Disclaimer: Persona 3 (c) Atlus

Sunday, January 31, 2010

My body…!

Gravity was pushing down against me, far heavier than before, forcing me to kneel to its power.

I can't…move…!

Tightening my grip on my naginata, I fought to keep myself from buckling outright even as my muscles strained.

"Why…?"

That strange voice, a mix of familiarity and the unknown, whispered with what would've been pure neutrality had I not sensed a hint of sorrow, of pain, of guilt.

"What good will it do to rise up?"

Remembering those bright blue eyes that were now lost in a black void, I clenched my jaw as my legs trembled and shook, wanting to yield to this intense weight, but stubbornly remained standing.

"Give in…"

To death…

"Nuh…-uh," Junpei grunted, breathless and strained, from his crouched position a few meters away, "I'm not...backing down!"

My head felt fuzzy and my body just wanted to rest but…

I dug my heels in and straightened a bit, seeing the others do the same from the corners of my eyes.

"My mind's made up!" Yukari snapped, strong-willed and determined despite the constant pressure, "I'm in this...to the end!"

And then it exponentiated.

Slamming to my knees, I bit back the urge to whimper, hearing several thumps as everyone abruptly slammed into the ground.

"We've come this far," Mitsuru-senpai's soft whisper became a roar of tenacity, "I refuse to submit...!"

It hurts…

I gasped for breath as my arms quivered.

This feeling…

Black spots began creeping up on my vision.

So heavy, so cold… I…felt this before…

(I'm scared.)

'Ko…-chan…!'

Muffled voices were calling out to me but everything was fading…into blackness.

It was dark, quiet, a mix of comfort and tension.

There was no warmth, no coldness…

It was simply nothingness.

And then...

It was blue?

This is…

Looking around, I found familiarity in the flashing lights, the rhythmic ascension, the classy piano, the sonorous voice.

…the Velvet Room.

Warmth around my hand led me to look to my right.

Toto-kun…

He laced his fingers with mine and I looked him over to see that he seemed tired (an understatement as I was feeling exhausted twice over) before my attention was stolen by a voice I'd grown to trust over this past year.

"There's no need to worry," a giggling sort of chuckle, "This isn't the afterlife… You're still alive."

"Igor-san," I whispered my greeting and the dwarf-like man smiled at us.

"Do you remember what I once told you…?" he asked as twenty-two cards suddenly appeared in a glow of blue light and arranged themselves on the table, "How the strength of your Social Links will determine your potential?"

"When you use your Persona ability, you must channel your inner strength.
This ability evolves as you develop your Social Links–your emotional ties with others.
The stronger your Social Links, the more powerful your Persona ability.
Please remember that…"

Words of the past echoed in my mind as my eyes focused on one particular card, the very first bond I'd created…the Fool who bore the number I wore constantly.

Number 22…the highest Trump.

I closed my eyes briefly.

"The greater the victory may also mean the greater the loss."

Minato tightened his grip.

…I wonder who said such a thing…?

A chill ran down my spine and settled in my guts.

What will happen…if the loss is too great?

I felt cold.

"Listen…"

My hand (and Minato's) twitched upon hearing Igor speak once more and I lifted my gaze to see him raise a hand to cup his ear.

"Can you hear them?"

Them…?

Unbidden, I closed my eyes and knew Minato did the same.

They...can only be…

"Each one's power is limited and yet they all reach out to you," he murmured, "Can you feel them?"

...yes…

This warmth that has suddenly encompassed my heart, overflowing with affection, with nostalgia…

I sense them…

"Listen carefully… Their voices may be faint, but certainly you hear them…"

Hope, anxiety, confidence washed over me in varying degrees...

"Yo, Minato. You doing okay with that girl of yours?" a light and teasing tone contrary to the situation, "Heh. Of course you are. After all, I've got your back," self-confident and ready to take action, "All I can do right now is pray but, whatever it is, man… I know you can do it."

This is…Kenji-san…?

"Minako-kun, Minato-kun…" low and stern, "I know you're facing a difficult task," a voice imbued with authority, "But, I truly believe that you can overcome any obstacle. Take control of the situation as you've done before."

And Hidetoshi-kun…!

"Something frightful's going on," his voice was a bit gravelly but conveyed an endless optimism, "But we won't give up," and her voice followed gently, "That's right, dear," as kind and nurturing as it's always been, "Minako-chan and Minato-chan wouldn't want us to lose hope…"

Bunkichi-jii and Mitsuko-baa too…!

"Something crazy's going on here," this assertive voice, "But I know you're out there doing all you can, Minato," I've heard it a few times before, "So, I won't lose my cool, either. You taught me that."

…Kazushi-san…?

"Yeah, we'll be fine," her voice trembled a bit, "You two don't need to worry about us, okay?" but held a determination I hadn't really heard before, "I'm sure that you're both fighting together, so we'll get through this too!"

Yuko-chan...

"I know in my heart, Minako-chan," soft and yielding, "You're doing all you can right now, aren't you?" feminine and confident, "You always helped me out," quiet and somehow wise, "Now it's my turn to help you…"

Saori-chan…thank you…

"Minako… Things are going crazy right now, and I'm scared…but I'll be alright," anxiety gave way to determination, "I can feel from here that you're doing your best," cheerful and pressing forth, "You have to believe… You're not alone either…!"

…You're right, Rio-chan.

"Oh god this can't be happening!" a voice that's a bit distorted in her panic, "I wish I could talk to him and calm myself down," but so, so familiar, "I don't even know what he looks like, but...I hope he's okay," I wonder, "He has to be…I can feel it."

Can it be…?

'...'

"Minato-kun," this one sounds familiar too, "I know you're trying to stay focused," I've heard it once before, "You were there when I needed you," back with the stalker incident, "I hope I can do the same…"

A bespectacled brunet appeared in mind…

"Everyone else is scared, but not me," childish and innocent, "Onee-chan, Onii-chan, you showed me how to be tough!" but strong and resolute, "I won't give up."

Maiko-chan!

"Minako-sama, Minato-sama… 'ow are you doing? I 'ope you are okay," worried but hopeful and conveying utmost loyalty, "I am 'ere' for you…like you were zere for me!"

Bebe-kun too!

"What on earth made me think of you two at a time like this…?" a bit snarky and a bit uneasy with a dash of nonchalance, "Well, I suppose you both did teach me a thing or two about loyalty…"

President Tanaka, you…

"You two must be fightin' the good fight right about now," gruff but unwavering, "Well, you taught me that runnin' away never solves nothing'," rough around the edges but with a hint of undeniable kindness, "…so I'm here for ya. Keep on going, kiddos."

Mutatsu-san… We won't give up!

"I'll take on any challenge that comes my way, without complaining about it," loud and confident, "You taught me that, Minato," I didn't recognize it, "I bet you're fighting right now too, huh…"

Who…?

'…Mamoru.'

(He sounds nice.

'Yeah…')

"You saved me, Minato," a bit nasally, "I was so blind before," unknown but trusting, "I'm sure you've got things under control, right?" a loud laugh, "You always do."

'Nozomi.'

The…Food Gourmet?

('…I'm the successor.'

…Heehee!)

"I know I'm not the only one who's suffered," familiar sorrow, "The both of you have endured lot, too," empathetic tenderness, "Remember that you can't just give up," brittle yet innately firm, "You taught me that."

Akinari-san…!

My heart ached in remembrance of long-gone pale male as I squeezed Minato's hand.

'Even in death, he's with us…'

I couldn't help but smile at that as I pushed down the urge to sniffle.

"…Can you hear them?"

My eyes fluttered open as my focus was caught by Igor once more.

"These are the voices of hope that wish to help you…"

Everyone…

'We won't let you down.'

"Separately, they are weak," he continued, entwining his fingers beneath his nose, "But together, they will being about a great change in you."

A…change…?

Something...

Something was burning in my chest, capturing my breath, seizing my throat…

"Now is the time to draw on the true strength of the bonds you have forged!"

I gasped.

And it surged forth.

For a moment, I felt like I was enshrouded in nothingness…

…before all of my senses suddenly came rushing back.

Minato inhaled sharply and tightened his grip for a second.

In a flash of light, a card suddenly appeared and spiraled down to us in the midst of blue energy.

A beat of stunned silence passed before Igor whispered,

"…I never dreamed of seeing that card with my own eyes."

A smile slowly crept up on his lips.

"This is indeed a pleasant surprise…"

He eyed us for a moment before brandishing a hand towards it.

"Behold the last power we shall unveil," his smile became a full-blown grin, "It is the power to bring about a new beginning," a pause as his eyes became sharp, "Or the ultimate end."

Never, I narrowed my eyes as Minato straightened up, 'We won't let it end.'

Igor's eyes twinkled as if reading our minds before he spoke again,

"It may be possible now, with this newfound power," his wide eyes never wavered from ours, "You may be able to defeat the one who cannot be defeated," his gaze shifted to the card, "What you have in your hands...is the power of the Universe…"

The…Universe…

It hovered above our enlaced hands and pulsed with power (so much power).

"…Nothing is outside the realm of possibility for you now," he chuckled in delight.

"Minako-sama," Theo called for my attention as Elizabeth did the same to Minato, "We will soon reach your destination."

'Our destination…'

The end of our journey…

I closed my eyes until Igor spoke again, "It seems that, in addition to Death, fate has also dealt you the Wild Card."

Endless possibilities, huh…

"…You must accept your destiny."

'We chooseth this fate of our own free will…'

"Our contract has been fulfilled… I have completed my role as well."

Igor-san…

My eyes traveled from him to our assistants and I smiled fondly, sadly...

Theo-san… Eli-chan…

"The two of you…were truly remarkable guests."

Thank you.

(I'll miss you all.)

Light encompassed us and I closed my eyes, feeling that same lightheadedness that usually accompanied my visits to the Velvet Room, before everything rushed forth and I felt…

Weightless.

Opening my eyes, I saw that we were once again on the peak of Tartarus.

Clenching my hands into fists, I shifted my gaze over to Minato and he stared back just as resolved.

'Ready?'

…Ready.

Wordlessly, I pushed myself up, almost but not quite stumbling at the startling difference from before.

"How," Yukari gasped (apprehension creeping up on her), struggling against the weight, "How can you two move…?!"

Reaching out, I grasped Minato's hand as he entwined our fingers.

'It's time…'

Warmth was all around me (shackling us together, pulling us forward) and we were lifted off of our feet.

"Minako…!" I heard Akihiko-senpai call out, "Wait!" a grunt (panicked, desperate), "Don't tell me you two are…!"

"No...!" Aigis strained and pushed far beyond her capacity (shouting with unrestrained fear), "Don't go!"

But our once crippling fear was drowned out by pure determination and their voices faded away for a moment as we were encompassed by darkness…

How tranquil...

...And then, all at once, that peacefulness faded away as we found ourselves in front of something.

It was white and pulsing with power.

So much power...

I shivered before tensing as it suddenly burned red.

Shoot…!

Energy was pulled towards it and–

"Argh!"

–we were sent flying backwards, pain ripping through our bodies, and slammed against the ground.

Like nothing more than a rag doll.

How…'humiliating…!'

I braced my hands against the floor and pushed myself up as Minato did the same beside me.

The core hummed and I could feel it charging up again.

"Damn it! Is there nothing we can do?!"

Ken-kun?!

My heart nearly stopped in shock as I snapped my head to Minato, whose eyes were wide with surprise.

"Don't give up! We…We have to believe in them!"

Aki-nii…!

I clenched my hands and forced myself to stand as our surroundings began to bleed red.

"Give them strength! Take my life if you must!"

Mitsu-nee!

Snarling a bit, I grabbed my naginata and slammed the butt of it into the floor as Minato took a step forward and held his blade in front of us, crossing it with my weapon.

Force slammed into us, burning our skin and blinding our eyes…

"After everything they've done for us… There's no way I'll turn my back on them!"

Yuka-chan…!

Digging my heels in, I forced myself to skid to a stop and clenched my jaw stubbornly.

"That's right… Even if they're trying to face it all alone… We're still here!"

Fuu-chan, you…

Fixing my grip on my weapon, I stepped forward, one foot at a time, and exchanged glances with Minato as it charged up again.

"I won't– I refuse to let them die! You guys… You're not alone, got it?!"

Jun-chan!

Red tainted my vision and I forced my muscles to relax as I lowered my stance and narrowed my eyes in anticipation.

Power exploded forth.

And we dodged to either side.

"Rrruff, ruff!"

I couldn't help but grin.

Heh, like we'd leave you out, Koro-chan.

"I too… I won't allow this world to be destroyed…!"

That's right, Ai-chan, we'll save it together!

A smirk played on Minato's lips before he suddenly stiffened as I gasped.

"Alright…"

This voice… (This achingly familiar, coarse voice is…)

"Let's do this…"

Shinji-nii…!

Unbidden tears stung my eyes but I pushed them back with a cheeky grin as another surge of energy came rushing towards us, searing through our clothes, cutting through our skin, lashing against our bodies…

I gritted my teeth when I felt my naginata shatter in my hands but I refused to bow over and stared straight at the core.

Nyx...

Warmth and roughness wrapped around my hand and I enlaced our fingers, squeezing back, with narrowed eyes.

Thou art I…

Shattering glass resonated.

And I am thou…

And power bubbled up from within.

Thou hast established a genuine bond…

'Ready?'

I returned his wry smile with a small smirk.

Ready.

Lifting our hands in tandem, I could see our Personae manifest from the corner of my eyes.

Eurydice…

She smiled at me and turned to Orpheus, brushing her fingers across his cheek as he did the same to her.

Thank you so much for being with me...

From behind them, a familiar darkness took shape as Thanatos came into being.

Let's meet again...my other self.

The three of them glowed blue as a familiar magical array appeared before them, morphing them into tarot cards, before they collided and merged and brought forth a new Personae...

"Game, set and match…"

Minato squeezed my hand with a smirk and I squeezed back with a laugh.

"Won by the almighty Mina-Duo..."

White light surrounded us as I felt my strength slowing draining away...

'Messiah…'

But our grip never faltered.

Great Seal!

And the Dark Hour was no more…

.

.

.

Friday, March 05, 2010

How pretty…

I hummed happily as I gazed up at the sky.

So bright, so blue…

The sun was shining in all of its golden glory.

This is the world we saved.

A gentle breeze ruffled my hair and I shivered a bit before smiling when warmth wrapped around me.

Toto-kun…

Lips smiled against my neck as he leaned against me.

'It's almost time, Ko-chan.'

I leaned back, feeling my heart both leaden and lighten with sorrow and joy and guilt and relief.

Will they be fine…?

I couldn't help but question and he fell silent for a moment before answering,

'In time they will be. I'm sure of it.'

My lips quirked up into a small grin.

Yeah… They've all grown so much, after all!

His head rested against mine and his nose tickled my cheek, making me giggle a bit.

In retaliation, I tilted my head back and brushed my lips against his cheek, nipping at him.

He chuckled softly and I leaned into him.

Mm… You know I love you, right, Toto-kun?

This delightfully, wonderfully, marvelously warm feeling hummed in my chest as he turned and swiftly captured my lips, smiling, grinning, laughing.

And I love you too, Ko-chan.

His forehead rested against mine and I sighed contently.

This world…is so wonderful.

He nuzzled the crook of my neck.

'We'll protect it, Ko-chan… We'll protect them.'

Yeah…

I smiled.

Together…

Exhaustion washed over me ever stronger than before.

You know, Toto-kun…

He hummed a bit in question, leaning against me.

I don't mind sharing this fate…

My eyes began fluttering close.

Because, once upon a time, I was missing something…

Colors began fading into black darkness…

But I found that something… (Minato...)

Sound began fading into muted silence…

The Yin to my Yang... (I found you...)

Once weighted, now weightless…

I feel so whole now… (Thank you...)

Like a dreamless sleep, like a sleeping dream…

We're but two pieces of a whole, after all.

The fluttering touch of a butterfly's wings against my ear…

'I look forward to being all alone with you, Ko-chan.'

And then there was warm nothingness.

.

.

.

Owari.

Fool Social Link: XXII – Rank 10 – MAX!

Gin Nanashi: …I can't believe it. It's over. It's literally, utterly, completely over… I think I'm gonna go cry in my Emo Corner now. ; w ; So happy, so sad, so...yeah.

Anyway, I hope this chapter is satisfactory to everyone. It was quite difficult to write since I kept getting choked up in remembering everything. Granted, I changed some things and added in my own flavor. (Especially concerning Yuko's dialogue in the Velvet Room since I couldn't find it online.) Hopefully, the in-game stuff didn't detract from the story overall since I thought that the final battle was a fitting way to wrap everything up. But, um, yeah, on the off chance that anyone's confused, both Minato and Minako sacrificed themselves to save the world.

Thank you all for reading our story and I hope everyone enjoyed it because it was quite fun to write!

And thank you to everyone who took the time to review as well as favorite and/or alert this story!

It means a lot of the both of us and we're truly thankful for your support!

Thank you again and now for some words from my lovely Partner...

ReachingOutFES: I really enjoyed working with my partner here. I hope that the backbones were okay. I know I promise you guys a story and I would like to announce a new story! It is going to be called Fake Me!
Here is a preview! Note the dialogue may change after it is edited...

Next Scent

"I had forgotten how packed the train gets in the morning"

"No matter the distance, we'll always have each other's back"

"I forgot I had that all this time"

"What are you doing?!"

Prologue: Recall

"Can you hear me?"

I don't know when it would come out but I hope it would be soon! Next time I hope!

To Guest ?...

Thank you again for reviewing and for your kind words as always! :D I hope you've enjoyed this final chapter and, to answer your question, yes. T'was a KHR-reference after that kiss in Rank 9. Thank you again and perhaps we'll see you in FES's new story when it comes out. ;3

Lastly, for anyone interested, this fanfiction was built off of the following idea/theory that I'd toyed around with for some time:

1. The soul consists of two parts: yin (dark, negative, "feminine") and yang (bright, positive, "masculine"), which affects one's personality.

2. Soul mates refer to one soul splitting and being born as two individuals.

3. A person can live with half of a soul given that their body balances out their soul, hence:
(a) Minato, being male, holds the yin-half of their soul, which accounts for why he's naturally quiet, reserved and more possessive than Minako.
(b) Minako, being female, holds the yang-half of their soul, which accounts for why she's naturally outgoing, extroverted and unyielding to her insecurities.

4. Being two parts of a whole, they were naturally attracted to each other in order to attain true balance.
Note: Minako's thought process had smoothed out from "seeming insane" to "being sane" over time, or so I'd hoped to portray.

5. Since the Great Seal requires a soul as its sacrifice and because Minato and Minako each hold half of a soul, they both had to forfeit their lives to complete it.