Persona 3 - December 31

New year's eve arrived on the SEES dorm. Tonight they'll have to make a choice... They'l either forget everything about the Dark Hour and Tartarus, and turn into the Lost eventually until the end of the world, or they'll face off against Nyx, even though Ryoji said it's impossible.

As promised, Ryoji had returned...

- Hey, long time no see... - he said. - Midnight's just around the corner... At midnight, I will change from this form into something unrecognizable... So, have you reached a decision? - they all kept silent. - ... Okay... I'll be waiting in Minato's room until midnight... Come see me when you have your answer. - he started walking upstairs.

- Ryoji-kun... - said Fuuka.

- Oh, and one more thing. Don't let the fact that you'll have to kill me influence your decision. As I said before, I'm going to disappear anyways. I won't feel any pain by "dying". So there's no need to worry about me. I'll be waiting... - he went upstairs.

- Have you made your decision? - Mitsuru asked.

- Yes... - Minato replied.

- ...I see.Have the rest of you made your decision?

- No need to ask me. - said Akihiko.

- You know how I feel. - said Yukari.

- I wouldn't be here if I wasn't on board. - said Junpei.

- I'm with the rest of you. - said Fuuka.

- I'm in, too. - said Ken.

- I have made my decision as well. - said Aigis.

- Then we're all in agreement, yes? - said Mitsuru.

- Better let him know, then... Okay?

- Wait here, I'll go get him. - Minato said and went upstairs.

In his room, Ryoji was sitting on his bed, just like when he was Pharos.

- Hey. It's been a long time since we talked like this in your room. Although back then, I didn't appear in this form, and wasn't known by this name.

- Ryoji...

- Don't tell me you've all decided to let me live... You're all going to risk your lives on a battle you can't win. But you're the only one here right now, so... I'll say this one more time. - he had a serious look on his face. - If you kill me, Tartarus, the Dark Hour, and your memories of the battles will all disappear. Tomorrow, you'll wake up a normal high-school student. You'll be able to live in peace until the moment of the Fall. But if you let me live, you'll spend every walking moment until that day in fear of your inevitable death. Nyx cannot be defeated... It's useless to fight her. Are you still thinking? Or, have you already made up your mind?

- I'm sorry, Ryoji. - Minato said. - I won't kill you.

- I guess my words didn't change your mind... There's still some time until midnight. - he walked near Minato's window. - I didn't want to have to show you this... but I have no choice. - A bright light eveloped him, and his form changed into one of Minato's Persona: Thanatos.

- See...? - said his altered voice. - I'm not human. I will bring death to this world until I am finally satiated. Do not hesitate to kill me... I want you to think about this carefully. Is facing Nyx really the best decision...? Right now, you are all confused by the truth. But some things in this world cannot be changed. You do not understand this yet. Memories are ambiguous... Oldones can be replaced with new ones, creating a new reality. Don't you want to end all your friends' pain and suffering? ...It's up to you. You're the only one who can make this decision. Now, this is your last chance. Tell me your answer... - Minato was silent for a minute, thinking. He then grabbed his evoker, Ryoji though he made his decision.

- I... - he said slowly. - I've made up my mind... - with evoker in his hand, he slowly raised and... tossed down on his bed. - I will face Nyx.

Disappointed, Ryoji returned to his former self.

- ...I understand. It's regrettable, but it's your life... You can do what you want with it. I will respect your decision. Let's go back to the lounge. I need to tell you guys how to confront Nyx. - they went downstairs again.

- Yo! What's up, Ryoji? - Junpei said. Ryoji sighted.

- It's an unfortunate decision... but it's yours to make.

- That's right. - said Yukari.

- But you can't defeat Nyx... It's impossible.

- But we must still try. - said Mitsuru.

- Personally, I don't care if it's impossible. - said Akihiko.

- I understand... - said Ryoji with a smille in his face. - It's almost midnight, so I'll keep this brief. I'll tell you where to find Nyx. - Everyone agreed. - ...Tartarus. You must reach the top of Tartarus before the promised day.

- When's the promised day...? - Yukari asked.

- Exactly one month from tomorrow... January 31st, 2010. Nyx will descend on Tartarus... and the world will end. If you go to the top of Tartarus on that day, you'll be able to face her. The tower exist for the purpose of Nyx's coming. As The Appriser, I ushed Nyx into this world... and Tartarus welcomes her arrival.

- The tower exists for the purpose of Nyx's coming... - said Akihiko. - That's why it's called the "Tower of Demise". So if we reach the top, we can fight Nyx?

- Yes, but remember... From today, you will fight against eternal despair. Like I've said so many times before, Nyx cannot be defeated. When you face her, you will finally understand this truth. And then, you will realize what it is you are trying to stand against.

- We understand. - said Mitsuru. - There's no need to keep telling us. January 31st... We won't forget that date.

- Well, I'll be going on ahead of you, then. I want to leave you while I'm still in this form.

- Ryoji-kun... - he walked up towards the door, but stopped.

- Aigis... I'm sorry for all the pain and suffering I put you through.

- I won't forget that you were my enemy... and my friend. - she replied.

- Aigis... Thank you... This will probably be the last time I'll see you all like this. But... I'll always be watching over you. Well.... Goodbye... - he opened the door, but stopped once again. - Best wishes in the coming year. That's what you say on New Year's Eve, right? - he was smilling towards everyone's surprised face. - See ya! - he walked away and disappeared.




And like Ryoji, I wish you all a good year, see you on top of Tartarus! \o

Persona 3 is a © Atlus