Persona 3: The Journey of the Arisato Twins

Chapter 3: Hang out with Junpei! Social Links of the Hierophant and Emperor

Makoto felt slightly sluggish when he woke up on the twenty-fifth, a Saturday. He met up with his sister downstairs, she looked tired too. They were still getting used to be in Tartarus' effects and the Dark Hour. Still putting their brains to work would exactly be good than their bodies. They arrived at the school gates, seeing the usual two students having a conversation. They decided to listen in, see what they were saying.

"Oh hey, you know the bookstore at the strip mall? Isn't their grand reopening today?" asked the listening student.

"Huh, a bookstore?" the gossiping student replied, not sure what the other student was talking about.

"Yeah, leave Iwatodai Station, go straight for a while, and it's after you cross the crosswalk. We've been at this school for a while... You should explore more often!" the listening student said excitedly. The first bell rang and the twins followed the girls inside. When after school came around, Minako came up to her brother's desk, a smile on her face.

"Hey, why don't we check out that bookstore in Iwatodai Strip Mall, might be fun!" she said excitedly.

"Hmm," Makoto pondered looking at Minako, "we both don't know much coming back here, you probably haven't been everywhere." and Minako pouted at his statement, unfair he said that, "Sure, we should get around here. Is from here and the school far?" he asked.

"Only a few minutes by train. Let's move Mako-nii!" she exclaimed happily, tugging at his sleeve. He laughed, trying to grab his school things as she wanted to go now.

"Hang on sis, let me get my things first!" he exclaimed with a smile, getting his school bag and was tug out the classroom and then out the school.

It wasn't long they arrived at Iwatodai Strip mall, seeing the Book Store the girls mention close to Wild Duck Burger. Bookworms Used Books it was called, seeing the green sign above the shop and seeing through the windows stakes of books available. Seeing how excited his sister was, they proceed right in. The bookstore was very roomy than it looked, with even with many book in stacks and rows of shelves. When the bell rang when they entered inside, one of the owners look to them. They appeared to be elderly, both sporting gray hair aaand different type of clothes. The old man wearing a white sweater and blue pants and the old woman wearing a dress over a green apron. The old man was also sporting glasses and held a pipe, the man looking to the twins who came in.

"Welcome!" he greeted to the twins, "What would you like today? Some fresh mackerel?" and that confused them.

"Um, no sir, we just wanted to look at books." Minako answered, curious as if the old man was okay.

"Sorry, as you can see, we don't see sell fish here." the old woman said with a frown

"We kind of figured much." Makoto replied. He's seen old men like him, don't know where they are or what they said, it was actually amusing and interesting.

"Hey, are you two are students are you? You must be from Gekkoukan High, right?" the old man asked, eyeing their uniforms.

"Yes, both of us juniors." Minako responded to him.

"I see, that means you two must have seen the persimmon tree there..." the old an said, Makoto looked to his sister. Both of them see pass a small tree when going to the gym area, maybe that was it.

"Persimmon tree?" Minako asked, "Maybe, I'm not so sure."

"Well I'm not making this up, I'm serious. It was planted right besides a walkway in a courtyard at the school..." the old man explained. Both twins took a moment to think about what the old man was talking about. It seems there's a persimmon tree somewhere at Gekkoukan High School. But, it's not clear how the tree and this old couple are connected. The old woman put a hand to the old man to calm him down.

"I'm sorry. He's rambling on like an old man. ...Just ignore him..." she said.

"I see... well if we see anything about the tree, we'll let you know. Come on Mina, let's hurry back to the school" Makoto said, Minako pouting in disappointment.

"Okay, be right back!" she waved at the two. Once they said goodbye to the two old people, they decided to leave the bookstore and return to the school. From what the old man said, it should be planted near the walkway at school. The one connecting the school building and gym would be the right place. Walking back inside the school, they went to where they first went to the Kendo and Volleyball clubs. In the walkway, they saw a space where trees and bushes were. One of them caught their eye, a small tree growing there in the middle.

"Makoto, you think that's the tree?" she asked, his sister kneeling down at it.

"Could be. It looks like it's been taken good care. Now how will we show it to the owners?" he asked. Uprooting it wouldn't be a god idea, pictures wouldn't be enough. They need something real to show they seen it. He spot a lone leave on the ground, now old, but looked fresh off the tree. He kneel down to pick it up himself, seeing the tree more up close. It was very cute in a way, but also he could feel this tree matters to the school. He showed the leaf to his sister, wanting to see if it was a good eye to show this to them.

"I'm with you Mako-nii, let's get back to the bookstore. Maybe they'll like it." she replied.

"I agree. Also, I don't know why, but I feel another Social Link can be forge there. Let's hurry back." he ordered to her. Minako nodded, the two getting up from the ground and hurried out the school and returned to the Strip Mall.

Walking inside again, the old man saw them and greeted them like before, Makoto still holding the leaf in his hands, "Welcome to Bookworms. How many guests? Smoking or non-smoking?" both twins shook their heads, not wanting to smoke anyway. The old man then looked to Makoto's right hand, seeing the leave in his hands, "Hm? Excuse me, but may I see that leaf in your hand young man...?"

"Sure." Makoto said, handing over the leaf over to the old man, who gingerly took from him. Makoto and Minako saw a glint n his eyes, it seem he was really happy about it.

"Oh! Is this a leaf from that persimmon tree? It must have grown quite a bit to produce such splendid leaves..." he said, Makoto smiling a little about seeing the tree himself.

It was a cute tree, right Makoto-nii?" Minako asked. Makoto nodded, although he was blushing of thinking that.

"Y-Yeah..." he replied, still blushing.

"Wait, so you didn't come here to buy books? Did you come here just to show us this?" he asked.

"Yes, we did say we'll come back if we see anything, so we wanted to share you the leaf. I feel this tree seem important to you." Makoto answered, keeping his hands in his pockets.

"I knew it!" he exclaimed excitedly, the old woman watching him, "I knew right from the start that you two are very young people."

"Thank you sir!" Minako replied brightly. The old man was showering them with praise. They did do a nice thing on showing them the leaf, the old man look like he was young again.

"I've been meaning to go see that tree for a while now. But I'm not sure if these stumpy old legs will make it that far... That wasn't meant to be a pun. You know, "stumpy," "tree stump." Catch my drift?" he asked. Minako laughed, Makoto knowing she liked puns and made that pun that nice to her.

"Very clever, dear." the old woman smiled.

"Allow me to introduce my wife Mitsuko. I'm Bunkichi." he greeted to the twins, pointing to his wife, "If you don't mind, would you tell us your names?"

"Makoto Arisato, this is my twin sister, Minako Arisato." he introduced to Mitsuko and Bunkichi, pointing to his sister who wave to hem.

"Hiya!" she greeted happily.

"So, your name is Minato and Minako Arisato..." Bunkichi said smiling at the twins, "Then, we'll call you Makoto-chan and Minako-chan from now on!" Minako looked happily about it, but Makoto was a little surprised by it.

"Makoto-chan huh, never got that to my name." he admitted, scratching his chin. He and his sister got to the know the old couple in the bookstore. Bunkichi and Mitsuko seem happy they told them about the persimmon tree. They got to know the old couple a little better. A crashing sound echoed in his ears as time stop once more, a card appearing before them, a card depicting a staff wield by a pope, the roman number five:

"I art thou... and thou art I. Thou hast established a new bond. Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Hierophant Arcana." And the card vanished. they had now formed a social link with Bunkichi and Mitsuko. From behind them, the sun was about to set. It was getting dark, they should return to the dorm now.

"We open every day except Monday." Mitsuko explained, getting the two's attention when they didn't notice. Come visit us if you get bored you too."

"We will try to visit if we are bored. Take care!" Makoto waved, his sister waving too. After saying goodbye to Bunkichi and Mitsuko, they decided to go back to the dorm.

"...Where have you been?" was what Akihiko asked the moment the twins returned to the dorm when evening hit. It was like he was their dad the moment he looked to them, "...Ya know, you better be training while I'm out. If anything happens, it'll be you guys who have to deal with it."

"We know Senpai, we know." Makoto said, walking towards the kitchen to get something to drink. Minako sighed, she knows he means well, but she has a sinking feeling she'll hear this more than before. With no one else in the lounge, Minako went inside the kitchen seeing his brother drink a glass of water. Going into the dorm fridge, she grabbed a soda can, wave good night and proceed to her room. Yukari was there greeting her as usual, Minako going to their desk to stay a little before going to bed. She drank her soda while working feeling still fatigued from the other night. Once done, she turned in with Yukari and the two were staring at the ceiling, both didn't want to sleep yet.

"So, what did you and Makoto-kun do?" she asked looking to Minako.

"You know that bookstore that reopened, we decided to check it out." Minako explained to her.

"Oh right, from what I remembered, the owners were gone during our sophomore year when I came to Gekkoukan. Huh, it didn't feel that long I came here that you turn up Yuki." she said eyeing the calendar.

"Yeah. I was surprised you let me stay in here." she replied looking over at some old pictures Yukari had with her, one of them her father and mother and another a younger Yukari with her dad, "You said you were placed in the same dorm as Mitsuru-senpai and Akihiko-senpai when you joined SEES not long before you became a Junior right? At the time, you already had your Persona awakened, even if you were afraid to use your Evoker." and Yukari's face flushed, pinching Minako's cheeks hardly, "Ow, what did I say?"

"delete how worthless I acted from your memory Yuki or I'm using you as a blanket." she said darkly.

"Okay, okay, won't bring it up again Yukari!" Minako exclaimed feeling she didn't mean to open old wounds. She looked on smiling, still happy, "Still, I was very oblivious about the Dark Hour, or the fact I lived in it for ten years. When I came to Gekkoukan to finish my freshmen year, I just wanted to learn what happen that night, why me and Makoto were in that accident. So far, being enrolled in the school might give me answers on what happened that night."

"My name is Minako Arisato, it's a pleasure to meet you!" It was what I said when I came to the Iwatodai dorm and met both Mitsuru-senpai and Akihiko-senpai. Mitsuru-senpai looked very mature for her age while something about Akihiko-senpai told me he was someone who worked hard. I felt a little nervous as these were my juniors and they were the first people from Gekkoukan I've met. I stood with Yukari-chan while I had my hands behind my back.

"It's nice to meet you Minako." Akihiko greeted, shaking her hand.

"Same it's good to met you Arisato." Mitsuru greeted, arms crossed. From how Mitsuru greeted me by my surname, she seems like a proper person. Made sense, she's the daughter of the Kirijo group's leader after all. She look at me with a slight smile, still keeping her arms crossed, "I was supposed to meet you so earlier as I figured another student was enrolling in the spring. That will be your twin brother correct? Makoto?"

"Yes. I think I heard from my aunt he's coming to Gekkoukan, but he won't be here until the spring of next year. " I said, remembering how my brother was going to come here. Me and him live with our aunt and uncle, I live with our aunt now and he lives our uncle while he work far away. That was five years we last saw each other, but I still keep up with him, keeping up with phone messages. It wasn't like we never heard our voices, we call each other now and again. Because we went to far away schools, we never got to see each other. This will be the first time we will see each in such a long time.

"I see. Well, my apologizes for your things in Takeba's room, we were just sent your school uniforms and belongings in such a short notice. We'll help you take them to your new room if you like." She said, and I was about to say something but I saw Yukari steep up, surprising me.

"That's okay Senpai, she can stay in my room. It's not like my bed and room is really small, she can stay in there." she suggested. I looked to Yukari, stun she wants to share a room with me. Then it was looking to our Juniors, who looked flabbergasted that she said that. Mitsuru-senpai and Akihiko-senpai were shocked she wanted to room in the same room with me, they didn't think she respond to that.

"Takeba, are you sure?" Mitsuru asked, as I saw Yukari taking me by the hand going to the stairs pass the lounge. Yukari look to her, I didn't notice how serious Yukari was.

"There's no problem with someone of the same gender sharing a room, is there not?" she asked, and neither spoke up. I don't think there wasn't a issue, I worried I might have upsetting her for having my stuff in her room. They remain silent, Yukari smiling at them, "There you go. We will be upstairs getting Minako-chan settled in." and she and I watch both Juniors disappear from behind the corner and we went up the stairs. It wasn't long we came to the third floor, which I guess was the girls' floor. We came to her room, Yukari opening up the door and we walked inside. It was really roomy, her bed on the back of the room, a TV on the left, a dresser and work desk on the right where a lamp was behind the bed. The pink was noticeable, I could feel it was her favorite color. I put my bags down and sat on the bed to face her when she let go on my hand.

"Okay, this is my room, hope you feel at home." she said brightly to me. I smiled back to her, seeing her put her hands behind her back.

"Thank you Yukari." I said, getting up to unpack my suitcase and put my clothes in the drawers on the right side of her dresser, putting my winter and summer clothes hung up in the closet and my shoes I put in the bottom of the closet. I took a few of my photos on the top of the dresser, one of them my twin brother and me from five years ago. When I went to put my carry bag in the closet and look to one of Yukari's photos. It was a girl much younger than Yukari looked, in fact was her, maybe five or six. She was holding hands with someone who looked like her dad while standing with someone who look like her mother. I thought it was cute, it was the first old photos of my new roommate, and it was so adorable. I look to her, holding the photo with a smile on my face, "Who's this, your parents?"

I saw Yukari's face drop from a smile to a frown, taking a seat to her bed. It was the first time I really saw Yukari look sad. It didn't occur to me that asking about her parent made her feel sad. She took a deep breath, finally speaking up, "Yeah, they are."

"Is your parents around?" I asked cautiously.

"My dad died ten years ago, it's just me and my mom, Minako-chan." she said sadly. I felt like I was I upset her now, so I walk up to her, putting a hand to her shoulder.

"Sorry Yukari, I-I didn't mean to upset you. I can relate, my parents died ten years ago too." I said, feeling upset that brought up old wounds. I only just knew her and I made her look sad, it didn't think I could make that simple mistake. Yukari put her hand to my shoulder, bringing me closer to her eye level.

"That's okay, You have to apologize Minako-chan, just it's a little hard for me to talk about my dad." she said smiling to me, "I do know about your situation, about your parent's death."

"Really?" I asked, my knees to the ground.

"I looked into your and your brother's file, and found out you two were in a accident on the opening of the Moonlight Bridge. Sorry about that, it must been hard on your parents dying on you at a young age." she said softly to me, "If you like, I like to hear your side to your side of the accident on the Moonlight Bridget. If you like."

I look to one of the cushions and sat there looking to Yukari, crossing my legs, 'It was around midnight, we were driving really late at night. I remember Makoto-nii was more than me at that night. Then we in a accident, I remember our car being hit, we were lucky to survive, but mom and dad..." tears started to form from my eyes, my hands clenched as I started to cry, I could feel myself letting out my feelings for ten years of losing my parents, "They were killed, in the crash. We got out, with scrapes and scars, I think I got a bump on my head. But mom and dad, they were killed, b-b-bodies mangled and burned, and my brother was beside me. I think he got up and looked at the fire and wreckage, I-I cried, they're gone... and I blacked out.. I woke up in the hospital and we were there for a little bit until the police station watched us. Our aunt and uncle from my mom's side came to get us, so we lived with them for that time. I just... I just don't know why..." My voice started to shake, I felt more of my feelings boiling to the surface, "Why did they have to die?! Way did they leave us all alone, why, why are we left alone?! I was going to die that night, or lose Makoto-nii that night?! Why did I have to live? Why did I have to suffer those memories, why, why?!" I felt ten years of feelings burst from my mouths, ten years just how long I felt about their deaths or that night. I came back here to get answers, but now I felt even worse now before . My eyes were close, tears falling from my eyes. It wasn't long I felt arms embracing me in a warm hug. It was like my mom hugging me in her arms: soft and gentle. I opened my eyes, seeing it wasn't my mom, but Yukari hugging me. Yukari must have reacted to the story, of course she wants to make me feel better.

"I'm sorry, I guess it hurts you too about your parents' death, sorry I ask about it Minako-chan." she said softly to me. I could tell Yukari was sorry, but I felt like I needed fresh air, I need to get out of here. I removed Yukari's arms and look to her, faking a smile, my tears still falling.

"I'm going to take a walk out now. I'll be back later." and I got up from the floor, looking away from Yukari and went to the door, surprising Yukari.

"Wait, Minako-chan!" I heard her call me back, holding the back of my shirt, "It's getting late Minako-chan, maybe you should stay in the dorms!"

"I'll be back before dark. Later Yukari..." and I wrench myself fromYukari's grasp and ran down the stairs, not hearing her calling me back.

"Minako-chan, Minako-chan!" but I didn't' hear her as I was already running out the third floor and then the dorm, hearing both Mitsuru-senpai and Akihiko-senpai try to call me. I didn't know where I went or where I want to go, all I wanted to was to get away again. Back at the dorm, Yukari probably worried about me., I could faintly hear her try to call me back.

''Yuki really was affected by her parents' death, I don't blame her for crying. I guess I walk into that asking her, she was affected more than me.' Yukari look to Minako, who fallen asleep and looking peacefully. "But there was one thing I thought about that time than before. Yuki-chan was in the dark hour not as a coffin, so did she and her brother were aware in the Dark Hour. Did they have potential like us?'

"Minako-chan, Minako-chan!" Yukari called out, but Minako didn't listen as she was disappearing from the sitars. Yukari ran down the stairs to see Minako running down the second floor and down the first floor, seeing the dorm doors wide open and the seeing the streets in the distance. Both Mitsuru and Akihiko both bewildered at seeing Minako running out the dormitory. They saw Yukari coming into the lounge and panting heavily, the juniors walking up to Yukari.

"Takeba, what happened?" Mitsuru asked.

"Why did Minako run out the dorm for?" Akihiko asked, confused by the auburn haired girl run out the room.

"I- I asked her about her parents. I didn't know she was upset that badly. I'm sorry, I get it's best to not ask too many questions, especially I knew her past. But, I really hurt her feelings." Yukari put her left arm behind her back, feeling terrified she just ran her roommate out the dormitory, "I'm sorry, I was the one who invited her into my room, then upset her." and look sadly away, only for Akihiko put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's not your fault Yukari." he said reassuring, "There is some things we all have to endure in the past. There is just memories... better left unsaid." and he look away too, the reason he works with Mitsuru in the first place.

"Indeed..." Mitsuru agreed, her arms crossed.

"Should we go after her?" Yukari asked sadly.

"Let's just give her time to herself. We can't force her to come back. But if 'that' occurs, we'll have a rough time finding her." Mitsuru said looking to the two.

"The Dark Hour, she's be a coffin and no way we'll know who she she is. Yukari, we told you everything about the Dark Hour, are you fine sleeping with a coffin every Dark Hour?" Akihiko asked her, still keeping her hand to her shoulder.

"I think she has the potential." Yukari spoke up, shocking the Juniors, "Remember the incident on Moonlight Bridge, the car accident? Remember how two kids were found there, they weren't affected by the Dark Hour at a young age."

"Then that means...?" Mitsuru spoke up, putting two and two together.

"She's in the Dark Hour when night hits and midnight hits. If she is still out, we need to got after her before the Shadows attack her." Akihiko said seriously, "I'll go after her when that happens."

"I'm going with you senpai. I understand how she felt, I want to say I'm sorry to her." Yukari said and look to the juniors seriously. They saw how she looked, surprised how she's stepping up to help Minako. If they said no, she would do all her power to go anyway. Mitsuru smiled to her underclassmen, seeing her dedication to help Minako. Mitsuru nodded, smiling at her.

"Alright Takeba. For now we'll wait until Midnight. If Arisato doesn't come back before midnight, we''ll go after her." she said and Yukari sighed in relief.

"Thank you. I'm going to my room. If Minako-chan does come back, let me know " and with a smile on her face, Yukari walked away backstairs, leaving both Juniors into themselves.

"Arisato has potential, or should we say both of them?" Mitsuru asked curiously a hand to her chin.

"Could be, hard to believe they were that involved that night. Then again, it was because your family that caused it." Akihiko said and Mitsuru frowned in agreement.

"I know it best we never let Takeba know the full story, but I don't know how to tell her about her father or what caused it. But, the fact what caused the Dark Hour affected not only her, but them. Fate really is strange to bring them here." Mitsuru sat down on one of the sofas, Akihiko facing her.

"I know, still we been through a lot now. What your family been through, what I been through... I can understand how she feels and what Minako went through. I spent most my life in a orphanage, I can relate losing people... Miki..." he said putting his hands to his chin to think.

"We been through a lot, especially Shinjiro leaving us. But we just have to do what the Chairman said, find members and explore Tartarus to its fullest. If Arisato has the potential, then her coming back here wasn't a coincidence." Mitsuru added, looking to folder which had information on the Arisato Twins.

"You have a point. Right now..." Akihiko said as Minako sat in the Mall's Chagall Cafe, crying herself as she fell asleep, "We'll have to pray she's okay..."

Hours passed and it was already close to midnight, Both Juniors concerned as they seem to be geared up and ready. Yukari spent the whole time in her room (now sharing it with Minako). While she grabbed a gun and put in on a hosteler, she set up the room to now feel like two people. She grabbed a extra pillowcase, grabbing a pillow from her closet and put on the right. She went through her bags, seeing some of the extra things she left behind. She saw several photos and posters, pinning them to her wall and board. She got a idea of what her brother look like, seeing a boy with blue hair. She didn't deny it, he look kind of cute. When she saw a picture of her parents, she really understood how Minako felt and how she wasn't the only one affected by losing family. A single tear trickled down her cheek but it wasn't time to cry, save the tears when Minako is safe.

It was a quarter to midnight, the three stood in the lounge, each carrying a weapon, a gun, and holster for the gun on a brown belt. They had to check anyway before the Dark Hour began. Although both Akihiko and Mitsuru were prepared for this, Yukari was concerned. Minako really didn't come back was she alright? She had to apologize to her asking about her parents, she had to say sorry. With the trains service less crowded at night, they rode their way to where the Paulownia MalI was, only a few minutes until midnight. Yukari could feel time ticking away, but she wanted to find Minako and bring her back to the dorm. One minute until the dark Hour, they left the platform as she look at her phone. She watch as the time read 12:00, and the world change around her and her juniors. The sky turn completely green and eerie, anything that was electronic was completely shut off, anyone around them before transformed into coffins with a red aura below them. Blood like water appeared too, and now the Dark Hour began.

"Jeez, I still can't over this is what happens to our city and the whole world." Yukari groaned.

"Same, even when we first experienced it, it's hard to believe it, but we need to find Minako before she is attacked." Akihiko said.

"Right, let's hurry to the Mall, it's the only place Arisato would be. We should hurry. But, with only two of us who can fully awaken our Persona, we might be at a disadvantage if there more than one around." Mitsuru informed, making Yukari grit her teeth in frustration. She wasn't wrong anyway.

"Let's hurry, I can see the mall from here. Come on. The faster we finish this and find her, the faster we can try to return home when the Dark Hour ends." Akihiko reminded the girls. They nodded, walking across the street and came to the mall.

In the cafe, Minako still was asleep, her arms covering her face as she had cried herself to sleep and unfortunately stayed really late in the Cafe. A jacket was drape over her, someone must have covered her so she be warm. When she finally woke up, she rubbed her eyes and realized she was still in the cafe. She sighed to herself, remembering she ran away after telling her story. She saw the jacket over and put it on the chair, getting up to see the atmosphere changed, it was like completely different than what it was hours ago. Eerie green, coffins, what seems to to be blood, this wasn't normal. No, as she got up to try to exit, this looked familiar. She took her phone out, saw not only it couldn't turn on, but it look it couldn't respond. This was getting stranger and stranger, she had to get back to the dorm as soon as possible, maybe say sorry to Yukari for running out on her. Yukari... what will she say to her? She ran off on her, after pouring her feelings out for those ten years. She clutch her arm made her way to the doors, making her way back to the dorm. She'll have to explain to Mitsuru and Akihiko-senpai about what happen, and hope Yukari will forgive her. Walking out the Cafe, the scenery was even worse, even the fountain had a pool of blood. She look around hoping to get out here and back in the dorm. As she walk to the fountain, putting her hand to the pool when something was sneaking up behind her. She turned around, only to see something that was not human. It was something looked unnatural. It as sorcerers that wear jester-like caps with two giant, hands wrapped around their form. She saw a mask over its face and it look dangerous. Minako look terrified, sweat pouring down her face as she screamed.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!" Minako's scream was heard from outside, the mall, Yukari, Mitsuru, and Akihiko could hear it the moment they tough hold of the door. Yukari was panicking, Minako had to be ambush by a shadow right now.

"Minako-chan!" she screamed.

"I feel a Shadow is in there, we better hurry!" Mitsuru announced, Yukari and Akihiko nodded, seeing Mitsuru swing open the door, and ran right inside.

Minako had nowhere to go, she was concerned by a creature she didn't understand if it was even human or animal. She felt like her life was in danger, no way to escape. Was going to die, be killed by this. She had no choice but to close her eyes. She was going to die, she was going to die right here and now. She was willing to accept death with no way out. It was fun while it lasted, meeting yukari, Mitsuru, and Akihiko for only a few hours.

"Goodbye... Yukari-chan...' she thought, shedding a tear.

"Minako-chan!" the voice of someone familiar make her eyes open in shock. She heard something flying as she saw the creature be hit by a arrow. She looking to her left seeing Yukari, Mitsuru, and Akihiko were there. They came to her rescue, looking like they had weapons at hand: a rapier, boxing gloves, and a Bow and arrows. She was overjoyed, running from the shadow and hugging Yukari without delay.

"Yukari-chan! I-I'm sorry, so sorry! I didn't mean to run off!" she cried, tears falling from her eyes as she started to cry, "What's going on, what's going on with everything, what is that thing?!"

Yukari put a hand to Minako's back, smiling at her as she pat her back, "Don't worry about, I'll explain later." And step forward looking at the Shadow. She stood with Mitsuru and Akihiko eyeing the Shadow as it finally recovered by Yukari blind spot with her arrow, "Can we handle this one?"

"It looks small, but we should be able to deal with it. Even if you can't summon your Persona yet Takeba, this shouldn't be hard to deal with." Mitsuru said, pulling out her rapier from its sheath.

"Got it! A lone Shadow outside Tartarus, this will be interesting..." Akihiko said and pulled out a gun from his holster. For a moment, Minako didn't understand why Akihiko had a gun or pointing it to his temple make her panic he was going to kill himself. Then he spoke up, "Let's go!" firing his gun that change otherwise. Appearing from Akihiko was something that looks also human. Long brown hair and body build for training a lot, it's body look mechanical and it went to punch at the creature. It push back the creature back, hitting the fountain but it didn't look like it did any damage, it's arm like body spread out, from below their feet, ice formed around them as they were first seal in ice before Yukari, Mitsuru, and Akihiko were sent flying from Minako as she gasp, seeing the three drop behind her.

"Yukari-chan, Akihiko-senpai, Mitsuru-senpai!" she cried out, see them were hurt. She look to the Shadow, slowing coming her way. She didn't know what to do, they got her and no one can protect her. As it was getting closer, she noticed something, something that was by her feet. The gun Akihiko was using. When she held it, her hands were sweating holding it, but felt her body on autopilot. She put the gun to her temple, her hand to her chest, hearing a feminine voice, like her own voice, speaking to her.

"It seems it finally time. Are you ready to die?" the voice asked her.

"No, I want to live, I want to protect them..." she said softly.

"Then call out from the sea of your heart, accept the destiny that's before you." the voice asked, Minako speaking once more, very slowly:

"Per... So... Na..." and fired the gun, her eyes glowing red as her body was surging with power. When Yukari, Mitsuru, and Akihiko recovered off the ground, they saw Minako standing forward with Akihiko's gun, and something appearing from her. It was woman, body mechanical and wearing a red dress and long red hair while it held a rose covered staff. They couldn't believe it, she could summon a Persona.

'Thou art I... And I am thou... From the sea of thy soul I cometh... I am Eurydice Picaro, the Wood Nymph." It spoke, Minako standing in a trance as the creature came from her floated over her. Eurydice Picaro waved her staff at the creature, a stream of fire set it on fire as it cried out, vanishing in wisps of black and red, completely wipe out. The three were flabbergasted about it, she destroyed the Shadow? The being look to Minako, a smile on her face.

"Your power is young but weak... I pity you... separated by your love ones... I know I feels... until we meet again..." and then they saw it change before them, looking different, it's body appearing more feminine with long hair like the other being, a lyre on it's back... "I am Orpheus, Master of Strings..." and vanished in blue light, Minako's eyes were in focus as she turn around, looking at her surroundings as she saw the creature was gone. She look to the dropped Gekkoukan students, bewildered at her. Without a chance to speak, she drop to her knees looking exhausted, Yukari quickly getting up to grab her. Both Mitsuru and Akihiko got and kneeling to the two freshmen, still shock on what happen.

"That was a Persona was it? You weren't wrong Yukari, she does have the potential." Akihiko siad.

"That Persona, I'm sure I saw it change, maybe getting hit by that Bofu spell to realize it," Mitsuru wondered, "At any case, let's take her back to the dorm. I'm sure she's not hurt, but I think she be better sleeping on her own bed at the very least."

"Okay. I got her." Yukari said, grabbing Minako's arm and slinging over her back,struggling to lift the auburn haired girl. Both juniors watch her try to get her off her feet, with much difficulty. Getting her walk with her the two watch her.

"Yukari, you want any help?" Akihiko asked.

"No," she replied, shaking her head, "It's my fault she ran away. I have to say sorry to her. Don't worry, I can do it senpai." and slowly carried the auburn haired teen towards the exit, both Akihiko and Mitsuru following after her. There was a lot they had to know about Minako, if she did have the potential like that and that Persona, why it change like that? At any case, as the Dark Hour was going to end, they know it's making sure their roommate was taken care of.

"Minako-chan's Persona changed just like Makoto-kun's, but his was completely different. Then again, it's hard to believe these two have that kind of power, able to switch Personas like these two are quite special.' Yukari said, looking at the sleeping Minako, 'But she woke up faster than Makoto-kun, I wonder why?' she put a hand to Minako's hand and held it tightly scooting closer to Minako in the bed, smiling peacefully to her and herself, 'but I'm really glad you were safe that night Yuki-chan...' and went to sleeping finally.

"Minako, Yukari, it's me! Wake up!" the sound of Makoto Arisato was heard through the girls' bedroom door. Yukari groan in her sleep before opening her eyes. She look around to notice she was holding Minako's hands and how close she was to the auburn haired teen. Yukari's whole face turn completely red as she panicked, freaking out as she feel off her bed and hit her head on the small table. Yukari began to cry out in pain, grabbing her head as she freaking out on the floor in pain. Once again, Makoto spoke up again, "Yukari, you okay?"

"Y-Yes!" Yukari exclaimed blushing, hearing the sound of Minako stirring in her bed making Yukari freak out, snapping to her. Minako got up from her pillow and stretch her arms yawning. Smacking her lips, she smiled to Yukari.

"Morning Yukari. What are you doing on the ground?" Minako asked, making Yukari wave her hands defensively at her.

"N-N-Nothing Yuki-chan ahahaha. Uh, Makoto-kun is at the door, looks like he wants us to come downstairs!" she said and continued to laugh nervously. Minako cock her head at her, wondering what was up with her.

It wasn't long the two got dress and found Makoto sitting at the 2nd floor table. Taking off his headphones to look at them, he gave his sister and friend a wave before getting up to see them. Both girls were dress in their weekend clothes. Makoto was wearing a light gray double-breasted jacket, dark pants, and a khaki turtleneck sweater, along with his earphones. Minako was wearing a red scarf, a light orange sweater, a red plaid skirt, black leggings, and red boots (along with her earphones). Yukari wore a pink jacket and brown boots (Makoto could see something was odd about her like she really hit her head or something). Once he got up, they went downstairs where Mitsuru and Akihiko were sitting there with Junpei sitting at the table on the left. Akihiko was wearing a white jacket and a red scarf and white pants while Mitsuru wore a short black peacoat, a white scarf, and white pants, along with said boots Jumpei wore a black jacket with a white shirt, black pants, and his hat and necklace. Saying bye to Junpei and the seniors, the three left the dorm and rode the train to the mall. They decided to go to Mandragora, a karaoke bar to sing some songs for the day. It was somewhere Minako suggest they check and hopefully get Makoto to sing.

"You be surprise, he can sing well for someone who looks the way he does." Minako pointed out, making Makoto look at her sharply.

"I can't tell if you are insulting me or think someone like me can't have human emotions." Makoto replied dryly.

"Mako-nii, you be the one with a attitude that we're glad you don't try to hurt us or make me suffer for some odd reason. Just promise me you won't swear in another language, will ya?" she asked tugging at his sleeve. Makoto eyed her like she grew a second head.

"Why would I, you're odd Minako." he replied, really not getting his sister's joke when they came inside the circular mall and went to the karaoke bar to get a booth for themselves. It wasn't as pack as nights are usual, so they were able to find a booth for themselves. While Makoto went to get their drinks, it was just the two of of them all alone. Minako was looking through what song to sing first, Yukari was quiet with her, thinking about what happened in the morning.

'Maybe because I was closer to her last night I feel embarrass, still,' she looked how happy Minako was shuffling through song choices, 'seeing Yuki-chan so cheerful... It makes me happy, I don't know why...' as Minako spoke up to Yukari, breaking her thought.

"Yukari, pick your first song!" Minako said happily holding out the binder filled with song suggestions. Realizing Minako would be devastated if she wasn't paying attention, she pick a song she saw on the page, a song she reminded a few years ago. When Makoto came back with their drinks, Minako was first to sing, both Yukari and Makoto watching her. It wasn't long that Makoto look to her curiously.

"Hey Yukari, can you ask you a personal question?" he asked, Yukari looking to him.

"Sure, what you want to know Makoto-kun?" Yukari asked.

"What do you like about Minako, as a friend I mean." he said, but added a friend so he wouldn't make her upset, if she likes Minako back or not. Yukari pondered for moment, putting her hands to her knees before looking to the auburn haired girl.

"What I like about Yuki-chan?" she repeated, "Well, she is kind and caring for others, her smile is warm and bright. I like how bubbly she is, even when everything she's been through." she explained firmly, looking from one twin to another, "You know, she talked to me about losing her parents, I guess it really broke her. But when I see her happy, I tells me she's doing her best to keep up a smile," watching Minako sing her heart out, "I know she seems to be burdened with the past, but I think something Senpai once said... we have some things better left unsaid." Yukari added smiling half heartedly.

"I see... I guess Minako isn't over it, none of us are to the past." Makoto said before looking to her, 'She hasn't moved on, we both still have scars of that night...' he thought as Minako's song was over, Minako sat down between Yukari and Makoto sweating after finishing her first song.

"Man, I sung well, Yukari-chan you're up now!" Minako said ecitedly o her.

"Okay!" Yukari replied and got up to sing. Time pass that each of them sang song after song, Yukari surprised how good Makoto was at singing, his appearance didn't look like some kind of good singer. When he finished and sat with the girls, Minako jeered her brother for having more emotion than he looks.

"One of these days, we should go dancing." and Makoto replied with a chuckle.

"Later sis."

"Welcome back." Mitsuru greeted the three of them when evening rode on by. Saying night to his sister, Makoto returned to his room. Minako and Yukari went to bed immediately the moment they got in their room. It was three hours to midnight that Minako was still looking up at her phone, seeing the time tick away to start the Dark Hour, seeing Yukari was still asleep. With all the singing they did, She didn't hear what her brother and Yukari were talking abo0ut, but it did seem like they were getting along. She did like how nice they look together and how Makoto could get along well with Yukari. Even so, Makoto wasn't anti-social completely, both of them might wear headphones but they didn't mind people very much. Even between the five years they didn't see each other, he wasn't no different than before. At the same time, he wasn't fully upset than she was. It was getting boring just being around in the room, so she climb out of the bed, not to wake up Yukari, and started grabbing her jacket to put over her pajama top. From the closet. She could hear Yukari sleeping soundly, walking over to brush her hair.

"I'll be back soon, sleep well Yukari-chan.." and out the door she went, making sure not to alert anyone she was leaving.

She decided to walk to Tatsumi Port station, seeing how quiet it was, or at least it should be. She could see people sitting around, drinking, smoking, even with their significant other. They didn't look like the crowd she wanted to be around, so she just started at the moon in the sky. It was going to be a new moon in a few more days. As strange it was, it was nice to see how peaceful this place could be when not the dark hour. She didn't grab her MP3 player when someone spoke up behind her.

"This isn't a place for a girl like you to be out so late." a voice spoke up, making Minako wheel around in a panic. His appearance was much taller than her, his unkempt brown hair, worn perpetually under a beanie, and steel-colored eyes. He is somewhat warmly complected, a change from the generally pale group she was use to. His clothing is relatively simple, consisting mainly of a maroon peacoat, black pants and brown Chelsea shoes. Something about looking at him told her he might have a shitty personality if angered. She look on nervously at him, worried he might hurt her.

"Sorry, I wanted to get some fresh air you know, please don't think I'm in your spot or anything." she responded to the girls. The beanie wearing man scoffed, not seem bothered by her.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt you. But you shouldn't be out here, You're a Gekkoukan High Student right? In the same dorm with Mitsuru and Akihiko?" he asked.

"Yes? You know them?" Minako asked. The man look away, putting hands in his pockets.

"More or less. Anyway, I won't pry into your life, it's none of my business but I'm sure you know. Being out here this late isn't safe." he informed her and Minako pondered about it.

'Does he know about the Dark Hour too?' she thought looking at him, "What about you, isn't dangerous out here?" she asked. The Peacoat wearing teen didn't seem to care, his hands in his pockets. Minako wondered why he was dress like that, it wasn't that cold.

"I have my reasons. You have a name?' he asked.

"Minako." she replied.

"I see.. Minako, you should return to the dorm before someone is worried." he said and Minako nodded. Maybe going out wasn't a good idea, she was grateful nothing so far happened to her, so she should count her blessings. But the teen she was facing seem to knew of the Dark Hour, was he a Persona User? At any case, she should get back, she only wanted to get some fresh air finally but never really went out at night sans the Mall. Taking a chance to collect herself, she made a slight walk from him and look to him.

"Well, take care of yourself, see you." she waved and walk towards the station to the train back to the dorm. The peacoat wearing teen look away at her, a scowl on his face.

"I guess Aki and Mitsuru found new members if she's out here without a care. Still, she doesn't seem a bad person." he said look up at the moon in the sky. The quarter moon was visible, was a Full Moon going to happen again? "Minako, what a odd girl, even if she's helping them."

It was a few minutes to midnight when Minako came back to the Iwatodai dorm, the sound of cars passing by and climb up the stairs and open up the door. When she open the door, someone spoke to her that made her jump in fright.

"Welcome back, Yuki-chan." was the sound of Yukari who sat at one of the sofa looking at with arms crossed with a smile on her face. Mnako was terrified, did Yukari think she was gone from their bed or ran off? She look on nervously at the brunette haired girl who got to face her closely.

"Y-Yukari-chan, I-I'm sorry, I wanted to get some fresh air, honest!" she said ready for Yukari to be angry at her, to scold her for going out before the Dark Hour started. Before she feared the worse, felt two hands grab hers. She look up to see Yukari holding her hands, keeping them held tightly.

"Don't worry, I'm not angry at you. Just, I got worried for you. I thought you ran away again, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you." she said, her tone getting more softly before letting her hands go, "You are my friend, I don't want you hurt again, or disappear. You're... important to me Yuki." and then embraced Minako, startling her, "I don't want to lose anyone anymore, so don't do anything reckless. You are our leader along with Makoto-kun... I can't lose anyone."

"Yukari-chan. I didn't mean to worry you. I won't do that ever again." she said , feeling how concern Yukari was for her and hugged her back.

"Promise?" she asked and Minako put a hand to her back of her brunette hair to comfort her, hugging her tightly.

"I promise..."

Minako kept quiet about meeting the peacoat wearing teen or that she was out before the Dark hour. Still she thought about him or why he dress like that or why he was out before the Dark Hour too. When they arrived at the front gate of the school, the two students they sually see was there too. They stop to listen in, something they were talking about might be interesting.

"Morning..." the Gossiping Student greeted before groaning in annoyance, "Ugh, I'm so drowsy on Mondays..."

"Didn't you say the same thing last week?" the Listening Student asked, "Is that special morning assembly today? How come we're having one? We just had one last week..." And Minako had to agree with her, they just did unless something was wrong.

"Remember how great Kirijo-senpai's speech was last week?" the Gossiping Student asked. Makoto agreed, although only he and Minako could pick up the symbolism from her works quite well than everyone else.

"Oh yeah, that speech was awesome! Although, I didn't understand most of it..." the Listening Student replied lazily.

"What I heard was, the principal got jealous, so he scheduled his own speech to compete with her." the Gossiping Student explained and that confused the twins. Why would he do that?

"Seriously!? What's up with that? Why do we have to suffer because of his ego!?" the Listening Student exclaimed and even Minako felt that to be strange. With everything going on, there is no time to be jealous. The first bell rang and they entered inside.

It wasn't long that it was when Makoto and his sister were in auditorium listening to Mitsuru's speech, how there was a different meaning that most didn't catch that, but it was clear what the Student Council President was talking about. Now it was listening to the principal, and unlike the feeling Mitsuru gave them, it was different. At the stage, the principal and a teacher. Both twins were sitting with Junpei and Yukari like before as the teacher spoke up.

"We'll now begin this morning's assembly," The male teacher said, "First, our principal has some words he'd like to share with you. Please give him a warm welcome."

"Thank you." the principal said, his appearance looking much older than even the chairman. As the principal took his place at the podium, Makoto crossed his arms, waiting for what he has to say. Yukari and Junpei sat in their seats curious what this was about, but not catching on why both twins were scowling.

"What's the deal with the assembly? ...You think it's about the recent incidents?" Yukari asked in a hush whisper.

"Who cares?" Junpei replied with a shrug, "The Principal doesn't know anything about the Shadows, anyway. I just hope this doesn't take too long…"

"I know. His speeches always drag." Yukari groaned, Minako's patting her on the shoulder. The four looked back to the stage

"Ahem," the Principal cleared his throat and spoke into the microphone, "Today, I'd like to tell you about my, um, vision for this school year. As you are aware, strange incidents have been reported on the news lately. It is my firm belief that none of you are involved." Makoto felt a feeling of déjà vu about the words, "However, if we want to better our school, then we all need to accept responsibility for change. Dig deep down inside, and tap into your imaginations. ...But don't lose touch with reality. As they say, "There's no use crying over spilt milk." This is the key to reaping all the rewards that school has to offer…" and finally it dawned on him, Junpei and the girls too this way too on the nose to be a coincidence.

"Wait a minute... Doesn't this remind you of Mitsuru-senpai's speech?" Yukari asked realizing the similarity.

"Yeah, you're right... What's up with that!?" Junpei exclaimed, thinking this had to be a joke.

"You know what they say, getting show up by your peers and they'll embarrass themselves." Minako said as she rolled her eyes. Junpei and Makoto nodded in agreement.

After the Principal's 'speech', the day went on as normal for the twins. When lunchtime hit, their classroom door slid open and Mitsuru stepped in and walked over to their desks. It has to be something important if she's wanting to speak with them.

"Hello senpai, something you need?" Minako asked curiously.

"Arisato," Mitsuru spoke, addressing both of them, "I'm sorry, but I need to talk to you after school. I have a special request for you two."

"Yes senpai?" Minako asked, seeing the stern looking in her visible eye She nodded to the pair.

"I apologize for being in a rush, but I don't feel comfortable asking anyone else." she said, "I'll tell you more about it after school, okay? Au revoir." and with a curt wave and them nodding in agreement, she left their classroom giving them a chance to talk. What did Mitsuru wanted help for? She couldn't ask anyone else, so it had to be something Yukari, Akihiko, and Junpei couldn't do. Deciding to see what it's about, they went to their next class.

"Good to know that your math skills have improved Minako." Makoto commented with a smirk, "I remember a certain auburn haired girl who had a low score on their test."

"Oh ha ha brother." Minako replied dryly to him as after school rolled in and waiting for Mitsuru to ask them for a favor. On cue, the red haired Student Council President came up to Makoto's table while Minako stood with him.

"I apologize for the wait you two." she said at once. Both shook their heads, if it's important, they should listen, "To make a long story short, I the two of you to join Student Council."

"Really?" Makoto asked at once, a little daze this was the favor.

"You sure, Mako still new here, it might be much for us." Minako protested, there was a lot of responsibilities to be a member, would they make her proud?

"Well the two of you won't have to participate in every activity. Just come to the Student Council room when you have the time.." Mitsuru turned around and started to walk away, not before turning on her heels, " You probably should ask Ms. Toriumi first and let her know." And once again, Mitsuru left the room.

"Student Council huh?" Makoto asked pondering on his desk, " I guess we should not let Mitsuru-senpai down."

"I guess you're right. Plus the more people we meet, the better chances for Social Links. Besides, the more friends we make the better. Okay, let's hurry to speak with Ms. Toriumi." Minako said before grabbing her school bag. Makoto agreed, grabbing his bag

"I guess being Student Council President is time consuming, she needs our help. Plus Akihiko-senpai doing it, he looks more a fighter than a thinker." Makoto said before looking back at a hefty looking student talking to another, "As leaders, we need to take responsibility after another. The others will count on us."

Minako nodded and the pair left for the Faculty office.

The fact Ms. Toriumi was expecting them out of request of Mitsuru told them she had requested the twins personally. Once it was out of the way, they went back to the second floor, where the Student Council room was. They walked inside, finding Mitsuru was waiting for them at the center of the tables where two members were present along with several others too. The first was a boy whose expression looked serious. He was a young man with swept back grayish black hair and black eyes. He wears a standard uniform of Gekkoukan High School with a yellow armband with "Student Council" on his left arm. On Mitsuru's right, was a young girl who looked like a freshman. Her appearance was rather shy, having long dark brown hair, brown eyes, and wears black glasses. she wore the standard Gekkoukan school uniform. While standing with her brother and Mitsuru, she gave her a slight wave, making look shyly away.

"Everyone, this is Makoto Arisato and his twin sister Minako Arisato. They're the ones I've been talking about the past few days. They'll be joining us in Student Council."

"Hello." Makoto greeted hands to his sides

"It's nice to meet all of you." Minako greeted happily.

The greyish black haired student eyed the twins, keeping his arms crossed. He spoke up, keeping his serious expression. He push back some of his hair, but keeping a normal gaze

"Makoto-kun and Minako-chan, huh…" he said, "I'm Hidetoshi Odagiri. I supervise the Disciplinary Committee."

"I'm Chihiro Fushimi, the treasurer." greeted the brown haired girl timidly, "I'm a sophomore, and um… I'm still learning the ropes, so… please be patient with me, Makoto-san, Minako-san."

Nice to meet you both, Hidetoshi-san, Chihiro-chan." Makoto greeted to them. Chihiro averted her gaze from the boy, Makoto wondering why. Hidetoshi stared at the pair, sizing them up. Minako could tell he wasn't part of the Disciplinary Committee for nothing. Probably hoping they weren't problem children.

"You two must be talented if the President hand-picked you." Hidetoshi said sternly. Despite his serious look, he did want to learn about them. But both started to get to know the members of the Student Council. Once again, a crashing sound echoed in their ears as time stop once more, a card appearing before them, a card depicting a king and the roman number IV:

"I art thou... and thou art I. Thou hast established a new bond. Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Emperor Arcana." the card vanished, they now formed a Social Link with Hidetoshi. The school was about to end, after the meeting, they would return to the dorm.

"Today, we'll just do introductions. It'll be your job to help us, Arisato. From now on, have my permission to enter the Student Council Room whenever you need to. That includes after school too. Thank you both for joining us" Mitsuru said to the two.

"You're welcome Mitsuru-senpai." Makoto nodded curtly.

"We'll do our best." Minako said enthusiastically.

With the first meeting as Student Council members done, they returned to the dorm with Mitsuru following after them

"'Sup Dudes." greeted Junpei went the three and Mitsuru came walking into the dorm, the Student Council President talking a seat at one of the couches, "Yo! I heard Mitsuru-senpai asked you two to join the Student Council! Senpai, are you sure you wanna let this Makoto in?"

"Hey, I only just joined, me and Minako will do great." Makoto replied, Minako nodding as well.

"I simply asked for their assistance, I don't intend to burden them with too much responsibilities." Mitsuru replied honestly before looking at Junpei, "Why, are you interesting in helping too, Iori?" and Junpei flinched in his seat realizing Mitsuru thought he wanted to join.

"Oh, uhh… Thanks, but I'll pass. Thanks for the offer anyway." Junpei mumbled, slumping in his seat. Minako giggled, giving her fellow members a wave before climbing up the stairs to the rooms, going to the girls floor and into her room. Yukari was working at her work desk, hearing the sound of the door opening. She turned around, seeing her roommate walking into the room.

"Hey!" Minako greeted, taking her school bag and putting it in their closet.

"Hi." Yukari greeted softly. She waited Minako take a sit on their bed before looking solemnly at her, "So, I heard Mitsuru-senpai asked you and Makoto-kun to join the Student Council, is that true?"

"Yes, it's not a problem?" she asked making Yukari waving her hands defensively.

"No, no, if she needs you two's help, it's not my place to be involved!" she admitted before feeling Minako wrap her arms around her, "Yuki…" she said breathlessly.

"Mitsuru-senpai just want a little help, that's all. I won't have her take up my ftime from you, okay?" she told her, Yukari's cheeks heating up.

"Yeah, sorry I got a little worried." she replied nervously. She felt Minako release her, the auburn haired girl smiling at her, before Yukari saw the sleeping face of Minako from last year.

"You've been carrying her for awhile now, you don't want any help Yukari?" Akihiko asked, as the came back into the dorm, Yukari still carrying the collapsed Minako.

"I'm fine Senpai, this is mostly my fault. I, I want to apologize to her myself." she declined. This was something she had to do herself. Even how much her bod ache, how both being knocked by a Shadow and carrying Minako for miles feels, this was nothing compared to the pain in her heart. She'll carrying Minako to the end of the earth if it means saying what she wants to say.

Yukari embraced Minako this time, Minako taking the gesture that she understood the reason.

'I'm going to get stronger… And protect you…'

The next day, Makoto and Minako saw that Mitsuru was waiting for them at the school, She beckon the pair over, as student got out of their way, it was night early morning on a twida, 28th of April, and they wanted to know what their Student Council President as well leader of SEES wanted.

"Good morning you two. So Arisato?" she asked, addressing Makoto, " Have you acclimated to our school yet?"

"I'm getting there, Minako's been a big help getting me around Port Island." he plied, Minako rubbing her neck sheepishly.

"I see, your ability to adapt to actions and environments is impressive. I see why your sister thinks highly of you." Mitsuru replied kindly, making Makoto smile a little.

"Thanks Senpai." Makoto replied back to her.

"By the way, there's something I forgot to the both of you… Most times you will find me in the lounge, I won't be there is something I must attend." she added.

"So there might be times you'll won't be with us to go to Tartarus and we wait another day, I think I follow." Makoto understood.

"Catch on quick, very impressive." she said smiling at him. The school rang and they entered inside.

Time flew by fast for both of them, that it was already lunchtime. They step outside their classroom, only to have Junpei come up to them. Curious as to what he wanted, they faced the baseball wearing teen.

"Yo, feels kinda weird running into you two in the hall like this." he said jokingly, :you two free today, let's go see a movie."

"A movie?" Makoto repeated.

"Sure, we don't have plans right now, right?" Minako asked, looking at her brother.

"Sweet, , I'll be waiting in our classroom for me, I'm sure you won't miss me." he told him.

"You aren't hard to miss Junpei, who else wears a cap in school?" Minako asked coolly. Junpei chuckled nervously at Minako's remark, she wasn't wrong. But he didn't have any other places either, so they should take him up of his offer. Once lunchtime was over and class was over, they asked Junpei to take them to the movie theater in Tatsumi Port Island. Junpei took them to Tatsumi Port Island Movie Theater which was adjacent to the station. Makoto didn't see it during the night he came to the Dorm. Standing by the Theater, Junpei looked to the twins with a smile on his face.

"This is it, 'Double Barrel Justice'!" Junpei announced to them, "I've been waiting fro this to come out!

"A action flick Junpei?" Makoto asked, seeing how excited he was about eyes were lit up, he looked more happy than normally.

"In a way Makoto. To put it bluntly, it's about fighting what right in the world gone mad. If I'm going to spend money on a movie, I want it to kick major ass." he said smiling cheekily.

"You don't seem like a person to sit in a boring movie Junpei." Minako pointed out to him. Junpei did lok excited, this was a big deal to him to followed the boys into the theaters and watched Double Barrel Justice with them. As Junpei said it was about fight for what's right in a world gone mad. In a way, it was let with SEES, the were fighting in the Dark Hour. Was Junpei inspired to the movie because of their mission? Maybe, to her, Junpei wasn't dumb. The actions scenes in the movies were overwhelming, so much to take in. The story was surprisingly complex, She'll have to thank Junpei one day for taking them. Makoto was impressed too, plus it was the first movie he watched with friends. Of course, when the left the theater and stood outside, Junpei wasn't as pleased they were.

"Hmm," he pondered with a frown, "It kina wasn't what I was expecting." He cock his head sidewas.

"You didn't enjoy it? It was the first movie I saw in the big screen in ages." Makoto informed him.

"Well, the villain wasn't that evil. It kinda killed it for me when it talked about his tragic past." he explained frowning, :"It wouldn't be cool to beat someone who didn't want to be a bad guy."

"Is it that bad, wouldn't having a believable villain make more sense evil because of powers. Sure they're okay, but not everyone has time for daddy drama or you hate where you live." minako interjected tugging at her headphones.

"But bad guys should be evil all the way to the core, that's more satisfying." Junpei said to Minako still frowning.

"Dunno, I'm with Mina on this one. It depends on the villain if it works on not, you never know who is bad or good or if their motives makes sense or not." Makoto chimed in. Junpei merely shrugged.

"You two still got time?" he asked, his smile returning again. Both nodded, the weren't in a rush, mabe something would cheer him up about the movie, "Let's grab something on the way back." Minako's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Now that's something we can agree on Junpei." Minako said brightly, Makto seeing her hunger eyes showing.

The three walked to Iwatodai Strip Mall Wild-Duck Burger where the went before. Minako with her brother while sitting across from Junpei. Makoto walked her brother order several burgers for herself. He wishes he wonders where it's all going to go. Makoto turned to Junpei, who flinched realizing something.

"What's up?" he asked curiously to the teen.

"Crap, the guys at school might say some stuff if they see me together with Minako." he realized, alread sweating, "I mean, there's a lot of guys who are interested in you, Minako. Plus there's the famous Yuka-tan and Mitsuru-senpai live in the same dorm too. There's a lot of guys who envy me because of that, even Makoto has that, but girls are interested in him"

"I'm here, nothing will happen man, trust me. Right Minako?" Makoto asked, seeing Minako about to dig in to a burger.

"Yup, we're just hanging out as friends, nothing more. Besides, your my friend Junpei, I'm allowed to hang with my pals." she assured him cheerfully, "Besides, I'm not interested in the guys here, I have my eyes on my interest."

"Minako…" Junpei said feel honored she called him a friend, brushing off what she could have meant b her words, "Thanks, It kind of takes the edge off a little. Of course your did kind of sa your aren't interested in the guys in our school. Who are you interested in.?"

Minako winked her left eye, "I'll tell you one day, when I want to tell this person how I feel. Promise me that you come find us if there's trouble, and I'll spill my beans, deal?"

Junpei chuckled at her, "Deal! Although, I didn't think you would care about all this Minako. No girl would be that desperate," and nodded triumphantly, "Plus, I know you two were probably have our hands full with everything. Actually, it's the same for me too."

"Is it big?" Makoto asked. Junpei shook his head.

"Not big thought." he replied. Junpei's expression suddenly turned serious. They felt they were much closer to him now. A crashing noise in their eyes told them that their social link with him gone up a new rank.

"But forget about all that stuff." Junpei added, breaking them of their thoughts, "Want some fries you guys, You don't mind sharing with me right"

"Not at all." Makoto replied, Junpei passing the fires to him and Minako. After they finished eating, they chatted for a while before they returned to the dorm

"Welcome back." Mitsuru greeted the pair as they came inside the lounge, "Welcome back. For your information... The internet line which was ripped apart by the Shadow will be fixed tomorrow. If you have a computer in your room, you should be able to connect. ...Well, that takes care of everything that was damaged… except, of course, Akihiko's rib cage." she added, making Makoto cringe that he got hurt bringing that Shadow to the dorm.

"Hopefully Akihiko-senpai feels better." Minako said thoughtfully, "But I should have a computer. Yukari might still have it."

"Speaking of Internet. Makoto, play any online games?"

"Often, definitely. Don't mind playing one." Makoto replied, hands in pockets.

"Sweet!" Junpei exclaimed enthusiastically, holding something in his hands, "Nice. Dude, you gotta check this one out... It's called "Innocent Sin Online." I was totally addicted to it, but then I got burned out. There's no school tomorrow, so check it." And Junpei passed him the disc case and Makoto examine it. Minako looked at it, feeling it would be fun for Makoto. But why does this feel like another Social Link might start? Giving Junpei a wave good bye, both headed up their rooms. Makoto said goodbye to his sister as she went up to the girls' floor. He entered his room, put the disc case on the table and change into sleepwear. Tomorrow, he'll check this game out.

Michael: After so long, sorry about that, Finally Chapter Three. A lot has happened between this and the last chapter two. Of course Persona Dance games have revealed a lot, man characters in it and 4 DLC characters in Dancing Star Star Night and 5 in Dancing Moon Night. I'm going to get both and pre-order the limited edition to get both. Hopefully the Female Protagonist is in Dancing Moon Night, or it's going to be riots, then again there's a lot of hate for her and the expanded universe the 4 spin offs give especially it's characters. I don't like that side of the community, but don't hate them like they represent all of the Persona community. This chapter, I feel as my layout is planning, hopefully to have most of spring done. Hope the flashbacks into Minako's character before the start of the story give you a idea of her character, and Yukari and hers relationship. Now, you saw it, her Persona was Orpheus' wife, why did it change into Orpheus after it's use? Ah, think about it. Her heart hasn't gone through grow to achieve it yet. That's where a lot of this story and Minako's Moon Social Link will pretell, her growth as she inches closer to her Ultimate Persona.

And Shinjiro earlier than expected right? I had to go definite version on seeing more of him. Looks like he's taking interest in Minako, she's not a bad person in his years. Of course, I already know not everyone loves Minako messing with the themes, but those are just the base 3 and 4 purists who hate the spin off games. They aren't perfect, but don't deserve the hate or salt to it. Especially about Koromaru not in Dancing Moon Night or Adachi in Cross Tag Battle knowing full well it says base Arena.

So next chapter is where the Velvet Siblings get a look outside the Velvet Room and the start of the Hermit and Lovers Social Links. Switching between FES and Portable won't be easy, so let's see what I can do.

See you next time!