As soon as Daniel and his girlfriends set foot in their Kuoh home, the world seemed to stop.
The clock struck exactly midnight when the Dark Hour fell upon the city like a blanket of absolute silence. The sky was stained a sickly green, the moon turned blood-red, and the familiar phenomenon of coffins began to cover the streets. As usual, Tamamo was already by his side, alert, her tails twitching with tension.
But this time... something was different.
—Are you seeing that, Tamamo...? —Daniel murmured, his voice laden with unease.
In the distance, rising among the buildings like a deformed colossus, Tartarus glowed with an intensity they hadn't witnessed before. An ethereal, almost hypnotic radiance covered the entire tower, its walls slightly warping as if something inside it was pulsating.
And then they noticed.
The Shadows, which usually emerged in hordes to devour whatever hope remained in the world during the Dark Hour... were now marching. All of them. Every single one was heading without exception towards Tartarus. As if something were calling them.
—This isn't normal —said Tamamo, conjuring a bluish sphere of magical light between her hands—. The magical energy is... terrifying. It's as if Tartarus is absorbing all the surrounding darkness.
—And growing with it... —Daniel added, frowning.
Without wasting time, both rushed towards the tower, determined to discover the origin of this strange phenomenon.
---
Meanwhile, at another point within Tartarus, Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Yukari stood at the foot of the staircase leading beyond the fourth floor.
Their first official expedition as SEES had just begun.
Yukari adjusted her glove and looked around with some anxiety. Beside her, Akihiko rolled his shoulders with contained excitement, and Mitsuru made a final check of their equipment and the scanner connection that allowed them to be tracked.
—Alright —Mitsuru said with determination—. Akihiko, you take the front. Yukari, stay back for healing. I'll support with weakening spells. We must advance as far as we can and gather as much information as possible.
—Understood —Akihiko replied.
—Ready... I guess —added Yukari, trying to sound more confident than she felt.
The air inside Tartarus was dense, oppressive. The shadows in the place moved with a different intensity... as if something were pushing them from within. With each floor they ascended, the enemies seemed more restless. Even the corridors trembled slightly, as if the tower were alive... and hungry.
To their surprise, the first three floors were almost empty.
—This is weird —Yukari whispered—. Last time you said they were everywhere...
—I don't understand —Mitsuru frowned—. It's as if they've... withdrawn.
It was on the fourth floor that they began to feel it: a presence, not physical, but spiritual. Something was watching them. Something was testing them.
And just as they crossed into the fifth floor, a deep roar reverberated throughout the tower. The lights fluctuated and the walls vibrated.
—What was that? —asked Akihiko, stopping in his tracks.
—A signal... —Mitsuru replied in a low voice—. Someone else... is inside Tartarus.
---
In another section of the tower, Daniel and Tamamo entered through the base of Tartarus, observing with surprise how the corridors looked different. Brighter, but more twisted. As if something in the tower's heart was mutating.
—Do you feel that? —Tamamo asked, shuddering.
—Yes... —Daniel nodded—. We're not alone.
And then, at that moment, somewhere between them, the ground shook. Something was stirring in the upper floors.
Tartarus was reacting.
The prelude to Nyx's awakening had begun.
That night, the sky wasn't just stained green by the Dark Hour; the moon, round and perfect, hung in the sky with an unnatural glow. Larger. More threatening. More alive.
Daniel felt a chill run down his spine.
—It's... a full moon —he murmured—. Shit...
Tamamo, looking up, frowned.
—I feel something enormous... coming from inside Tartarus. Something... ancient.
Tartarus rumbled, and both knew that night would not be like the others.
---
Inside Tartarus, on a floor much higher than they should have reached, Mitsuru, Yukari, and Akihiko looked at each other with tension. The floor beneath them vanished without warning, and the three were dragged into a huge, dark, circular hall, with twisted columns that seemed to scream in silence.
And in the center... a gigantic Shadow was materializing.
Its body looked like a mix of broken mannequins and eyeless faces. A false, deformed, frozen smile on its face. Its Arcana was clear: The Hierophant.
—A Major Arcana Shadow! —Mitsuru announced urgently—. We must not destroy it!
—Not destroy it?! —Akihiko growled, clenching his fists—. Then what do we do?
—Resist... just resist until it weakens on its own! —Yukari responded, summoning her Persona with a mix of fear and resolve.
---
Elsewhere in the tower, Daniel and Tamamo were also dragged without warning by the tower's twisted design. The walls closed behind them, forcing them to advance.
—It's a trap —said Tamamo, ready to attack—. A very elaborate one...
—Not a trap —Daniel responded, seeing the distortions in the environment—. It's a ritual.
And then they crossed the chamber's threshold.
There they were.
Mitsuru Kirijo. Akihiko Sanada. Yukari Takeba.
Right in front of them.
Daniel's memories exploded in his mind.
Their faces, their voices, their destinies.
The original heroes of Persona 3 were... here.
But they knew nothing yet.
Tamamo, not noticing his gaze, unleashed a blast of magical flames against the giant Shadow without hesitation. The creature roared, writhing as the impact tore away a chunk of darkness.
—What are you doing?! —shouted Mitsuru, running towards them—. We must not defeat it!!
Daniel froze.
—What...? —he murmured—. Do they know...? Do they know that if we defeat them all... the Fall accelerates?
That wasn't known.
Not until it was too late, in the original story.
So why...?
His mind raced. Everything had changed. The plot was being rewritten, and he was just another pawn... with privileged information that no longer followed the game's rules.
Tamamo paused for a moment upon seeing his expression.
—Daniel... what's wrong?
He took a deep breath and mentally ordered her to back off.
They couldn't risk destroying that Shadow.
Not yet.
—Don't defeat it —he said seriously—. Just help me contain it.
Mitsuru, still wary, nodded with slight approval.
—Who are you? —she asked.
—Someone who also wants to stop this —Daniel replied, revealing no more.
The battle then became a defensive dance.
Slash. Spell. Dodge. Endure.
And when the moon crossed its zenith, the Shadow roared one last time before fading on its own.
The chamber shook, the structure stabilized, and the group was expelled from the floor towards the base of Tartarus.
---
Now out of danger, both groups stood facing each other in silence. The tension was still palpable.
—Thank you for intervening —Mitsuru said carefully—. But this matter... isn't something you can handle without knowing what you're doing.
Daniel smiled faintly.
—Believe me... I know more than you imagine.
The Dark Hour came to an end as if it had never existed, dissolving into the air with a hum that only those with the power of a Persona could hear. Tartarus vanished again, leaving in its place the foundations of Kuoh Academy as if nothing had happened.
Daniel lowered his sword, still wrapped in the faint glow of his spiritual energy. Tamamo, her tails still floating on alert, turned to him.
Just as Mitsuru prepared to speak, her gaze still wary and noble, Daniel stepped forward.
—We'll meet tomorrow —he said firmly—. After classes, in the student council room. It's time to lay our cards on the table... and to inform others as well.
Mitsuru raised an eyebrow, surprised by Daniel's direct tone.
—Others?
—All in due time.
—Do you think you're the one directing this? —Yukari retorted, still suspicious.
But before she could say more, Akihiko placed a hand on Mitsuru's shoulder and nodded.
—I think we should listen to him. He doesn't seem ordinary... and he's definitely not an enemy.
Mitsuru observed Daniel intently for a few more seconds, assessing him with the gaze of someone who has carried the world's responsibility since a young age.
Finally, she nodded firmly.
—Agreed. We'll be there. Don't be late.
Daniel merely raised a hand in farewell and turned away, Tamamo following gracefully. The three SEES members watched his silhouette disappear into the shadows, their hearts pounding with the unknown they had just witnessed.
---
Already on their way home, the silence between Daniel and Tamamo lasted a few minutes. Only crickets and the night breeze accompanied their walk. Tamamo was the first to break the silence.
—So? Are you going to tell me who they were?
Daniel let out a sigh.
—The ones responsible for dealing with the Dark Hour... or at least, the ones who were supposed to. Maybe they still can... if they stay alive.
Tamamo turned her head to look at him.
—"Were supposed to"? Why do you talk as if you know the future?
Daniel was silent for a moment.
—Let's just say... I have memories from another place. Another world.
—A kind of premonition?
—Something like that —he replied noncommittally—. I know how things are supposed to go. But they're already changing. And fast.
Tamamo looked at him more closely, noticing the seriousness in his gaze.
—And what about the red-haired girl? The one with the noble bearing...
Daniel pressed his lips before answering.
—Mitsuru Kirijo. Her family is... responsible for the Dark Hour's existence. Not directly, but due to mistakes made years ago. Her father is trying to repair the damage... she's his right hand. She doesn't know everything, but she's willing to bear the weight.
Tamamo contemplated this for a moment, then nodded.
—Then we should support them. But not without knowing the whole story.
—Exactly. Tomorrow, we'll lay our cards on the table... and show them that the enemy isn't the shadows. At least, not all of them.
Tamamo linked her arm with Daniel's, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked.
—Then we'll walk together, as always. But make sure they deserve your trust... because if not, I won't hold back.
Daniel managed a tired smile.
—That's why I like you, Tamamo.
The portal to the Dark Hour faded like the echo of a forgotten nightmare. Daniel and Tamamo returned home in silence, words no longer necessary after the revelation of what was to come. Opening the door, the first thing they saw was their girls waiting for them in the living room, as if they had been expecting them for hours.
Hikari, with her arms crossed and a furrowed brow, was the first to speak.
—Enough of always being left behind!
Hibiki nodded forcefully, her expression mirroring her sister's frustration.
—It's not fair. We want to fight by your side too!
Reynare, with her typical mix of disinterested and proud attitude, lowered her gaze just a little.
—We can do more than just be decorative in your bed, you know.
Sakura, normally more timid, gathered her strength and added:
—We want to help you, Daniel... not just watch you leave night after night.
Daniel let out a sigh, but not of weariness. He approached and, without a word, hugged them all, enveloping them in a single gesture full of affection, promises, and understanding. They clung to him as if that could dispel the helplessness they felt.
—I know... and believe me, I'd love to have you all with me in this —he said softly—. But I don't want to put you in danger until I'm sure you'll be safe. If the Shadows were to harm you, I'd never forgive myself.
The warmth in his words, the determination in his voice, and the sincerity of his gaze calmed their agitated hearts. The girls, one by one, began to smile, some with tears in their eyes, others with relief.
Hikari quickly wiped away her tears.
—Then promise us you'll always come back.
Daniel nodded.
—Always.
A collective sigh filled the room, and soon after, the girls began heading upstairs. Daniel, before following them, took out his phone. It wasn't too late yet.
He called Sona Shitori first.
—Daniel? Did something happen?
—Yes, but I'll explain tomorrow. I want a meeting in the student council room. It's urgent.
Sona hesitated for a moment, but Daniel's tone left no room for discussion.
—Alright. After classes.
Then, he called Rias Gremory.
—Huh? A meeting? Did something happen?
—Nothing I can say over the phone, Rias. Tomorrow in the student council room. Invite Akeno too, if you can.
Rias, though confused, smiled on the other end.
—Heh... you're acting very serious. I like it. We'll be there.
Daniel hung up, sighing as he saw both girls' names in his recent call history. "I hope they're ready for what I'm about to reveal..."
Finally, he went upstairs. The girls were already settled in bed... though "settled" was an understatement. Between fox tails, black wings, long legs, and an absurd number of strategically placed pillows, space was becoming increasingly scarce.
Daniel just sighed, resigned with a smile.
—Someday I'll have to buy a bed the size of a soccer field.
Tamamo, already in her nightgown, winked at him.
—Or sleep on top of us. We won't complain.
A chorus of feminine giggles welcomed the nightly chaos.
Daniel carefully slipped between them, and as fatigue dragged him toward sleep, he could only think:
"Tomorrow... it all really begins."
The day passed with apparent normalcy at Kuoh Academy.
Daniel walked beside Hikari, Hibiki, and Alya, greeting his classmates as usual. Before entering, he stopped to kiss Alya and then said goodbye to Reynare, who—with a barely disguised air of coquetry—also kissed him on the lips.
—Come back soon, master —she said with a mischievous smile, still in her maid role.
Daniel rolled his eyes with an amused smile.
Sakura, as always, walked by his side, shyly intertwining her fingers with his. The group entered the school, and classes proceeded without incident.
However, everyone knew that at the end of the day, something important would happen.
---
As the final bell rang, Daniel said goodbye to his girls and headed to the student council room. Upon arrival, he was met by Sona Shitori and Rias Gremory, accompanied by Akeno, Tsubaki, and their respective entourages, all seated with serious expressions. Facing them, standing, were Mitsuru Kirijo, Akihiko Sanada, and Yukari Takeba.
The air was tense.
Daniel closed the door behind him, walked to the front, and looked at them all.
—Thank you for coming.
Sona was the first to speak.
—What is this all about, Daniel? You said it was urgent and supernatural.
Rias crossed her arms with an interested expression.
—Does it have to do with the strange energy felt a few nights ago?
Daniel nodded and looked at Mitsuru, who didn't seem entirely comfortable.
—Yes. And I want everyone to hear it. This city... this world is beginning to change, and we need to be prepared.
And then, he began to speak.
He recounted the night the Dark Hour first manifested for him and Tamamo. He explained the coffins, the shadows, the tower called Tartarus, and the strange creatures known as Shadows. He explained how he and Tamamo had fought in secret, night after night, to protect those who still didn't know of this threat. Mitsuru and her group watched with wide eyes.
—Are you crazy?! —Yukari said— You shouldn't be telling this to just anyone!
—You shouldn't be fighting Shadows without fully knowing what you're facing either! —Akihiko retorted.
Mitsuru raised a hand to calm her companions.
—Daniel... why are you sharing this with people who, as far as we know, have nothing to do with this?
Daniel offered a faint smile, almost as if he'd been waiting for that question.
—Because they aren't human.
The silence became absolute. Mitsuru frowned.
—What did you say?
—I said that Sona, Rias, and their companions... aren't human. They are devils.
And in that instant, without Daniel asking, Sona and Rias unfurled their demonic wings. A dense, ancient aura filled the room.
Akihiko took a reflexive step back. Yukari let out a small, stifled gasp. Mitsuru's eyes opened wide with astonishment, and her voice cracked slightly as she asked:
—This... is this real?
Rias then spoke, her voice regal and firm.
—Yes. We are devils. Sona and I are in charge of Kuoh as part of an agreement among the underworld factions. We have an obligation to be aware of any supernatural threat that risks humans or non-human races.
Sona stepped forward with equal seriousness.
—We aren't seeking confrontation. But if this Dark Hour and those Shadows threaten the safety of this city, then we have the right to intervene.
Mitsuru swallowed, finally understanding what Daniel was trying to do: unite fronts.
The weight of that revelation fell upon her like a slab.
Daniel broke the silence.
—Mitsuru... this is no longer just your problem, or SEES's. This goes beyond. It's no longer just humanity's responsibility. If we don't collaborate, there will be no world for anyone.
Taking a deep breath, Mitsuru straightened up.
—Then... I'll tell you everything I know.
---
Mitsuru revealed the Kirijo Group's past. How they experimented with the Shadows, how they caused the disaster that brought the Dark Hour into the world. She explained what was known about Tartarus, the nature of the Shadows, and why the large shadows marked by tarot arcana shouldn't be destroyed. She even mentioned the possibility that within Tartarus lay a solution... or the ultimate downfall.
When she finished, the room fell silent. Sona and Rias exchanged glances.
Akihiko lowered his head, impacted by the gravity of the story. Yukari stared fixedly at the table, clenching her fists.
Daniel took a step forward.
—So, can you work together?
Rias smiled with confidence.
—For the good of the city... and for you, yes.
Sona nodded.
—Consider the student council on alert. We'll report any irregularities and keep our factions in line.
Mitsuru took a deep breath and, finally, extended her hand toward Sona.
—Thank you. From now on... we'll collaborate.
And so, in that small student council room, a secret alliance was formed.
A pact between humans, devils, and a reincarnated soul with too many answers.
The war against the darkness... had just become much more serious.