Disclaimer:
Atlus is the creator of the Shin Megami Tensei series of games, which this story uses as source material. As per the subject matter, all characters, events, places, and concepts used in this story are a work of fiction.

Fall and Rebirth
By: RB3

Fool Arcana 7: The Gigolo

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

After school, the Investigation Team met up at their HQ in Junes once again, to talk about their progress with the current case. They had acquired a new ally in the form of Naoki Konishi, the brother of the second murder victim during the case last year. After awakening his Persona, Hell Biker, he became fatigued and took the rest of the day to recover. "Hello everybody!" said Naoki as he came into the food court.

"Hey, you're looking pretty good today," remarked Yosuke.

"Yep, I feel like I'm on top of the world," said Naoki, taking a seat at the table. "I have many questions to ask you."

Naoki asked several questions about who the Investigation Team was and what they were doing. Yosuke told them everything about the murder case last year. Their involvement began right after the murder of his sister, Saki. They saw her appear on the Midnight Channel, then believed to only be an urban legend in the Inaba area. It was a special TV show which only appeared when a TV set was off during the midnight of a rainy day. Though it was supposed to show you your soul mate, it actually showed people who for one reason or another, became a topic of public interest.

"It showed people who were made famous by their interviews on the news. Your sister became well-known because she found the body of Mayumi Yamano," informed Yosuke.

"Yeah, I know about that," said Naoki.

"The one who killed Ms. Yamano and your sister was Tohru Adachi. He was a detective of the Inaba Police Department and the former partner of Nanako's father," informed Yosuke.

"Yeah, I heard that too," replied Naoki. "He confessed to the murder and was arrested."

"The news didn't tell you this, but we had chased Adachi into the other world. We caught him and brought back to the police," informed Yosuke.

"I see, thanks for all that you've done," said Naoki. "You don't know how much it means to me to finally get closure on this. So you've been going into the TV for the last year?"

"Uh huh," replied Chie. "There was another suspect, Taro Namatame, who Adachi had tricked into throwing people in. He threw in Yukiko, Kanji, Nanako, and Naoto. He even threw in Rise Kujikawa too."

"No way! Risette was a member of your team?" asked Naoki incredulously.

"Yep, Souji Seta was too. He was our leader," replied Chie.

"Oh cool, I knew Souji. Great guy, we hung out a few times," remarked Naoki. "So, Namatame got you all involved? I see..."

"Now, that you have a Persona, we'd like it if you could join us," said Naoto. "Your help would be appreciated, but we won't force you. It can be can very dangerous."

"I'm joining," replied Naoki. "It's the least I can do to repay you. Besides, I really want pay back against the guys who kidnapped me."

"Welcome to the team!" said Yosuke.

Naoto briefed Naoki about what they had been doing up 'til now. The team had been investigating who or what was kidnapping people from Inaba. A few of the victims had wound up dead, but so far, that number was kept to a minimum. The reason for these disappearances was that strange creatures had begun to appear in the other side. Unlike the Shadows, the original inhabitants of the TV world, these new creatures were able to cross over and kidnap people.

"What are these creatures anyways?" asked Naoki.

"They're demons," replied Nanako.

"Demons?" asked Naoki incredulously.

"Yes," replied Nanako. "That's what Cherub tells me when I scan them."

"When they got me, several 'things' that looked like starfish ganged on me," informed Naoki. "You're saying those things are demons?"

"Yeah," replied Yosuke. "We're going back to finish the job. We couldn't the first time because we wanted to make sure everyone was safe."

"Then this will be my first mission with you guys," remarked Naoki.

"Yeah, but before we go, tell us about your new Personas," said Naoto.

"Hell Biker is good at physical, fire, and wind-based attacks. He rides a motorcycle, so he's fast, but he's still pretty tough," said Naoki.

"My new Persona is an improved version of Susanoo," said Yosuke. "He's got stronger physical and wind attacks. I'm like a wind version of Kanji now, but I'm more well-rounded while he focuses more on raw physical strength."

"That's great!" said Chie.

"He's not the only one," said Kanji. "I've gained some new tricks after we fought Naoki's Shadow. I've got stronger electrical attacks. Physical hits don't work on me anymore, so I can take tons of punches and not get hurt."

"Wow, that's nice!" remarked Teddie. "I'm jealous of you!"

The Investigation Team returned to the Shadow world sewage treatment plant they had raided yesterday. Instead of just black oozes guarding the site, there were new creatures patrolling the grounds. They were the same starfish ones which had taken Naoki. As usual, the green oozes still transported sludge, but a few of the black ones had been reassigned to help them move carts to the pentagram area. The owner likely had summoned new demons to replace the losses of yesterday.

Nanako proceeded to scan the area with Cherub. "Those starfish monsters are called Decarabia. They are resistant to fire, ice, lightning, and wind attacks. Death magic will not work on them."

"Ouch, this looks like it will be tough," remarked Kanji.

"Hold on, I've found out where the leader is. He's in the office, the one building which has no pipes going into it. I have a picture of him."

Nanako displayed an image of the enemy leader within the minds of her team. The leader was a devil-like creature with purple skin and a tail that ended in a spade. The creature wore open-fingered gloves and matching open-toed foot wraps. He had a very large hooked nose, a white beard, and red eyes. This creature was seated on a white toilet as though he was trying to "go to the washroom." Nanako identified this creature as Belphegor.

"Belphegor likes to use electrical attacks and heals when they are used against him. He can also reflect death magic back to the sender," informed Nanako. "He is vulnerable to banishment magic, but is very good at dodging them."

"My electricity won't be of much help, but at least I can take hits for you," remarked Kanji, thinking of his Persona.

"Hmm," remarked Naoto, thinking about how to handle these enemies. "We'll should have one team to distract the guards while the other takes out Belphegor."

The Decarabia and black ooze guards covered each other's weaknesses. The oozes were resistant to physical attacks, while the Decarabia were the same for magic. In this case, a balanced team with both physical attackers and magic attackers was the way to go. Belphegor used electrical attacks frequently, so someone who could withstand them would also be handy. "I will go fight Belphegor with Kanji, Yukiko, and Yosuke," announced Naoto. "The rest will distract the guards so we can get to him."

"Okay, sounds like a plan," remarked Kanji.

"That means the rest of us are going for the guards. Get ready guys," informed Teddie.

Teddie, Chie, and Naoki advanced on the treatment plant, with Nanako remaining hidden to scan the area and provide information. Naoki sped along, seated behind Hell Biker on his motorcycle. The Decarabia heard the whirring from his motor, but he was coming in too fast to mount a counter attack. Hell Biker lashed one of them with a chain, killing that Decarabia. He circled around and saw the Decarabia had formed a line to attack him. They glared at him, an act which Hell Biker was all too happy to return.

He started revving his engine. "Vroom, vroom!" his engine went. "Vroom vroom!" it went again, as he revved a second time.

A different Decarabia observed from a bridge several metres from the ground. Chie suddenly came in, planting a flying kick right to its back, sending the creature face down. The Decarabia got up and charged, but she stood her ground, waiting for the right moment. With a single punch, she nailed him in the eye. The creature reeled backwards as Chie picked him up and tossed him off of the bridge. She instinctively snapped her foot to the right, catching a second Decarabia trying to blindside her. The Decarabia leapt for her face, but she ducked and bolted up, flipping the the demon over.

Hell Biker slammed the accelerator in a beeline for the Decarabia. They hurled fire, which he barrelled through unfazed. He suddenly veered left and lashed his chain into a Decarbia's eye. They turned and hurled flame after him, but he was too fast to be hit. Hell Biker circled around and came in for another pass. The Decarabia started to scatter, but Hell Biker made a sudden, hard u-turn and slammed the accelerator. The gust from the Hell Exhaust tossed the starfish demons into the air, and they landed one after the other with loud thuds.

Hell Biker stopped to assess the situation. Naoki saw Naoto enter the administrative building with her team. "They're in," remarked Naoki under his breath. He then noticed a group of Decarabia approaching the door. "Not good..."

Hell Biker slammed the accelerator, speeding straight for the pack. When they finally heard him, Hell Biker had reached such a great speed that he and Naoki were wreathed in fire! He barrelled through their ranks, leaving a trail of flame in his wake. Overwhelmed by Hell Burner, the Decarabia went flying everywhere with bodies lit by flame. Despite being thrown around and burnt, the Decarabia picked themselves off the ground and advanced.

Inside the administrative lobby, Naoto's team came face to face with Belphegor. "I'm being attacked by teenagers?" he asked. "Who sent you? Was it the King of Bel or Metatron?"

"We don't know what you're talking about," replied Yosuke. "You've kidnapped several people and one of them was a friend. We're here to stop you."

"Ah, just some random people out for revenge," remarked Belphegor. "No matter, even if you're not with them, I will crush you all the same!"

Belphegor immediately blasted the team with a powerful Zio spell. The team covered up as the electricity crackled through the air, forking outward to reach everything and everyone. Yosuke suffered only minor burns while Kanji smiled in enjoyment. Yukiko lit her team up with a soft white glow, healing the burns they had suffered. Yosuke and Susanoo suddenly descended on Belphegor with weapons drawn. Belphegor narrowly sidestepped the Brave Blade, causing them to slash the ground.

Yukiko immediately sent an Agi spell at him, fanning a fiery torrent towards Belphegor. Belphegor covered up, gritting his teeth from the brunt of intense heat and flame. Naoto immediately cast a Hama cast upon him. Belphegor noticed the paper talismans appearing and zipped out of the way before the flicker of light caught him. "Damn!" cursed Naoto.

Kanji waited for Belphegor to pause and unleashed a Primal Force. It clipped its mark right in the ribs, sending its victim crashing through the wall nearby. Belphegor immediately got to his toilet and charged Kanji. Kanji caught Belphegor, digging his feet into the ground to stop his motion. Belphegor suddenly zipped back and fired a grey beam from his finger. On contact, the beam caused Kanji's skin to shrivel and his strength to suddenly leave him.

"Kanji!" cried Naoto, firing several bullets while rushing to his side. Belphegor covered up while moving away to find cover.

Yukiko also rushed to Kanji's side and glanced over him. "He enervated you," said Yukiko. "I can remove it if I can get some time."

Belphegor suddenly recovered and projected electricity from his left hand. Naoto stepped forward and braced herself to take the hit for her friends. She she grit her teeth to bear the attack, but was forced onto one knee just to stay upright. Yosuke descended from behind, but Belphegor felt a draft and stopped the lightning. He shifted to the right, evading Yosuke's Brave Blade. When Yosuke landed, he lunged at Yosuke, tagging the boy in the chest. However, Yosuke had held on, causing the attack to only stagger rather than knock Yosuke down. Yosuke quickly drove his shoulder into his gut, staggering him.

Yosuke followed with a Divine Wind at point-blank range. Belphegor went flying into the wall behind, putting an indentation into it. At that moment, Naoto and Yamato-Takeru sprang back to life and unleashed a Hama spell. Belphegor stumbled out of the indentation and into the middle of the ring of paper talismans. His eyes widened in horror once he realized where he was, but it was too late. The light overtook his body and all he could do was scream before he vanished completely. With the battle over, the team made their way back to the TV studio to rest for the rest of the day.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

After school, the Investigation Team met at Junes as a debriefing of their mission the day before. Kanji was back to normal, thanks to the timely assistance of Yukiko and Amaterasu. "Yukiko, you did a good job patching me up. I'm glad I didn't have to get cream for that," he remarked.

"Thanks," said Yukiko.

"Before we fought Belphegor, he asked us if a 'King of Bel' or 'Metatron' had told us to attack him."

"Who might they be?" asked Yosuke.

"I don't know about the King of Bel, but Metatron is the name of an angel," informed Yukiko.

"So, now we have angels involved in this? Man, this is case is gets weirder and weirder by the day," remarked Kanji.

"Belial, Belphegor, King of Bel, they all have 'Bel' in their names. I don't think that's a coincidence," remarked Chie.

A handsome, jovial man in a suit approached their table. He was very sharply and finely dressed, as though to go out on a date with a girl to a fancy restaurant. He had the air of a gigolo or playboy about him. In particular, he was fixated on Yukiko. "My, my, what lovely ladies we have here. They're all flowers just waiting to blossom into womanhood."

"Man, what's with this guy?" asked Yukiko.

The gigolo chuckled before looking over the rest of the Investigation Team, as though to confirm something. "Ah, it's you, so it really is you, the ones who defeated Belial and Belphegor."

The team suddenly perked up. "What?" asked Yukiko.

The gigolo laughed. "Yes, I know. You may have defeated those two, but there more of them out there. This isn't over yet, not by a long shot. Since you've made this so interesting, I'll tell you more. You've downed two, but there are four dead, and more still to come."

"Who are these 'Bel demons' and why are they here?" asked Naoto.

"Time for a history lesson," said the gigolo.

In another world in 2500 BC, there existed a region known as Mesopotamia. In Akkadian, a language from this area, "Bel" literally meant "lord" or "master." At the time, a demon with this name ruled the world. In 600 BC, a being known as Yehovah had overthrown Bel, causing him to splinter into multiple demons which became worshipped in various cultures. Being once a part of Bel, these demons were crowned with his name. Recently, they had fought a war of supremacy, absorbing each other until they were fully reunited.

The winner was crowned "King of Bel," ruler over all demons to use them as he saw fit. The current King of Bel chose to grant his power to humanity to assist them in achieving their full potential. However, someone in this world had gained the power to summon his demons, undermining his control. He came to stop them, until the summoners began to reawaken the very Bel demons within him. This had caused them to regain their individuality and fission off once again.

The Investigation Team was left speechless from what they were told. "I can tell from your blank expressions that I've given you quite a bit of food for thought. One last thing before I leave; one of the Bels walks among you, as though he was a human being. You'll meet him soon." The gigolo walked away, chuckling all the while as he vanished into Junes.

The Investigation Team resumed their meeting with the gigolo's information on their mind. "We got Belial and Belphegor, so that means somebody else is hunting the Bels like we are?"

"If his information is any indication, it possible the King of Bel is doing that," replied Naoto.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Naoki and Yosuke met in the food court Junes. "Hey, how are ya doing?" asked Naoki.

"I'm fine, what did you need?" asked Yosuke.

"It's about my new project. Konishi Liquors has been having some financial difficulties lately. I've been thinking that a change of business is in order," replied Naoki. "Instead of selling alcoholic drinks, I was thinking that we should try to make non-alcoholic drinks and sell them instead."

"I see, so you're thinking that Junes might want carry some of these drinks," observed Yosuke.

"Bingo," replied Naoki. "Our old business was too limited and narrow. That's why we're in so much trouble now. If my plan works, we'll be raking in the money. Inaba today, tomorrow the world!"

Yosuke chuckled. "I see you brought samples with you," said Yosuke, glancing over a series of containers and cups. "I'd like to try it."

"This one's mango," said Naoki, pouring some yellow-orange juice into a cup for Yosuke.

"Mmmm!" remarked Yosuke after drinking. "You can taste the mango, not too sweet, not too sour."

"How about this one?" asked Naoki, as he poured a sample of purple juice from a pitcher into a paper cup. The juice tasted like blackberry, but had a bitter aftertaste similar to that of dark chocolate or cocoa.

"This one's interesting. What is it?" asked Yosuke.

"It's a?i juice," replied Naoki. "It's a berry that grows in South America. It spoils quickly so it's hard and expensive to find it here in Japan."

"If you could find a way to lower the bitterness, it would taste great. Maybe a bit more sugar," suggested Yosuke.

"Hmm, I'll keep that in mind," said Naoki. "Thanks, you've been a great help."

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Classes continued once again in Yasogami High. The students of class 3-2 listened as Ms. Sofue began a lecture on ancient civilizations. She was an unorthodox teacher who had a tendency to wear an Egyptian headdress and matching make-up. Carrying a cane-like sceptre, her entire ensemble made her resemble the carvings on an Egyptian sarcophagus. Due to these quirks, the students gave her the nickname of "Queen Tut."

"Mesopotamia is the region between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, which consist of Iraq and parts of Syria, Turkey, and Iran today. Some of the first civilizations arose in this area, which is why it's called the 'Cradle of Civilization.' Among their greatest achievements is the creation of one of the first written languages, which gave information and communication a previously unheard of form of persistence," said Ms. Sofue.

Saemon started to feel the tearing pains once again. He started to grasp at his chest, but the pain was deeper inside, impossible for him to soothe. The tearing pains increased in severity as the lesson went on. The remaining Bels started grasping for their freedom, trying to escape his being. He tried to suppress it, but it only made the sensation worse. He couldn't afford to let them out, not in the classroom, not with all of the students and teachers around. They would surely slaughter everyone in the area.

"Saemon, are you okay? You don't look so good," remarked Ms. Sofue.

"Arrggggh... My chest hurts," replied Saemon.

Atsuro raised his hand. "Ms. Sofue, Saemon has had these problems before. I'll take him to see the nurse."

"Okay, please hurry," said Ms. Sofue.

Atsuro took him to the nurse and like before, the nurse couldn't help him. Although Saemon had his pills and had taken one before coming to class, the pills were never meant to work. They were merely a cover story. The nurse gave him a note, clearing him to leave early. As Saemon staggered out with Atsuro's help, he could feel three of the Bels, Belberith, Belzaboul, and Pabelsag grasping for their freedom. Despite the pain, Saemon was able to make the entire journey to their base in the Shadow world.

He was confined to a bed in Mari's infirmary. Fushimi immediately ordered several of his men and demons surround the area. With them were Mari and Atsuro's demons from Surt to Kresnik. "Okay Saemon, we're ready, let them all out," said Atsuro.

A glimmer of light appeared on Saemon's chest as the Bels began to flee his body. The first out was Belzaboul himself, one of the mightiest of the Bels. His true name was Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies and the Prince of Lies, whereas Belzaboul was merely his "Bel" name. True to his name, he was a massive fly with indigo chitin and large crimson compound eyes. On his wings were skulls which denoted his sinister nature. He wore a garland of skulls and carried a morbid sceptre which resembled a human spinal cord with the skull still attached.

"You think your puny forces can stand up to me? Begone!" said Beelzebub.

Beelzebub summoned a humongous swarm of flies. They engulfed Atsuro and Mari, nipping away at them painfully. All they could do was flail about helplessly as Beelzebub made a beeline for the front window. Glass and wood went flying onto the lawn as Beelzebub burst out. Fushimi's men moved in, but Beelzebub sent more flies upon them. The men and the demons started flailing around, every bit as helpless as Atsuro and Mari. Beelzebub flapped his wings and took to the skies, flying far away from the camp as he could.

The next Bel which emerged was a knight in blue armour who rode on a red horse. This demon was Belberith, the Great Duke of Hell. With Fushimi's forces already distracted, Belberith merely jumped out of the window. "Good day to you all!" he said, before galloping away on his horse.

The third and last of the Bels emerged, the scorpion-man Pabelsag. "Free at last... Oh damn, spoke too soon! It seems a new master wishes to contract me," he said, sighing in resignation before simply teleporting away to answer his new master's summons.

Kikuri-Hime unleashed a massive wave of flame, burning all of the flies. Atsuro and Mari went to check on Saemon, who had taken quite a toll from ejecting the Bel demons from his being. "I'll be fine," he told them.

"Still, I want you to stay here, at least for tomorrow," ordered Mari.

"Alright, but make sure to clean everyone up with Amrita," warned Saemon. "Beelzebub might have left eggs in your bodies."

END OF CHAPTER