Tartarus: The Dark Age

By FeaganofLegends

Cast of Characters:

Makoto Yuki is a second-year student at Gekkoukan High. He is a kind and quiet guy who is kind at heart and reckless to a fault. He is a bit morbid with a wicked sense of humor. He enjoys good company and a good book. He's also a proficient guitarist.

Mitsuru Kirijo- a third year student at Gekkoukan High. She is the future heir to the chairman of the Kirijo Group. She is motherly, calm, confident, mature, and responsible. However, some consider her cold-hearted, slightly arrogant, and overconfident in her abilities.

Yukari Takeba is a second-year student at Gekkoukan High. She is closeted and guards her heart due to the trauma of losing her father and her rough upbringing. She is very prone to mood swings and is annoyed by trivial things, but she hides a heart of gold.

Junpei Iori- A cocky, flirty, and yet compassionate second-year with a hero complex.

Chapter II: Welcome to SEES

Part I: Awakening of Orpheus

Dorm 13, Gekkoukan High

The following day

Makoto let out a groan as he woke up the following day. He then rubbed at his eyes and looked around. The sunlight was hiding from under the blinds. He blinked again as he rubbed at his eyes. "Suppose I should be getting dressed." He then stood himself on the bed.

Makoto spit out the mouthwash. "There we go." He then heard a knock on the door. "Coming."

As he opened the door, Yukari stood there in her cardigan with a smile. "Good morning Makoto."

Makoto rubbed one of his eyes as he smiled at her. "Good morning!" She's smiling at me today. She seems at ease around me. How strange. She then put her hands together and beamed. "Mitsuru charged me to help you find the school. Please follow me." Makoto nodded, "Thanks."

Makoto let the brunette lead him to the school's entrance. He looked around, and the students were all looking around and walking around.

Room 13-C

Gekkoukan High

Yukari then stopped in front of the door. "Alright. Here we are. Classroom 2-F." She then turned and smiled at him. "Okay. This is it." She turned to him, beamed at him, and offered a hand. "Good luck today."

He chuckled as he shook her hand. "Uh…thanks. Same to you."

Yukari tilted her head at him and smiled faintly.."Thanks." He seems like a nice guy. He hasn't hit on me in the last thirty minutes., which is refreshing.—not what I'm used to. She then walked off.

Gekkoukan High

After class

Makoto then exited his seat and returned the book to his bag. So that's everything then.

Everyone then started to leave the classroom.

Junpei then put a hand on Makoto's shoulder as he grinned at him. "Yo! You're that transfer student, right? The one who lives in the dorm with Yukari, right?"

Makoto then crossed his arms at the other boy. "That's right. What is it to you?"

Junpei's eyes got big as he put his hands up. "Woah. Woah. No need to get testy. I just wanted to introduce myself." He then outstretched his hand, "The name's Junpei Iori. I'm a second-year, just like you."

Makoto eyed Junpei with a hint of irritation but nodded. I don't want to be rude. He then shook Junpei's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Junpei grinned at him again as he chuckled, "Damn straight it is! I'm a nice guy, after all!" The taller boy fixed his baseball cap and smirked, "So you live with Yukari and Mitsuru, right? Tell me. What's that like? Are you dating either one of them?"

Makoto rolled his eyes, Seriously. The first time we met…and that is what you are asking me? I mean…Mitsuru and Yukari are both pretty and easy on the eyes, but I'd rather not rock the boat by being a creep around them. I have to live there.
Makoto then facepalmed, "Are you serious? The answer is no. I just live there. We're just friends."

Junpei then put an arm around Makoto and smiled, "Ah. C'mon. I'm a guy. You can tell me the truth."

The boys turned to Yukari as she walked over, speaking in annoyance. "He is telling the truth, Junpei. Contrary to you, Makoto is a gentleman. He treats the two of us with respect and doesn't think with his hormones." She then turned to Makoto and smiled sweetly at him.

Makoto felt himself turn red. Despite her more brash nature, there was a warmth to Yukari. Couple that with the fact that she was pretty, and a man could fall for her.

Yukari then pushed Junpei away. "Ease off!" she said, turning to Makoto with a wry smile. Sorry about that. Junpei likes getting to know everyone…and sometimes doesn't know when to shut his mouth." She then glared at Junpei, "Even though he should!"

Junpei growled, "Hey!"

Makoto regained his composure, took a deep breath, and smiled, "It's fine."

Yukari nodded. "Good. Just let me know if he gets out of hand."

Junpei rolled his eyes, "Hey…it's not my fault. Everyone around the school knows about you two. Word is you walked to school together today."

Yukari turned to him with an embarrassed look as her face turned red. "W-We live in the same dorm! I was trying to be a good friend! Stop reading so much into it!"

Makoto just shook his head and groaned. Great. Rumors. Just what I need.

Yukari then stopped and glared into Makoto's eyes. "You didn't tell anyone what happened two weeks ago, did you?"

Makoto shook his head and glared back, irritated. "Not a thing. Unlike that idiot over there...I don't do gossip."

Yukari then smiled at him apologetically. "Fair enough. Sorry to accuse you like that."

Junpei grunted, "Hey, c'mon, I'm right here."

Yukari rolled her eyes at him, "Ignoring you." She then sighed and smiled sweetly at Makoto. "See you at the dorm?"

Makoto just shrugged, "Not going anywhere else, am I?"

Yukari smirked. "I'll see you then." He's an interesting guy, and he's handsome, too. She then walked off.

Junpei blinked and raised his hands. "Fair enough. Can we at least smooth it over lunch?" Makoto turned to him and nodded. "Eh. Sure thing. I'm hungry anyway."

Command Room, Iwatodai Dorm

Later on that evening

Shinji watched as Makoto slept. "How fascinating. He hasn't lost his human form."

Yukari frowned, "Should we be spying on him like this? It feels so wrong!"

Shinji turned to her with a wry smile, "Come now, Yukari. Don't tell me you aren't the least bit interested in his potential. I mean, most people turn to coffins. The fact that he hasn't is most interesting."

Yukari crossed her arms at him, "For the record…I'm not. What we do at SEES is dangerous. He's only been here a week. It isn't fair to him."

Mitsuru turned to her and nodded, "I see your point, Takeba, but we need more Persona users. There's you…me….Akihiko and that's it."

Yukari glared as she balled her fists, "He should at least get a choice!"

Mitsuru turned to her as she tapped a finger against her chin, "Hmm. Fair enough." Yukari scowled to herself as she crossed her arms. She's so cold. Why is she like that?

Suddenly, Akihiko's voice came over the comm.

AKIHIKO: Hey guys. I got some good news and some bad news.

MITSURU: What is it Akihiko?

AKIHIKO: Found a Shadow attacking some bystanders. I tried to solo it. Saved the innocents. That's the good news. The bad news...I'm hurt pretty bad. Retreating to the Dorm. I thought I'd give you a heads-up.

Mitsuru scowled under her breath.

MITSURU: Akihiko! How often have I told you not to go off alone? Get here as fast as you can! On the double!

AKIHIKO: I know. I know. Damn…this hurts! I'll be there soon!

Mitsuru then facepalmed, "That idiot! He's leading the Shadow right to us!"

Shinji then stood up and stroked his beard, smiling nervously. "I'll hold back here. I'm not a Persona user, so I'd just get in the way."

Mitsuru gave him a nod, "Good plan, Mr. Chairman!"

Yukari blinked in shock, "Wait, is the Shadow coming here?"

Mitsuru turned to her and nodded, "Yes. I need you to wake Yuki up and get him to the roof. It's the safest place in the dorm. Luckily, there is only one of them coming at us. Akihiko and I will handle the Shadow."

As her hand trembled, Yukari shivered, "I-I'm on it!"

Iwatodai Dorm

Moments later

Makoto was sound asleep when a loud boom woke him. He jumped out of his bed and rubbed at his eyes, "What the hell?" Soon,

Yukari's frenzied knocking followed, "Makoto! Makoto! Oh, please tell me you're awake!"

He yelled, "Yeah! I am! What the hell is going on?"

"Open the door! Please!"

He then sighed and pulled the door open. Yukari hugged him, her voice panicked, "Are you okay?"

He nodded and pried her off him. "I am. What's going on?"

She looked into his eyes and sighed, "There's no time! You've got to come up with me to the rooftop! We're in serious trouble!" She pulled her back and took out a sword still in its scabbard and an attached belt. She put it in his hands. "Take that, just in case." She then took him by the hand, "Come on! We need to go!

3F, Iwatodai Dorm

As Makoto and Yukari rushed up the stairs, Yukari heard Mitsuru's voice over her comm.

YUKARI: Yes?

MITSURU: Takeba. We've got trouble. It seems I miscalculated.

Yukari blinked in shock

YUKARI: What?

MITSURU: There's another Shadow headed towards the Dorm. You may have to defend Yuki. Akihiko and I are still fighting the first one!

Yukari gasped before she caught her breath.

YUKARI: Y-You got it!

She turned to Makoto seriously and said, " It seems we're in more trouble than I thought. Whatever you do…stay behind me. You got me?"

Makoto blinked but nodded, "You got it." She then eyed him sympathetically and said, "I'm sorry for all this. Really. I'll try to explain once this is all over." He shook his head and said, "Don't worry."

Rooftop, Iwatodai Dorm

Yukari and Makoto rushed out the door.

Yukari sighed in relief and pressed a hand to her heart. "Oh good! It seems we're in the clear!"

Suddenly, a beast-like creature jumped onto the roof. It had the build of a werewolf and glowing red eyes to match.

Yukari froze in fear. "Oh no! It's here!"

Makoto grunted as he unsheathed the katana. "Well….I suppose we don't have a choice!" Yukari pushed him behind her. "No! Stay back! I have to protect you!" She then drew her Evoker out of its holster and shouted, "Hey, asshole! Leave him alone! Your fight is with me!" She then put the Evoker to her head. She then froze. Fear filled her being. Her hand started to tremble. I can do this. I can do this. The Shadow leaped at her, knocking her to the ground. She screamed and put her hands up. "Aaah! Someone help!"

The Evoker fell at Makoto's feet. He heard a voice in his head. Pick it up, put it to your head, and pull the trigger. Say the word Persona. Quickly. Your friend is in trouble. He acted quickly and pulled the trigger,

Command Room, Iwatodai Dorm

Mitsuru grunted as she helped Akihiko to his seat. "This is the last time! You hear me, Akihiko? You were incredibly reckless!"

Akihiko grunted, "Yeah. Yeah." Shinji glanced towards the monitor, "Uh. You two might want to take a look at this." The two turned and gasped. Mitsuru blinked, "Yuki's using a Persona?"

Makoto blinked as he looked all around him. He began to regain his breath He was cloaked in some kind of emerald armor along with a green cape to match.

"Can you hear me my friend?"

He looked around. "Who is that?"

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Orpheus. The true manifestation of your heart's desires. You wish to protect the girl, don't you? Let us battle like honorable warriors for our love! Pick up the sword."

Makoto then picked up the sword with one hand.

Yukari gasped. He has transformed into his Persona! Makoto then eyed the Shadow. "Leave her alone! Your fight is with me!"

The Shadow snarled at him. Yukari just stood there in shock. He's defending me!

Makoto then charged at the Shadow with fury in his glowing blue eyes. "Bring it on!" The Shadow charged back at him.

4F, Command Room, Iwatodai Dorm

Mitsuru and the others watched in shock.

Akihiko blinked but then smirked with crossed arms. "Heh. The kid has guts. I think I like him."

Mitsuru blinked as she shook her head. "He's going to get himself killed. We have to get up there."

The Shadow growled as Makoto cut it in half.

Three more came up, rushing at him, claws out.

He then got in a stance with his blade out, "What? Do you bastards want some more? Come on, then! Bring it!"

Yukari just stood and watched in awe. He's not even fazed! Is he crazy?

Makoto used his shield and sword to try and fight them off the best he could. He stabbed one and slashed at another, driving them back once more.

More kept coming.

One leaped at Makoto and knocked him off his feet. "Urgh!"

Yukari put a hand over her mouth as tears escaped her eyes. "Makoto!" One of the Shadows then stalked toward Makoto and picked him up by the collar of his green scarf. "You fight valiantly, human! I shall grant you a quick death."

Suddenly, Mitsuru and Akihiko burst through the rooftop door.

Mitsuru put her Evoker against her head. "Persona!" She then transformed into her battle outfit: dark red plate armor, metal boots, and a matching scarf. "Get away from him!" She then drew her rapier. "Time to freeze things up!" She then froze the Shadows' feet to the ground with her other hand. "Akihiko! Now!"

Akihiko nodded as he rushed behind her and charged up, his hands charging with electricity, "Got it!" He then slammed his metal glove on the ground, electrocuting the Shadows.

They all howled and screamed as their smoking skeletons collapsed on the ground.

Makoto fell to his knees, gasping. He turned to Yukari, "You alright?"

Yukari rushed up to him and hugged him. "I'm fine! I'm fine!"

He then nodded weakly and faintly smiled, "Good. Good." He then collapsed on the floor as he de-transformed.

Yukari screamed, "Makoto!" She then tried to wake him. "Hey! Hey! Don't do this! Wake up!" Tears began streaming from her eyes. "Wake up, please!"
Mitsuru put a hand on her shoulder, "Easy Takeba. Calm down!"

Yukari glared, "But he's not moving! What if he's dead? It's my fault! I panicked, and he had to stand up for me!"

Mitsuru shook her head and smiled, "Don't worry. He's probably just exhausted. It happens when one uses his or her Persona for the first time. I'll take care of this." Mitsuru then dialed a number on her phone. "Hello, Lilith. Yes. I need priority air transport to Iwatodai Dorm. I've got a young male." She pressed two fingers to Makoto's carotid artery. "He's suffering from Persona exhaustion. Needs care immediately!"

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