#grabs shinjiro's evoker

[yusuke-of-valla]

Naoto: Hey Sumire can you follow Ken and Aragaki tonight?

Sumire: Why?

Naoto: Today's the anniversary of Ken's mothers death and I'm pretty sure Aragaki's responsible for it and Ken's going to confront him, and while this seems like something both of them should talk about in private, but I also think Ken's planning a murder-suicide so I feel like someone should be there in case I'm right and things get bad.

Sumire:

Sumire: Yeah sure ok why not

[sugary-cherriboi]

Please, Wake Up

Shinjiro x Gn!Reader

Summary: You go out to search for Shinjiro, which you do. You protect him only for him to blame himself.

The Dark Hour seemed to go on forever. The Shadows getting more persistant and powerful. Or maybe you were just getting slower and weaker. Alone, there was nowhere to run or even anywhere to hide. Just you and your persona out here. Gripping on your blade, you charged towards the shadow. "GYaaaaaH!!" You screamed out as you slashed down on the shadow with a great might. It faded away as you stood up straight. You turn and bolted. Staying in one place for too long could be it for you. The only reason you were out here was for him.

Why did he have to run away? Why couldn't he just come back already?

Tears began to well as anger bubbled in your stomach. He had so much power and he decided to throw it all away? You never could really understand what went through his head. He was just so...distant. Distant from everything, even his own emotions. It got worse when those incidents happened, which is understandable.

As you ran, several shadows jumped out from a nearby alley. "Damn." You began to slash at the shadows as you tried to perserve some of your energy. Defeating them, you looked down the alley. Eyes widening, there was a glimpse of a red coat passing around a corner. Dashing, your legs took off without your input. Sliding your away around a corner, you stopped dead in your tracks. Panting as you saw the site in front of you.

Him.

He was on the ground as he seemed to breathing heavily and sweating. Rushing to his side, you knelt down. "Shinjiro!" You called his name as you grabbed onto his long, red coat. His face was in agony. Your eyes wondered down to a few holes with blood pouring out. He was obviously hurt. "Hold on!" Quickly, you pulled out your evoker and shot yourself. "Persona!" Summoning your persona, you placed your hands gently onto him. A soft blue hue emitted from your eyes as your persona leaned down and placed its hands on him as well. Tears built up in your eyes.

"W-why? Why are you here?" He grumbled as he tried to sit himself up.

You glared at him. "Why do you think so?" Obviously annoyed he'd even ask that question fully knowing the answer to.

"Leave me." He mumbled as he pushed you away weakily.

You shook your head as you went back into your position. "Not happening." His wounds were deep, but you had to try.

"You need to get outta here." He weakly spoke.

Another head shake from you. "You're a dumbass, you know that?" You glared daggers at him as you glanced over. "We're worried about you and then you go out and hurt your-"

He interrupted you by gripping onto your wrist. You turned to look him directly in the eyes. "Just leave." He pleaded. But his pleads fell deaf onto your ears as you continued to heal him. His wounds were much deeper than you had anticipated. Shaking your head again, you stopped as you slung one of his arms around your shoulders. "What are you doin-"

"I'm getting you back to dorm."

Thud!!

Both of your eyes widened as a huge shadow dropped down from above and landed right in front of you. You backed up while holding Shinjiro. "Get out of here-gyag-"You flopped him back down onto the ground causing him to wince in pain.

Grabbing your evoker, you readied for battle. "I will not let you die here." The shadow was huge, towering high above. Multiple limbs flung around. A few hands held with misshapened weapons. It didn't help you used quite a bit of your energy up trying to heal Shinjiro up. This fight may be too much for you to handle.

Gripping your hands more securely on your weapon, you readied for an attack. The shadow swung down on to the weaponized limbs, but you rolled out of the way. Quickly grabbing your evoker, you shot yourself. "Persona! Attack!" Your persona charged towards the shadow and bashed a few limbs.

WHAM!

A limb slammed you against the wall. "Gyah!" Sliding down the wall, your body dropped to the ground. Trying to pick yourself back up, your body was weak from the sudden and harsh attack from the shadow. With too many limbs, this thing was more than a challenge. Pushing yourself back up to your feet, you hunched over, gripping tighter onto your evoker. You glanced at Shinjiro. He still laid in his spot where you dropped him at. In the corner of your eye, you saw a limb reach towards him. "YOU WON"T TOUCH HIM!" You screamed out as you dashed over to him. Slamming a foot down, lowering your body down and realing your fist back, you sent your weight and fist upwards to decimate the limb reaching out. Sliding your feet, you moved to face towards the shadow with Shinjiro laying behind you. Your breath became hitched. The impact had caused more damage to you than you had first realized.

Aiming your evoker to your temple, you called out. "PERSONA!" Firing it to once again summon your persona. A burst of energy surged as it attacked the shadow again. "Again!" Another attack towards the shadow. Another. And another. Tears slowly leaked down your face, thinking of Shinjiro and what would happen to him if you didn't defeat this shadow.

A limb caught you off guard, slamming your body against the ground and pinning you. The evoker had been knocked out of your hand. You grabbed onto the boney fingers of the hand, trying to pry them off but to no avail. Kicking your legs had no effect as well. You even tried to bite it, but nothing was going to move this heavy weight. It slowly leaned closer to you.

Was there nothing you could now?

More tears fell down your face. Mitsuru and Akihiko had no idea that you had went to go find Shinjiro tonight. You doubt that they even knew of this shadow right now.

KLANG

Your eyes as you looked backwards as the shadow whipped its hand from the source of pain. An upside down view of Shinjiro who had just swung down his axe onto the shadow's hand. Time had seemed to stop for a breif moment as you stared at the man, taking in his appearance. His left arm limp with blood trickling down. His breaths were quick and sharp. His hair messy and misplaced on his face. The bags under his eyes were heavy.

He collasped to his knees, having his axe prop him up a bit. "Get your ass up. This fight ain't over."

You nodded as you picked yourself up, leaning over to pick your evoker up as well. Furrowing your brows at the shadow, your hand balls up. Raising your evoker to your temple once again, hoping that this would be the last time it would be fired off tonight. "Ready?" You questioned.

"Let's get this over with." Nodding, you both lunged towards the shadow together in sync for one final attack. Attacking the shadow with all your might, you built up energy and slammed it into the shadow's body. Shinjiro reeled his axe behind and swung into its side.

The shadow screamed out a horrific agonizing scream as it squirmed around, flailing its limbs around. Quickly, you wrapped an arm around Shinjiro's stomach and dashed away from the shadow, being cautious of the shadow may do. You had only got so far before the two of you fell to the ground.

Glancing behind you, all you could see was a glint of light as something flew towards the two of you. Instinctively, you immediaitely hover your body over Shinjiro's.

Sharp pain filled your shoulder, close to your neck, as whatever was flying towards you stabbed straight through. Blood poured out and down all over his coat, staining it a darker red. Even coughing caused the red liquid to be thrown everywhere. A firey sensation spread through your body, making you nauseous.

"H-hey." A shakey hand was placed on your arm. You fell on top of Shinjiro, causing the thing sticking through your shoulder to partially slide back through. The pain flared up again. Shinjiro sat himself up. "Hey!" He shook your shoulder.

Your vision was blurring from the teariness and the pain. A ringing buzzed in your ears as your body was trying to get you to not focus on the pain. You weakily placed a hand on what you assumed to be Shinjiro's chest. "per-so-na." Your voice was weak as a soft glow emitted from your eyes, only this time the blue was much more dull.

"Stop it!" He pleaded, but his words fell deaf. He grabbed onto your wrist. "Heal yourself damn it!!" His eyes watered a bit as he saw how stupid you were acting right now.

"Shin-ji-ro." You mumbled. "Please live." Those were the last words you spoke before your hand went limp.

"HEY!" Shinjrio screamed. "This isn't funny!" His words were met with no response. He scooped your limp body up, careful to not mess with the blade that went through you. There was only one place he could take you. The dorm. He rushed to get some help for you.

*******

"The doctor said they'll be fine for now." The three were in the cold, bland hospital room where you laid unconscious. Akihiko and Mitsuru were standing in front of the bed you laid while Shinjiro hung his head sitting on the side. All that was goign through his head was that this was all his fault. He was the reason you were laying there instead of him. "I'm afraid they have no idea when they'll wake up." Mitsuru spoke up, giving the bad news.

Shinjiro gripped onto his pant legs, cursing at himself. He wish that this would of never happened and he should of died in that alley alone.

Mitsuru and Akihiko looked towards one another as they were unsure of how to react or really comfort Shinjiro. Mitsuru soon took her leave and left the two to be by your side. Akihiko crossed his arms as he looke at Shinjiro. "It's not your fau-"

"It is too!" Shinjiro snapped. "If I hadn't of gotten close to them, then this would of never happened! I should of died in that stupid alleyway." He leaned back, crossing his arms as he turned away from Akihiko.

The white haired boy frowned. "You're a dumbass! You know that?" Akihiko was trying to come up with something to say. "You really think they'd wan-"

"Shut the hell up." Shinjiro interrupted him. "You have no idea what they want." His eyes dodge away from him as he knew what they wanted. As much he wanted to admit that he should have been the laying in that hospital bed, he knew they wanted him to live. Even for the little bit of time he had left.

"Tch." Akihiko rolled his eyes as he stomped out of the room, making sure he gently closed the door behind himself, leaving the two of you to yourselves.

All Shinjiro could do was stare at your unconscious body on the bed. Your face pale with dry cracked lips. Your hair was all out of place. Nothing about you seemed to you. Several ivs and machines were hooked up to your body. The only noise in the room was that damn machine. That occassional beep to say you were alive. To him, this was no better than being dead. Cursed to never wake up again while still alive. It was tough for him to cope with the fact that his actions lead you to this. This whole situation could of been avoided if he'd never gotten close to you. Never of survived the first attck. Or if that incident never occured. All his thoughts were plagued with regrets. Regrets of ever dragging you into this.

Sighing, he laid his head beside you, burying his face into the shitty, itchy blanket. "Please. Wake Up." Was all he mumbled as he closed his eyes, letting his thoughts eat at him before quietly fell asleep.

[still-breathing-au-p3r]

Seemingly satisfied, Kirijo-san addresses the whole team at once.

An uncomfortable quiet settles over the room. Shinjiro gets it. S.E.E.S. had given them a purpose, and as glad as everyone is to see the end of the Dark Hour, having that purpose pulled out from under your feet isn’t easy. He knows it’s got to be especially rough for Aki, with the bullheaded focus he always throws himself at a goal with. He can’t even imagine how much tougher it is for Kirijo, who’s been fighting her way to this moment for most of her life.

He’s not one-hundred percent sure how everyone else truly feels about it, but as for himself? Shinjiro can easily say he won’t miss it.

He hadn’t picked up an evoker that first time with any kind of greater purpose in mind, and he hadn’t been looking for one either. All that’d mattered to him was having Aki’s back if he was hellbent on putting himself in harm’s way.

Maybe at one point he’d started to feel some sense of duty about getting rid of the Dark Hour, but that was a long time ago. Two years is more than long enough for the idea of “duty” to start looking worthless in retrospect. 

And it wasn’t like he’d come back because he’d suddenly found that drive again, either– that had been about settling his debts. If anything he did also helped Aki and Kirijo get rid of the Dark Hour, then he was glad to do it, but that wasn’t his battle to win anymore.

The triumph and normalcy Kirijo-san mentions next don’t feel like his prizes to claim either. He still doesn’t know whether he’ll even get to, let alone what to do with them if he does– but no one else seems to, either. If he asked Aki or Kirijo about it, they’d probably answer with some cheesy declaration that they’ll ‘figure it out together.’ He can practically hear exactly how they’d say it.

…He can’t deny though, that being clueless together does sound less daunting than being clueless alone.

He’s been getting more and more sentimental these days. He isn’t sure how he feels about that.

Kirijo crisply banishes the growing awkwardness before it can put down roots, and finally they settle in to eat. The fish tastes every bit as good as it looks– it’s the best he’s ever had, no question.

Shinjiro stays where he is, but most of the rest of the team wanders around playing musical chairs with who they’re talking to and what kind of sushi is within grabbing distance. At one point Arisato sits next to him, eyeballing several pieces of tuna philosophically for nearly a full minute before finally choosing one. 

He still doesn’t eat it right away. Instead he examines it like he’s getting ready to paint a portrait. He’s still looking at the fish when he speaks to Shinjiro.

Arisato just shrugs, ambivalent as always, and finally eats his sushi now that he’s memorized it. He didn’t deny it, which Shinjiro is going to accept as an admission whether Arisato likes it or not. It’s still annoying how unbothered he is about the whole thing– about most things. What Shinjiro wouldn’t give to be able to tap into a little bit of that kind of nonchalance on command.

Arisato moves on to scrutinize the grilled eel next and Aki immediately takes his place and reignites an old favorite argument of theirs over the merits of tuna versus salmon.

Junpei suggests taking a photo to commemorate the evening, then promptly turns it into a disaster– which probably makes it the best possible representation of this pack of absolute weirdos. He’s never been a fan of getting his picture taken, but… he does kind of want a copy of this one.

The night goes on. The sushi dwindles and so does the conversation as everyone starts settling into a state of well-fed zen. Shinjiro crosses his arms loosely and lets his head loll to rest on the back of the couch. He feels satiated and drowsy, and so content that it kind of loops back around to be a little alarming from just how unfamiliar he’s become with the feeling.

Everyone else on the team offers some kind of agreement, except for Koromaru. While Takeba scolds Junpei over trying to give a dog raw fish, Koromaru slinks over to sit on Shinjiro’s feet and sulk. 

He rubs one of Koro’s velvet soft ears between his thumb and forefinger and mumbles a promise to make him something special tomorrow.

He looks over to Arisato, who offers nothing but a stone-faced thumbs-up. Shinjiro rolls his eyes. Arisato adds a second thumbs-up and exactly zero changes to his expression. Typical.

They laugh and Koromaru yips happily, his tail wagging a mile a minute.

Like someone just opened a door and let in a gust of chill November air, a thin shiver skims its way over Shinjiro’s back, leaving his muscles tense in its wake. The feeling that something is about to go horribly wrong resurfaces with a vengeance. 

Shinjiro glances at the clock– one minute left.

He’s not the only one feeling all kinds of anxious– in the back of his head he can feel his Persona, still as a frozen pond but uneasy and alert. Aki catches his gaze and they share a knowing look. They’re both thinking the same thing.

The last second until midnight trips past.

The Dark Hour descends.

[nero-vanderwolf]

“Shinjiro? It’s the middle of the night, what-”

“Ken is missing.”

Fuuka freezes, phone slipping out of her hand. It clatters to the floor, and she can faintly hear Shinjiro’s voice asking if she’s alright.

Ignoring it, she rushes to the drawers by her bed, grabs her Evoker and shoves in its holster, setting it on top of the drawers for tomorrow.

“I’m here. I’m sorry for the wait. There’s nothing we can do right now, but tomorrow I’ll gather everyone and we can discuss matters further. You said the Investigation Team meets at the Junes food court, right?”

Fuuka can almost hear Shinjiro’s nod as he answers.

“Yes. If you can summon everyone there, we’ll be there too.”

It doesn’t take an ace detectice to Shinjiro is referring to himself and Akihiko, but Fuuka wonders vaguely if they’ll allow Goro to accompany them. After all, Ken was younger than Goro when he joined SEES, but this is another matter entirely.

Shinjiro sighs, cutting through Fuuka’s thoughts. “You’ve gotta stop going quiet on me. I keep thinkin’ something’s happened to you too.”

Fuuka winces. “I’m sorry, Shinjiro. I just... I’m thinking. Planning. I’ll gather everyone at 10 tomorrow.”

Shinjiro goes silent this time, but Fuuka can hear background noises. Akihiko’s voice sounds faintly as he shouts.

“Shinji! Where is Ken!?”

“He’s missing, Aki. We’re gonna gather everyone tomorrow and look for him.”

“Tomorrow!? Who knows what could have happened to him by then!”

“There’s a good chance he was another victim of those kidnappings. And every single time, they’ve ended up in the damn TV.”

There’s no more background chatter, and the line suddenly goes dead. Shinjiro has hung up, Fuuka presumes, and closes her phone to end the call on her end too.

Now, to contact the others.

It’s exactly 10:15 when Yu-kun comes rushing up to the food court, tugging his jacket on over his shoulders.

“I’m so sorry I’m late, I had to wait for Nanako to get back so she could watch the house- Is everyone else here already?”

He grabs a seat, settles in with the rest of the cluttered group. Yosuke-kun nods. “Yep, you’re the last one, Partner. Don’t sweat it, though. We understand.”

The Investigation Team all nod, grim looks on their faces.

“However,” says Naoto-kun, “the sooner we discuss our plans, the better. We have a large group here, so that means we could potentially make separate groups to spread out and search for Ken-kun in the TV world. We would have to work out who goes with whom, but that can be decided when we get there. For now, we must check the weather report. We only have a limited number of days to save Ken-kun before he is killed by Shadows. Rise, if you would?”

Rise-chan nods. “It’s going to be sunny all week, but the deadline for rescuing Ken-kun is... The fourth. That’s when the fog will set in on our side, and Ken-kun will be lost forever. That gives us two weeks to get in and rescue him.”

Fuuka feels her blood turn to ice as Naoto-kun and Rise-chan mention the possibility of Ken dying. As she fidgets with the Evoker around her waist, she can only imagine how terrified Shinjiro and Akihiko must be.

Goro speaks up. “One thing about the groups. I’m coming with you all.”

Shinjiro responds immediately. “No, you aren’t.”

Goro holds his ground, standing up. “Yes, I am! That’s my brother in there! I can’t stand by and watch! I have to help!”

Akihiko replies this time, desperation on his face. “You haven’t had the proper training with your Persona yet!”

Goro scowls. “Who says?”

Shinjiro freezes. Fuuka glances at the twins, at Mitsuru and Yukari, at Junpei. At Koromaru. But not at Ken.

The guilty party shrink down into their seats, eyes fixed firmly on the ground and table. The Investigation Team.

“You all let him come with you!?” Akihiko demands, and Rise-chan worries her lip with her teeth, eyes sparkling.

“He has the same power as us... We know how to help-” She begins, but Akihiko cuts her off.

“All of you are children! You don’t know how to properly handle your Personas either!”

He falls silent, hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. Shinjiro grabs one, entwines their fingers.

“...You all could have gotten yourselves in serious trouble thus far. Honestly, it’s impressive that you haven’t. The TV world is still dangerous, but you all seem to know what you’re doin’.”

Rise-chan blinks rapidly, teeth sunk into her bottom lip. Shinjiro reaches over, gently places a hand on hers.

“This’ll all be okay. We’ll save Ken before the fog comes. Then, once we do that, we can help you get a bit of a better handle on your powers. There are some neat things you can do with Personas.”

Rise-chan looks up, and nods once. It’s firm, determined. The others share similar expressions, and the old members of SEES bear expressions similar to that of when they were venturing into Tatarus right before a full moon, grim and determined to get stronger.

Faintly, she feels a connection to everyone. She feels a bond forming, tight and strong, bound by everyone’s determination to save Ken and solve the mysteries of Inaba.

Mitsuru is the one who voices Fuuka’s thoughts.

“Something tells me SEES will end up staying in Inaba longer than we anticipated,” she says with a small smile.

Makoto and Kotone sit up a bit straighter, glancing at each other. There is a shared look of bemusement on their faces. Kotone clutches her blouse. Makoto holds his hand on the back of his neck.

“Something the matter, you two?” Mitsuru asks, and Kotone speaks up.

“...When we sealed Nyx away, we sacrificed the powers of our Personas. We used the power of the bonds we formed to finish it once and for all... So we thought we wouldn’t be able to form any more. Or at least, none with power behind them. But this...”

“It’s the same feeling as before. Whenever we formed a powerful new bond, we had this feeling. Kotone’s chest would ache, the hairs on my neck would stand up. This... This is the same feeling,” Makoto adds, voice quiet.

“A new bond...?” Yukari asks, but Yu-kun seems to understand perfectly.

“Whenever I form one, the pit of my stomach drops like I’m on a rollercoaster. I just had that feeling. I think... I think even though I’m the only one who can get any power from this bond, with my wildcard abilities, you two are still experiencing the effects. Were you wildcards?”

They both nod, and Yu hums. “Then that’s why. Your bodies grew accustomed to the feeling, and your hearts, though separated from their powers, still recognise the bond formed. There are some neat things you can do with Personas. Right, Shinjiro-san?”

Shinjiro hesitates, then nods.

A new bond, formed from determination and empathy. One with power unforetold, unbound by rules.

A Social Link, the Finders of the Lost, of the Judgement Arcana, is formed. And with it brings tidings of new fortune.

OH MY GOD SCREAMAMAMMUNNGGGGG ok WE FINALLY HAVE MORE TO KEN'S DISAPPEARANCE!!!! akihiko would definitely be the one to rush into things. his sons in potential danger? GO!!! RUSH IN!!!! IMMEDIATELY!!!! which is honestly a valid reaction. and shinji, while also scared, is there to calm him down. ALSO YU DO NOT LEAVE NANAKO HOME ALONE IM SCARED WE'RE GONNA HAVE A DOUBLE CHILD DISAPPEARANCE ON OUR HANDS!!!!! also kotone and makoto explanation on Nyx... probably not lore accurate but dont give a shit. the fact they still feel when a bonds been formed... and yu's there like "me too." ALSO THE FINDERS OF THE LOST???? THATS SO FUCKING COOL AND IM AGGRHAHAAAHHHHG

[fatexbound]

@bloodsplatteredmoon | Moved from X

Fuuka did, of course, say yes and went to let their Senpai know as well up on the second floor. Hamuko gave Shinjiro a thumbs up, spotting him petting Koromaru. He liked animals as much as she did, which told her a lot about his character.

"Let me go get my equipment too!"

She wouldn't leave without them, so she booked it for the third floor to grab her naginata, Evoker and bag full of useful items and supplies. It didn't take her long and she descended the stairs along with the Emperor and navigator trailing behind her, stopping in the middle of the lounge.

"Okay, everyone! It's Tartarus time! Let's do our best!" With that declaration, she was the first to leave the dorm. Thankfully, the train still ran at this hour, so it wouldn't take them long to reach the school.

[tacitusauxilium]

P3 Bad End -Fall of SEES-

@dxfiedfxte // @revolver-jesus

~~~~~

-January 31, 2010-

-Time: Midnight-

At the lobby of Tartarus, the group of SEES, gathers to face their last fight. To reach the top of the Tower and confront Nyx before she brings the ‘Fall’ to humanity, which basically translates to complete human genocide.

The group consists of 9 individuals.

Minato Arisato, Yukari Takeba, Junpei Iori, Akihiko Sanada, Mitsuru Kirijo, Fuuka Yamagishi, Aigis, Ken Amada and Koromaru.

The group walk towards a green portal on the side. A portal mechanism that will take them to floor 252. As close to the top as they can get.

“Everyone.” Fuuka spoke, halting the group. “Is it ok…if I go with you this time? Instead of staying down here.”

The request was surprising to the group. They all eyed each other. “Any reason Fuuka-chan?” Yukari asked.

“Well…” Fuuka nods. Her hands joined together, as she stares at her friends. “Tonight, is the fight of our lives, so I thought…I should be there with you.” Fuuka said “Not just in spirit, but physically there to aid you. We’ve been through so much together…we should end it together as well.”

“Fuuka-chan…” Yukari spoke softly, touched by Fuuka’s simple, yet strong motivation.

“I don’t object.” Mitsuru said, nodding, a faint smile on her lips. “But to be safe, please stay close to us at all times. Understood?”

Fuuka nods. “I understand senpai.”

“Good.” Mitsuru nods. “Then let us be off.”

1 by 1, the group enters the portal and transfer to floor 252.

Only Minato and Fuuka remain. “Hey Fuuka?” Minato halts Fuuka.

“Y-Yes?” Fuuka blinks, not expecting Minato to stop her. “What is it Minato-kun?”

Minato takes a step forward, hands in his pockets. “You did good…back there. Voicing your feelings.”

“Ah!” The compliment surprised Fuuka. Her cheeks turned a light hue red. “Thank you…I only thought I should say what I feel. As you taught me.”

Minato chuckles “Well, I didn’t exactly teach you that. You learned it yourself, even if I partially guided you there.”

“Awful cooking aside?” Minato cringed. “…I know.” Fuuka sighed. “But I am getting better. Just you wait Minato-kun. I’ll cook us a ‘We defeated Nyx’ fest that will…hopefully not churn your stomachs out.”

Minato got a nice laugh out of that. “I’ll hold you to that Fuuka.” With that said, Fuuka steps on the portal.

“…Huh?” Fuuka blinked after pressing the buttons. “…Minato?”

Minato frowned. He walks over to Fuuka. “What’s wrong?”

Fuuka worriedly looks over to him. “The controls aren’t working. They’re shut off.”

“…What…?” Now Minato grows equally worried. “But that’s not possible.”

CLAP. CLAP. CLAP.

Both Minato and Fuuka are taken aback by the sudden sound. The two turn to see a familiar, and unwanted face, sitting on the lobby’s staircase.

“Bravo, Bravo Minato-kun. It’s a grand evening, isn’t it? The last…party, the human race will ever be a part of.”

“…Takaya.” Minato quickly reached for his Evoker. “…So, you survived Moonlight Bridge.”

Takaya Sakaki, leader of STREGA, and the murdered of Shinjiro Aragaki. He chuckles, unamused as he twirls his revolver, yellow eyes staring at blue eyes. “I’m hurt Minato-kun, to think that you would want me dead so badly.” A small smirk etches his lips. “When did you start to think like Aragaki?”

The mention of Shinjiro got Minato more riled up than he expected. “You have no right to say his name.”

“Heh…Aragaki has no rights anymore.” Takaya gets up from the stairs. Still twirling his revolver, and his other hand partially in his pocket, he takes a few steps forward and stops. “The dead never do. That is the beauty of it. Death is freedom, Minato-kun.” He puts a hand on his chest, smiling. “It is a blessing. It is surprising that you don’t see it. After all, Aragaki is no longer suffering, is he not? He’s free from the pain that his mortal body provided him.” Sighing, Takaya shakes his head. “I envy him in that regard.”

“Don’t speak of Shinjiro-senpai as if you knew him.” Fuuka adds, frowning. “It was your pills that got him to where he was. If you hadn’t dragged him to such a dark path.”

“Now now-“Takaya grins, playfully wagging his finger back and forth. “We only offered him our services. If he was too weak to continue the agony of living, then my final actions towards him were an honor. You should be grateful for that.”

“…Shut up.” Minato said, his tone dripping venom. “If you want Death so bad Takaya, take that revolver, and aim it at your head. The trigger should make you quite happy, and out of the havoc of living, as you so see things.”

The dark joke didn’t bother Takaya one bit. He only laughs. “Well well well, I never expected that kind of talk from you Minato-kun.”

“If you haven’t noticed, we’re in a hurry.” Minato deadpanned, itching for his revolver. He noticed Fuuka has been behind him since Takaya appeared, and at a safe distance as well. Nearing the entrance to Tartarus in case she has to make an escape…clever. “We have a date with Nyx.”

“I’m well aware.” Takaya said, and stops twirling his revolver. He holds it right and aims it at Minato. “But, I’m afraid this is one party you won’t be attending.”

“…What did you do to the portal?” Minato angrily inquires. Takaya only laughs.

“Don’t worry about your friends. Jin will handle them. You worry about me now.” Takaya growls, and suddenly growls a grayish white hue. “HYPNOS!”

A semi-transparent being emerges from Takaya’s body. His Persona. A disfigured body held in the air by wings seemingly grafted into his spine. The Persona hovers above Takaya, as he continues to aim the revolver at Minato.

Right behind him, Fuuka summoned Juno, engulfed in a protective sphere. “Have it your way.” Minato said, grabbing his Evoker.

Minato-kun… Fuuka’s voice echoes in his mind. Something is…off about Takaya. I didn’t sense him earlier; And even now, with Juno, I can barely get a reading on him. I’m not sure what’s going on, but he feels different…be careful.

‘…Alright. Thanks, Fuuka.’ Minato thought back, eyeing Takaya curiously. Sure enough, even Minato can notice something’s up. When he summoned Hypnos, Takaya didn’t clutch his head in pain. He summoned it normally, without forcing it, without the use of an external tool like the Evoker.

‘How did he do that…?’ Minato thought, curious, but also nervous. It’s been around 3 months since Moonlight Bridge. Did Takaya undergo some sort of mental training…?

If he separated him from the rest of his group, there’s a good reason for it. Whatever it is…he’ll just have to fight with everything he’s got. He knows his friends can handle Jin.

Evoker aiming at his head, Minato stares at Takaya. Neither make a move, like a wild west shootout.

….

Takaya makes the first move, firing every shot in his revolver. Minato sprints and evades each one skillfully. Upon close range, he draws out his short blade and goes in for the swing.

To his surprise, Takaya blocks each of the swings with his revolver; steel meeting barreled steel.

Hypnos moved into swipe Minato away, which it works. Minato flipped backwards and summoned Orpheus Telos, the evolution of his original Persona. It grabs Hypnos’ face and slams an Agidyne right at it.

Takaya hissed, feeling the pain in his mind. Telos was about to fire another, but Hypnos grabs his hands and pushes him back with great force.

SINGLE SHOT! Takaya fired a large, but simplistic arrow-like shot from his revolver, thanks to Hypnos’ powers. The arrow bullet homes in on Minato at high-speed and follows him as Minato sprints back. ‘Orpheus!’

His Persona nodded, and after a quick roll to avoid the bullet, before it comes back, Orpheus smacks it to the side. Now bouncing all over the floor, but Minato ignores it and rushes at Takaya, who scoffs at him. “Arrow Rain!” he calls out, and Hypnos makes it rain arrows. Minato evades them all and goes for a slice. Takaya blocks it with his revolver, smirking to himself as Hypnos hovers just above him, and at point blank range, charges a Ziodyne.

Behind you Minato!

Minato saw through the eyes of Orpheus, that the single shot from earlier bounced, and is heading right at him. It had bounced off Juno, unfortunately.

That’s when Minato gets an idea.

He glows black/red, and his Persona changes to Black Frost. A bigger Jack Frost that has reverse colors and looks eviler.

MOONLIGHT RAGE!

Suddenly, Takaya is on the defensive, with Minato overpowering him thanks to a red aura engulfing him. He grunts when Minato kicks him back, then ducks. His own single shot from earlier blasts him dead center, skidding him back and crashing onto the stairs.

Minato changed back to Telos; sword ready to strike. Despite some blood pouring out of his chest, Takaya chuckles, rather amused. He raises his head, grinning at Minato.

“Well then, I might have to take this a little seriously after all.” He cracks his neck and isn’t quite holding back anymore at this rate.

Takaya starts Round 2 by firing a Megidolaon, then having Hypnos…slash it into 3? They turn into Megidola’s now. “HAAH!” Hypnos’s wings glow, and suddenly the 3 Megidola’s circle around Minato rapidly. He eyes all 3 warily, unsure which one is gonna move first.

Turns out its all 3. Quick on his feet, Minato changed his Persona to Thanatos. The Persona an old friend left him behind, with a promise to meet again later, to stop him.

The Death Persona engulfs Minato in a Cosmic-like Aura; Just as the 3 Megidola’s close in and explode on him.

Well…they would if they had done anything. 

RUNIC SHIELD!

The aura Thanatos blessed Minato with protected him from that one attack. Quickly, Minato changed back to Black Frost, and using Moonlight Rage again, goes on the offensive. Surprised by his attack being deflected, Takaya evades Minato’s swings, until he manages to clash with one, and grins. He pulls the trigger and fires.

The bullet doesn’t just push Minato back, it bounced his sword as well, and scratched his cheek. Minato fell to one knee, surprised and in slight pain.

More surprised when Hypnos fires the Ziodyne from earlier that he thought he stopped. Cursing himself, Minato quickly rolls back and narrowly avoids the incoming lightning bolt. The flash of light upon contact with the floor gave Minato an opportunity.

DIAMOND DUST!

Black Frost screeches and sends giant snowflakes at Takaya’s direction, freezing the very molecules in the air itself as it closes in.

Takaya lets out a loud Tch’ and has Hypnos use Maragidyne. The Persona’s wings glow red and fires a volley of giant fireballs that explode upon contact with the giant snowflakes. Takaya smirked, and it would have been good; if he hadn’t failed to see Minato close in, only his Persona changed. He switched it right after the ice attack. Its now Alice, the famous evil girl of the wonderland books.

Takaya had no time to react when Minato slammed his palm onto his chest.

SALOME’S KISS!

‘What?!’ Takaya thought, feeling himself…Binded? Sealed? Whatever it is, he can’t shake off the feeling. “What did you-“

Now Minato! Strike him down!

Minato quickly changed his Persona again to Attis.

AEON RAIN!

Literal to its name, a multitude of stars fell from the ceiling and slammed onto Takaya. Though whatever was binding him from that attack from Alice was gone. Growling, he goes on the offensive again.

“Myriad Arrows!” Takaya shouts. Hypnos’s wings glow and large volleys of arrow hail from above.

THERMOPYLAE!

Minato is now engulfed in a greenish aura, and just as the volley’s hit, he’s able to avoid all of them, moving faster than normal. Much faster.

“Dormina!” but not fast enough to avoid the real attack. Hypnos cast a spell on Minato upon Myriad Arrows ending, and it put him to sleep.

Minato! Wake up!

“zZz….Mmm…Fuuka…you taste…delicious.”

MINATO THIS IS NOT THE TIME!

“Your…zzz.. special breakfast is so good…”

…Wow ok, I thought he meant…n-no, MINATO! COMPLIMENT ME LATER!

Too late however, Takaya closed in and kicked Minato right in his stomach. That woke him up. The pistol whip to his face? also woke him up. Hypnos’ Cruel Attack Pierce skill certainly made sure he stayed awake.

All 3 attacks dealt plenty of damage to Minato and the last one blasted him back after Hypnos clawed him. He grunts, ignoring the small sensation of blood and the stains on his shirt.

Takaya says nothing, merely grinning as he continues the assault with Magarudyne, Hypnos flocking its wings rapidly to deliver powerful gusts of wind.

Minato grunted, and switches to Black Frost again. Casting Diamond Dust, he freezes the very winds to a halt, stopping the attack entirely.

He couldn’t stop the Megidola that followed after. The blast shook him by surprise, tearing his clothes a bit as he’s pushed back and falls to one knee, having lost a lot of health.

Wasting no time, Takaya orders Hypnos to fire another Megidola.

MINATO!

‘Not…out!’ Minato smirks. He switches to Orpheus Telos. ‘Rough Takaya? Have it rougher than the ruffs!’

RETURN FROM YOMI!

Orpheus Telos engulfs Minato in a white aura, and all his wounds heal, back to full health. ‘Much better’ Minato gets up, and smirks. ‘Now then.’

He switches to Alice CONCENTRATE!

Then to Attis THERMOPYLAE!

Black Frost MOONLIGHT RAGE!

And finally, Thanatos. Minato raises his sword and swings it down. BROADSHOT!

Both Minato’s sword and Thanatos’ cut through the Almighty Attack rather easily, catching Takaya by surprise. “What?!”

Minato then sprints towards Takaya, faster than ever and stabs him via the side. “I’m done with this.” Minato said coldly, and summons Telos. MEGIDOLAON!

At such a close range, Telos fires the attack anyways, and it hits Takaya, pushing him back…then exploding upon contact with the stairs at the back. The force is enough to shake the entire floor; but thankfully, no physical damage to the tower, which is good.

“You did it Minato!” Fuuka cheered excitedly, having called Juno back. She runs to Minato and hugs him tightly, smiling like the happiest girl in the world. “That was a close one though.”

Minato returns the hug, despite the little soreness he has. Nothing a few beads can heal though. “Thanks” he says, smiling back. “…Haah…bastard was stronger…” Minato said, hating to admit that. “But anyways…” he looks at the portal machine. “We need to reactivate that and move on.”

Fuuka nods. She reluctantly pulls back from Minato “I’ll get to work on….H-huh?!” Fuuka stares at the stairs, where Takaya is. “M-Minato…”

Minato turns around and is just as shocked as Fuuka. The smoke dispersed, and Takaya is still standing after that last attack. Heavily wounded but standing.

“Hehehe…HAHAHAHAHA!” And he starts to laugh like a maniac. “Oh, this is…this is MAGNIFICENT…truly, magnificent!” He walks, rather wobbly down the stairs and to the floor again. “To summon such…power, even in the face of death.” Takaya puts his hands in his pockets. “You truly are astonishing, Minato-kun. The power of the Wild Card is to be feared after all.”

Takaya’s sudden grin turned to a large frown. “Which is why I can’t let you live. Whatever it takes…destiny awaits us all tonight. That cannot change.” He takes out a small pillbox from his pocket, and takes out from that box, a large blue/pink pill. “I didn’t think I’d have to use this…but it matters not.” He tosses the box aside, and takes the pill into his mouth, then swallows it. “Aah…”

Minato and Fuuka wanted to ask, but they doubt they’d get answers. Instead, they prepare themselves for the worst.

And the worst did happen. Before their very eyes, Takaya’s wounds heal. But more than that, his body oversaw a drastic transformation. His formerly thinly body grew muscles, about as much as Akihiko, if not more. His glowing yellow eyes, turned bloody red.

But the biggest change wasn’t Takaya. It was his Persona. Hypnos before Minato and Fuuka’s eyes, began to shift and transform.

By the end of the transformation, Hypnos was no more. The disfigured body is long gone, replaced with a humanoid body garbed in golden white robes. The large wings that Hypnos had become a pearl white and are far smaller than before, firmly accommodated on the sides of the Persona’s head. Its face has a blue/white mask with a spiral that descends to the center. The robes are adorned with swirls and twist shapes in black color. The Persona also has a staff with a white/blueish flame at its tip.

“Aah…much better.” Takaya says, breathing heavily as he grips his fists, picking up his revolver and grinning maniacally at Minato. “I feel better than I ever have.”

“…What the hell was that pill?” Minato asks.

Takaya only smiles. “A gift from an old friend…and you shouldn’t worry about this and that. My Persona has evolved, and with it, new power. Say hello to Somnus! My blessing, and your demise Minato!”

Takaya, now engulfed in an evil purple/black aura, orders Somnus to attack. “INSOMNIA!”

Minato quickly raised his sword, but the attack didn’t hit him.

“Min..ato…” ?! Minato turned around. He’s barely able to catch Fuuka before she hits the floor.

“Fuuka? Fuuka!” Minato calls out, but all he gets are Fuuka’s light snores. “He put her to sleep…”

He turns back to Takaya’s maniac laugh, and the large glowing sphere above him and his Persona. “Now die with your girlfriend Minato-kun, Megidolaon!”

Somnus launches the powerful almighty attack at Minato.

Minato cursed himself. ‘Ok…I’m going to have to take him seriously, for better or worse.’ Standing up, he summons Telos, and fires his own Megidolaon in return.

Both attacks clash, and neither seems to overpower the other…at least until Takaya’s starts to push Minato’s back.

“?!” Not believing it, Minato pushes back with Telos. To his shock, he’s getting pushed back hard.

“Afraid Minato?! Your death is imminent! say your prayers!” Takaya yells, grinning like a madman.

‘His Persona surpasses Telos…?’ Minato growls ‘I’m wasting too much time on him. I guess its all or nothing.’ He sighed, and recalls Telos, just before the attacks engulf him.

Just before the two Megidolaon’s hit the floor and explode, they burst into particles, and Minato glows a white blue aura, with Telos now gone, but a new Persona takes the stand.

“? What’s this…?” Takaya frowns “I’ve never seen this one before…”

“And you weren’t supposed to.” Minato said, annoyed. “This is my ultimate Persona. Messiah!”

“…Messiah.” Takaya repeats, chuckling. “Quite a poetic name. A savior are you now, Minato-kun? Who are you saving, exactly?” He frowns, growling “The Dictators that strip away the free will of their people? The politicians that lie to gain reputation for their own gains, betraying the very people that guided them there? The pedophiles and abusers, that surround themselves in the ‘good’ people to protect their own sins?”

“…No.” Minato aims his sword forward “I save the people that can put those to a stop. The resistances that overthrow those tyrants and make them pay, the witnesses and victims that rise up and bring their abuser down, the ones that seek truth above the lies and bribes. I save the future that sees life worth living, unlike you who seeks death, because they’re too weak to find a purpose.” Minato said coolly.

Though his words don’t phase Takaya, he merely grunts. “Fine then…right here, tonight. Let us see, what humanity dictates as its future. Death in peace or living in suffering!”

“Fine by me. Don’t complain when you lose.” Minato said, ready for the assault, though Takaya only laughs.

“Dear Minato-kun, destiny never loses. You will understand by the end of this.”

Minato stares at Takaya and shifts his gaze to the sleeping Fuuka. ‘…I need to draw fire away from her. I can’t protect her while dealing with him at the same time.’

His thoughts were cut off when Takaya began the assault.

“Primal Force!” Takaya shouts, and from the flame on the staff, Somnus launches a large flaming arrow at Minato. Its size doesn’t hinder its speed or power, something that Minato quickly took notice.

‘Shit’ He rolls over it just as it passes by. As he thought, it homes and ignores Fuuka, focusing on him. He evades, ducks, and rolls back from it. Each time the arrow grows greater in speed. It flies up, and then comes down on Minato, exploding in a large range.

Minato had no time to dodge it, but it didn’t matter. He felt no pain, no damage from it; rather he felt himself healed up to a strong degree. “…? Oh.” He wanted to slap himself. ‘Right. Messiah absorbs Pierce. How the hell did I forget that?’

Not like many Shadows have that element, and the only one from his team to even use Pierce is Yukari, who…well…rarely hits her targets. No offense.

“Heh.” Minato chuckles “You’re going to have to do better Takaya.”

“Gladly.” Somnus suddenly starts to glow a strange cyan/magenta/yellow mix of colors. “PSYCHO FORCE!”

Minato raised an eyebrow at the name of the attack. Nothing happens though.

“UUURGH!!” Ok something did happen. Minato suddenly felt a huge amount of pain; yet it wasn’t pain of the body, it was pain of the mind. His head throbs immensely in pain, equivalent to a severe Migraine. Bad enough that his senses went crazy. He can barely hear or even see. “AAgh…wh-WHAT…?!” In his pain, he dropped his sword by accident, and failed to see Takaya order Somnus to cast another spell.

“AVALANCHE!”

Suddenly, giant rocks fall from the sky, creating debris and smoke all over the place. None of them hit Minato, thankfully. Slowly, the pain started to subside. At the very least, he could somewhat see and hear. ‘What are these spells…? I don’t recognize these elements…ugh…my head…its not so bad now but still…’ He tried to see, but the smokescreen from the debris and the large chunks of debris itself made it hard to discern what’s flesh and what isn’t. ‘What is going on…where did Takaya learn these elements? Was it that pill…? Where is he…? I can’t hear him…’

He slowly stands up and tries to look around. He can’t tell anything apart. ‘Great…I’m cornered and a sitting duck. If Fuuka were awake she could pinpoint his location for me. Come on, focus Minato…he has to make a sound at some point…’

Bump Bump, Bump Bump, Bump Bump

Nothing…and yet… ‘…Why do I feel so afraid…?’ Minato thought to himself. His heartrate is increasing exponentially, his body is flaring up in temperature, as if reacting to fear. His senses are starting to come back as well. He blinks a few times, slowly regaining his sight.

Bump Bump, Bump Bump, Bump Bump

Oh, that’s the fear instinct. Takaya snuck up on him, and his revolver is aimed right at his forehead.

Bump Bump

He hears the safety trigger go off…

BOOM

“?!” Takaya was suddenly pushed back by Minato emitting a ridiculously powerful Aura. Worse, 2 Persona summon wildly in chains that break and glare at him. “LUCIFER, COSMIC FLARE!”

The right Persona, Lucifer, blasts Takaya with a powerful Nuclear spell, severely hurting Takaya and sending him flying.

“KEEP UP, SATAN!” Minato calls out the left Persona. It flies and grabs Takaya “BLACK VIPER!”

Satan wraps Takaya in its slimy bug-like tentacles, and squeezes the life out of Takaya, then throws him to the floor. Takaya bounces like a rag doll before stopping. Yet shockingly he gets up, albeit wobbly.

“FUSION SPELL, ARMAGEDDON!” The two Persona join forces, and fire an almighty attack, about 3 times the size of Megidolaon.

The sheer size of the attack made Takaya nearly afraid. Nearly. “SOMNUS…!”

Takaya uttered a word before the attack hit him, and a massive explosion shakes the entire lobby. Fuuka’s sleeping form was also pushed back (a blessing, really). Minato wasn’t affected by the explosion, but he stares it, in awe and mostly confusion. The two Persona vanish, and Messiah returns from Minato’s unconscious mind.

‘…What…w-what was that?’ Minato thought warily. ‘Satan and…Lucifer?’ He falls to one knee, panting heavily, his headache back again thanks to the sheer willpower he unwillingly used. ‘But…I-I didn’t fuse them at the Velvet Room…’ He shook his head. ‘I couldn’t…Elizabeth told me they were too much for me. How did I…?’

Well, whatever the reason, it did the job. ‘Good riddance Takaya, stay dead…’

…

“Heh… nice skill back there.” Takaya chuckles from the smoke. As it clears up, he’s…surprisingly alive. Shocking Minato. “You nearly killed me back there, you know?”

Minato gritted his teeth, starting to lose his patience at this point. “How did you-“

“Phantasos.” Takaya explains, smirking “My Persona made me invulnerable to all attacks, for a small period of time.” He sighs heavily. “I cast it just in time. One second later, and I would have been done for.”

“…Goddammit Takaya. Stay dead.” Minato said, agitated and plain annoyed now.

“Hehe…not yet Minato-kun.” Takaya aims his revolver at the Fool. “We’re nearing the climax now, pay attention.” He motions to look up.

“?” he looks up. Too late. Somnus’ staff changed to an…axe? And slammed it down at Minato. Minato screamed in pain, the attack shredding part of his clothes and skin. Blood pours out badly, and worse, Somnus picks Minato up and tosses him like a rock onto one of the pillars.

“FREIDYNE!” Somnus casts and fires a powerful nuclear spell at Minato that blasts and shreds him more, now bleeding from other places.

Landing heavily onto the corner wall, Minato ignores the immense pain, and takes out a pill from his school’s jacket pocket and swallows it. “Gah…”

Instantly, he feels his wounds heal, his skin rejuvenates and closes, and all blood recuperated. Better, he starts to glow in a faint Blue/Green/Red aura mix and gets up. “Takaya!” Minato shouts, and has Messiah rush at Somnus. Takaya smirks and has him down the same with Somnus.

Both Personas clash several times at breakneck speed. Both Minato and Takaya cringe with every blow, feeling the pain in their minds, until the final blow blasts Somnus back tremendously. “What…?!” Takaya fell to one knee, clutching his head in pain, growling, and glaring at Minato.

“You’re not the only one who can buff himself Takaya.” Minato said, Evoker in hand. “You underestimate Messiah, and the help of outside.”

“…Outside?” Takaya raises an eyebrow.

‘That trip to Yasoinaba was a miracle.’ Minato thought, recalling that summer trip there. ‘That girl with the poetry and the punk getup…Marie. Right, that was her name. That pill I just took was from her. What did she call it…Ofuda Sutra? Said it’d protect me.’ Minato thought. He forms a smile, a thankful smile. ‘I don’t know if she knew, but regardless, I’m thankful. Next time I’m there, I’m hugging her big time.’

“Hmm…this is turning out to be an annoyance.” Takaya gets on one knee, albeit barely. Minato can tell he’s on his last leg. That buff or whatever from the pill must be wearing off.

“You’re telling me?” Minato says rather sarcastically. ‘I hope the others are ok. I wasn’t expecting this to take so damn long. Wait for me a little longer, everyone.’ “But it’s time to end it Takaya.”

Takaya chuckles, smiling wickedly “On that, we agree Minato-kun. One last dance.”

“Only your last.” Minato pulls the trigger and has Messiah rush at Takaya and Somnus. “AGNEYASTRA!”

“ICELOS!” Between the powerful ice attack from Takaya, and the immense swords from Messiah, the victor was decided rather easily.

Messiah’s large swords cut through the ice like butter, and the God Hand that came later from Minato hit Takaya square-on, as did the swords to Somnus. Between the two attacks to Somnus and Takaya, the duo fell, crashing against the stairs, Blood drawn heavily. Takaya groans as he feels Somnus fade back into his mind, and the immense pain that he feels.

Minato recalls Messiah but keeps the Evoker close to him at all times to his head. “…You done?” Minato asks, panting lightly. The buff from the pill vanished. Seems it was short-lived… “Because I have a human race to save Takaya.”

“…Tch…you fool…you really are this naïve.” Takaya chuckles, eyes closed. “We are but mere mortals. Ants, to the Gods above. We cannot change our fate. You would be foolish to deny it. Destiny was already decided for us, long before even our own births.”

“Cut the crap.” Minato said angrily. “We fight against that destiny, for good reason. Humanity can learn from its mistakes and do better.”

“Heh…so naïve indeed. Its almost sickening.” Takaya opens his eyes and struggles to sit down, his eyes back to their normal yellow. “If Humanity did not learn from the death of Jesus Christ, from the Crusades, the genocide of the tribes of old, or even from the World Wars that killed billions, they aren’t going to start now Minato-kun.” He laughs. “Its our destiny to end ourselves. There is no such thing as prophecies or myths that tell us our fate. We only have to look around us…the threat to humanity, is itself. Always has been, always will be.”

“I really don’t care what you think.” Minato says sharply. “We’re done here.”

“Hm…Yes Minato-kun. We both are done for.” He grins. “Goodbye.”

“? What are you-“

Schloook

Minato’s eyes widen. He trembled, suddenly. His Evoker left his hands, thanks to the immense pain he feels from his chest.

He looks down to see…his own sword, covered in his own blood, having pierced his chest. He turns around.

“…Fuuka…?” He muttered, confused, scared, bewildered. Indeed, Fuuka is awake, and stabbed him from behind.

“Hehehe…how ironic. See Minato? I told you.” Takaya’s laughs echo in the chamber. He stands up, albeit with effort. “I was never the threat. You should have watched your girlfriend a little closer.”

“…Y-You…” he spews blood, thanks to Fuuka pulling back the sword, and tossing it to the side.

“Yes. Earlier, I casted Somnia on her.” Takaya lifts Minato’s head to stare at him. “You should have paid attention. I didn’t put her to sleep Minato.” He grins, and slaps Minato gently. “I put her under my control, my will. I had her pretend to be asleep…and as we fought, I disarmed you. She got the sword while you were surrounded in that debris and smoke earlier.”

Minato fell to his knees, unable to call his Persona anymore. Breathing became hard to do. A slight feeling of faintness started to overcome him. His hearing is slightly faint as well now. “You…cheater…”

“Cheater?” Takaya shook his head. “I told you Minato-kun. Destiny is inevitable. I merely guided you to it. You can thank Kirijo for that.” He chuckles. “But I’ll be merciful. It is your last moments of life after all.” He snaps his fingers.

“W-…h-huh…?” Fuuka shook her head. “What…where-“

“Welcome back sleeping beauty.” Takaya smirks at her. “And to your waking nightmare.”

He aims his revolver at Fuuka. Minato saw it, his eyes widened. All of his instincts kicked. Everything went slow. He tries to get up. He fails, he trips. The pain of his head hitting the hard floor didn’t matter to the pain of seeing Takaya pull the trigger. He screams, with all his might and soul.  

NOOOOOO!

BANG

The sound of a bullet firing echoes in the chamber, and it hit its target dead-on.

Fuuka fell to her knees seconds later, eyes widened, shock from the sound of the bullet, the sound of Minato’s scream, the confusion of what is going on…and the sheer immense pain that just pierced her chest.

“Hah…how quaint.” Takaya shook his head. “A lovely way to end this little game, don’t you think?” he kicks Minato and laughs. “Well…it is done. You can thank this defeat to Kirijo, and Ikutsuki.” He grins “I forgot to mention that. Who do you think supplied us with the pills needed to control our Persona?” he stares at the shook Minato, and the coughing Fuuka. “The only one capable of producing said pills. Shuji Ikutsuki was our supplier. The fall of Aragaki can be placed on him as well. His work after all…the same goes for that pill I took earlier.” He explains. “A last parting gift from him, and what a gift. It did its job, and I am more than content with the results.”

Minato and Fuuka didn’t say anything, too engrossed in their own pain to answer. “…Good night, the two of you. This was fun. Sweet dreams in death.” Takaya laughs, and his laugh echoes in the lobby as he leaves Tartarus, with Minato and Fuuka struggling to survive.

“F-Fuuka…” Minato struggled to get up, trying to contain the blood leaving his wounded body. “I-I can’t stop this…” no healing pill will heal this wound. He starts to feel weaker as well. “F-Fuuka…I…”

Fuuka continues to cough blood, crying as she does so. “M-Min…e-everyone…”

———————————————————————————————————————

Above on floor 258, Jin breathes heavily, leaning on the wall as blood pours from the various bullet holes in his body. “Damn…you.” Jin grunted. “If I knew you had such an ability, I would have killed you first…oh well…” he slumps over. “It’s done…”

Aigis pants heavily as she barely stands. Her weapons fall from her body, as her damaged armor and form succumb to the pain. She stares in utter shock, disbelief, and despair. The other members of SEES are dead. Jin killed them all. It was an ambush, and she was the only survivor from the explosion.

“M..Minato…wh…why…what happ-SYSTEMERRORCORE.EXEDAMAGED.PLUMEOFDUSKENERGYLOW.SHUTTINGDOWNSHUTTINGDOWN.”

Aigis fell to the floor, succumbed to her injuries…

————————————————————————————————————————

“Dead…” Fuuka spoke low enough for Minato to hear. “…Th-…they’re all dead…I-I can’t…I can’t sense them anymore…! Minato…!”

Minato just stayed there, near Fuuka, in utter disbelief. He coughs blood as well and feels even weaker. “F-Fuuka. It’s not…”

Fuuka coughs blood more violently, clutching her bloody chest. “I CAN’T BREATHE…MINATO I CAN’T BREATHE…!”

“Fuuka please, stay with me…!” Minato wanted all of this to be a nightmare. A horrifying nightmare that he would wake up from.

But then the entire Tower shook. He felt it.

…Nyx is awake. Outside the Tower, the Moon has opened up like a latch, revealing a large red eye that watches the world. In an instant, Nyx blasts constant massive shockwave that tears the planet and its people. Each one makes more humans succumb to their shadows, becoming large black blobs, losing their humanity in the process. Their flesh becoming tar, and their consciousness fading to sheer instinct.

Minato held Fuuka tightly, crying alongside his dying girlfriend as he feels the shockwaves, and his consciousness fade. “Fuuka…”

“…” No response. Fuuka feels cold…

…She’s dead. She died in his arms, having choked in her own blood…

And one more shockwave later, Minato felt himself die as well. An eternal sleep that he will never wake up from. Nobody will.

…

….

……

Death is not a hunter unbeknownst to its prey. One is always aware that it lies in wait. Though life is merely a journey to the grave, it must not be undertaken without hope. Only then will a traveler’s story live on, treasured by those who bid him farewell. But alas, my guest's life has now ended, his tale left unwritten. His destiny shattered.

…

….

…..

……

========================================================================

-???-

“Did you see that? This…this star right here.”

“It faded…that isn’t normal.”

“Indeed. Something is wrong…this timeline was not meant for destruction. I fear something is amiss. This unexpected shift can cause a ripple. We must watch the other timelines.”

“Do you want me to investigate?”

“…No. Not yet. We need to pinpoint what went wrong first. Let us analyze this failed timeline and see what changes it had from the original.”

“If we’re not careful, that ripple could affect us.”

“I’m aware. I’ll tell the others to be alert for any changes.”

“Understood…”

[deathboundinautumn]

@rock-you-like-a-hurricxne​ has decided to crush my soul and sends in a possible reason why Shinji lives long enough to even have a P5 verse:

She hardly recalled moving so fast when he had moved in front of the boy. Perhaps if there was more time there would have been a better solution, but body was in motion and jerked violently against him being shot in the back.. The energy to hold her transformation was dissolving as uniform was shredding into bright ribbons as with her de-transformation. Back felt incredibly hot with the pain that surged through it. Eyes that were wide staring into his fell into half-lidded state.

It all happened so fast.  Faster than he could understand.  Takaya’s revolver being raised, Shinji pulling Ken behind him as he draws his evoker.  The flash from the muzzle, the loud crack of the gunshot. He shuts his eyes tight and pulls the trigger as the barrel of the Evoker hits his temple.  Castor materializes and something happens.

Shinjiro flinches at the blinding emerald light that he sees even through shut eyes.  He sees Takaya being flung backward, smacking into the wall before going limp but it doesn't bring satisfaction or relief.  

The Sailor Senshi that he’s been against since the beginning reaches out to grab his arms as her glow fades and he sees her.

“Ma-Makoto?”

Time grinds to a halt as she falls forward into his arms, the Hierophant catching her still in shock at what he’s seeing.  She was Sailor Jupiter?  But how?  This can’t be right, it has to be some sort of mistake!  She slumps against him, warm blood dripping down his hand.

“Makoto!”

He shoves aside all questions and disbelief shouting for Ken to go find the others as he digs around in his coat pockets for any medical supplies he might’ve left.  Of course nothing he had could counteract the damage done from a gunshot wound but he could at least stifle the bleeding.

“Hang on! Please hang on!”

He gives up his search as he lowers her to the ground, pulling off his coat, balling it up and pressing it against her back.  Panic is starting to set in and he doesn’t even notice the tears rolling down his cheeks as he frantically works to stop the bleeding.

“Why would you do that?” He repeats over and over again as he takes hold of her hand, gripping it tight.  “Try to stay calm alright?  You’re gonna be okay.  Dammit!  Where are the others?”  

But he knows better.  Even underneath the sickly yellow glow of the moon, he can see her features growing paler, her eyelids fluttering as she fights to stay conscious.

“Makoto...”

Her grip weakens

“...please...”

Her eyes slowly close

“I love you...”

Her hand goes limp

‘Don’t leave me...’

[theoneprecioustome]

Aikoto Moments Masterlist:Movies

Previous Masterlists:

The Journey

P3P

The Answer

Arena

Persona 3 Dancing in Moonlight

Persona Q (Both routes)

Persona Q2 (Japanese Version)

Drama CD

Chain Chronicle

This post mentions all of the Aikoto interactions during the four movies! I figured it might be helpful for those looking to make AMVs or to rewatch their favorite scenes.

For other Aikoto things related to the movies, please check these posts:

Midsummer Knight’s Dream: Official Aikoto Merchandise Compilation

Falling Down: Official Aikoto Merchandise Compilation

Winter of Rebirth: Official Aikoto Merchandise Compilation 1 | 2

Translation of the Aikoto spread on Newtype

Aikoto in their booklet profiles (Winter of Rebirth)

4-Koma (P3M2)

The Movie Artbook is filled with Aikoto illustrations

Aikoto’s Theme Song

Three different Aikoto moments used to promote a rerun of the movies

Aikoto hug featured on one of the café coasters

Aigis holding Makoto’s Evoker in the Poster of P3M4

Comic Anthology Cover

Audio compilation of Makoto saying Aigis’ name

Translation of Stage Drama #4

Aikoto in another Stage Drama

Honestly, there’s way too much stuff. Those are some of the most relevant ones, but please don’t hesitate to check the Movies and Posterotp tags for the everything else!

P3M#2 - Midsummer Knight’s Dream

Makoto becomes interested in the Babe Hunt Operation for the first time when he lays eyes on Aigis.

He is literally awestruck when he sees her. Their meeting also has their own theme song: Confessions.

Later that night, Yukari and Makoto are attacked by Shadows and Aigis comes to save them. Makoto's eyes start trembling as soon as he sees her.

Once Aigis destroys all Shadows, she hugs a stunned Makoto and declares that she has always been searching for him and that her highest priority is to be by his side.

Ikutsuki explains that Aigis suddenly reactivated on her own that day, and Aigis says that she doesn't know why that was but that it's very important for her to be by Makoto's side, much to his surprise.

Aigis wakes up Makoto five minute's earlier than his alarm clock. Instead of being startled by it, he just wraps himself in the covers and tries to go back to sleep while Aigis tries to convince him to get up.

Makoto is surprised when Aigis reveals that she can talk to Koromaru. Aigis points a distracted Makoto in the direction of the enemy.

When they get attacked, Aigis jumps in to protect Makoto. He tries to tell her not to go fight alone, but Aigis tells him that her job is to protect him (much to his shock) and activates Orgia mode.

However, she is in danger once she overheats. A weakened Makoto cries out her name, tries to crawl to her, and begs the shadow to "Stop!" while reaching out for Aigis.

Afterwards, Makoto goes to Aigis and asks her if she's okay. She says yes while messing up Japanese saying, and Makoto smiles and tells her that's not how she's supposed to use that phrase.

Makoto plays along when Aigis (unknowingly) teases Shinjiro.

Makoto goes with Aigis to the Summer Festival. They visit one of the stands together (with Makoto telling her she has to use the fake gun instead of her finger-guns).

They run into Ken and Shinjiro. The four go together to the goldfish stand and Makoto once again plays along to Aigis's humor, much to Shinjiro's and Ken's chagrin. Then, the four of them go to watch the fireworks together.

Aigis starts going to school, takes the empty seat by Makoto's side (while he smiles at her) and then declares to the entire class that she wishes to always be by Makoto's side.

They go to a café with Fuuka, Junpei and Yukari and Makoto is surprised when Aigis declares that she will no longer have a raison d'être once that Shadows are destroyed. This is most likely because he himself felt the same way. They are also sitting together.

Aigis separates Shinjiro from Makoto when an angry Shinji grabs him by the collar.

The following night, Aigis drops by Makoto's room. He asks her if there is something wrong with him, and Aigis admits that she does not know but that his actions were incomprehensible to her. She then reassures him that despite that, being by his side is what's most important to her.

During the battle against the Shadow Boss, Makoto hesitates and Aigis is surprised by this.

Extra: they're usually by each other's side in Group Shots.

P3M#3 - Falling Down

Aigis is the first to react when Makoto wakes up. Then, they finish the Shadow together (Aigis breaks its wings and tells Makoto to finish it off).

At school, Aigis looks at a thoughtful Makoto.

Aigis notices Makoto leaving and goes to check up on him. Then, Makoto expresses fear that Aigis will disappear just like Pharos did ("You won't go and disappear on us, will you, Aigis?"). Then, Aigis reveals that Makoto and Yukari had asked Ikutsuki to not deactivate her. She tells Makoto he has nothing to worry about, but he is too weary to believe her and goes inside his room.

When Ikutsuki reveals his true colors, Makoto is on guard like everyone else. But as soon as Ikutsuki mentions Aigis, Makoto gasps in shock.

Then, he calls out to her and tries to go to her but Aigis stops him by shooting at his feet. A shocked Makoto realizes Aigis doesn't recognize them.

Makoto keeps crying Aigis's name as she prepares to shoot them. Then, when she liberates them, Makoto runs to her side and holds her in his arms.

Ikutsuki takes control of Aigis again, who crawls on top of Makoto and points her finger-guns at him while trying to stop all the while. Makoto looks away.

Aigis falls ontop of Makoto, who holds her to his chest again.

When Makoto goes off on his own, Aigis feels there's something off and goes to check on him. Makoto, who had been trying to keep his distance from others, can't help but to run to her and hold her, since she was still weak.

Their song plays again as Aigis tells him that wherever he is going, she wants to go with him. Because her highest priority is to be by his side. Makoto tries to resist her, saying that she'll vanish as well someday. But while he turns his back on her, he immediately reaches out to her when he hears her falter.

Aigis then tells him that she won't go anywhere and that she won't leave him be alone. Because: "I'm sure that is why I was granted this eternity of time". Makoto hugs her at that, leaving out a whimpering sigh.

However, by the time Aigis goes back to school, Makoto is back to closing himself off. Aigis is visibly hurt by this.

Makoto is then shown being the only one looking as Ryoji tries to flirt with Aigis.

Aigis objects to the idea of Ryoji going with Makoto and the others to the Karaoke.

When the girls tell Aigis that having a new friend (Ryoji) could be good for him, Aigis starts seriously reflecting on this. So, she no longer keeps Ryoji away from him but still keeps an eye on them.

Aigis wants to be assigned to Makoto's room during the Kyoto School Trip. So, she climbs to their window and asks Ryoji to switch rooms with her. Makoto actually doesn't react to any of this until Aigis tries to get Ryoji and Junpei off through the window instead of through the door. All of them end up falling, and Makoto laughs for the first and only time in all the movies.

When they get caught at the hot springs, Makoto goes "Aigis..." and Aigis says that it's been nice knowing them.

Aigis joins Makoto and Ryoji, sneaking in between them while they buy souvenirs. Aigis notes that Junpei looks like he's having fun, and a smiling Makoto agrees.

When Junpei tells Chidori that since they're both afraid of being alone and losing one another, they should stay together, Makoto smiles and says "That's it, isn't it?". The camera then focuses on him and Aigis, who doesn't get what he's talking about.

Makoto jumps in to protect Aigis from an attack.

At the end of the movie, Aigis's, Makoto's and Ryoji's memories from 10 years ago come back.

The movie ends with Makoto coming across a fallen Aigis, crying out her name and being shocked to see Ryoji there.

P3M#4 - Winter of Rebirth

It kicks off with a flashback to 10 years ago, when Aigis seals Death into a young Makoto.

Back in the present, Makoto gathers the fallen Aigis in his arms. She tells him she remembers why she wanted to be by his side, cups his face and apologizes before passing out.

When SEES starts fighting Ryoji, we see Makoto in the back looking at Aigis before getting ready to fight.

Makoto goes to visit Aigis in the lab during winter, and it's the very first time he smiles in the movie.

He updates her on the situation and Aigis apologizes again for what she did 10 years ago, suggesting that if she hadn't, he wouldn't be suffering right now. Makoto tells her it's not her fault. He then opens up to her about not being able to remember his mother's last words and about wondering why she had smiled at him before dying. Aigis is the first and only person Makoto tells this to during the movie. Aigis then asks him to kill Ryoji in order to forget their pain. Neither of them look happy with the prospect.

Akihiko invites Makoto to eat to pay for his bet, since Makoto won in “seducing” Aigis back at Yakushima.

When Makoto imagines their Group Picture, he pictures Aigis smiling fondly at him.

When Makoto decides not to kill Ryoji, a distraught Aigis cries that she had asked him to choose to forget so none of them would suffer.

Makoto (and Koromaru) find Aigis at the school rooftop. There, Aigis tells him that she's got no purpose now since she can't defeat Ryoji and that she's a machine devoid of emotions. As an arranged version of their theme (now called “The Heart of Two”) starts to play, Makoto makes his way towards her and tells her that she's not a machine and that she's just like them.

Aigis confesses that even though Death is gone now, she still wants to be by Makoto's side. Then, Makoto tells her that he can't remember how the sakura were last year but that he wants to remember properly this time. So "Let's go see the cherry blossoms together, okay?"

This makes Aigis realize that she herself wants to live. And she says that she feels she may be able to find a reason for her existence "Together, with you". Makoto agrees ("Yes. Together."), and the two look into each other's eyes as the sky begins to clear up.

When the others get there, Junpei catches on the way Aigis and Makoto look at each other and asks if something happened between them.

Aigis is touched when Makoto says SEES will definitely regain their memories.

Aigis says that "She won't let him get in Makoto-san's way" when she fights against Jin.

Aigis is the first to run to him when they all get to the top of Tartarus.

As they get swarmed by shadows, Aigis watches Makoto fall and cries out to him. Then as he opens his eyes, Aigis fighting is the first thing he sees. He then looks around only to see his friends fall one by one. But he stays determined to save them.

Then, Makoto is about to get absorbed by a shadow when he is saved by Aigis. He turns just in time to see her smile at him before getting overpowered by the shadows. Makoto then quite literally loses his shit and screams his lungs out.

Makoto fuses Messiah and beats all the shadows. Aigis calls out his name. Makoto turns to look at her, smiles at her and tells her to "Live on." His very last words and the very same ones his mother told him before dying.

His Evoker falls by Aigis's hands.

A distraught Aigis can only watch as he leaves them, trying to reach out to him and screaming out his name while holding his fallen Evoker.

Aigis is the last voice Makoto hears before using the seal. "You remember our promise, don't you? Promise me... Promise you'll come back!" she cries out.

Afterwards, a heartbroken Aigis cries "Why can't I protect the one I cherish?" while holding Makoto's Evoker and looking at it.

In March, Junpei tells Makoto "Nothing really life-changing happened, huh?" right before Makoto sees Aigis watching them from behind a tree. Their theme starts playing as Makoto stops walking, staring at the empty space where Aigis had been standing. Then, this eyes widen. Seeing Aigis literally triggered him getting his memories back.

Makoto struggles to make it up to the rooftop, a look of hopeful urgency in his face. When he opens the door, there stands Aigis.

They smile at each other and make their way to one another. Makoto stumbles halfway and Aigis catches him in her arms, hugs him close and welcomes him home while he smiles, his head on her shoulder.

Lap-pillow. She tells him that what she wants is clear to her, now. She wants to continue protecting him and to be his strength. She takes his hand, they smile at each other, and Aigis tells him to get some rest because she'll always be right by his side.