A/N: Hey guys, happy new years and all that jazz.

Honestly, I'm a little annoyed that I have to remember no to write down 2013 on things anymore.

Anyway, enjoy the chapter- the A/N at the end will have some information on the pairing for the story ;P

Never had he been so backed into a corner.

The monster before him seemed beyond unstoppable; no matter how hard he would strike at it, it always seemed to grow back larger, stronger, making him think of the Lernaean Hydra.

The cruel master of the beast, the one who had forced him into this deathmatch, merely sat off in the distance, watching his struggle with naught but a cruel smirk of victory.

For the first time since his time as the Great Seal, Minato felt resignation. The beast that bar his path was far too great for him alone to handle. Ignoring the slight feeling of sorrow at his inability to face the beast by himself, he frowned slightly, before opening his mouth to declare his hatred for this unbeatable foe.

"I HATE paperwork! Mitsuruuuuuuu, help me out here!" He moaned pitifully, flailing his arms wildly and leaning backwards in his chair, ignoring the stares sent his way by most of the student council.

"Welcome to the last few years of my life, Arisato," Said Mitsuru coldly, as she stopped watching his antics and returned her attention to the mound of paperwork that lay before her as well.

"You so tricked me into this, didn't you?" Minato muttered softly, ignoring the small smirk she sent his way again.

"Oh, but if you had taken your time and read the paperwork that Suou-sensei assembled for you instead of rushing your way through the paperwork like I'm certain you did, judging by your time of arrival, you wouldn't be in this situation, now would you? Let it be a life lesson; Don't sign contracts that you haven't read," Said Mitsuru, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.

"You know, I'd really believe that this was all my fault for not checking the papers.. if I didn't already know what a sly woman you are," Said Minato, letting out a sigh as he resumed reading the current stack of papers that lay in front of him. To his mild shock, he realized that it was the proposal to cut down the persimmon tree that had been planted to honor Bunkichi and Mitsuo's son.

"Hey Mitsuru-san, this is a little over my head," Said Minato, standing and handing the proposal to her.

Mitsuru looked over the sheet for a few moments before nodding her head and standing, "Indeed, decisions this major about the school generally end up being made by the staff and board of directors. I'll make sure to give this to Ikutsuki-san tonight."

Minato nodded absently, knowing that the matter would handle itself just as it had is his previous cycle. He and Mitsuru kept working through the rest of the evening, even as more and more other members of the student council left, often bidding Minato a final welcome to the group.

Finally, just as the last bit of light on the horizon seemed to fade away Mitsuru stood, "Alright, that's more than enough work for today. Besides, they should be ready by now," She said, a devious smirk rising to her face at his questioning glance.

"I'm not even gonna ask. At this point, I really don't want to know," Said Minato, standing and stretching. He winced as his spine let out a couple of cracks, making Mitsuru chuckle lightly.

"Well then, shall we return to dorm?" Asked Mitsuru, placing the last of her work in a folder which she then placed into a nearby cabinet.

"Ah, well, I was planning on a little side trip before I returned to dorm, actually."

Minato needed to know why it was that he was unable to switch his persona away from Helel. During the fight with the reaper it had almost cost him his life, and in the time since he had also noticed that he was unable to switch persona. The only person he could think of that would have any idea why was Igor- meaning he needed to go and pay the long-nosed man a visit.

Instead of nodding in understanding, Mitsuru shook her head, "I'm sorry, but it's imperative that you return to our dorm soon. So no side-quests for now, I'm afraid," She said with a chuckle, as if she knew some joke that he didn't.

Knowing from experience that Mitsuru never budged once she decided something, Minato nodded in agreement, "Alright, alright. What's so 'imperative' that I need to head back to dorm already?" He was curious, knowing that Mitsuru never did anything without a reason.

"You'll see soon enough." And an amused shake of the head was all he got in return.

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The two calmly sat beside each other on the monorail that they were taking off of the artificial island and back to the port, Minato staring outside the window at the black sea below him, which was reflecting the moon in a particularly beautiful way.

It was really too bad that he had long since hated the moon, for a variety of reasons.

"So, Mitsuru..san. Why is it that you wanted me to be your vice-president anyway? Surely there's more to it than the reasons you gave to everyone else?" Asked Minato, turning his head away from the window and looking at Mitsuru, who had long since closed her eyes and was relaxing.

"I'm not entirely sure if you remember, but my persona has the ability to sense the different strengths and weakness of shadows, as well as give me the gist of their strength," Explained Mitsuru, who hadn't moved in the slightest, still relaxed, "If you're wondering where I'm going with this, let me level with you. I can sense the power of other's personas as well... So I happen to be very aware of the fact that your level of power far exceeds my own, as well as that of everyone else in SEES." She said, not noticing Minato tense up as her eyes were still closed.

Taking Minato's silence to mean that she should continue, Mitsuru did so, "It's fairly obvious that you've lied at some point about your past and about what you know about the dark hour."

"I did-!" Started Minato, only to be cut off as Mitsuru finally moved, raising a hand to silence him. She leaned forward and opened her eyes, a small smile on her face, "But despite all of that, you've gone out of your way to protect the others from harm and risked your life doing so. I trust you, so consider this to be an invitation to extend your trust to me as well. After all, two in harmony-"
"Surpass one in perfection," Finished Minato, a small grin breaking out over his face at Mitsuru's nod.

"Now that this has come to light, however, I feel I must inform you of one thing- betray the trust I've given you and in no time at all you'll find yourself executed, am I understood?" Asked Mitsuru, a dangerous gleam in her eyes.

Minato nodded his head warily, having no interest in getting executed ever again in his lifetime. The pain from the time that Mitsuru had caught the guys at the hot springs was still etched into his body, despite him not having one for a few years after said event.

"Good, because we're going to be working together more often than not, now." Said Mitsuru, nodding to herself in satisfaction at his terrified look.

As the two fell into a comfortable silence Minato focused inwards, unsure what to do. He had far to many questions and not nearly enough answers. Why was he unable to change his persona? What exactly were the differences between his previous past and this one- he certainly never placed number one in the national testing? Could he really trust Mitsuru with the truth of his previous cycle? Would she just think him crazy if he did? Not to mention Hamuko- who he was entirely unsure about. He nearly laughed when he realized that he knew next to nothing about her, was her past the same as his had been?

He jumped lightly when he felt Mitsuru's hand shake his shoulder, "Arisa- er... Minato-san, we've arrived." She said lightly, catching herself on his name.

Chuckling lightly as he stood up, Minato tilted his head like a curious dog, "So I'm Minato-san now, not Arisato-san?" he asked, a slight mocking tone in his voice.

With a slight frown Mitsuru nodded, "As we now might as well be co-workers, teammates in a group that is frequently putting it's life on the line, not to mention our shared dorm, it only seems prudent to call you by your first name. Not to mention the fact that you yourself frequently change what honorific you address me by."

Minato nodded, a slight grin on his face. It was rather hard to remember to address someone you'd fought tooth and nail with against nightmarish creatures formally.

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As they approached Iwatodai dorm, Minato frowned, noting that the lights were off, "It doesn't look like anyone's there. Are you sure we needed to come here?" He asked, slightly annoyed. If he missed an explanation from Igor for no reason that would be rather irritating.

Mitsuru chuckled again, a knowing smile on her lips, but refrained from saying anything.

As they walked up the steps, Mitsuru gestured for him to enter first which Minato did, with an irritated grunt. As he entered he was momentarily blinded as the lights flashed on followed by-

"Surprise!"

Blinking his eyes until he could see again, Minato grinned as he took in the sight before him- Hamuko, Yukari, Junpei and Akihiko had all sprung up from different hiding places, while Ikutsuki had flicked the light switch. On the table was a plethora of food, the different scents of which wafted over to Minato's nose, making him drool slightly.

"He's here, can I finally start eating!?" Pleaded Junpei, who was also eyeing the table full of food, making everyone aside from Yukari laugh.

Yukari, who had scowled instead, glared at Junpei, "Minato-san just got here, Stupei. Can't you show the slightest bit of manners?" she asked, sounding disgusted.

"What's this all for?" Asked Minato, pleased and curious.

Mitsuru walked in after him, "Earlier I told Hamuko-san about my idea to make you vice-president. She suggested that we throw a party in your honor, to which I agreed to volunteer a few chefs in the Kirijo family's employ."

"Congrats, vice-pres!" Shouted Junpei, walking over Minato and slinging an arm around him, "I was a little jealous when I first heard, but after Yuka-tan told me how much work you'd be doing that went away really fast!" He said, grinning as he tried to lead Minato over to the table full of food.

Junpei stopped short as they heard a creaking on the stair and looked over to investigate. What they saw dropped Junpei's jaw and made Minato give a wide grin.

Hamuko was walking down the stairs wearing an elegant scarlet dress that shimmered crimson with each step she took. Her hair, which was normally up, was set up in a much more dignified way with her ribbon much more noticeable, bobbing slightly as she finally drew close to Junpei and Minato.

"How do I look?" She asked with a wide smile, adding a little twirl that spun the bottom of her dress outwards, giving Minato a flash of her pale legs.

"Dang girl! You look great!" Nearly shouted Junpei, a zealous fire burning in his eyes as he took his arm off of Minato and approached Hamuko.

"What's with the dress?" Asked Minato, trying to take his eyes off of it, and failing miserably.

Hamuko seemed to notice this and giggled, "When I asked Mitsuru-senpai about having a little party for you I had to add one stipulation," She said, eyes twinkling with mischief, "We all have to dress up fancy-like for it."

"It seemed like a good idea at the time," Added Mitsuru from behind Minato, sounding a little embarrassed.

"I'm up for it!" Said Akihiko, punching the air in front of him a few times.

"I'm not sure I have something fancy enough to wear for this," Said Minato, frowning slightly, making Junpei nodding in agreement.

Mitsuru simply waved her hand at their concern, however, "I had a few suits ordered for you guys. If you want to know how we got your measurements.. Well, somethings are better left unknown."

Junpei recoiled as if struck, "Dude, the Kirijo group is almighty," He said in an almost reverent tone, making Minato roll his eyes.

"You'll find the suits on your beds in your rooms," Finished Mitsuru, an unquestionable order in her voice.

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Just as Minato finished tying his tie, he jumped slightly as his door opened without anyone knocking. As he turned and realized that it was Hamuko who was invading his room he wasn't sure if he should smile or frown.

"You know, sneaking into my room in the middle of the night is one thing, really. But coming into my room without knocking when you know I'll be changing? I'm starting to wonder if I should be worried about you.." Said Minato, grinning viciously as Hamuko's face seared red.

"No no no no noo! Sorry! Coming in here just kinda feels so natural that I forgot about knocking!" Stuttered out Hamuko, her face still flaming red.

"Eh, no harm no foul. Did you need something?" Asked Minato, unable to help the smirk that her flustered state had given him.

Hamuko took a deep breath and schooled her features, before giving Minato a small curtsy, "I would like to request you as my escort for the evening." She said with a straight face, but kept her eyes away from his.

Minato couldn't help but snort a little, "So, you want me to be your escort to our dinner which is a few meters below me, at the moment?"

Hamuko finally locked her eyes with his, "Yes! Your hair is the perfect contrast for mine!" She said, a slight teasing tone in her voice.

Shaking his head Minato grinned, "Go figure."

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Dinner was exciting, realized Minato after Ikutsuki was kicked out for not wearing formal clothes. He, Akihiko and Junpei were all wearing similar suits, all black with a white shirt underneath. Mitsuru was wearing a slender black dress while Yukari was wearing a modest pink dress that fit her nicely.

"This food is soo good," Said Junpei in between mouthfuls, making everyone watch him eat in disgusting intrigue.

"Indeed, the chefs have truly outdone themselves this time. C'est magnifique!" Claimed Mitsuru, a very pleased smile on her face.

Hamuko, who managed to tear her eyes off Junpei's savage hunger, looked over to where Akihiko was eating, "Senpai, why do you have so much meat? You should eat veggies too!"

Akihiko rubbed the back of his head and grinned slightly, "Yea, but all of this meat is good protein. Good protein means good training!"

Everyone chuckled at this, making Akihiko roll his eyes, "Hey, I skipped practice today to help set up for this. I'm the captain of the boxing team- if I'm not always training, what kind of example would that set?" He asked, punching one fist into the air.

Minato gently set down his chopsticks before raising an eye at Akihiko, "I know a few things about boxing. Want to go a couple of rounds?"

Before Akihiko could answer, Mitsuru spoke up, "You know how to box?"

Junpei managed to stop eating for a few moments to give Minato an incredulous look, "Dude! What can't you do?"

"Figure out why you're still wearing your baseball hat to our formal dinner," Said Minato, making Junpei cringe and put his right hand on top of his hat protectively, "But seriously, want to go, Akihiko-san?"

Akihiko seemed to consider Minato for a moment before breaking out into a wide grin, "Sure! Sounds like a good time. I'm not sure I have another pair of boxing gloves though, gimme a sec." Said Akihiko, standing up and practically sprinting up the stairs.

"Are you sure about this Minato-kun? Akihiko-senpai is the captain of the team for a reason," said Yukari, looking at him nervously.

Mitsuru looked torn between backing him up and telling him off for trying to fight with Akihiko, Minato noted with a bit of a grin.

As he opened his mouth to speak with Yukari he was cut off by Hamuko, "If Minato says he can do it, I'm sure he can," She interjected in his defense, surprising him.

Minato just waved his hand in front of his face, "You guys are too worried about this. It's just a friendly spar. Even then, I used to have a friend I did this sort of thing with all the time," He explained, decidedly not including the fact that Akihiko was the friend he was talking about. Akihiko used to make him spar at least once a week in order to help with his 'training'.

The creaking of the stairs was the only warning they got before Akihiko shot back down them with an excited look on his face, "These are my only spare gloves, think they'll do?" He asked, handing Minato a familiar pair of blue gloves. A jack frost was displayed prominently on the front side of both gloves.

"They'll do." Said Minato, a grin similar to Akihiko's spreading across his face.

As he and Akihiko put the gloves off they seemed to size each other up, a competitive glint shining in their eyes.

"Just a friendly spar, huh?" Sighed Mitsuru, having noticed their stares.

"Of course," Started Minato.

"Mitsuru," Finished Akihiko, who got into a well practiced boxing stance.

Minato mirrored his movements, getting a wider grin out of Akihiko, who could tell that Minato was no amateur. Just as the two drew close Akihiko suddenly backed off, a concerned look on his face, "Hey, you need to get your hair out of your face before we do this. I don't want my left cross to get you across your face without good reason." Akihiko joked, pleased by Minato's annoyed look.

"And how do you propose that I get my hair out of my face?" Asked Minato, irritated. His hair was one of the few things that he was proud of.

At Akihiko's smug shrug Minato frowned, before looking to their small group of spectators. Junpei raised his hands upwards to indicate that he had no idea, while Yukari and Mitsuru seemed to be thinking about various ways to do it. Hamuko however seemed to jolt with surprise before slowly approaching him.

"Okay, this is like my most important thing ever. I'll trust you with it," Said Hamuko, taking her ribbon out of her hair which let her hair fall back past her shoulders. She then approached Minato before scooping up his bangs before tying them into a small ponytail that Minato just knew made him look stupid.

"Good enough now, Akihiko?' Asked Minato, frowning as Akihiko struggled to keep a straight face after seeing his front ponytail.

"S-sure.." Said Akihiko, before finally losing it and full-out laughing at the pissed off look on Minato's face.

"It is so on." Said Minato solemnly, glaring at Akihiko and raising his fists in the traditional boxing pose.

"Akihiko." Called Mitsuru gently, ignoring the fact that the male was currently doubled over, "Whatever you do don't exacerbate your injury."

Akihiko nodded once he managed to catch his breath. A moment passed between them before they sprang forward, fists up.

Akihiko's fist sought Minato's face in a left cross that would have sent Minato spinning... If Minato wasn't completely expecting it.

Akihiko had an unconscious habit of always starting with that same move at the beginning of a match, something which Minato had picked up during their constant spars.

Ducking just under Akihiko's outstretched fist and ignoring the sudden look of panic that marred his face, Minato put all of his strength into a right handed uppercut that Akihiko was too overextended to dodge. Hearing Akihiko's teeth clack together from the strength, Minato allowed a small smirk to strike his face.

Following through, Minato let out a small battle cry as he used his momentum to swing his left hand out and struck at Akihiko's chest. A solid thunk was heard as Akihiko was pushed backwards, a wincing as he did so.

"Okay, not bad!" Declared Akihiko, shifting his stance a little.

Minato recognized the stance as the one Aki used to fight shadows, meaning that he was about to get serious.

The two rushed another once more, fists shooting out in precise jabs, probing for a weakness in the stance of the other. They circled each other slowly, eyes narrowed as they focused intently on footwork and the other's tells.

With a roar they lept forward, fists aimed for the other's face. The two directly hit the other in the face, sending them sprawling backwards.

Uncaring to the last injury they both sprang forward again, their elegant boxing match devolving into a lowly brawl as they punched, kicked, and at one point, bit each other with nothing other than the intent to win.

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"You are such a jerk, Akihiko.." Muttered Minato from his position on the ground. Every beat of his heart brought fresh pain to his head, which had been thoroughly abused by Akihiko.

"I could say the same to you, Minato!" Laughed Akihiko, clutching his ribs with a wince as he did so.

"So.. They beat each other up and now they're all buddy-buddy?" Asked Junpei blankly, looking at the others who seemed to be just as confused as him.

"Guys are so weird," Said Yukari, who, for once, seemed to be just as confused as Junpei was about something.

"What, you guys have never heard of male-to-male combat as a way of bonding? It happens all the time in those cheesy old movies," Said Akihiko, who slowly stood up, Minato mirroring him on the way up.

"You know, the two best friends who are also eternal rivals thing?" Asked Minato, going with what Akihiko was saying.

"Okay, so you wanna fight me too?" Asked Junpei, raising his fists in a completely non-threatening manner, making everyone laugh.

"Oh, please mighty lord Junpei, spare this simple peon," Said Minato, raising his hands in a gesture of submission, getting another laugh out of everyone.

"That was good, Minato. I can't wait until this arm is fully healed, that fight will be even better! I'll be waiting for that," Added Akihiko, who was holding onto his right shoulder.

"Alright, now that you two have managed to ruin the suits that I had tailor made for you, I'd say it's time we call this evening to a close," said Mitsuru, frowning at the two sweat-coated boys that at least had the decency to look embarrassed.

"Well, what kinda end would it be without a toast?" Asked Junpei, grinning as he slowly walked over to the table, only to be beaten by a red blur that made it to the table before him

"To our new vice-president!" Shouted in Hamuko, raising a glass she quickly grabbed from the table, making the others scramble over to do the same.

"To our new vice-president!"

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12:00:00am

Minato let out a cool breath as he felt the dark hour overcome the air around him. He was sitting on the stoop that was in front of the entrance door to Iwatodai dorm, having sneaked out as everyone else went to bed.

As fun as the party had been, he didn't let himself forget his mission- he needed to see Igor, preferably at a time where Hamuko wouldn't be in a position to see him enter and leave the velvet room. If that meant he needed to sneak out during the dark hour, he would do so.

Standing and letting the suddenly cold wind sweep through his hair, Minato nodded to himself before beginning his long walk to the mall. To most people walking around during the dark hour would be horrifying at worst and unsettling at best, to Minato however, it somehow felt right. As the previous carrier of death, as well as the previous seal that prevented Nyx from killing all of humanity, Minato felt a certain comfort from the sinister aura the dark hour seemed to emit.

Pushing those thoughts to the side, Minato jumped as he heard a loud gunshot that pierced through the eerie quiet. Remembering Takaya and his involvement in Shinji's death, Minato nearly sprinted off to confront the hippy-jesus, before settling himself down.

Having that confrontation now would do him no good.

As much as he wanted to simply sic Helel on the members of Strega, deep down Minato knew that they were the biggest victims in regards to the entire dark hour. No one in SEES had undergone experimentation, no one else in the entire dark hour had to deal with a persona that was constantly trying to end it's own misery by killing the user- Shinji included.

So he simply turned and walked away, intent on getting to Paulownia mall as soon as possible.

The rest of the way to the mall was only filled with more silence and coffins to greet him as he rounded every corner. He disliked walking on the moonlight bridge though- too many bad memories.

As he rounded the final corner into the alleyway that contained the velvet room door, his grinned slightly upon seeing the gleaming blue door.

Opening the door, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to be carried away by the gentle music that seemed to surround him. As he began to open his eyes again-

"Welcome to the velvet room," Came Igor's slightly maniacal voice.

Igor was sitting before him once again, gesturing for Minato to take the seat that sit on the other side of the table.

"Igor, we have something we need to talk about." Said Minato seriously, eyeing the chair but deciding not to sit in it as he always had.

Igor didn't seem fazed by his decision in the least, "What can this humble proprietor do for you today?" He asked, his bloodshot eyes staring into Minato's own as he seemed to wait with baited breath.

"Earlier, I tried switching my persona- From Helel to Metatron," He explained, knowing that Igor probably didn't care for the names, "But was unable to. Helel was locked in place."

Instead of looking shocked or surprised as Minato had expected, Igor simply looked confused, "Do you not remember?"

"Remember what?" Asked Minato, racking his brain for any possible reason why he wouldn't be able to switch persona and finding nothing.

"Then, you do not remember. Don't you recall your final moments..?" Asked Igor, a very odd look of compassion on his face.

"My final... moments..?"

'I'll keep on living no matter what, so I can protect you,' She said, her sky blue eyes boring into his from above.

"You mean.. Aigis..?"

'Thank you, for everything...

You must be tired.

Please, get some rest.'

"But.. I." Stuttered out Minato, clutching his head as memories swarmed him, unbidden.

'I'll stay right here with you...," She said, reaching down to stroke his head gently. He struggled to open his mouth to say something, but failed, unable to stop the black that had been creeping into his sight. He couldn't flinch as her tears fell down unto his face, taking the place of the tears he himself was unable to shed.

"I didn't want to leave.. without saying goodbye." Said Minato, shaking his head free as if to wipe away the memories.

Focusing his gaze on Igor, who was still watching him with detached interest, Minato nodded to himself, "I gave away all of my power, my wild card."

Igor's face broke into a terrifyingly toothy grin at his words, "Indeed, so you do remember. She was quite the interesting guest to be honest. Something not quite human, yet more human than so many of you.."

"So, without my wild card I'm unable to switch persona? Then why was I able to call out Helel in the first place?" Asked Minato, distinctly confused.

Igor took a deep breath, "All of those persona are a part of you- a part of your soul. Everyone has multiple persona in their souls- awakened persona are evidence of that. What made you so special, however, was your potential to go so far beyond that. Empty and yet infinite; No singular persona and yet all of them at once. Without your 'wild card', however, you lack the ability to change between all of these fragments of your soul- forcing you to be stuck with whichever one you called upon first." Explained Igor in one long breath, before he opened his mouth again, "That is my theory, anyway."

"So for all you really know, this could just be fate being a total bitch to me," Deadpanned Minato, sighing as he put his head into a hand.

"Indeed!" Said Igor loudly, "The only true fact is that without your wild card you are confined to the persona you summoned first- Helel, yes?"

Getting a nod out of Minato, Igor flashed a truly maniacal grin, "Such an interesting guest you are, Minato Arisato."

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Despite nearly having a heart attack when the dark hour ended due to his headphones suddenly blaring Kimi no Kioku, Minato's walk back to dorm was a simple one.

Even if he was only given more questions than answers once more, he felt pleased. Despite all of the crazy things that had been happening, he had been dealing with them all in an almost efficient way, aside from a few slip-ups here and there.

So it was with a smile and not a frown that he opened the door into his dorm room. Before he let out a frustrated sigh and nearly smacked his head on the door.

On his bed, sleeping with a look on her face that screamed innocent, was Hamuko Arisato.

Seriously beginning to think that Hamuko was just trying to mess with him by coming into his dorm as much as she did, Minato just wearily sighed and moved over to the bed.

After a few gentle shakes, Hamuko's eyes opened to meet his, only for her to jerk her head away from his.

"You must really like my room, huh?" Asked Minato, sarcasm flowing through his words.

"I just came here to get my ribbon back! I would have just taken it and gone, but you weren't even here! What was I supposed to do? Wait for you downstairs? That's not very comfy and I knew for sure that you would come back here eventually! What time is it anyway?" Asked Hamuko, her voice sounding indignant.

Minato sighed, "Around one am. Sorry about not getting your ribbon back to you, my thoughts were elsewhere." He said, digging in his right pocket for a moment before revealing her red ribbon.

Hamuko quickly took it from his hands and inspected it for a moment, before nodding to herself, "At least you didn't damage it. I don't know what I'd do to you if you did."

"It's that special to you?" Asked Minato, somewhat curious about why a ribbon of all things was so important.

Hamuko seemed to think things over to herself for a moment before tersely nodding, "It's the last thing I ever got from my mother. My parents passed away ten years ago on the moonlight bridge."

Minato couldn't stop the small twitch that developed at her words, "I see. My parents also passed away ten years ago on that bridge.." he trailed off, unsure of what else to say.

Hamuko seemed to look at him with something short of amazement, "What else do we need to have in common? We have the same last name, same taste in headphones, both get to fight shadows in some hidden hour that only one in every million persons even knows about! And now our parents died at the exact same time in the exact same place? What else do we have in common?" She asked, eyes narrowed as if she wasn't sure if she was mad or not, "Or is this a part of the stuff you can't tell me?"

Minato frowned, knowing that he was treading thin ice here, "What am I supposed to say? Would you prefer I lie to you instead? Sometimes, the truth is painful- to the point where you don't want to know," He said solemnly, having first hand experience in the destiny that she had been given.

Hamuko's anger and suspicion seemed to melt away at his words, "Is that why you are my guardian angel then?"

Minato was unable to stop the bitter smile that claimed his lips, "You really like that term, huh? Guardian Angel?"

"Well! Look at your persona! It's an angel! It's fitting.." Defended Hamuko, a slight blush dusting her cheeks, "And you still haven't answered my question."

Rolling his eyes Minato nodded, "Yes, I won't let anything happen to you."

Hamuko nodded at his answer in self-satisfaction, "See, that wasn't so hard to say, now was it?" She asked, winking slyly at him.

It was at this moment that Minato realized that the entire time he had been talking to her he could feel a knot growing in his chest.

It was with this realization that Minato nearly smacked himself- who was he to claim affection for her?

He was the one who was causing all of this to happen to her, was he not?

"Alright, time to go back to your room," He muttered, unable to stop his guilt from consuming him.

"Sure, sure.. Is everything alright? You don't seem so happy?" Asked Hamuko, who had noticed the sudden dark aura that seemed to cling to Minato.

"It's nothing, go get some sleep," Said Minato, though Hamuko noticed that his voice sounded so.. dead, compared to earlier.

"Are you sure that-"

"Please, just go."

Hamuko looked at Minato in surprise, the resignation in his voice was something she had never heard out of him before.

"Alright.. goodnight then, Minato!" She said cheerily, passing by him and into the darkened hallway

"Goodnight.."

Hamuko never heard the vicious snap of wood that was Minato's fist going through his desk as she walked away.

A/N:

So, another chapter gone and done with. I rather enjoyed many of the scenes in this chapter, to be honest.

Although, now that I have gotten most of the introductory stuff out of the way expect there to be more timeskips between chapters from now on- believe me, I love writing what I am, but I really need to start getting on with the main story stuff.

Now then, about pairings-

Simply put, I have had more then a few people I know ask me what the pairing for this will be.

To be honest, I like almost all of the Persona pairings- but for this story in particular the main things are MinatoXMitsuru or MinatoXHamuko.

So, I'd like to ask for you guys to leave a review about which particular pairing you'd rather see in this fic.

If it's a MinatoXMitsuru it will be a HamukoXShinji, mind you all.

Once I get enough votes/reviews about what you guys want I'll start the next chapter.

So about, 20 or so.

If I get alot reviews I'll even get the next chapter out incredibly early.

Peace out- Sinclair.

EDIT: Okay, so I didn't really realize just how much of an ultimatum this sounded like. This is really nothing more then me being curious about public opinion. If you guys are adamant for a MinatoXMitsuru but don't want a HamukoXShinji, just say so.

Also, just because I'll have a better idea about what you guys want doesn't mean that Minato is just going to portray his sudden love for whomever. Building good romance with nice touches of angst is my preferred style, trust meh.