"Deep breaths Junpei. We'll be here if you need it," Minato said.

He visibly took a deep breath, and then he opened the door and walked in. Mitsuru followed in with a Doctor and Minato and Yukari stood just inside the door. Enough to witness the scene but not be intrusive. But just as Mitsuru had said...Chidori was resting on the bed...very much alive.

The Doctor went to the other side of the bed as Chidori stirred and sat up…she looked around for a moment before rubbing her eyes as if she was just waking up. "As you can see the damage she incurred has been completely healed. She is still weak, but there is no danger of her dying. Now or even two years from now that the medication would have done."

Junpei took an uneasy step towards the bed, "Is it…really you, Chidori?" He paused and took another step forward. "I'm not dreaming…am I?"

Chidori turned towards him with a curious look, "Dreaming?"

Junpei moved towards the bed. Minato didn't have to be close to him to know that Junpei had tears falling from his face. But Minato was much more concerned about the confusion that was on Chidori's. "It's true…it is you. Chidori…"

"Who…are you?" the words that came from Chidori had a freezing effect on Junpei. Minato frowned, that must have been what Mitsuru had been trying to warn Junpei about. Still...that wasn't completely a negative.

"Huh? What?" Junpei shook his head as if he hadn't quite heard her.

"I thought as much," she shook her head. "Transmogrification is the proof that one lacks the 'potential'…I suspected that this might be the case."

Minato figured this had to be the same as what killing Ryoji would have done. In reality Minato believed what would actually happen was their po

"This is Mitsuru-san and Junpei-kun. The ones by the door are Minato-kun and Yukari-san…they were your friends last year," The Doctor supplemented for the confused girl on the hospital bed.

"Friends?" she looked back over to Junpei. "My name is Chidori Yoshino. I'm sorry…It hasn't quite hit me yet, but it seems I don't remember any of the past few years. It's as if…I was dreaming for a very long time."

In a way...a dream was the best way to put it. Although it would be a mixture of both bad and good. Takaya would be like a dark shadow over her that twisted any chance of her finding real peace. It was Junpei who had been like the sun for her...showing her that there was more to life...that dying wasn't the only thing life had in store for her. Even if she had known since she had awakened when she would die. It might have been different if she had realized why she would make the choice to die. Die for the one she loved. So how was she here now? There was something from this puzzle that Minato was clearly missing.

"It would seem that all of her memories that occurred after awakening to her Persona are gone. So she remembers everything before that but as for you all…" the Doctor stopped. Even for a Doctor it would be hard to state such a thing, and obviously he was one employed by the Kirijo Group, which was how Mitsuru had been informed of it.

Minato held his hand up and stepped into the room. "I think that is just fine, right Junpei?"

Junpei glanced back at Minato and he simply gave his friend a comforting smile and a nod.

"Yeah, that's fine. It's better that she doesn't remember. All that stuff about fighting and pills. When you're having a nightmare…it ain't a bad thing to wake up." Junpei nodded.

"I didn't say it was a nightmare. Don't put words in my mouth," Chidori looked somewhat irritated that she wasn't included in the conversation. "It was a dream of meeting a kind, warm person at the end of a long tunnel. I can't remember it clearly but I wanted him to be happy and I…I think there were flowers. A room filled with them. And…" She stopped and grabbed her head in sudden pain.

"Chidori! Take it easy. You don't have to force yourself to remember," Junpei concerned moved to her bedside.

"Flowers in a room?" the Doctor thought for a moment. "If she remembers that part clearly then maybe…Do you remember when she'd use her power from time to time to make the flowers bloom again? She'd always do it for the flowers in her room on the days Junpei-kun would come. Any flower she touched would be mysteriously preserved. That is why I kept them all…for research purposes. But after her autopsy…I put them all on her chest as tribute. And now that I think back on it…it may have been that night that she began to transmogrify."

"And her power…to share one's life with others. Could it be that she reclaimed the life energy she'd given to those flowers?" Mitsuru speculated.

"Well, I can't prove any of it," the Doctor sighed. "But compared to how she was before, she's changed. The loss of her power is part of it, but more than that…"

"Excuse me…Are you talking about me?" Chidori looked to the Doctor.

"We were talking about how you want to live now," the Doctor answered.

Still confused Chidori looked down at the sheets, "Huh? What do you mean by that? Of course I want to live. I have to find the person in my dream someday…I can't lie in this bed forever." She looked somewhat offended by the implication that she wouldn't want to live.

That was it, the missing part that Minato hadn't been aware of. He had only visited a couple times and had been aware that Junpei had constantly bought her flowers...but didn't realize that she had used her abilities to keep them alive...and more than likely because she didn't want anything Junpei gave her to go to waste. Although at the time she probably wouldn't have considered why she did it...or even why she slowly began to look forward to seeing Junpei more and more each time.

"Supposing you do find him and meet him…what then?" Mitsuru asked.

"That's…" Chidori looked at her hands. "That's none of your business."

"Chidori…" Junpei was speechless. Chidori had no idea she was talking about Junpei. But Minato was sure she would figure it out eventually.

"Two hearts reunited…it's a miracle," Mitsuru smiled. "No…it's a victory."

"Chidori…" Junpei was suddenly in tears at Chidori's side.

"H-Hey…Why are you crying?" Chidori reached over to touch him. She didn't even hesitate. It looked very natural to her...so much that Chidori herself didn't question it.

"I-I can't help it," Junpei admitted. "This is seriously the happiest moment in my life."

Mitsuru turned to leave and walked towards Minato and Yukari. Yukari was in tears and Minato instead strolled forward.

"You…you were Minato-kun?" Chidori looked at him while somewhat concerned about Junpei who was really crying without restraint.

Minato nodded, "I just wanted you to know. Junpei here is someone special to you. I'm sure you'll come to realize why in time. He's been waiting for you to wake back up."

She looked at Junpei and placed a hand on his head as he cried, "We were close?"

"You were. And I am sure you will be again. It's good to know you are healthy again, Yoshino-san," Minato gave a nod and then left the hospital room and taking Yukari with him. She managed to stop her own tears.

"I'm so happy for them. But it's sad she forgot everything in a way," Yukari said.

"No, it's better this way. Besides her memories of that time are with Junpei. She lost her power because she gave it to Junpei. To protect him. She sacrificed everything to keep him safe…so no…her memories are with her power and that is all with him now. Junpei has something he wants to protect…and now I'm sure he can do anything to keep her safe," Minato talked as they went into the elevator that led down to the Hospital lobby. "If it hadn't been for Junpei she would have never used her power on those flowers to begin with. So in a roundabout way…the two of them saved each other from death."

"I hope they'll have a chance to be together again…for real this time," Yukari sighed and moved to Minato's side as he put an arm over her shoulder and she snuggled against him for a moment.

"Just add it to other reasons we aren't allowed to fail beating Nyx," Minato laughed. Still he knew…if the powers of Persona were this vast…then how devastating could the powers of Nyx be? Chidori had already proven something to Minato…sacrifice could give a measure of power that wasn't available to a Persona user otherwise. It was something to definitely keep in mind.

January 28th 2010 / After School

Minato entered the room with only slight concern with the spent shall casing on the floor and the general disarray of it as a whole. Maybe he shouldn't have expected anything less for Aigis' room. After all there had to be a place where she would rearm and do routine maintenance on her. He often had to remind himself that this was normal for Aigis…as a mechanical maiden. However, there were often times that even he forgot that Aigis was a robot at all. He had always believed she was more than just a 'mechanical maiden'. Persona broke all expectations on that front. After all...a mere machine could never wield a Persona.

"Oh, um…Please don't worry. The shells on the ground are only blanks. There is no gunpowder in them. So what do you think of my room? Are you surprised?" Aigis was nervous having Minato here. That much was obvious to him.

"Relax Aigis. You don't need to be so anxious with me around you know," Minato said as he crossed the room. "Honestly I had no idea what your room would look like. It isn't like there is some base knowledge I have on how a mechanical maiden like you would need in a room." Well he had been around when Mitsuru had arranged for the appropriate equipment to do daily maintenance for Aigis here...so he had a general idea of what he would find in here...but he was more surprised that in a way...it felt like a teenagers room would be like...you know for a teenage robot.

"Yes but I guess that is why I was hesitant to invite you in here. I have no heartwarming or pleasant decorations…it is just items needed for my maintenance and…I can't believe at one point I believed this room to be normal," Aigis stood awkwardly in front of Minato. It was funny to Minato considering he just had a thought that contradicted that. "But I wanted to talk to you alone."

Minato had gathered that a while ago…but he supposed it shouldn't have been surprising. They were only days away…days from their confrontation with Nyx. He could see the shift on all of SEES. Everyone was basically preparing for the final fight…and the chance that they may not live to see spring…summer…or anything beyond it. Minato would make sure they would though…one way or another.

"I will never leave you," Aigis looked right into his eyes. "No matter how or when your life comes to and end. At that moment, I will be by your side. You will…remain in my heart."

"Hey, don't write me off yet," Minato chuckled. "But I understand what you are saying. Thank you, Aigis."

"I have something for you," Aigis said and then put something in his hand.

It looked like a screw…but one that had been charred with an explosion or fire. He looked at it for a moment and then back to Aigis.

"Its…one of the parts that had to be replaced after I collapsed at the Moonlight Bridge. I asked Mitsuru-san to have it sent here," Aigis averted her gaze. "I have changed since then."

"You have been changing since the beginning, Aigis. I think I've told you that over and over again," Minato chuckled and wrapped his hand around the screw. "But why this?"

She looked back to him, meeting his gaze, "I'm not afraid and I won't give up. I'll get back on my feet as many times as it takes. I'll fight by your side and protect you. That is the proof, and I wanted you to hold onto it. After all it is a part of me. If to live means to spend time with people you've forged relationships with then…I want my relationship with you to be the strongest of all. My connection to you is my reason for living. The thing that is most precious to me…is to be at your side."

Minato smiled at her and put the screw in his pocket, "I'll keep it but living is more than just for one person. While it is easy to say that for someone you find really important…you also have many other people that are your friends and are also important…right?"

Aigis nodded, "But I…you helped me so much. Even after what I have done to you."

"I'm not saying you should discard those feeling you have, Aigis," Minato moved towards her and tilted her head so she was looking into his eyes once more. "You still have a lot to learn about living. That's why we have to win."

"Right," she smiled.

Along with the feeling of the social link associated with Aigis reaching its maximum he took a few steps away from her. "Everyone here…we can't change the past and what brought us up to this moment. So all we can change is the future."

"Is that why you fight?" Aigis asked.

"I owe you…and everyone here not only my life…but thanks for showing me what it means to enjoy life. I thought I knew what it was…but then I moved here and was shown I was wrong. I didn't really know anything at all. Now…I know I have to do anything to protect it…the people that I care for…and a future that I can't let die. I think I finally know what it means…" Minato said smiling at Aigis once more.

"What it means to...what?" she asked.

Minato turned towards the door and glanced back at Aigis with a grin, "To live."

January 30th 2010 / After School

Junpei bolted out of the class as soon as the final bell rings. Minato didn't even have a chance to put in a 'see you later' as his friend was no doubt heading to only one location. Not that he was surprised. Chidori was alive…you better believe that he was going to be there any time he could. And today was really the best day to do that. Tomorrow…was the promised day.

"Eesh, Junpei-kun doesn't waste any time does he?" Yukari asked as she walked up to his desk.

"I don't blame him. It isn't often that two people get a second chance at life. No…more than that…a second chance at love," Minato yawned and stretched as he got to his feet. "At least classes have kinda slowed down a bit. Or maybe it just seems that way to me."

"I think it was just because of all the career counseling stuff that the staff has to deal with. I doubt they want to be grading a bunch of work on top of all that," Yukari shrugged. "Didn't you have yours a couple days ago?"

"That thing? Yeah, I did," Minato added a shrug of its own. "You had yours before me, what did you tell her?"

"Undecided. I kinda want to go to college but I'm also thinking I may want to go to a tech school or something…I really don't know. I didn't even think much about it. I mean…we kinda have something more important to worry about," Yukari sighed as the two of them started walking out of the classroom. "What about you?"

"College, of course," Minato said simply. "I mean that was part of my long term plan to begin with."

"Oh right, I think you have mentioned it before," Yukari gazed up for a moment, trying to recollect when Minato had mentioned it before. "What do you want to go to college for?"

"I thought about becoming a researcher like my parents had been. You know to maybe learn a little bit about the things that they enjoyed in life. But I don't know. I feel like maybe they wouldn't want me to do that. So I thought maybe becoming a teacher would be something I would enjoy. Probably worrying too much about it. I still have another year before I have to lock in a decision anyway," Minato and Yukari made their way down the hall and then down the stairs to the entrance way as they talked. They both retrieved their shoes before walking outside.

"Let's go somewhere today. Just the two of us," Yukari said suddenly.

"I was about to ask…don't you have archery club today?" Minato eyed her for a moment.

"Minato…I know we've all been living normal lives so far…despite knowing what is going to happen tomorrow. But I can't do that today. Today I want time just for us…I don't want to think about anything else. So we are going to go out and have some fun," Yukari gave the smile that always melted Minato's heart. He had trouble saying no to her on most days…there was definitely no way he could say no to her today.

"Alright, where do you want to go?" Minato and Yukari stood just a ways away from the school. "I'm guessing you already have a plan?"

"Yep, I have the rest of the day planned out," Yukari grabbed his arm and dragged him down a different street than what they usually took. This one headed to the mall. "You have to agree to one thing though. You aren't allowed to say no, to anything."

"Like I can ever really say no to you," Minato grumbled.

"I don't hear you. I want to hear you say it," Yukari playfully poked his shoulder.

"Okay, okay…for today I won't say no to anything, are you happy?" he asked but the expression on her face gave him all the answers he needed.

"Good. Then all you have to do is enjoy yourself," Yukari grinned and dragged him along towards the mall. They stepped into one of the clothing stores and before long a couple of things had happened. A clerk who seemed to know Yukari had brought out a couple garment bags. She handed one to Yukari and then one to Minato. He was really confused but Yukari pulled him along with her and to the dressing rooms and put him in one and told him to change.

As he changed…he was quick to realize that this was a full tuxedo. He had never worn one before…but what should have been more noticeable that this was a fitted tux…that meant at some point Yukari had managed to get his measurements and then have a tux custom made just for him. Just how much money had she spent on this? It was a dark blue with the white dress shirt. When he finished and slipped on the tie he simply found himself looking into the mirror. She had planned this for quite some time…

He stepped out and was welcomed by the sight of Yukari in a full gown…it was mostly pink with red woven through it. Elegant was one word for it…but Yukari had done some subtle differences with her hair and added some makeup that left Minato simply speechless. She moved towards him and offered him her hand…which she was also wearing long gloves that went past her elbows. She was simply beautiful.

"You look so handsome. I have been waiting a long time to see you wear this…" she smiled a bit. Then she took a step back and spun around for him. "What do you think?"

"Amazing…beautiful…I…umm…" Minato could barely form a coherent thought with the sight of her in front of him. It was times like this he found it so hard to believe he had been so lucky as to be loved by this girl. When he didn't feel he deserved any of it. He loved her…more than he could ever possibly describe. "I love you."

"I love you too," she smiled big. "Now come on, we have to hurry to the restaurant."

"Restaurant?" Minato was being dragged along once again before he had time to adjust to it. Then as they went outside a long limousine pulled up and a man opened the door. "A limo?"

"You can thank Mitsuru for this one. I told her I really wanted to surprise you," Yukari grinned. Completely satisfied that she had been able to not only leave Minato speechless but keep something like this hidden from him. Minato could only imagine what the night was going to entail."

Once inside the limo, they were quickly off to their destination. Minato looked over at Yukari who was sitting next to him with his hand in hers.

"Yukari…I don't think…"

"Don't Minato. It doesn't matter what the outcome for tomorrow is. This night…I want it to be something unforgettable. All of it. So please…please don't tell me this is foolish or wasteful. I love you Minato. I love you so much…that if it is even the slightest possibility that we don't make it tomorrow then I won't have any regrets. I need to show you…I need you to know what you've done for me and my life. That's why…you aren't allowed to say no," Yukari said from next to Minato. She was afraid…afraid that he wouldn't allow her to have this. He sighed.

"Then lets enjoy this night to the fullest," Minato said softly and leaned over to her and kissed her softly on her lips. This was a feeling he never wanted to let go. Her lips were soft and welcoming to him…and while he could never quite describe the taste…he could only ever describe it as wonderful, addictive and continually seductive. Something about kissing her only drew him deeper and deeper in…making it so much harder to stop.

They did stop when the limo arrived at their destination and Minato found himself at an Italian restaurant. About as fancy as one could get around the Iwatodai area. And it had been a little bit of a drive, but it hadn't been that bad. Not to mention time always went fast when he was with Yukari. That could be a good or a bad thing really. On one hand, he loved how he could be with her and lose all track of time. Hours went by so fast with her…but it was two sided when they had such a finite amount of time. He wanted things to slow…so that he could truly savor the evening that Yukari had planned for them.

The Italian restaurant was one he had never been too…and maybe this was something that Yukari and Mitsuru had worked together to make happen. After all the two of them had fast become close friends. When the year had started…something like this would have never happened. The things that had gone through to get to this point…it certainly wasn't something a normal teenager would ever have to deal with.

They got the full five star treatment from the moment they got out of the limousine. They were led in and to their own private dining area. Some place secluded and light music played in the background as they took their seats across from each other in a booth.

"This is pretty nuts," Minato said looking around for a moment.

"I know, right? I had always wanted to come here with you but…it wasn't like it would be appropriate…what with everything that is going on," Yukari said as she had a large smile on her face and absorbed the environment around her.

"You know if you don't tell me these things I can't help make it happen you know," Minato chuckled.

Yukari instead got quiet for a moment, "Minato, you haven't been the easiest person to talk to lately…" She started but stopped when she noticed the waiter approaching them.

"Good evening, can I ask what you would like to start with this evening?" A waiter asked as he entered their dining area.

Minato was given a few moments while Yukari ordered. He knew she was right. He hadn't been that easy to talk to for a while now. His focus had been on finishing his social links…yet he had been neglecting Yukari…when she was one of his social links as well. Maybe it was because he was still…annoyed that he had one with her to begin with. There was always that small voice in his head that doubted his own intentions. That there was part of him that simply was using everyone to gain their power from the social links he created with them. At the same time…his motivation for fighting came because of all of them. It was something that even after all this time, he still wasn't sure how to deal with it. He knew he needed that power…but he cared for all of them. It might also have to do with the realization he had made before. There was something in their relationship they hadn't approached. Something that continued to stop their relationship from really moving to the next level. But he needed to...not because of the social links...but because with Yukari he wanted too.

Still…if they all knew about him and his power and how he gained more through them…would their opinion of him change? Would they…hate him for it? He was using them…in a way. But he also didn't want to know what would happen if he hadn't developed the social links. There didn't seem to be a right answer to all of this.

The waitress finally got to him and asked for his order. Minato looked at the menu…when was the last time he had Italian food? It had to have been when he lived in Inoto. Or was it before then? His life before Tatsumi Port Island and Iwatodai got harder to remember because of just the amount of events that had happened since he arrived. He shook his head for a moment and pointed to one of the pasta dishes, he had it before…called carbonara. The waiter gave him as mile as if approving of his selection and then walked off.

"Minato, you're thinking too much," Yukari said bring his attention back to her.

"I think it is hard not to be reflective of how this year has been tonight. I mean…there is no way I would have known that when I came to Iwatodai that I would meet you," Minato turned his head to look out a window that was on the other wall. The sun would be beginning to set soon. Time marched forward…not caring about what awaited them all the next day. "I never thought I would fall in love…but then again I didn't think I would be climbing a crazy death tower and be fighting for the future of the planet either."

"I guess I have to agree…I never would have thought I'd be at a place like this…having dinner with you. I also…didn't think I would have fallen for you," Yukari moved from her spot and sat next to Minato in the booth and wrapping her arms around his neck and snuggling against him. "Even with everything that has happened…I have never been happier in my life."

Minato struggled coming up with the right words to say…but he felt the same. Then again…he never really felt happy or much of anything before coming to Iwatodai. Well that wasn't entirely accurate…there were moments where he had enjoyed his life. But…he didn't remember them that well as more than just a few sparse moments. One of his foster fathers had been a good man…unfortunately he had died shortly after because of health problems. It was one of the few things he remembered of his youth. Him…barely a teenager and spending every day of his summer out on a boat fishing with an old man. Yeah…maybe not someone of that age might not want but he remember it fondly. Honestly…there wasn't much in his past that was good to remember.

"I've never been happier," Minato finally said as a whisper so only Yukari could hear him.

Yukari sat next to him throughout dinner. The food was…extravagant. It was good, but Minato thought that the prices were a bit much. Then again…part of the price was for the location itself and the mood. And while Yukari and Minato talked quite a bit…it had turned into a regular conversation. As a matter of fact it was the most normal date they had ever been on. Considering their life…that was an achievement in itself.

After a while and their food had been finished they talked and finished off their drinks. It would go to laughter and then small talk and then would finish with Yukari sneaking in kisses on Minato's cheek. The check for the food had come and gone by this time.

"Alright, alright, I think it is time for us to go," Yukari got to her feet and grinned.

"It's a shame that time flies so fast that I'm with you," Minato sighed as he stood from his seat.

"There is still a lot of night left, you know," Yukari's grin widened as Minato's confusion crossed his face.

"You…planned more?" Minato asked as Yukari pulled him along and out of the restaurant where their limousine waited for them. Pulling him inside, they were quickly moving once more. "Where are we going?" He looked over at her and noticed her pulling something out from her purse. It was quickly running up on the curfew for the dorm...so it couldn't have been much more...right?

Yukari reached over with a long black cloth and wrapped it around his head and covered his eyes. Minato frowned, "A blindfold?"

"How else am I going to keep it a surprise if you can see it before we even arrive?" Yukari teased and finished tying the blindfold on Minato. "You don't trust me?"

"I trust you…but that doesn't make me less curious as to why you want to blindfold me…" Minato still smiled though and had to admit that this sort of thing wasn't all that bad. He typically hated to be surprised but his curiosity was getting the better of him in this instance.

"It would ruin the surprise, okay? I'll explain everything after we get there. It won't take us very long," Yukari assured him.

Had Yukari always been this way? Actually thinking back on it, she had always been assertive and generally not afraid to act. Of course, he knew that…but Yukari was much more than that. When he first met her she had a single minded determination. Her original goal was to find out what had really happened to her Father…searching for a truth that the Kirijo Group was hiding. She hadn't been prepared for the world she had to enter in order to find it. Minato only knew a little of the difficulties she had when she first joined SEES and how hard it was for her to summon her Persona. Well it was understandable…he could hardly imagine what the original explanation of how to use an evoker. Something that looks like a gun…but isn't a gun…and you have to put it to your head and pull the trigger? Yeah…that would be easy to do...not.

Actually…why had it been so easy for Minato to do? Did that mean there was something fundamentally wrong with his head? Well…he wouldn't put it past himself for that to be the case. He didn't have anything until he had come to this place, nothing that made him particularly attached to the idea of living. Much like Yukari…things changed for him over the year. Yukari found out the truth about her Father…but not without its missteps along the way. Minato had made his fair share of mistakes as well. But at the end…he had found people that were irreplaceable to him, and a real reason to live for. And then there was Yukari.

He felt the vehicle come to a stop.

"Alright we're here, just sit still for a second," Yukari said and moved from his side. He heard the limo door open and then the next moment he felt Yukari's hands on him and guiding him out of the vehicle. "Okay just keep walking, I'll guide you."

"This is silly," Minato said but he was smiling.

Minato kept walking as Yukari led him forward…he felt the air change and the ground went from hard pavement to a soft carpet…at least if felt like it was to Minato. He wondered if he should be concerned about people watching them…but then again…what people thought of him had hardly mattered. And if Yukari was okay with it then so was he. She stopped him briefly before they moved only a couple feet and stopped again.

"An elevator?" Minato asked.

"Are you trying to figure out where we are?" Yukari teased. "Don't worry, the suspense will be over soon." The elevator came to a stop and soon Yukari was guiding him out of the elevator and down a hall again. Then stopped once more, Minato could hear Yukari opening a door. A thought came to his mind…but that didn't seem right to him. Right?

Yukari led him through the doorway and as they continued he heard the door closing behind them. She stopped him and then turned him around. Then Yukari suddenly pushed him and knocked him off balance. Being blindfolded caused a sensation that normally wouldn't have felt like anything but…when you can't see it…it becomes all about trust. And there was no one in the world that Minato trusted more than Yukari. So when he landed on the bed he wasn't that surprised but still. Why here?

Yukari straddled him and pulled the blindfold off and then kissed him with a passion he hadn't felt in quite some time. It was like a hunger that needed to be filled…and he wasn't sure how he could possibly fulfill that need. After a moment Yukari pulled back but could easily see the desire in her eyes.

"Yukari…is this…what you want?" Minato asked in a whisper. He knew it would kill the mood but…Minato didn't want to just go with the motions. He knew where they were...a hotel. And it was obvious why they were there...this wasn't something they could put off...this was something that had to be confronted here and now.

"I was angry…you know. For the longest time after that night," Yukari hung her head but still sat straddled on top of him. "When we fought that Shadow…back in July…neither of us had any idea what was really going on. It was like something pulling the strings and moving us like puppets. I had nightmares about that night for so long because…because I never knew how to feel about it. I couldn't be angry at you…you fought so hard against that control. But I…" This was it...this was something that both of them had avoided talking about ever since it had happened. They never talked about why...or the impact the event had on the two of them. Their life had been close to being inexplicably altered by the manipulation of a Shadow...but was it just the Shadows manipulation or more than that?

Minato felt something hit his chest…only a moment to realize that Yukari was crying.

"…I had given in to it so completely that the only thing that broke through to me was your screams. I felt so awful on how weak I had been," Yukari cried…clutching the front of Minato's dress shirt.

"Yukari…"

"No! You don't understand Minato! I didn't break free from the Shadow…I only did because you fought so hard…and I've felt so ashamed since then…and so…angry. All my life…things happened beyond my control…childhood friends moving away…my Father dying…that was why I wanted to take control…to finally be the one that determines the way things happen. But that Shadow…he took not just mine but both of our first kisses away and would have taken even more than that if it had gotten its way…and I..."

Minato swiftly in one motion flipped Yukari down onto the bed next to him and pulled her into his arms, "Relax. It didn't happen. But if it is so hard for you…why would you bring me to a hotel?" Yukari turned to him so she could look into his eyes.

"Because this was my choice. I finally know what really has bothered me since then. I thought for a while I was attracted to you because of that Shadows influence. But I know now…that is not what happened. No…the Shadow simply used the emotions that were already there. I had already been attracted to you before then…but I always pushed it out of my mind…because I was determined to find out about my Father. I convinced myself that nothing else mattered…so I…locked up all of that away. But this time it is different," Yukari said in more of a whisper as tears still silently fell down her face as she laid down next to Minato. "This is my choice…because I love you Minato. You forced me to face myself…and made me a better person. You don't let me take the easy way out but you are always there to support me. Because of you…I can talk to my Mom again. I am finally starting to move forward again…past my Father's death. All of this is because of you. I cannot begin to tell you how much you have done…or what it means to me. I could try and tell you every day for the rest of my life and never find the right words that describe it."

Minato smiled, "So that is what this is about." He reached out and stroked her cheek and wiping away her tears. "I have a confession to make." He knew he had avoided this topic because he hadn't been sure about it himself...but Yukari was right. The Shadow hadn't really manipulated them so much as magnified their attraction to each other. But he wondered if his stubbornness and hesitance to believe anything towards him had caused his rejection of those feelings at the time. Minato had openly admitted to himself from the very first time he saw her what he thought.

Yukari blinked a couple times, "Confess?"

"When I came to the dorm that first night…the first person I saw was you. Granted you pulled an evoker on me because you thought I was a Shadow," Minato chuckled.

"Hey I was really nervous it was only like my second night as a member of SEES…" Yukari fake pouted, her tears coming to a stop as Minato had shifted the conversation to something else.

"I know, I know. But do you know what my first reaction was when I saw you?" Minato asked and Yukari simply shook her head. "It was about how beautiful you were. And that is pretty much always my first thought when I see you, every day." That had never changed as long as he had known her. But that was not all it took for a relationship...and Minato had never considered getting involved with her in such a way. No...Not until later...when Yakushima had happened.

"Did…you really like me from back then?" Yukari asked.

"I've always liked you, Yukari. But over time…it grew to something much more than that. With everything that was going on…I'm not sure either of us would have ever acted on it…if the events in the hotel didn't happen. After all…I think what happened between us in Yakushima…was a result of us both wanting to know…what the other felt. You must have been curious too…behind the Shadows power. On whether it deceives the mind into thinking what it wants…or it had used emotions that were already there…in which case…there would have been no one else it would have worked on for me," Minato smiled a bit. "The past is the past, Yukari. It can't be changed…and regret does have its place…but for me…nothing that has occurred between us has ever brought me any regret. Things weren't always easy…and we are constantly challenged by the trials we have to face. But it has made us stronger, nothing else."

"You're right," Yukari smiled and then leaned toward and kissing Minato softly for a moment. "I told you before at Yakushima…that I could never regret something that happened with you. While I might have been desperate for your attention then because of what I had learned…it was never any less true. I'll say it again. Minato, I love you. You are such a perfect boyfriend…I could never dream to be this lucky. You've made me happy in ways that I didn't know I could be…you helped me reconcile with my Mother and it is such a big change in my life that I couldn't help but love you even more. So before we fight tomorrow…I don't want to have any regrets…so this is my choice. I want you, Minato. This once I want to let my desires out…and I want to show you just how long I've craved to be with you."

"Yukari…" he looked into her eyes…and Minato knew that there was no arguing to be done here. This wasn't the eyes that had looked at him in Yakushima. Her lust then had been driven by a want for comfort…to avoid her problems. No…this time when she looked at him…this desire was born from emotion…there was nothing hiding in her intentions at this moment. It was their last night before they would face Nyx. It could very well be the last night that the two of them were alive. That…no doubt would have an influence on this decision. But more than that...she was truly looking at him...she wasn't clouded by worries or concerns...in this moment all there was was the two of them in this hotel room. "I can't deny the times I have dreamed of finally losing control and being with you. I want…to make love to you. But once it happens…this is something that you can never get back…are you sure?" Minato wanted to forget about everything and get lost in this...in her. But...he refused to be someone who would ever use or harm Yukari. He would give her any out he could offer...this was not something that could ever be taken back. This wasn't about losing virginity or the act of sex...there was an emotional aspect that Minato knew was very important in this...especially for the two of them.

"I told you…this is my choice. But it's yours too. I won't force you to do this…but Minato. No matter what happens tomorrow…I don't want to have any regrets and leave anything behind that I wanted…especially this," Yukari took his hands and guided one up along her back to the zipper on her dress. Minato clutched it for a moment. "I love you Minato. And live or die tomorrow…I want to be yours…I want you to touch me and kiss me in places where only you are allowed to. I want to show you how much I love you…how much I want to please you. I want to make love to you…so when we face tomorrow…I know exactly what I am really fighting for. This is the future I want to protect. The one where we both live on…so that one day we can have a future together. That all of this is just some trial for us to overcome." Yukari pressed Minato to his back and straddled him once more. His hand still clutching the zipper, she pushed his arm down easing the zipper down.

Minato stopped for a moment, "Yukari...before I came here, before I knew you...I didn't have anything. I had no reason to live...no reason to press forward...not a real one anyway. The most I had was a weak desire to live my life for my parents. But I had no ambition, no real thought as to why I even cared to do that. It felt more like an obligation...like I had no choice in the matter. And because I just never stayed in any one place for that long...I just didn't care for the people around me...so any friends I had were hollow and held no meaning. Not until I came here...not until I met you."

"I never did anything...I only screwed things up when it came to us..." Yukari whispered.

Minato shook his head, "You may not understand it but...you're wrong. You're determination and the way you had given yourself a clear goal had always inspired me. And because of that I wanted to protect you. Before long I just couldn't help it. I was always looking for you when I entered a room, I was always wondering what you were doing. It distracted me a lot." He chuckled a bit. "The point is...I wasn't living until I met you...I never experienced what life could be until I met you. Even before we ever dated you challenged me and never let me just take it easy. You made me face myself and become more than what I was. I'm only the person I am now because of you. And what I'm really fighting for tomorrow isn't for something grand or noble...its to protect you and all the things I have come to love along the way. Without you I would have never cared...I would have probably rejected SEES and just lifelessly continued my shell of an existence."

"You deserve so much more, Minato. More than I could ever give to you...but I'm selfish. I want you all to myself. And you are my main motivation for fighting...I never want to let you go," Yukari said before capturing his lips in a passionate kiss.

"At least for tonight, you won't have to," he grinned, momentarily breaking the kiss.

"I love you, Minato"

"I love you too, Yukari," Minato said and being unable to hold back any longer, locked lips once more.

Minato felt it…the social link reach its maximum limit. But he promptly ignored it. Tonight was not about Persona's, Shadows or the end of the world. This wasn't a time for reflection or sadness for what might occur. This was about the love he felt for one woman. A woman he had fallen for more and more as time had moved on. And sure…there had been times that it had gotten rough…or that he thought he would lose her…but he didn't. Now there was no doubt he loved her more than anyone…more than he had ever thought he was capable of.

He pulled her down into an amazing kiss. Passion, love and lust collided all at once and any reservations that Minato had about this quickly were gone. Soon he was running his hands along her bare back. Then Yukari put her hands on his chest and broke the kiss for a moment.

"Minato…I want this to be perfect…let's go for a shower…" she grinned.

He wasn't going to say no, after all he already agreed that he wouldn't…the night was still early…and there was no doubt…there wouldn't be much sleeping that would be happening in this room. Not before the two of them were completely and utterly satisfied. Not until they both showed each other just how deep their love for each other ran.

March 18th, 2011 / Morning

Hamuko looked out into the morning sky…in just one day would be the confrontation with a man that had altered her family's history. A man that was also supposedly her uncle. Arisato Yoshimitsu. His intentions were unknown…but he had her brother's body. His body was being kept alive strictly with machines…but he had been declared brain dead over a year ago. Because the truth being that his soul was no longer with his body.

She wondered how vast the powers of Persona were. If her brother was able to have such a mass amount of power with Social Links…could she reach that level if she were able to have her own? If there had been two of them…would that have been enough to stop what had happened? There would be no way of knowing that…her own understanding of Persona was limited to her brief experience with it. She understood that being a wildcard was incredibly rare. And she…like her brother…was a wildcard. For some reason because of this, Yoshimitsu was planning something around this fact. What did he hope for her to do? Even if it was something that could conceivably bring her brother back…there was something else she had to consider. The consequences for doing such an action. Without a way to find a permanent solution for Erebus…her brother had to remain the seal.

There was also the other prevailing theory as to what his goal was…which went back to the original intention of the experiments that had first brought about the Dark Hour. To go back in time…to reset everything to before the incident of twelve years ago. Before her biological parents died…before her brother was left alone. Could history be changed like that? Or would things ultimately lead to the same road? Without an outside force to change the course…things wouldn't change…it would always be the same ending. The creation of the Dark Hour…and the eventual sacrifice of her brother's life in order to stop the world from ending.

Hamuko sighed and looked back to the bed of the hotel they were in. Yukari was asleep and snuggled up with her baby girl, Kokoro. There was only one section left in the journal left to read…the final confrontation with Nyx. He had maxed out every Social Link. Hamuko found it fitting that Yukari had been the last one he had maxed out…but she noticed there was a difference compared to the other ones…Their bond was stronger than any of the other Social Links he had created…and because of that there was only one possible ending for them to reach that level. Hamuko would call it true love…when two people trust and depend on each other so deeply. In a world like this…you could be considered lucky to be able to find a significant other that you can trust so deeply and love so fully like the two of them had. Hamuko was certainly jealous of that relationship that the two of them had shared. But Hamuko had also never allowed herself to trust or get close to anyone like that. She doubt she ever would.

The world was cruel…to think that her brother's life would have to end the way it did…to save the world. It was almost too ridiculous to believe. If she hadn't seen Persona's and Shadows for herself…she would have never believed the story. She probably would have denied the possibility of having a brother as well. Hamuko had been brought into that world as well…but after the fact…when her brother had already been gone for some time.

Yet her uncle had ensured that his body was kept alive…and for what? What was the reason that her brother's body was necessary? Why was she necessary for whatever he was planning to do? And the full moon…tomorrow would be a full moon…much like all the times SEES had fought Shadows…or climbed Tartarus for the final confrontation.

There was no coincidence in this case…things were this way for a reason. There was no other way for her to look at it. Like her brother, she knew that it all had a reason…there was something pulling and pushing the pieces…but she wasn't sure if it was Yoshimitsu…or something using him. That was what was bothering her the most.

"Hamuko?" Yukari was sitting up from the bed behind Hamuko and rubbing her eyes.

"Oh, good morning Yukari," Hamuko turned towards her and smiled at her.

"Morning already?" she yawned. The first thing she did was reach over to the night stand and grabbed the blue leather journal from the nightstand. Hamuko observed her for a moment as Yukari closed her eyes and hugged the journal to her chest. Ever since meeting Yukari...she had never seen her without the journal next to her. And she constantly hugged it against herself. If their love had been true love...then in reality there would never be a way for Yukari to truly get over him. Would it always be like this for Yukari? Constantly reminded of her lovers death...and a tinge of sadness that came with every thought of him...

"Only one thing left in the journal, right?" Hamuko asked.

"Yeah…the final confrontation with Nyx. A part of me is scared to read it. To know exactly what it was like for him as he faced down Death. What were his thoughts when he realized what he would have to do in order to stop The Fall? We know the end result…and we know why he did it…but we don't know how he felt when he had to make that decision. It worries me…because of something that he had mentioned before," Yukari sighed as she sat on the side of the bed. "At one point in his life he had looked for a means to die. No, rather that he was simply looking for a place where the end would come. The side of him that had once given up on life."

Yukari had read the last entry to her...and in it Minato had mentioned it to Yukari...about how he hadn't cared about living or dying before meeting Yukari. Hamuko could understand why she would hesitate. "That was before he had met you. Before he had fallen in love and known what it was like to have people care for him," Hamuko took a few steps back towards the bed. "You know that. Don't worry…I have a feeling you don't have anything to be scared of reading the last part of the journal."

"I know…" Yukari got to her feet and made her way to the window and looking out into the distance. The Moonlight Bridge could be seen from here…a place of significance when it came to Minato. But now it was also one for Hamuko. She knew now…this was the place where her biological parents had died…and where her brother had thought he had been left all alone in the world. His world and future changed without his own thoughts meaning anything.

"I know he'll be watching us tomorrow," Hamuko spoke softly.

"But before then…we have to finish this," Yukari looked down at the journal.

Everything was reaching its climax…but when it was over…what would the world look like to Hamuko? She didn't know…couldn't begin to guess the information she might have that could change everything for her. And a part of Hamuko knew that whatever the outcome was…she wasn't sure she would ever be able to accept it.

Author's Note

This chapter focuses on closing up his social links and to sort of show his state of mind as Minato goes into the Promised Day where the confrontation with Nyx will happen. Plus his social link with Yukari finally reaching max...and I enjoyed this probably more than I should. Lol. The reason why isn't because of anything in particular...its just I saw that his relationship with Yukari was more important to him than anything else...and as such it was harder for him to max her social link because of it. But then again...with Persona...emotions and bonds are what make the most power...so its hard not to bring more drama in...because at the end it would have made them that much more drama.

Maybe it was too much for Yukari to want to have sex...but it isn't something that is just lust. Hence while in the scene they never say the word 'sex' to describe it. I think people that have been deeply in love with someone can understand what kind of connection that it creates...it is in a lot of ways the most ultimate form of trust that someone can give to you. Especially when the both of them are virgins. It would be ridiculous not to mention the fact that the world might end...and that it might have a factor in both of decisions to do it but...it is that uncertainty and yet hope that fuels this interaction with Minato and Yukari. This is the kind of motivation of a future that the two of them are giving each other. A future life together and the possibilities it presents them. What is more symbolic than the act that can create life before the two are facing down Death?

Love is powerful. It is why it is envied amongst those that haven't experienced...or hated by those that have and were betrayed by it. Hate cannot exist without the concept of love...and both are equally terrifying in their capacity to cause people to act. After all...love makes fools of us all.

While it may never been said in the games...it was the protagonists capacity to love all the people around him that gave him the power he needed. If he never cared...he would have never succeeded. But love is seldom one sided...and its after effects leave its mark on the people around them...and lingers years and ages beyond its time. And I don't just mean children...although that is definitely a direct result of it. Love that is lost can cast a shadow that looms over the rest of your life...inspiring either hope or despair...happiness or depression. That is why this Fan Fiction is called Momento Umbrae...Remember the Shadow...the Shadows left behind by people that are long gone. It has been a reoccurring theme through out this fan fiction. What happens after? When all that is left is us and the choices we make after the ones we love have passed on. That is Hamuko's and Yukari's journey. How do they deal with the loss? For Hamuko...it is the discovery of a brother she'll never know beyond the words of a journal and the friends he had in life and how she deals with moving forward...both accepting her brother's existence and that he is already gone. Yukari...is about the loss of the love of her life and how despite her attempts to remain confident and ever moving forward she always seems to find herself locked in the past. As we come up to the end of the story I hope that all of you have enjoyed this journey and my interpretation of the events of Persona 3. It has been something that I needed to write out...if only for my own peace of mind.

Anyway that's enough of that for now. I'll see you all tomorrow with the next chapter.