Tuesday, April 8, 2009
Location: Unknown

Minato had awakened to what appeared to be a wooded path. He looked around and all he could find were trees. With no other options, he followed the only path he had available, it seemed to be his imagination, but with every step he took he seemed to hear the sound of a harp, but the voice that sang the song was the sweetest and saddest thing Minato had ever heard in his life. With each step, he managed to hear the fragments of that melody

Hear, o gods, my desperate plea.
To see my love beside me.
Sunk below the mortal sea.
Her anchor weighs upon me.
Fasten her tether unto me.
That she may rise to sail free
Don't look back...

After uttering those last words. Minato had reached the end of the road and was in front of the person responsible for that melody, who was sitting under a large tree, even some of its roots were visible on the outside, but the strangest thing is that they seemed to surround that character, the musician seems to have noticed Minato's presence, when he looked up, Minato could not help noticing that they had a certain resemblance, the shape of his hair that seemed to cover his right eye, and not forgetting the color of his eyes, gray like those of, the...

- What are you doing here? Is it... Is it time? - asked the musician, who had white hair, wearing a red scarf, a long one-piece cape that wrapped around his body - I must admit, we don't look enough - said the musician with a laugh.

- Who are you? - asked Minato

- I am a facet of your personality. It's nice to finally meet you, Minato - said the musician - Who would have thought that our meeting would finally happen, I thought that this great day would never come. If I had known you were coming today, I would have sung some other music instead of this melancholic melody - the musician looked upset.

- You still haven't answered my question - said Minato.

- Sorry, I got excited. I am Orpheus, known as the master of the strings; at your service Master - said Orpheus bowing - I am excited about the journey we are going to have - said Minato.

- Orpheus? Orpheus, the one from mythology? - asked Minato confused.

- You know about me? I'm glad about that! - A smile formed on Orpheus' face - I can't wait to see the new world, I can't wait anymore. Tell me, do you know how to sing?

- Sing? Well, I haven't done it in years, wait, we're getting off topic, where are we? - Minato asked, he needed answers and he needed to stop being so calm in situations like this.

- We are located in what is known as the tree of life. The place where each Persona is located is different, depending on the roots of the user, so I appreciate that you had this place for me - said Orpheus - Although it is interesting, the manifestation of the tree of life represents very interesting things. It can symbolize union and serves as a reminder that you are never alone or isolated, but are connected to the world and the universe.

- The tree of life? Persona? What are you talking about? - With each answer from Orpheus, Minato found himself more confused.

- Sorry, I got carried away again. You must understand me, I've been so excited about our meeting - Orpheus replied - When the time comes, you just have to summon me and I'll come right away, although of course...I'll lose my human form, what a waste.

- Summon you? How am I supposed to do that? - asked Minato

- Don't worry, everything will come in time. Alone you must say a very special word, Persona - said Orpheus - If we are the same, does it mean that you also have someone you love? I wonder what kind of person it will be?

- Hey, you're too weird a guy - commented Minato.

- Hey, that was a low blow - said Orpheus scratching the back of his head, the tree behind Orpheus started to emit a light - Damn, is the time up already? Well, I look forward to our journey, well your journey; I will be your great and faithful friend who will never leave you, don't forget that! - were Orpheus' last words, giving her the thumbs up. A flash was produced forcing Minato to close his eyes.

Iwatodai dormitory - Minato's room, day

When he opened his eyes, he was back in his room. He looked carefully at every corner, to make sure he was in the right place.

- Was that a dream? But, it seemed so real... - said Minato - What the hell was in those hamburgers I ate with Junpei yesterday?

Gekkoukan High School - Classroom 2-F, during the classes.

- Alright class, it's time to open the books, our first novel will be by Zenzo Kasai - Toriumi looked disgusted at the novel she was going to read - If it were up to me, we'd be talking about Utsoba Kubota

- Utsoba Kubota? His books are not so bad, he's famous for his tanka poems, but he's also written some good essays.

- Junpei, are you even listening to me! - Minato turned his gaze to Junpei who at first glance wasn't paying attention to anything in the class - Do you want to tell me what kind of author I said I like? - asked Toriumi

- Psst, Minato do you know which author he said he liked? Please help a soul in pain - begged Junpei in a whisper.

- Let's be good people this time

- Utsoba Kubota Junpei, trust me - said Minato, Junpei fully trusted and repeated the words his friend had given him.

- It seems that if you heed Junpei's words, good job! - congratulated Toriumi

- You know your classes have always been my favorite hehehehehehe...Minato, I owe you big time - said Junpei, but he noticed his savior had fallen asleep at the same time he noticed how the others started whispering about how Minato had helped him.

- I feel how his charm has just increased...He has become more popular because he helped me... What a good friend I am! - said Junpei

Iwatodai Dormitory - First floor, living room

Upon returning to the dormitory, Minato noticed how besides Yukari there was one more person he didn't know about, with long wavy brown hair

- He's back - said Yukari noticing his presence, she got up from her seat followed by the stranger.

- Good afternoon. Nice to meet you, I'm Shuji Ikutsuki, I'm the president of the board of directors of the Gekkoukan - he introduced himself - Ikutsuki? It's a strange name to pronounce, that's why I don't like introductions.

- Not really... I've heard more difficult names.

- Please take a seat - offered Ikutsuki, everyone took a seat - To begin with, I would like to apologize for the confusion of your establishment. However, your final room assignment will take longer than estimated Any questions you would like to ask?

- What are you doing here? - Minato asked

- Me? To welcome you, of course. And to wish you an excellent year - said Ikutsuki - Any other questions?

- I would like to clarify something. This is not a female dormitory, is it? - asked Minato afraid of his answer

- Of course not. Hasn't Akihiko introduced herself? - asked Ikutsuki

- No, it's rare that we see them here in the dormitory - answered Yukari.

- What about Mitsuru? - asked Ikutsuki

- She's upstairs, she's working - answered Yukari.

- As responsible as always, although it wouldn't hurt to come and say hello - said Ikutsuki - Now that I remember, I already remembered my other reason why I came. If you excuse me I have to go see Mitsuru - he got up from his seat - You look tired, you should go to sleep soon. As the saying goes "Make a bed and go to sleep" please excuse my pun, hehehe...

Minato had a confused look at the "saying" he had heard. Yukari could tell how confused he was - Agh...You'll get used to his jokes or maybe not - said Yukari in disgust.

- You're all weird in this dorm - said Minato

- Well...I can't argue with that - said Yukari

Iwatodai Dorm - Command Room, Evening

- Working hard? - asked Ikutsuki to both girls who were watching Minato in his room through a camera he didn't know was in his room, with very expensive equipment - How is he doing?

- He went to bed a while ago, he's asleep - answered Mitsuru.

- Although when he goes to change, we turn around...It's to respect the little privacy he has - commented Yukari.

- Mr. President, do you think he has the potential? - asked Mitsuru

- For now let's give him some time, although with everything you have described to me, he is very integral to our guest - said Ikutsuki - The Dark hour is about to begin, so let's observe carefully.

Iwatodai Dorm - Command Room, Dark Hour, Full Moon

- Hmmm...still sleeping - Ikutsuki seemed to be surprised - The Dark Hour takes place every day at twelve midnight. It could be said to be an "occult" hour. During this period, a normal person is transfigured into a coffin and is not aware of what is going on.

- So does that mean he has the potential? - said Yukari

- We can't say for sure, as you can see he has still conversed his human form, he is still asleep, but he is certainly experiencing the Dark Hour. The only open question is whether he has the potential or not, although he most likely does; just watch, otherwise he would have been thrown on top of it already.

- The whole thing still scares me - said Yukari.

- In any case, we should keep an eye on him for a few more days - suggested Ikutsuki, Mitsuru just nodded.

- I don't like the idea of spying on him like this... - said an uncomfortable Yukari.

Velvet Room

For the second time, Minato now found himself in front of a blue door. It was the only choice he had or go into all the darkness of the place. Upon opening the door he was greeted by a room that was covered in blue velvet, the strangest thing to notice was that the room appeared to be an elevator that was ascending non-stop.

- Welcome to the velvet room - he was greeted by a strange old man with a long nose, pointed ears and bulging, bloodshot eyes - This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. And my name is Igor, I am pleased to finally meet you master Minato, it has been so long since our last guest, please have a seat.

Minato had no choice, he listened to Igor.

- Guest? Have I finally gone crazy or am I dead?

- ...Nice to meet you too Igor - said Minato directing his gaze to a girl with white hair and yellow eyes wearing a blue dress with blue gloves, boots and a small cap - And you are?

- Nice to meet you master Minato, my name is Elizabeth, and I am the assistant of master Igor - said that girl who had just introduced herself with a big smile - In this room can only enter, those who have signed the contract - showing the contract that Minato signed when he entered the dormitory for the first time.

- Alright calm down, let's recap what just happened this old man said that only those who only signed that contract can enter this room. Is it all related to that boy?

- Igor, isn't it? I must ask you something, why am I here? - asked Minato hoping to find some answer to what is happening.

- You are destined to perfect your skills and you will need my help to do so. Please take this said Igor, snapping his fingers, making a key appear, floating in Minato's hand - Now it's time for you to return to your reality. I hope we will meet again master Minato, when the time comes, we will explain everything to you, and it's interesting how you have too many views on you - said Igor giving him a smile.

- Until next time - said Elizabeth also saying goodbye to him.

Wednesday, April 9, 2009 - Full Moon
Iwatodai Dorm - Minato's Room, Day

Minato had woken up - It's been the strangest two days of my life - said Minato getting up from his bed.

- I guess I should have never stopped taking the pills my therapist sent me- as usual, he reached both hands into his pockets only to find a surprise. Pulling his hand out of his right pocket he found the key Igor handed him in his dream.

- What the hell, so that wasn't a dream? - Minato wondered - It's weird, but that old man sure has a big nose...I must stop taking these situations so normally.

Iwatodai Dorm - Command room, Dark Hour, Full moon.

- Mmmm very interesting - said Ikutsuki, while Mitsuru and Yukari kept watching Minato - Everyone with the potential usually suffers from certain side effects at first, but he hasn't shown any of those symptoms. He is certainly someone special.

- But... we are treating him as if he were a guinea pig - said Yukari in disgust at what they were doing.

- I understand your concern, but it's very important that we recruit more people. Besides, wouldn't you feel more comfortable working with someone you trust? I heard that both of you are in the same class - said Ikutsuki.

- Well, yes...but that's not the point - said Yukari, a call that caught everyone's attention.

- Is that you Akihiko? - asked Mitsuru.

- You won't believe it, this thing is huge! I wanted to warn you that it's following me and I'm about to arrive - said Akihiko, before cutting the call.

- What! You mean it's luring that thing here? - Yukari started to tremble at the thought of fighting shadows.

- Mr. President we must prepare for combat, let's wait for Akihiko - Mitsuru turned his gaze to Yukari, providing her with a sword. This action confused Yukari more because she had no experience with that weapon - Don't get confused Takeba, this weapon is for Arisato, it's one of his school files mentions that he has experience with kendo. You have to go wake him up and get him out of here, avoid the shadow combat at all costs Now! - Ordered Mitsuru, Yukari could only nod leaving the command room.

Iwatodai Dorm - Minato's Room, Dark Hour, Full Moon

A loud rumbling sound interrupted Minato's sleep, from what he heard it was coming from the lower floor.

- What's going on? - Minato wondered, before investigating, he decided to change into his uniform since it was the only clothing he had nearby. Someone started knocking on his door

- Wake up! - It was Yukari's voice - I'm sorry, but I'm coming in! - Yukari interrupted by entering her room.

- I don't have time to explain. We have to go now, but first have this- giving them the sword that his senpai had given him, Minato stared at the sword that he had been given, more questions arose in his head with every passing second.

Yukari ran out of the room, Minato with no other options followed Yukari at full speed.

- Seriously I need answers!

Iwatodai Dorm - First floor, living room, Dark Hour, Full Moon

- We made it - Yukari let out a sigh of relief, when they were both in front of the door leading outside.

- What was that? - Yukari asked in fright

- Takeba, do you read me, there seems to be more than one enemy! We're fighting one that Akihiko didn't see - informed Mitsuru, Minato wondered how they were communicating with them, if she wasn't with them.

- What?! Then that means... - they both hear loud knocking behind the door, alerting both of them - We better go somewhere else - suggested Yukari.

- Takeba-san, I need explanations What's going on? - Minato dared to ask

- I promise I'll explain later Please, just wait! - said Yukari - We must escape from this Shadow, if we want to live.

Iwatodai Dormitory - Rooftop

- I think we are safe - said Yukari letting out a sigh. The whole building began to shake, she fearfully turned around only to be surprised by a mask that seemed to be stalking them, or so she wanted to believe.

- These monsters, are the ones we call shadows - Yukari explained as the shadow approached them both, the shape of the shadow, had several arms and with one of them had in his possession a mask with the number I, he took the gun out of his holster and as he pointed it at her forehead. Sweat began to fall down his face as his hands trembled violently.

- I... I can do it! I'm not a hindrance! - Yukari's breathing was getting more and more choppy.

Minato didn't know what Yukari was trying to do Was she trying to end his life at that moment? Then came to his mind the dreams he had about her, when she was trying the same thing Was she really trying to end his life?

Yukari hesitated to pull the trigger, as a consequence, the shadow didn't wait to attack them both by stabbing the blades in its possession into the ground, producing spirals that could cut them both in half, both managed to narrowly dodge it. The shadow quickly approached towards Yukari launching an attack, sending her flying through the ceiling and her gun fell from her hands, landing near Minato's feet, the shadow turned its attention towards him, it adopted a defensive position wielding the sword provided by Yukari

The shadow started to attack Minato with its blades, but he managed to block them all, he had to thank the Kendo training he had - Arisato, up! - warned Yukari, the shadow gathered all its blades and directed them towards Minato.

Minato quickly jumped back to avoid the attack, but the Shadow's impact sent him flying against the wall making him grunt in pain, while he was recovering from the pain he saw how the Shadow turned his attention to Yukari

- Arisato, leave me and get out of here! - Yukari shouted, imploring him to escape.

- What about you? - Minato asked, as he gripped the sword again, ready to face the shadow.

- Don't worry about me, I can handle myself. But you... You have to live! - Yukari replied.

A click clicked in his mind as he heard those words, memories from deep in his mind that he had decided to block them out, those words, were his mother's last, before the flames consumed everything. He always regretted not being able to do anything to help his parents, he regretted being so weak, if only he was stronger. Her time had come, the time to redeem her weakness.

- Don't think I'm going to leave you here alone! I won't let you die, even if I have to give my life for it! - Minato shouted, with a strong determination. Those words puzzled Yukari, why was he so willing to protect someone he barely knew?

Minato takes the weapon that was still at his feet waiting to use it against the shadow, he had no other options left, this was his last option to protect her. He watched as that boy he met in the dorm.

- Why don't you do what she wanted to do? Orpheus had not mentioned to you how to summon it? - said that boy with a big smile.

Minato took a big breath of air, placing the gun to his temple as he listened to the boy's words - Come on, do it.

In the command room, there were Ikutsuki, Akihiko and Mitsuru, witnessing everything, both students were ready to help them. But Ikutsuki stopped them confusing both of them.

- Mr. President, why are you stopping us? - asked Mitsuru

- Now we will check if he has the potential - answered Ikutsuki, still looking at the screen.

The shadow moved at full speed towards Minato, every second that passed Minato's breath became shorter, before pulling the trigger he took one last look at Yukari who was scared, the fear was evident in her eyes, the eyes of someone who doesn't know how to help someone.

- Takeba, you're going to be fine. I promise - he said giving her a small smile. It was the first time she saw him smile. Why was he so willing to protect her? He had kept so many secrets from her, she didn't deserve it...

Letting out a last sigh, those words Orpheus said in his dream - Per...so...na - He pulled the trigger. The sound of a window breaking is heard and a light appears behind him. Yukari was watching everything from afar in awe and the shadow had stopped its step because of the explosion of power that had just happened.

- You are you, and I am you. I am Orpheus, Master of the strings - From that light appears that figure that introduced himself as Orpheus, unlike how Minato knew him in his dreams, his body was now completely metallic, the big difference now was the color of his eyes.

But a voice began to sound inside Minato louder and louder, a different one from Orpheus - You are you, and I am you... - that phrase began to sound louder and louder, and at the same time a pain began to arise in his head, Minato places both hands on his head, screaming in pain. Orpheus imitating his movements, began to roar in pain, the pain was getting more and more intense for both of them.

A white hand came out of Orpheus' face, pulling his body apart abruptly, giving way to another figure larger than Orpheus.

- You are you, and I am you! I am Thanatos, the Bringer of Death! - This figure that emerged inside Orpheus, had chained coffins, on his head was a large metal skull worn as a mask, wielding a large sword. After his appearance, he let out a scream, causing Yukari to cover both ears.

- Thanatos! Eigaon! - Minato commanded, Thanatos shouted once more. The shadow was surrounded by what appeared to be black flames, causing the shadow to scream in pain. Thanatos lunged at the shadow, the shadow pierced him with several blades, but Thanatos didn't even flinch from his attacks, using his left hand to crush the shadow, preventing it from escaping. With a powerful slash, he split the shadow's mask in two, causing the shadow to slowly disappear, with a final scream Thanatos flew into the skies, giving one last scream before disappearing, leaving behind the image of Orpheus.

Minato had regained his stance, feeling the surge of power he had unleashed slowly fading away. The figure in front of him, this time it was Orpheus, bowed lo to be at Minato's level, nodding to him before disappearing.

In the command room, everyone was amazed by the power that Minato had unleashed, the first to speak was Akihiko.

- What the hell was that? - Akihiko asked, he had watched the whole battle with his mouth open, he didn't know how to explain what he had just observed.

- We've never seen anything like this before... - said Mitsuru, her body trembling slightly.

- Don't you think, you should go see them? - suggested Ikutsuki, they both looked at each other nodding, leaving the command room.

- What an interesting power... - Ikutsuki said to himself, with a big smile.

Back on the rooftop, he could barely stand, whatever had happened, had left him very exhausted.

- Is it over already? - he managed to hear Yukari's voice, she was still shocked by everything that had happened, but then when she turned her gaze back to him.

- Minato, are you all right? - Yukari asked ignoring the fact that she had called him by his name and forgetting the honorific, as she ran towards him. Minato just nodded, he felt like he was going to lose consciousness at any moment.

- More importantly are you alright, Takeba? - Minato asked, he looked towards where that giant shadow was before, his eyes widened like saucers as he discovered smaller shadows running towards them - Is it that they don't plan to give up? - Minato said, he barely had enough strength left to keep fighting. Yukari instinctively stepped back at the sight of the shadows.

- Use me - said one in Minato's mind that he knew - I am Orpheus, your Persona. If you want to summon me, do it like last time and say my name, I will come to the call. Let's take care of those shadows - said Orpheus.

He looked at her once more, she still didn't have the courage to face the shadows. He could not let her die, he did not know how to explain it, but he had managed to sympathize with the girl.

- Takeba, behind me - Minato ordered.

- Arisato? - Yukari asked confused by the order she had just been given.

Minato put the weapon once again on his temple - Orpheus- summoning it once again to the metallic looking figure who equipped himself with his lyre, touching the strings of his lyre and from it he formed fire that went to the shadows finishing them off making them groan in pain, one of them disappeared while the other one is knocked down. Minato took advantage of the situation and went towards her to give her the last blow cutting her in half.

- Hey, take it easy. You're just tired from using your power, so nothing to worry about - said Orfeo - So what did you think of my participation? I want a rating from 1 to 10

- Just shut up

Minato was overloaded from using those "Persona", he no longer had the strength to stand anymore and fell to the ground, making Yukari alert, causing her to immediately run to him.

- Hey Arisato, can you hear me? - Yukari said, bending down to try to help him.

- I told you, didn't I? That you were going to be okay? - said Minato in a little whisper, which was reached by Yukari.

- My master came out all romantic - said Orfeo

- You're such a jerk why did you go out of your way to protect me? - asked Yukari

- As you told me, you have to live too Takeba - answered Minato, every second that passed he felt less strength, until the moment came when he closed his eyes.

Although she couldn't help but be grateful to him, he had just saved her life. What began to worry her was that there was no answer from him.

- Come on, answer me! - Yukari shouted

- Takeba! Are you okay? - asked Mitsuru who had arrived on the rooftop.

- Minato, don't you dare leave me! Not now, not this time! - Yukari kept shouting

- Akihiko, we need to take him to the hospital! Come, help us - commanded Mitsuru, to Akihiko who had arrived on the scene.

- Don't worry, everything will be alright. Just like you told me, right? - asked Yukari placing her hands on Minato's face - I promise it will be alright, I promise.