Persona 3 Crimson Wings: Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Fools and 2nd Full Moon

5/9/09-Saturday, Dark Hour

"We're here!" Yukari came running in the command room. Behind her followed the two guys, Junpei and Minato who still seemed groggy as ever. The room was filled with complicated machineries, though it seems like they were of little use. It was Mitsuru's powers at work anyway...

"Where is it? I'll rip it a new one!" The capped boy turned to the female senior. He was brimming with excitement considering the situation. Junpei was the most impulsive in the group next to Akihiko, judging by his actions in their explorations, summoning his Persona almost every battle and charging into enemies at the sight of them... His actions almost got the group into trouble multiple time already... If not for the seemingly distressed Shadows. The creatures actually kept running away and they all seemed beat for some reason... Junpei kept claiming it was his 'badass Persona aura' scaring them...

"We've detected a Shadow outside of Tartarus. We don't know for sure, but we think it's another big one. We have to defeat any of them we find, as quickly as possible" Mitsuru turned to the group, the sleepy, blue-haired boy to be exact. He was yawning when she turned to him. "Most people don't know the Dark Hour exists. But if half the city is destroyed, there will be panic. That must be avoided at all costs"

Minato straightened up upon hearing those words. After all, one of these 'people' was Minako, and his only reason for moving in and joining was her. Speaking of which, they haven't hung out for some time now... 'Better put that on my to do list...' The boy nodded to himself seriously.

"In other words, we need to kick some ass, right? Well, count me in!" Junpei exclaimed proudly. Yukari sighed at the boy, Minato, on the other hand, was too busy thinking about something else. It made it seem like he was ready for the night's operation with the serious expression he put on, but behind it, he was thinking of ways to lure his sister...

'Food perhaps? That always works...' He was smiling on the inside at the thought...

"Akihiko, you stay here and wait for the Chairman"

"Wha-? Are you kidding? I'm going!" The red-haired senior glared at the male which made him draw back.

"You still need to recover. You'll just be a hindrance" She stated matter-of-factly.

"What?" He retorted, but the woman gave an even fiercer glare. The two kept bickering for a bit more, with the boxer on the losing side.

The silver-haired senior groaned, finally giving up... The two watched as Akihiko was defeated by Mitsuru, Minato, still in his trance...

"You're in charge" Mitsuru pointed at the dazed Minato who finally snapped back after hearing her voice. He nodded, still having his poker face on. Junpei shot the female senior a glance of disapproval.

"Him again...? But he has never even called out his Persona!" The capped boy complained. Yukari gave Mitsuru a worried look while Akihiko chose not to interfere. True, Minato had always been the leader since they began exploring the Tartarus. While Junpei summoned his Persona without hesitation and Yukari summoned hers for healing support, their ever-so-calm leader never did. He always relied on his weapon, but that did not stop him from clearing the whole first block.

"That is why he is most suited for this role Iori. His calm and cool demeanor is an asset. We're not talking about power here, but the ability to lead"

"...Besides... You owe me for this morning..." A chill ran down Junpei's spine as a cold, low whisper seeped from behind his ear. He could practically feel a dark aura, similar to the one he received from a certain boy on their first meeting... The one where he spoke with his twin... Last time, she was around... But she's not here to save him this time... Junpei gulped and lowered his head at the thought...

The group was quiet as they moved their way through the monorail, much to Yukari's delight. It was cold, dark (in a shade of green) and creepy, there were some coffins and blood puddles on the floor that you'd think there was a massacre that occurred. No Shadow in sight. Still, with that situation, the group couldn't let their guards down... Especially the fact that their navigator informed them that something was strange. According to Mitsuru, she sensed Shadows in the area, but they disappear as the group progresses.

'Man... He's still pissed...' Junpei sighed as he stared at Minato's back.

It all began that morning, when they passed messages to each other. Minato still blames him because he hurriedly passed the paper without paying attention if the teacher was looking or not. That was an important rule in message passing. The fact that they stayed over wasn't really the reason Minato was pissed, but because they had to stay behind, so, he wasn't able to spend time with Minako. Plus, she was in such a good mood! It was the perfect opportunity to sneak up on her just like before breakfast! And he also kept insisting that she could be depressed that he wasn't around...

"C'mon! I'm sorry bout' that okay?" Junpei finally spoke. The leader didn't turn back, as if ignoring him. The capped-boy sighed. "I'll treat you to make up for it..." He added in hopes of getting Minato's attention. During their short time together, Junpei had detected three weaknesses of his silver-eyed friend - food, music and Minako. Again, Minato didn't turn back. Junpei was about to give up when the blue-haired boy gave him a thumbs up. Yukari faceplamed at the two.

'One more in their group and it will be the idiotic trio... Good thing that's not happening any time soon... I hope...' The lone girl sighed.

Soon, the monorail began moving, so the group hurried up, but never found a single Shadow on the way. Minato led them calmly, Junpei followed without hesitation to avoid angering their leader again. Now that he thought of it, other than the threats and aura he throws out at him, Minato had never actually done anything bad... Which makes if feel scarier... A character like that means danger... Junpei shuddered at the thought of what the boy could do...

"Hey! I hear something!" The capped-boy shouted, pointing ahead. True enough, they caught sight of it. A large, female, black and white Shadow. In front of it was the strange girl from the other night. Her long golden hair swayed as she turned to them, revealing her crimson butterfly mask. Her dress was crimson red, like her eyes. She held a naginata on her right hand and the stolen Evoker on the left. The next moment, the Shadow shrieked in pain and disappeared in a cloud of black smoke... The three stared dumbfoundedly, forgetting that the monorail might crash into something any moment now. The masked girl turned away from them and calmly pulled a lever which stopped the vehicle on its tracks...

"Whoa... Who's that chick?" Junpei's jaw dropped the moment he saw her. He was blushing despite not seeing her face. Minato just stared at her with his silver eyes, while their female companion glared.

"You...! Where's my-"

"Everyone... Shadows-" Mitsuru cut in before Yukari finished asking about her Evoker. All four people were alarmed, counting the masked girl. She tried to contact them, but her voice was suddenly cut off. Her voice was somehow trembling and she was breathing heavily as if in a fight. Minato even showed uneasiness in his usually void face.

"Everyone! Let's go!" The leader shouted and ran back. He gave the girl a final glance before going. His female companion followed without hesitation.

"W-what?" Junpei partly panicked and looked at both directions, the masked girl who just stood there and his friends who had already gone on their way. Junpei, like Minato, gave the girl a final glance before following his group. She had a confused look on her eye as she remained in her position in a daze...

"Senpai!" Yukari called out, her Evoker was pointed on her forehead as she ran toward the red-head. She summoned Io and immediately used up a Dia on the upperclassman.

"Ugh... uh..." She moaned, finally recovering.

"W-what are those...?" Junpei exclaimed after finally catching up. They were lucky that Mitsuru was still in one piece considering the two large Shadows in front. One had the mask of those Shadows of the Emperor Arcana, the other was of the Empress Arcana. The Emperor had long arms and a large sword in hand while the Empress was a fat one, with long, thin neck and was holding a scepter.

"Be careful... I can't seem to damage them..." Mitsuru warned as she tried to stand. Yukari helped her up.

"Hey! Look out!" The capped teenager called out. The Emperor swung its sword on the two girls. Yukari tried to block off her senior which sent her flying. "Yuka-tan!" Junpei shouted. He snarled and charged in calling out Hermes who used up Agi. A fiery explosion appeared in front of the Empress. Nothing happened. It wasn't damaged at all...

"Be careful...!" Minato shouted. He pulled out his sword and charged at the attacker. The boy swung his sword, but it bounced off which made him fall on his back. Minato was able to get back up his feet easily, Yukari was able to recover too as she summoned Io yet again to provide support.

"Dammit! Are they invincible...?" Junpei tightened the grip on his weapon."We'll... Just have to use all attacks and see what would work!" Minato shouted at the three. They all nodded in unison and proceeded into their fighting stance.

'No holding back now...' The blue-haired boy took a deep breath as he put down his weapon. Minato was covered in bruises. Everyone else was, the worst being Mitsuru who can barely stand.

He took hold of his Evoker and slowly pointed it to his temple. The three had landed a lot of attacks for the past minute, but whenever they'd find the Shadow's weakness, the creatures would just change it again. From what it seems like, their current levels were too low for these enemies. Even if the attack was super effective, the damage was still not as superior as they expect.

Now, they're desperate if they want to survive.

His head throbbed. His heart thumped. His hands went icy cold... He felt as if he shouldn't do it... that something terrible will happen... He's gambling on this... hoping that his Persona (whatever it may be) might actually be of help...

As he held the gun in his shaking hand, a child's face appeared before his eyes... Whispering...

"NO!" The group turned to the voice. It was the masked girl who was running on their way, much to their surprise.

But Minato... He was in a trance. It was as if he didn't hear anything. He had a maniacal smile on his face as he pulled the trigger.

"PERSONA..."

The shattering sound echoed. All eyes were on him.

"Thou art I...and I am thou...

from the sea of thy soul, I come forth...

I am Orpheus...Master of Strings..."

A silver haired humanoid figure appeared from behind, wielding a harp on its back. Not long after it had been summoned, Minato fell on his knees, clutching his head. He was screaming in pain. His companions tried to help out, only to be blocked by the two Shadows. The masked girl, on the other hand, watched the scene unfold. Despite wearing a mask, he visible eye showed a grim expression. Orpheus began agonizing like his master. Everyone saw it. His Persona was torn into pieces... and its head - ripped off by a black 'Persona'.

"What in the..." The crimson-dressed girl muttered in horror. It wasn't the same black Persona which emerged from her. The head was the same, but the body was something like of The Reaper's, except for the fact that it was badly torn. It didn't have any revolvers, but it had its signature chains. This creature also emanated a dark aura similar to The Reaper in Tartarus. A more powerful and sinister aura... An aura of Death...

Before anyone can react, it suddenly charged at the two Shadows. The Empress was wrapped in its chains, the Emperor tried to help. It swung its sword at the Persona, but the weapon was easily captured by the chain, stopping it from hitting. Minato's 'Persona' turned to the Empress, and within a split second, the chains constricting it tightened to point of literally crushing the Shadow. Black smudges of its remains splattered everywhere, evaporating into a dark mist as it hit the ground. It then turned to the Emperor who tried to get his sword free. Two dark orbs of light which looked like glowing eyes emerged from the Persona's face. The remaining Shadow was immediately surrounded by a bright light which exploded in an instant, leaving no trace of the Emperor.

"RAAAGHHH!" The blue-haired boy shouted in pain, alarming everyone. His Persona haven't disappeared. It turned to Mitsuru and Yukari...

"S-senpai... What is..."

"This is not good..." The senior bit her lip, she can barely stand from her previous encounter. Yukari trembled, her eyes were filled with fear as the creature approached them. Every step closer felt like an eternity. They couldn't move. The aura it releases was so sinister that it had them frozen in their places...

"Minato-kun!" Junpei called out desperately, running toward their leader. The boy was impulsive, but he knew he couldn't touch the 'rampaging' Persona, so he resorted to approaching its master. He grabbed his friend's shoulders and shook the boy with all his might.

"Snap out of it!" He shouted, constantly giving the 'Persona' a glance, but nothing's happening. The boy just continued screeching in pain. It felt as if his skull was being split into two.

"Dammit...! This never happened...!" The masked girl snarled under her breath and ran toward the crazy scene. The Persona aiming for the two girls and the cap-wearing teen trying to calm his friend. That wasn't supposed to happen. It never happened. In her case anyway. Could it be caused by her interference? But... That just makes no sense... The girl tried to shake off all her thoughts as she jumped in the middle of the girls and the creature. She pointed the stolen Evoker on her temple.

The next events happened in a flash... The creature called out an Maragidyne spell on three, causing a large fiery explosion. Junpei fell on his knees at the scene. It was covered with smoke, no way to know what happened to the girls.

"No..." He muttered under his breath. The black Persona disappeared right after using said spell. Minato had also collapsed on the cold ground afterward... Unconscious...

Junpei watched as the smoke slowly wafted off... A silhouette appeared from behind the smoke. It was the masked girl's. Not long after, the smoke cleared up. Behind her was Yukari who was supporting Mitsuru.

"S-senpai...! Yuka-tan...!" Junpei immediately stood up, ready to approach them, but Mitsuru shook her head and signaled the boy to take care of Minato first. He hesitated, but followed the senior's orders anyway. Not that he can help the two with anything...

"W-what happened...?" Yukari stood in disbelief.

The masked girl turned to her. "Makarakarn. I called Messiah and repelled it" She answered in a monotone voice similar to Minato's. The senior smiled and asked the 2nd year to let her go by herself. Yukari hesitated, but gave up to her senior's request. Knowing Mitsuru, she wouldn't stop until she obtains her goal.

"Thank you for assisting us" She held her hand out to the masked girl, who responded by shaking her head and taking the red-head's hand, releasing it quickly afterwards.

"...Who are you...?" Yukari finally spoke. The girl kept quiet and turned away from them, getting ready to leave.

She turned her head to the two.

"...Crimson. Call me Crimson... Take care of him..."

She answered in a cold voice before running off...

5/10/09-Sunday

"In the end, we weren't able to invite her to join..." Mitsuru sighed. She was sitting on the 4th floor sofa while Yukari tried to patch her up with Dia. The atmosphere was rather gloomy. Junpei was sitting on the sofa across the girls', Akihiko was next to him. Ikutsuki was on the other sofa in between the two others. It was 1:30am in the morning. Minato was sent to the hospital right after the Dark Hour ended. The others were also treated, but Mitsuru took the most damage from fighting two Shadows alone... Thanks to the use of Dia spells, she was able to recover much quickly.

"Well... Tonight's operation was a disaster... If not for her help" Ikutsuki added, turning to everyone else. No one responded.

"...Everyone may take their rest now. Mitsuru, I leave the rest to you. Haha... Get it? Rest?" The Chairman chuckled and immediately stopped after the silence. No one was obviously in the mood for a joke... Though, no one was always in for his jokes either way... He sighed, turning to Mitsuru before leaving everyone...

"About what happened to Arisato..." She spoke in her usual tone. All the attention was on the girl."He will temporarily be suspended from operations until he gains proper control..." Everyone stared at her. She was very hesitant on this decision, after all, his Persona did go out of hand, but it was also because of it that they were safe. Plus, it's not really the first time such thing happened... There was a worse case with an actual casualty...

"This was my fault... Iori was right..." She added in a saddened tone. Yukari turned to Junpei. He was strangely quiet. He was complaining about Minato's leadership and the fact that he hadn't used any Persona before. Was this why he never called his Persona before? Did he know about it? After some more silence, Junpei stood up and left for his room. Yukari tried to stop him, but she didn't continue and left for her room herself, leaving the two seniors alone in a silence...