CHAPTER 33 / Savior
March 4th, 2010
Dear Yukari,
My time is coming up…it isn't like I have a definitive deadline on this but I'm reaching my limit on how much I can resist the pull from the seal. The only thing that really keeps me here is the promise that we all made before that last battle. That we would all meet once more on graduation day. I can see it in everyone's eyes now…all of you are on the cusp of finally remembering our battle. I think Aigis is right…all of you will remember in time.
What bothers me is that all of SEES may not remember the details of how it had all happened. I think the only reason I was exempt from the memory loss is because I am technically the only one still in direct contact with Nyx. Just outside of the Great Seal is where Nyx is…and will remain until humanities call will eventually break through. A part of me wants to believe that one day humanity will stop wishing for the fall. But I know that isn't true.
All of humanity is plagued with trials and hardships regardless of what path they choose. It will always be a battle and will always come against that pit of despair…seeking the easier way out. Death can sometimes seem like a comfort instead of fighting onwards. It is those moments that I believe shows the true strengths and weaknesses of our race. SEES came up against that challenge directly…we were told that all paths only lead to death. And in a sense it is correct…we will all eventually lead to that end…but we fought to live, to delay that fated day just a bit more.
We won, despite the price I have to pay…in the end this was what we all fought for…and all of us had been ready to pay the ultimate price to achieve it. Maybe it wasn't fair of me to keep it to myself…but none of you remembered…so again I am writing this for that reason and many others.
For you Yukari, I at the very least wanted to leave you something…so that maybe in some way you can journey back to our time together and re-live it through my eyes…and with this I hope you never lose your path. You are a strong woman that I loved more than anyone else. You gave me hope in the future…one that had never existed until I met you and all of SEES. You were the reason I kept pushing forward…and why ultimately I was ready to pay any price to ensure that you would see another day.
Love Always and Forever,
Arisato Minato
January 31st, 2010 / Dark Hour
Minato stepped forward onto the top level of Tartarus, the sky of the Dark Hour seemingly pressing down on them in a oppressive manner…the moon almost looking like it would come crashing down to them. So it seemed natural for him to be looking up at the moon. There was no telling as to what would happen from here. And he could feel it deep inside of himself that the final battle was coming quickly.
"Hey, look at the sky!" Yukari told the rest of SEES.
"Something is coming!" Fuuka warned.
Minato didn't avert his eyes as a large being descended from the sky…seemingly coming from the moon itself.
"I…I can sense it even without my Persona…it's the first time this has ever happened," Fuuka said almost alarmed at this fact. Minato wasn't surprised…all of them could probably feel it…that oppressive atmosphere that was coming at them. This was the same feeling…albeit a lot more massive as what he felt when they had met the reaper in Tartarus. But something about the being that descended told Minato that this wasn't really Nyx…No…that feeling seemed to be much higher in the sky.
This being had wings and adorned mostly in black, much like the Shadows they had fought…and much like those same Shadows it wore a mask for a face, and held a sword of immense length. It could easily strike all of them at once. Minato looked up at the massive Shadow and felt something much more familiar, the same feeling that had alerted him of his presence when he had slept and had woken him…he took a step towards it, "Ryoji?"
The Shadow looked down to him, "That was my name for a time…I didn't mind it."
"What's going on? Wait, are you…?" Mitsuru was scrambling to pick up her understanding of this Shadow.
"I am merely a harbinger of the Fall…Although Nyx and myself are now one and the same." The Shadow explained, looking almost hesitant about the events that were occurring. Minato knew there was nothing that either could do to stop this fight from happening. This was the path they had chosen…and Ryoji…no Pharos had no free will to exert in this regard. His power had only extended so far as to give SEES a choice to forget Nyx and live out the remaining time in ignorance before the Fall occurred. Minato understood the decision…he didn't want the members of SEES to suffer…people he had been fortunate to count as friends. However, there was no fighting what he was…and to him…there was no chance of victory…not against death. Funny how the one that is death cannot die.
"Is that so…? Well regardless, I don't regret my decision. I'll defeat you, no matter what you are!" Akihiko spoke defiantly.
"I see…Then you must already know. What people fear most…What they try to ignore…That is what I am," the harbinger spoke with a semblance of sadness in its tone. Maybe it was easy to miss but Minato knew Ryoji better than anyone. This was just as hard for him as it was for the members of SEES. But they were enemies because of this...because of something that they could not control. All because of the actions of men that had long since died themselves.
"We know that already," Ken said.
"You are what awaits all living things the moment they are born," Mitsuru stated.
"Then, you also understand it is pointless to resist. So, why do you? There must be fear in your hearts," the harbinger looked to each member of SEES.
"Yeah, of course I'm scared. But I have reasons to keep going…someone that I want to protect. So I'm gonna keep on livin' dammit!" Junpei yelled out.
"I spent my life running away. I didn't even realize it until I had Minato. But I'm not going to run anymore. Living life means looking death straight in the eyes and not backing down. So, I am not going to back down! There is a future that I want to achieve and that means defeating you!" Yukari said from my side. The conviction in her voice…had our night together in that hotel really solidified her will…but I knew it had affected me too. The thought of waking up next to Yukari every morning for the rest of my life…having a family of our own and giving our child everything that I never had. It was a future we were both fighting for. And it was a dream he had that night...being with Yukari...raising a child...a daughter...and a son. Yes...that was what he wanted...but Minato knew his priorities...at the very least he would fulfill his promise to Shinjiro and find a solution to save everyone. One way or another.
"I will stop you, even if it costs my life! That is my decision!" Aigis proclaimed next.
The harbinger looked at me and Minato was ready with his own proclamation to the Harbinger of the Fall. Although he didn't care to fight someone he called a friend. This was much more than just about them, "You know me well enough to know that I would never give up, regardless of the odds. The end of the world known as 'The Fall'…a wish brought upon by so many people that are weakened and looking for an easy way out. But I believe that humanity grows each time it overcomes those thoughts and emotions and pushes forward past them. To protect the people I care about and the ones that I love…I won't let this world come to an end!"
"…I see," the Avatar of Nyx held up its sword. Minato was sure that Ryoji had already known what they would say but wanted to hear them say it. He wanted to know that his friends were strong enough to face what came after him. "Then I shall put your resolves to the ultimate test! Come!"
"What? I'm sensing shadows coming from below!" Fuuka said suddenly.
This was what he figured would happen after they had faced Jin. That w"Akihiko, Kirijo-san, and Yukari are with me against Nyx. The rest of you have to stop the shadows coming up and protect Fuuka or we aren't going to last long in either fight," Minato quickly ordered and looked around SEES. All of them nodded. "Be prepared to switch out if needed."
"Watch out!" Fuuka warned.
SEES scattered in two different directions, half going left and the other right as the Nyx Avatar's gigantic blade came between them. Minato scrambled to his feet and pulled out his evoker and charged forward.
"The moment man devoured the fruit of knowledge, he sealed his fate…entrusting his future to the cards, man clings to a dim hope. Yes, the Arcana is the means by which all is revealed…Attaining one's dream requires a stern will and unfailing determination," the Nyx Avatar swung wide towards Minato and as a response he switched his Persona to Cybele and jumped into the air.
"Cybele! Myriad Arrows!" Minato yelled as his persona came forward and unleashed a torrent of projectiles down at the Nyx Avatar. He landed safely on the ground and switched his persona back to Siegfried and holstered his evoker and opted to pull out his katana as the Nyx Avatar swung its sword towards him and he didn't evade but instead blocked it, stopping the attack head on.
"Artemisia!"
"Isis!"
"Caesar!"
Ice, wind and lightning hit the Nyx Avatar sending him reeling back as Minato pushed the giant sword away. The Nyx Avatar switched its footing to prevent itself from falling and came back with a reckless sword swing that Minato avoided by rolling towards it. The Nyx Avatar was hit again by an attack from Akihiko and Mitsuru's Persona's which gave Minato more than enough time to switch his sword to his off hand and pull out his evoker. Siegfried came out fast and hit the Nyx Avatar hard, causing it to fall to one knee.
Minato felt a change in the air and instinctively jumped backwards as some sort of field surrounded the Nyx Avatar.
"The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed…The silent voice within one's heart whispers the most profound wisdom," The Nyx Avatar had changed…by I wasn't sure how.
"Nyx's Arcana has changed to the priestess! Be careful," Fuuka was there to offer some insight to what had happened.
"So…it's going to be that kind of fight?" Minato stepped forward and put his hand in front of him. "Think you can keep up with me, Ryoji!?" A swipe of his hand and he felt his persona switch again as he charged forward. Minato didn't have time to stop or think. Minato simply needed to give in to the battle, to let this fight become everything…nothing except for this fight mattered. Because beyond this fight could be nothing…so he would leave nothing to chance…not a single room for doubt to take hold of him. For that reason, he would put all of his skills to bear. His evoker at his head he fired again, "Lucifer! Morning Star!"
A brilliant light came floating down onto the Nyx Avatar and erupted bathing the area in light. When it dissipated the Nyx Avatar stepped back and held out a card above his head…and it swiftly seemed to change and then disappear. "The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed. Celebrate life's grandeur…its brilliance…its magnificence…"
Reflexively, Minato switched his persona again as the Nyx Avatar launched a volley of ice in their direction. He rolled under the first wave and holstered his evoker in the same motion. Springing up to his feet he swiftly turned around and sliced straight through the oncoming ice attack using the strength of his persona Asura in order to do so. Nyx Avatar didn't relent and sent another wave of ice, Minato pulled out his evoker. "Asura! Akasha Arts!" His persona appeared and sliced in all directions around him, completely dissipating the incoming attack. Minato didn't relent as he jumped over another ice attack and found himself approaching Akihiko.
"Hold on, Minato!" Akihiko set himself and Minato understood what his goal was. Minato twisted his body and had one foot land on Akihiko's hands and was then vaulted towards the Nyx Avatar. Minato switched his persona's once again.
"Melchizedek! God's Hand!" Minato's Persona charged forward materializing a large fist and came crashing down on the Nyx Avatar. Still rushing towards the Nyx Avatar, Minato holstered his evoker and switched his Persona to Siegfried and used its strength to come down hard with his katana on the Nyx Avatar, cutting it straight down towards the ground. The Nyx Avatar suddenly erupted a wave of energy and sent Minato flying through the air.
"Minato!" Yukari called out but a moment later he felt himself get caught and brought back to the ground. Minato was disoriented for a moment.
"Dude, you alright?" It was Junpei who had caught him and helped him regain himself.
"Yeah, thanks for the assist," Minato gave a side glance to him. He gave him a slight nod and charged back into the battle. There was no time…time was also an enemy. Junpei, Ken, Koromaru, Fuuka, Aigis, Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Yukari were here with him…so he had no other option but to win.
"The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed. Only courage in the face of doubt can lead one to the answer. Yes, it is indeed a precious gift to understand the forces that guide oneself. There is both joy and wonder in coming to understand another," The Nyx Avatar continued to speak as it switched from one Arcana to the next.
"Isis!" Yukari appeared at Minato's side as he felt the familiar wave of healing come over him. "Let's do this!"
He nodded and charged in with Yukari at his side. The Nyx Avatar took to launching bolts of lightning at them. Minato switched his Persona and as one was about to get close to Yukari he summoned it and took the hit and instead absorbed it. Thor charged forward and attacking with his trademark hammer and knocked Nyx Avatar off balance. Yukari slid to a stop as Minato flipped forward spun his sword around and into the arm of the Nyx Avatar. Still reeling from the attack it tried to swipe at him but was met by a barrage of arrows from Yukari that prevented the attack from reaching Minato. He came forward as his persona switched to Siegfried and hit the Nyx Avatar directly on.
Minato jumped off of the Nyx Avatar and sprung back seeing that it had recovered the large sword came forward and faster than it had before. It was stopped by Mitsuru's sword and a pillar of ice from Artemisia. She smirked as she kicked the hand of the Nyx Avatar away and stood battle ready with Minato at her side. "Don't relent, Arisato. Let us keep the pressure on."
"The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed. One of life's greatest blessings is the freedom to pursue one's goals. To find the one true path, one must seek guidance amidst uncertainty. It requires great courage to look at oneself honestly, and forge one's own path…" The Nyx Avatar spoke again as it shifted multiple times.
Nyx Avatar flung a wave of fire at Minato and Mitsuru causing the both of them to jump over the flame only to find a second wave to greet them. Minato shifted his Persona, "Alilat! Mabufudyne!"
"Artemisia! Mabufudyne!" Mitsuru added her own to Minato's and the combined might met the flame stopping it dead in its tracks. Landing on the ground next to Minato the two charged in at the Nyx Avatar. Mitsuru went in with a powerful thrust as Minato jumped over Mitsuru and switched back to Siegfried again and used the strength to land a powerful slash and land on the other side of Mitsuru.
The Nyx Avatar groaned and tried to kick the two of them but was met by another barrage of arrows from Yukari and a powerful lightning strike as Akihiko dived into the fray with Caesar at his call. Mitsuru and Minato took the opportunity to retreat back as the Nyx Avatar was suddenly surrounded by a barrier.
"Alongside time exists fate, the bearer of cruelty. Only with strength can one endure suffering and torment. In the face of disaster lies opportunity for renewal," The Nyx Avatar shifted again and the barrier around it went down. Minato recovered for a moment as the Nyx Avatar looked at him. "The moment man devoured the fruit of knowledge, he sealed his fate…Entrusting his fate to the cards, man clings to a dim hope. Yet, the Arcana is the means by which all is revealed. Beyond the beaten path lies the absolute end. It matters not who you are…Death awaits you."
"I…I sense Death. Nyx's true Arcana is Death!" Fuuka warned us.
Minato understood death more than most people. Supposedly his twin sister died at birth…and it was said that only his mother was capable of calming baby Minato. Later his parents would die…and then even an elderly foster Father who had been a great influence to him. But he wasn't the only one…everyone here understood what Death meant. Shinjiro…a fellow SEES member had died in their fight. Akihiko had a sister, Miki, which had died in his youth. Ken's Mother had died because of an accident. Junpei had died himself and only because of Chidori's love and a miracle had the two made it out of it in the end…even if there was a slight difference in circumstances. Mitsuru's Father had also died trying to atone for the sins of his own Father. Koromaru's owner had died and he fought to protect what was left behind. Yukari…lost her Father…who had died to ensure that all of us had a future. He had fought to prevent this very thing from happening. Her Father would never approve of him if he didn't stop his little girl from dying from the thing he had sacrificed his own life to stop. Yes…he needed to be willing to do the very same.
"Ryoji, I don't think you understand," Minato stepped forward as he felt his mind settle on a different Persona that he had not used yet, it was also the last one he had fused together.
"You cannot avoid death. To live is to die; they are one in the same," the Avatar said.
"It isn't about avoiding death. No, it is quite the opposite. We fight it head on…but we'll go when we are damn good and ready…and it is our right as humanity to take the very journey that you described. And I'm not going to let a few hundred selfish assholes take that away!" Minato growled as he put the Evoker to his head. Sure, everyone died, it wasn't something he was trying to deny or fight against. It was a natural part of the way life worked. He knew very well what was important about death.
Minato's life had always been surrounded by it...constantly affected by it. His parents died when he was six on the moonlight bridge. Then he found himself shifted between families for different reasons. One had been because her husband had died and she wanted a son she could be proud of. But he hadn't been what she wanted and dumped him back at the orphanage...then another pair of parents that couldn't have children adopted him. They both seemed to hate him. Minato found out that they had tried to have a child on two different occasions...but each time the child was stillborn...dead before the child had been born. In some way...Minato felt they had blamed him and held him to stupid high expectations as a result. Ones he could never meet in the small amount of time they had given him. So he had been abused...degraded all because of the resent that a child with no parents had lived...and the parents that just wanted a child had lost two before they were born.
But it wasn't always bad...Minato had been adopted by an older gentlemen whose wife had passed away and he simply wanted to help a youth before he moved on to join his wife. He had been a kind man who enjoyed fishing and had taken Minato out every day throughout the summer time. But when fall came around the old man went peacefully in his sleep with a smile...no doubt happy that he would be joining his wife once more. Minato wouldn't be adopted again, and instead he would find himself seeking approval to move to a dormitory and have been emancipated early so he could live on his own in the dorms. That was when he had arrived in Iwatodai and Tatsumi Port Island.
Perhaps Minato hadn't been experienced enough to know the meaning behind what had happened. But looking back at it now...he knew that death had greatly affected a lot of people in his life, not just him. But that was why they fought to live...not just because of a fear of death...although it was always a factor. The reason was because they wanted to live, not for themselves but for the others that cared for them. And so they could keep experiencing life, even for just one more day with the people they loved.
Minato tightened his grip on the evoker and looked to the Nyx Avatar, "Ryoji...I know you understand better than before. But I also understand why you have to do what you are doing. Come on, give me all you got."
"Let us finish this. It is a path of your choosing," The Nyx Avatar unleashed a wave of energy.
"Messiah. Megidolaon." His evoker shot and his spell clashed with the Nyx Avatar's wave of energy. A collection of familiar voices came from behind Minato.
"Trismegistus!"
"Kala-Nemi!"
"Caesar!"
Koromaru howled as Cerberus was summoned.
"Athena!"
"Caesar!"
"Artemesia!
"Isis!"
All of SEES Persona's added their power to Messiah's attack, somehow combining into one gigantic blast and as the energy slammed into the Nyx Avatar attack it ripped through it and continued its path to the Avatar itself. The energy condensed as it slammed against the Avatar and resulted in a large explosion of light causing all of SEES to drop to their knees and cover their eyes. It had been the first time they had ever done something like that...Minato felt it appropriate of a way to defeat Ryoji...to demonstrate just how unified they were in their beliefs of this fight. Still Minato knew it wasn't over yet. The moment passed and they all looked to the sky to see that the Nyx Avatar was floating…motionless in the sky.
"Did we do it?" Mitsuru was the first to talk. Minato simply waited.
The Nyx Avatar's wings begin to move once more as it looked down on SEES, "Such a pity…you understand fate, yet you still fight against it with all of your will…It more people were like you, then perhaps The Fall could have been prevented. But it is too late now." The Avatar moves higher up into the sky, beyond the reach of SEES. Minato punched the ground knowing that even if it was the smallest of chances he knew there had to be a way. Some way to stop it…or else what was the point of all he had done? All the power he had gathered…it was not for nothing.
"The moon!" Fuuka brought Minato's attention back up to the sky.
"What is that?" Yukari asked in shock.
The moon…it was…it was Nyx…the real Nyx. Is that why those Shadows had gathered specifically on the nights of the Full Moon? Because it was the days Nyx's calls would have been the loudest...okay...but now what? What was Minato supposed to do to stop it?
"Something is coming!" Fuuka warned but there was nothing that could be done. A wave of energy came down and hit all of SEES…forcing them all to the ground…one after the other.
"This…this is nothing…" Yukari fought hard to keep on her feet, using her bow as a crutch, but it was too much.
"I will never give up! Never!" Aigis who was also trying so hard against the pressure of the attack but was failing to stay on her feet.
"Why resist that which is inevitable? You will only suffer…" the Nyx Avatar says.
"Dammit! I won't back down! Not after Chidori gave me this life!" Junpei used his sword trying to stand.
"I've made up my mind, and I'll fight to the end! There is a future waiting for me. And this isn't where it is going to end!" Yukari yelled up defiantly.
Another wave in response to SEES defiance…Minato looks up at the moon and then feels a pull…he takes a moment and closes his eyes.
The next moment Minato finds himself in a familiar setting and the pressure he had felt before was gone. This was the Velvet Room. He looked to see Igor and Elizabeth across from him. Both with bigger smiles than usual. Minato was concerned for a moment and it must have shown because Igor chuckled in response. Elizabeth...although she was smiling...he could see the obvious feelings behind them. More than likely this was the last time they were meant to see each other.
"There is no need to worry. This isn't the afterlife…You're still alive. Do you remember what I once told you…? …How the strength of your Social Links will determine your potential?" Igor quickly shifts the conversation. "Listen for a moment…can you not hear the many voices? Each one's power is limited…Yet, they all reach out to you…Can you feel them?"
Minato closed his eyes for a moment and listened carefully…to his surprise…he heard many voices. All of them calling out to him.
"Listen carefully…their voices may be faint, but I shall help you hear their messages," Igor assured Minato.
Suddenly a visage of Kenji came to him, "I'll always have your back, Minato. All I can do right now is pray…But, whatever it is, man…I know you can do it." Minato could remember all the time he had spend with Kenji…the craziness that was Kenji's crush on a teacher. Despite how it ended up he had become good friends with Kenji as a result.
An image of the old couple, Bunkichi and Mitsuko appeared next, "Something frightful is going on…but we won't give up." Bunkichi was resolute.
"That's right, dear. Minato-chan wouldn't want us to lose hope," Mitsuko nodded. The old couple had suffered losing their son…and struggled with how to deal with it as a result…thankfully the two were strong, and had even made some new friends with the students that their son had taught. Minato had learned just how much someone can continue to affect others in a positive manner even after their death. Something he had never really seen himself until then.
Kazushi replaced the image of the old couple, "Man, something crazy's going on here…but I know you're out there doing all you can, Minato. So I won't lose my cool, either…you taught me that." A close friend from the kendo club…his injury was close to taking his possibility of competing but fortunately he would recover in time. He challenged Minato quite a lot while he was in the kendo club…more so than he ever had been before. And it was Kaz's motivations that had been inspiring to Minato as he had moved forward.
Strangely the next image was of a game avatar…it was Maya, "Oh god, this can't be happening! I wish I could talk to him, and calm myself down…I don't even know what he looks like, but I hope he is okay. He has to be, I can feel it." A person Minato met on a dying MMORPG called Innocent Sin Online. Sometimes words express quite more than anyone can realize…and because of that Maya meant a lot to Minato. Long nights spent online or all day spent playing...although it had often just led to the two of them chatting for hours on end. He hadn't gotten close to the level cap when the servers had shut down. He had wanted to maybe switch to a new game with Maya but she said she was going to focus on her life...and that she felt indebted to him, of all people, for making her feel more confident. Honestly...he wasn't sure how he had done anything at all with her. Still it was immensely comforting to hear this message.
The next was the Photography Club president, Keisuke, "Minato-kun…I know you're trying to stay focused. You were there when I needed you. I hope I can do the same." A person Minato met when joining the photography…he would have never guessed at the time how someone like Keisuke would ever need help from Minato, but in the end the two had become close friends. And hopefully Keisuke wouldn't give up on his dreams of the future.
A girl appeared next…it was Maiko…it brought a smile to Minato's face, "Everyone else is scared, but not me…You showed me how to be tough! I won't give up." A girl torn between divorcing parents…Minato was glad he had gotten to know her. She had often been a much needed break from the more complicated part of his life. Maiko kept things simple and...he also got to see a part of life that he had never experienced as a result. Minato realized that not all things worked out...and as Maiko had to deal with her parents splitting she hadn't a clue how to handle it. So she blamed herself...something Minato had done himself in his life. Often times he felt his foster parents had treated him horribly because he had deserved it. And Maiko learned that even though she liked her Dad more...that her Mom needed her that much more. Maiko was more mature than Minato probably had been at that age. Minato wanted to make sure that she would have a chance to grow up and support both her parents.
Next was a familiar exchange student, "Minato-sama, 'ow are you doing? I 'ope you are okay…I'm 'ere for you…like you were zere for me!" Minato learned quite a bit about fashion and even things about Japan that he hadn't really known because of him. Odd considering he was french...but they had met when he was returning a lost wallet to the old couple at Bookworms. He hoped Bebe would continue to strive forward even if he was no longer in Japan.
An older gentleman in a suit appeared in front of Minato next, "What on earth made me think of you at a time like this? Well, I suppose you did teach me a thing or two about loyalty…" The man grumbled but Minato just grinned a bit. Despite the odd relationship they had, he was still someone he would never forget. Harder to do when Tanaka's show was on every week anyway…how could he possibly forget him? The man had been greedy, but he had forgotten what had stived him to become the business man he was today. He had been someone who had nothing, started with nothing...and then worked hard to get to where he was today. And it was that reminder that changed him back into more of the man he had wanted to become when he had first started. Minato was glad for the opportunity to spend time with Tanaka.
Another man came next…this one a monk. Mutatsu had his usual grin, "You must be fightin' the good fight right about now…Well you taught me that runnin' away never solves nothin'…So I'm here for ya, kid." Minato could only imagine how happy Mutatsu was now that he was talking with his wife and son again. Healing isn't always easy, but he knew that the monk could do it. Hopefully he would no longer come back to that night club to drink his problems away and always moved forward from now on.
A school mate appeared, instantly recognized as Nozomi, "You saved me, Minato. I was so blind before…I'm sure you got things under control, right? You always do." The student who really only thought about food…an otaku of food for sure. Minato chuckled remembering all he had eaten while with Nozomi. And Minato hoped Nozomi's lacking confidence would continue to grow.
The next was his main athletic rival in kendo, Mamoru. "I'll take on any challenge that comes my way, without complaining about it. You taught me that, Minato. I bet you're fighting right now too, huh…" Mamoru had it rough but was gifted, but had been looking at it all wrong…that was how Minato had felt. In the end things seemed to work out and life was finally moving better for Mamoru. He just needed to stop and simplify things. He didn't need to stop doing what he loved...he simply needed to work in his sport to all his responsibilities. Minato was a firm believer that if you wanted something enough then you could find a way to make it work.
Akinari was the next to show up, "I know I'm not the only one who's suffered. You've endured a lot, too. But, you can't just give up. You taught me that." I could hear these thoughts but Akinari was one who had been born with only a limited time…but in his last days he seemed to be truly happy. He had already passed on...so he was surprised to hear his voice. Still a bond that transcended the boundary of death had its appeal. Still he was glad Akinari had finished his dream before passing on to the next life.
"Can you hear them? These are the voices of hope that wish to help you...Separately, they are weak... But together, they will bring about a great change in you. Now is the time to draw on the true strength of the bonds you have forged," Igor's voice draws Minato's eyes to open and see a mass of energy gathering between Igor and himself. With a wave of his hand, Igor bids the energy to take form and it slowly turns into a card. Minato at first has no idea what to say or do. He simply looks to Igor. "I never dreamed of seeing that card with my own eyes... This is indeed a surprise... Behold the last power you and I shall unveil... It is the power to bring about a new beginning, or the ultimate end. It may be possible now, with this newfound power... You may be able to defeat the one who cannot be defeated. What you have in your hands is the power of the Universe... Nothing is outside the realm of possibility for you now"
"This…this is why all those bonds are important," Minato breathed to himself as Igor handed the card to him. All this time he had been conflicted but...he knew if there was even the smallest of reasons for gathering that power than he would do it. And now...he knew just how important it was...not just because of the power he had but what he had learned about himself along the way.
"We will soon reach our destination," Elizabeth proclaimed.
Minato looked up to Igor and then Elizabeth. "I guess there is only one thing left to do."
Igor grinned and shifted his hands, "It seems that, in addition to Death, fate has also dealt you the wild card. You must accept your destiny. Our contract has been fulfilled…I have completed my role as well. You were truly a remarkable guest."
"Thank you for everything, Igor-sama, and Elizabeth," Minato got to his feet and gave a bow.
"I look forward to seeing you again, Minato," Elizabeth spoke softly but more than loud enough for Minato could hear. He could see the swirling emotions in her eyes and likely...some of it not completely known to her what she was feeling.
"You're always free to come see me, Elizabeth," Minato gave her a comforting smile. While he didn't have a social link with Elizabeth, he had grown quite close to her over the length of the year. She always supported him and her personality definitely made her easy to like.
The Velvet Room came to a stop…the elevator shaped room had reached the top floor and opened before him, the sound of the metal door sliding open as both Igor and Elizabeth disappeared. Minato stepped forward towards the exit without looking back. The next moment Minato found himself standing on top of Tartarus. The others couldn't stand, but Minato…he didn't feel anything, the pressure he had felt holding him down before was now gone…he realized that this was something only he could do because of the journey he had taken, the power he had gathered thanks to the social links. He took a few steps forward and looked back at SEES.
"Minato…how can you stand?" Akihiko asked.
"Sorry, but this fight is for me to fight," Minato turned and looked up at the moon and then he leaped into the air, flying effortlessly towards the moon. "Thank you, for all you have done so far. Please leave the rest to me."
"No! Don't go!" Aigis attempted to get up to her feet as well...unlocking orgia mode in order to fight the pressure but she quickly collapsed to the ground under the pressure Nyx was bringing down.
"What are you doing?! Minato! Don't…Don't leave me here! I promised we would face it together!" Yukari yelled after him.
"This is what my power is here for. This is why it changed and evolved as we all fought…I have to do this," Minato spoke but his voice reached Yukari without effort…much like how Fuuka connected their thoughts together…he did the same with minimal effort.
"Don't leave me behind, Minato..." Yukari's voice responded back...such raw emotion...sounding like he was abandoning her.
"Please understand, Yukari. You have to trust me. I'll be back," Minato's resolve was already rock solid...he knew that this was the only way. And he knew that eventually Yukari would understand it...but it wasn't time to stop and explain.
"Dammit, why the hell can't I stand up?" Junpei groaned. "You don't need to do this alone!"
Minato shook his head as he continued to fly through the sky and straight towards the moon. "You don't get it…I can only do this because of all of you. But I'm sure you'll find that out someday."
Navigating to Nyx was relatively easy…Nyx did not hide or seem affected by Minato's presence, it simply was there. As Minato landed in front of what was Nyx he could feel Death all around him…it was a presence he knew quite well…he had lived with it for the majority of his life after all. "Ryoji…no Pharos…is this what you were talking about? Nyx has no malice…no anything…Nyx simply delivers death…that is what you were trying to tell us."
"It seems you finally understand," said a familiar voice from next to him, but no longer had a physical form. Ryoji was more than likely fully integrated into Nyx at this point. "But can you see the truth?"
"The truth?" Minato asked and suddenly saw Nyx charge an attack. He had nowhere to go…the blast of what seemed to be just light struck Minato and the massive attack knocked him off his feet and took the wind out of him. But something had stopped it from causing physical harm against him. Then he realized he could hear them the voices of his friends…although there were miles between them his heart was forever connected to theirs…this was also the power of their bonds...right?
"Is there nothing we can do!?" Ken's voice sounded desperate.
"Don't give up! Believe in Minato! If there is anyone that can pull out a win, its him," Akihiko trust in him was more than Minato ever felt he rightly deserved.
"Give him strength! Take my life if you must…but please Minato…you can do this!" Mitsuru…Minato could feel her heart…feel the love that she had for him. Despite everything…a woman like her could love Minato…who felt like he had nothing to offer and yet…she trusted him without a thought…with full confidence. The emotions of Ken, Akihiko and Mitsuru came in loud and clear and strengthened him. How could he doubt himself with this much faith in him? At the beginning of this year...he had never really considered himself someone that was trustworthy...someone that people could rely on. But now he had friends that did.
Minato felt it…their energy fueling him and letting him get back up to his feet, "Death is unflinching…and as you say…cannot be defeated, right Pharos? But I'll find a way…I am not going to waste this chance."
"Minato, even I wish this was not the way things would end. If anything it would have been nice if we had been able to continue through life together, without ever really having a need to meet," an image of Pharos…the boy I had met when I first arrived at the dorm. A visage of what had been contained in my own body. Now...even though he somehow projected himself before him...he was simply an image. Not real.
Nyx attacked again…another wave of energy striking him hard but this time it seemed lighter and he stayed on his feet. More…connected to his heart called out to him.
"He's going to face it all by himself!" Fuuka called out…her thoughts consumed by the time Minato had spent with her. Putting him through her trials as a cook and revealing more about herself along the way. She desperately wanted to reach out for Minato. And he could feel her emotions...and...she was in love with Minato. Minato shook his head...had he really done something worthy of that? He had just tried to be there to support her. But maybe sometimes that was enough...he could feel the gratitude and everything else Fuuka felt about him come to him, strengthening him.
"No, he's not alone! I won't let him die!" Junpei was thinking about all the times him and Minato had argued and how eventually the two had become closer than they had ever been in the end. Junpei definitely held strong feelings for Minato...what had once been jealousy had turned into something quite different. Now there was respect, and...a feeling of being something Minato wasn't really familiar with...family. Junpei viewed him as a brother...not just a friend. That strength added itself to Minato.
He even felt Koromaru and the times they had spent on walks and fighting together in Tartarus. He understood just like everyone else what was going on…and that Minato was still fighting. Koromaru and Minato had bonded over the several times they had gone out on walks together. Their bond was no less stronger than any of the others...so he felt Koromaru's strength also add to the collective energy that Minato was gathering and he stood even stronger before Nyx.
"I won't allow this world to be destroyed! You have to make it back!" Aigis yelled out to Minato. A machine with a heart…it wouldn't be believable except that he felt her as if she was next to him. Minato could feel her love for him…and how she felt it was her responsibility to end this and not him. She still felt responsible for putting Death into him as a child. Minato never felt like it was Aigis' fault. No…she was doing what she felt was right and the world would have ended if it hadn't been for her actions. No…this was how it should be. Still Aigis was beginning to become more human...more than Aigis was aware of. She would still have difficulties in the future...along with the inherent contradiction of being a robot. But he was sure she would be just fine, one way or another.
Minato felt all of their energy and hearts connect with his as he stood proudly with all their energy combined with his own.
"Hey, you get it now, don't you?" the voice was familiar.
Minato saw Shinjiro standing to his left, "Arigaki-senpai?"
"I thought you said you were going to find a solution?" Shinjiro moved next to Minato. He knew that he wasn't really there but...before death...anything could be possible. "So if Nyx isn't the enemy…then who is?"
"The enemy?" Minato felt it…something close…reaching…seeking out Nyx…its arms looking to grasp Nyx and…he turned looking towards a much different creature. Two heads...and reaching towards Nyx, desperately trying to pull it down to the planet. Nyx...could not be defeated...but this...this other creature was something different. Then...everything seemed to click into place in his head. Minato slowly shook his head, "A lone man's wish could never summon something like this…but the collective will of mankind seeking death…that is something different. It is there…reaching for Nyx…calling for Nyx to descend." Nyx wasn't the threat here. It never was...it was the desires of others...Nyx was simply being used as a tool to obtain a result that people had asked for. But Minato sure as hell wasn't going to let them have it.
"That's right. Nyx cannot be defeated…and Nyx will not stop its descent as long as that beast calls for her," Pharos stated simply.
"Is that right?" Minato looked over to Shinjiro. Then there was a solution. And Minato knew exactly how to achieve it...a way where no one else needed to risk their lives to stop this from happening. Even if someone tried this again...they would still have to get past him. And he would be able to ensure it never became a threat again. This was it...this was the answer he had been looking for. "Save a spot for me."
"Tch, don't think you're doing this alone. Now come on. Let's do this," Shinjiro said as Minato turned to Nyx once more. Shinjiro's own power combining with Minato's.
One last heart connected with Minato…it was Yukari. "Minato, I love you. Please…please come back to me."
Minato felt her there as if she was standing there with him and her arms wrapped around him. He latched onto those memories more than any that had come before it. They had argued…nearly broken their relationship…and in the end…she gave him something that he had never had before coming to this place…hope. He had hated his life…hated living it…didn't see a point in struggling…yet something about her had always made him push himself a bit more…to be more honest…to put in the effort and to get to know her. He finally knew what it meant to be loved and to love someone else. That was an experience he had never really understood until her. It was not an easy road…it was filled with struggles that might be easier to give up instead of fighting. But continuing forward and getting past those feelings…that led to the strength he had now. And Yukari herself...she finally accepted her Father's death, finally talked with her Mother and was making an effort to live again...truly live. Above everyone else, he wanted to protect her...the person he loved above everyone else.
He knew what he had to do… all that needed to happen after was the world to grow and learn just like he had about what life really meant. So that one day…the beast that calls out for Nyx would fade away. So until then he had a simple job really.
Minato pulled out his evoker and calmly put it to his head as Nyx tried to attack him once more…but the energy simply vanished and could not touch him. He could feel them all…everyone who had made him smile…everyone that had made him try that much harder and press forward…so many lives that helped shapped him into the man he was at this moment. Tears streamed down his face…he loved them all…and it was because of them that he could do this without regrets. To save the world so that all of them would have a tomorrow. If he hadn't met them...then maybe he wouldn't have been standing here and the world would have just faded to nothing. But he had experienced so much...had lived more fully in the last year than he had his whole life. He would thank them all for everything eventually. And maybe say he was sorry for what he had to do. But this was what he gained this power for...so he could have this choice in this instance.
"I'm sorry Yukari…but I do this for you. I'm sure you'll be able to smile again after I am gone. You're the strongest woman I know, after all. Never stop living and one day I am sure you will fully understand why I did this," Minato wiped his tears away with his free hand as his expression became serious. "Doesn't make this any easier though. Yukari, I love you."
Minato took a deep breath and looked up to Nyx as he tightened his grip on his evoker. "Persona!"
March 18th, 2011 / Evening
The only sound was that of the journal being closed as silence enveloped the room. Hamuko was looking down at her hands…her brother…twin brother had changed…and been changed by many lives. So much that he gave his life to prevent the end of the world…to ensure that those same people would live on. It was a price he did not pay lightly. Everyone in this room had not known what had gone through his mind in that last battle…especially when he seemed to go off to fight Nyx alone but that was far from the truth.
In one moment Minato had connected with everyone in his heart. For a fleeting moment he truly knew how loved he had been by everyone…and he used all of that into a form that could protect the world. Now he sits ever watching the barrier he created to ensure it never breaks…keeping the desires of mankind away from Nyx until a time where they no longer wished for it.
It wasn't fair that upon reaching such a state that it had to end the way it did. The rest of the story Hamuko had gathered through the various entries in the journal…in those three months he had used what power he had left in order to make it to the day they had all promised to get together. What surprised him and worried him was the fact that no one seemed to remember the struggle. A thought stuck with him in that time…that the people that meant the most of him wouldn't remember what they had done…all they had struggled for to achieve the peace they had and also…the reason why he died. With Yukari not even remembering how they had even started dating he frantically started to recount the events that had happened within the journal. It was his failsafe if no one remembered after he had died. But he wanted to believe in everyone and on the morning of Graduation for Akihiko and Mitsuru, he mailed the journal off to be delivered to the Kirijo Group one year later.
He collapsed on the roof of the school as his friends gathered…having all remembered the promise. But the celebration had been cut short…they scrambled for help and soon had him rushed to the hospital. His body alive…but he was in a coma…and very shortly after he was declared brain-dead. A relative, that none were aware he had, ordered the hospital to keep the body alive on life support. And the only one that had met him to try and oppose him was Yukari. At the time there was no way of knowing that this relative had been Yoshimitsu and that he would be the threat he was now.
In a short amount of time after Minato being declared brain dead was when the next incident took place…they called it…The Abyss of Time. A place that was born from all of there powers as Persona users and was a result of being unable to accept Minato's fate. Things had occurred in the Abyss of Time that Hamuko only had a vague knowledge of what happened based on statements, but there had been a possibility to go back in time and prevent his death…but they all went back to learn exactly what had happened…and that was when they discovered Erebus…a being that calls for Nyx…the collective will of mankind that wished for death. That was what Minato had found and realized the truth behind Nyx in those last moments of that confrontation…that Nyx was not a threat…but Erebus…humanities will was at fault. So he closed it off…keeping Erebus from reaching out to Nyx and in that way…saved humanity. Not to just save the day...but safeguard the future...so any that attempted to break the seal would have to get past him. And he would never be defeated easily.
They were all able to finally accept what had happened…and finally knew why Minato had died. But that was only a beginning point…Yukari learned not much later that she was pregnant with Minato's child. So her heart was thrown into turmoil once more…but she decided to keep it and have the child. She faced the so much in that time…and people called her all manner of names as well as words against Minato. But now things had changed…all of them were here now…and all finally knew the truth of how Minato felt back then.
If only she could have been there for her brother…a part of her wanted to believe that she could have changed things…could have guided things in a different direction. Was there really not an outcome that would have saved her brother from sacrificing himself? She shook her head…what was she thinking about? The past couldn't be changed, and even if she could…it would be selfish and ultimately pointless.
Hamuko knew the only reason it crossed her mind was because she would never know her brother…would never be able to experience the passion and heart he displayed among his friends as they had fought. She would never know what it would be like to spend time with him…to have a simple conversation with him. Yet she learned and got to know the people that did those things with him…The ones who had spent the most time with him…and who knew him the best.
"So Minato used the power he had gathered into a barrier capable of stopping the beast known as Erebus from reaching Nyx. But it wasn't until that last few moments where he had realized the truth. Nyx had never been an enemy…had never been one capable of being defeated. But stopping the wish of the collective unconscious of mankind to die…he could imprison it and effectively halts the Fall…" it was Isako…my Aunt. She had shown up as well in support to the final confrontation against her Husband.
"It is the Great Seal. It is a testament to everything we have done in the past. I would have willingly paid that price myself but it seems Minato is selfish in this regard," Mitsuru spoke softly.
"He fought to protect all of us many times over the year. He came to our defense and inspired the same in us in return. And he still protects us," Ken added.
"Still…to think that the power of Persona could be as vast as this," Isako shook her head. "This is not a fate that Miyuki's son should have faced…or any of you. It was the people of the past that brought this upon you…that forced this all to happen."
"Onii-chan…was alone for so long in his life…but all of you here showed him more…it was because of you that he was able to get the power he needed to stop it. But he was also out of time…he didn't have time to think or consider any other options. If he had known maybe he could have done something sooner and…" Hamuko stopped herself and looked away from the others. "I'm sorry…that isn't what I mean. I will never get to know him like you all did…but it is thanks to all of you that I even know about him at all. It might be painful…but I'm glad I got to know him through these stories. If anything I feel like I am at least closer to him than I could have ever been without all of you." Hamuko didn't want to insult them or anything like that unintentionally. She just wanted to have another option...a different path that her brother could have taken. Although it was pointless to think about it now.
"I know it is hard, Hamuko-chan," It was Yukari speaking for the first time since she had finished reading the journal. "There is still a part of me that still wants to believe that he never died…that one day I would just find him next to me. My mind will never let go of him…I could never possibly forget him. I knew him better than anyone else…if he had figured it out earlier I know he would have considered other options…just like if he had known he had a twin sister he would have never given up til he found you."
"That's just the way Minato was. He never backed down and he never gave up. Its why I will continue to train and get stronger. I owe it to Minato for the chance he gave to all of us," Akihiko said.
"The point is, Hamuko-chan. You shouldn't feel sorry for having those thoughts…everyone here has had them too. Our feelings were so strong that they created a rift in time…forcing us to relive the same day over and over as we went through the Abyss of Time. And once we were able to move on…it wasn't like we ever forgot…we just knew that we weren't doing him any good as we were. All of us were stuck then…unwilling to accept what had happened. But most of that frustration was born from what we didn't know," Yukari sighed and looked down at the journal. "Once again…there were still more things we didn't know. His life was tied to that event closer than we had known. He shared with me a lot about his past…things that many of you in this room don't know about. After the fight with Nyx…Minato spent so much time with me. I felt he was just doting on me…but because I didn't remember the fight…there was sadness in his eyes. And I tried so hard to make him happier in that time. He told me about his life as an orphan…how he was shuffled from home to home. About the kind older man who had adopted him for a small time and how he spent every day on a boat on a quiet lake. Then there were those that wanted Minato to be a certain way and because of who he was…he ended up being beaten. He was often told of how unwanted he was…so much so that he believed it." Yukari was probably telling all of them this for the first time. But Hamuko felt it was more than that...it was if all of them finally remembered everything about their leader and the truth behind the past they thought they had fully remembered.
"But that wasn't the kind of person Minato-kun was. He never turned his back away on anyone that needed help," Fuuka was quick to add. "Even when no one seemed to care about him."
"He gave without thought to himself…without thinking he would ever get anything out of it. He simply did not want anyone else to be treated like he was," Yukari hugged the journal to her chest. "The last Persona he created was called Messiah. I don't know what to say to that…he certainly had saved me…continues to save me to this day. He helped mend the relationship I have with my Mother…he made me face my problems so that I wouldn't run away from it. And although I slip from time to time…I have everyone here and Minato's final gift to me to pull me back. Kokoro will forever be my heart and anchor…and a reminder of the man that I loved. So don't turn away from your thoughts Hamuko…face them head on…and I know you'll be stronger because of it."
Hamuko nodded and turned back to them, "Yoshimitsu has Onii-chan's body. I don't know if he simply wants to go back to try and correct his own mistakes. If that happened there is no telling how things would play out…if it would be better or worse. I can't deny that a part of me wants to go back too…I wonder what I would have done if I had been switched with Onii-chan…maybe he would be the one here right now instead of me. But nothing is simple…and it can't be fixed so easily…so that is why we have to stop him. I know all that…I do. But still…"
"None of us knew what to expect on the last fight. All we knew was that some immense being was going to destroy the world…and we resolved to face it. You aren't alone in this," Mitsuru said coming to Hamuko's side.
"Don't forget about me, Hamuko-chan," said Kana from next to Hamuko and putting her arms around her. "No matter what, I will protect you and be there every step of the way."
"We will all see this to the end, Hamuko-chan. We'll be with you. I will help you every way that I can," Yukari said as she approached and put her own arms around Hamuko as well.
Hamuko could say nothing else and instead allowed herself the comfort of Kana and Yukari who held her in their arms. Despite the words that were said…a part of her still wondered…and wanted to find out the answer to her question…what would happen if she had been with her brother all those years ago? What if she hadn't been separated from him? Could there be a different outcome? One where they all lived? A true happy ending? Even if it was impossible…just for a little while…she wanted to believe that it was a possibility.
Author's Note
Sorry for the extended delay. Due to some responsibilities and working a ton of overtime at work it prevented me enough time to finish editing and get this up when I wanted. That said it is the end of the recounting of Persona 3. Minato's journey was a powerful one, and even in the game itself it is slowly shown that the protagonist does change by the end of the game. His responses he can select are a much different tone towards the end compared to what he can be like at the beginning.
I imagine those last moments before activating the Great Seal that he was overflowing with emotions, especially when he realized the real truth of what was going on...and that Nyx was not the enemy. I think that was a great part of The Answer actually. When you beat the main game you know that the last skill is called The Great Seal. So it is really easy for players to interpret this as Nyx being sealed away...so it makes it a rather big reveal in The Answer when all of SEES finds out that the Great Seal isn't there to keep Nyx out...but to keep Erebus in. In a way the reason for the fall was nothing but human hubris. Selfish desires thinking it would just be easier to die. Anyone that has dealt with depression or someone close that has committed suicide can relate to this. And also know that it suicide is a immensely selfish act. I won't go to much into it because its a highly opinionated subject (as it should be, as suicide and the aftermath of it affects everyone differently).
I really enjoyed being able to go through the events of Persona 3 and add my own interpretation of its events. But now we are heading into the last couple chapters...which are also the two longest chapters in the whole fan fiction. As a result it may be a couple days before it is posted just so I can adequately edit, add or modify the chapter to where I want it to be before posting it. Anyway I hope you've enjoyed it and will stay with me up until the end.
So please, read, review and spread the word if you've enjoyed it. I'll see you next time.