The dream I was in was even stranger than the rest of my dream. I was a blue room and a melancholic piano was playing. However I see neither piano nor pianist in sight. The room had dusty bookshelves, and a small table and chair sitting in the middle of the room. High above there was a clock that stopped at 12 A.M. and the room was like an elevator shaft.
This place, that exists between realities and dreams…
A place filled with many memories…
It was a place where I got my power…
There was a strange man resided here along with his assistant…
However, they are nowhere in sight…
Once again, I continued to dream…
In the middle of the night:
"What is it now Chachamaru? Better have a good excuse for waking me in the middle of the night," Evangeline puffed.
"It's finally nice to formally meet you," Huang Long smiled.
"Who are you and what business do you have with me?"
"How cruel, it is only been a few days and you have forgotten me," Huang Long stated in a faked pained tone, "However, it's understandable that I will be forgotten."
"If you're here to waste time then I suggest you be off and…"
"Aren't you curious about the dragon you met the other day? Or information about the youth who has little memory and wield strange abilities which no one can sense? Or perhaps, you're more interested to what happened to a certain Thousand Master?"
Evangeline jumped at the mention of Nagi Springfield's title. However she was skeptical of this strange young man before and felt that he might be only telling her what she wants to hear. Therefore she needed more information to confirm if he is really telling the truth.
"…Who are you? How did you get that information?"
"After being stuck at the edge of the universe fighting a manifestation of humanity's despair, you pick up a few things…"
At this she looked at him strangely as if he was insane and wonder if he was in the right state of mind.
"That's not what I asked…"
"Well, I am a hero, a confuse youth, an unfaithful lover, an emotional person, a person who sacrifice anything to achieve his goal, I am a dragon," he listed, "I am many things but bound by no form."
She was losing her patience and dismissed him as a fool. However, she couldn't let go of the possibility, even the slightest hope that the person before her might lead her to finding Nagi Springfield. However, her expectation was quickly diminishing.
"Get to the point and answer my questions!"
"My dear, my very own existence is a Persona or shadow," he shrugs, "Either term works."
"Shadow…? A Persona, like a disguise…? Whatever, as I've been trying to say…" Evangeline was running even lower on patience.
"Calm down, I'm a manifestation of the psyche. I'm in a sense, am a person's other half. It's hard to explain since I'm not a researcher but that's pretty much it. In addition there's no true difference between Shadows or Personas, other than the fact that one is more violent than the other. That's why we like to refer ourselves as Arcana since we now have sentiment and our own will," Huang Long explained, "Although many people can only have one Persona, I'm apart of someone had hundreds at his disposal."
"What your saying is, you're not human…" she sighed since she found this person to be a nuisance.
"Well, we are human but at the same time we're not... We're the result of someone's power but we cannot exist without some kind of conditions."
"What are those conditions?" she decided to go along with the conversation.
"That's too complicated and tedious to explain, yet the evidence is right in front of you. However, you're not interested in who I am or who Hanshou is…"
While she did see him changed into a dragon, he could be using an illusion or a transformation spell, item, or artifact. There are a number of ways to achieve the same results. Even then though, she couldn't sense any real magic from the person before her or that Nurse. Regardless, she is unimpressed.
"I have to say, he does possess a strange branch of magic I've never seen before, but I could care less since it doesn't seem all that useful to me, other than it cuts down on chanting…"
Huang long only smiled meaning he knows that she haven't seen a real Persona. He decided to tempt her.
"Anyways, I would like to make a deal with you…"
"Hmph, it seems you do not know your place…"
"I may seem like I'm asking for a lot but I can demonstrate our true power. Also how much are you willing to go to find what you're looking for?"
She then yawned and silently turned her head, marking that she has no interest. However she was still listening while bored with the conversation.
"I want you to watch over Hanshou until he makes a decision and we will tell you where the Thousand Master resides…"
"What decision? What do you mean we?"
"I'll explain everything but first, you must come into agreements to the terms…"
Evangeline was reluctant and skeptical in trusting the person in front of her. She decided to comply with him just to pass time. After all, she's been sealed for fifteen years and even if Huang Long truly doesn't know where Nagi might be, it wouldn't hurt to waste time.
"…Do you really know where he is?"
Although she showed a disinterested expression with an annoyed tone, despite that, she still couldn't let go of the hopes that the person in front of her is telling the truth. Still, she tried to keep her expectations low and be realistic.
"…There is no reason for me to lie."
Evangeline wanted to get more information out of her annoying guest, but he wouldn't disclose any information on the Thousand Master unless she agrees upon a task that she might find even more troublesome than training the boy. Instead he would shy away the topic.
"… I guess it can't be help since you know so little about me, but I know everything about you. In addition you're wondering if I'm lying. I can assure you that I know his general location. However, I am unable to tell if he is dead or alive. After you complete your end of the bargain, I'll tell you and only then can you know the truth…"
Reluctantly, she accepts since she doesn't have any real leads other than Negi's testimony. In the end, she figured she'll just kill time.
"Good, now where to start…? Are you familiar with the story of Orpheus…?"
The brightness of the sun blinded me for a second. My vision cleared and I finally see an empty beach. I listened carefully and heard the seagulls cry and the waves splashing on rocks. It was truly peaceful and nostalgic. However, a kind of mix feeling of failing and meeting someone. It felt odd. Regardless, it was nice change of scenery…
"OCEAN, HERE WE COME!"
Well, it was nice while it lasted…
After a series of events, we ended up going to the beach and I was dragged along. Mr. Springfield had a duel with Miss Karakuri and was beaten up but managed to win. I also took the time to heal him. After that, he went to find his father but couldn't get pass a dragon and he's fighting with Miss Asuna. Miss Yukihiro decided to invite Mr. Springfield to cheer him up and the others overheard her. So here we are…
I was sitting under the umbrella just watching everyone playing in the water. However, something is bothering me. It's been some time since a Representative of the Arcana showed up. In addition I haven't really seen any other Arcana. Also, Metatron is staying quiet which doesn't bode well with me. If I were to make a list, Yui, Kitarou, Ryoji, Ayumu, Huang Long, and Metatron are the only ones I met. I ponder who are they and what are the other representatives like? However, despite the many vexing questions, nothing can compare to this.
I absolutely have no idea as to why I'm holding a Handmade Choker in my hands. Yet, I felt a strange sentimental value towards them just like my "SEES" armband. I noticed Mr. Springfield approaching towards me and immediately put it in my duffle bag.
"…Hanshou…" Mr. Springfield was even more dejected after we landed.
"… Yes Mr. Springfield?"
"… If there was someone mad at me, what can I do to make it up to them…?"
It was obvious he was talking about Miss Asuna but I suppose it would be best to help him. I closed my eyes and simply listened to the ocean air and slowly reminiscence. However, I tried my best not to drift too far in my own nostalgia, and instead gave Mr. Springfield some advice.
"…You have to work out the relationship. For there are no easy solutions…"
From a glance, I could tell he was confused.
"… It's actually normal for any given relationship, whether it's between lovers, family, friends, or even partners, there will always be conflict. However, that's what strengthens the bonds between the two. To fight and to reconcile with one another will forge a bond strong enough, so it won't fall apart..."
Mr. Springfield was amazed by my advice but deep down, perhaps he thinks of me as an experienced older brother rather than his students. Alas I don't know... However, I noticed he was waiting for some kind of grand word of wisdom which will give him all his answers…
"... Well, that depends on what sort of relationship the person have with you…"
"But, what should I do if apologizing to her doesn't work?"
"Well, you could do something to show that you sincerely are sorry…"
He gave a depressed expression, which tells me that he already tried something but failed. I sighed.
"Or," I continued. Mr. Springfield's face lit up, "You wait."
He tripped and was taken aback.
"What? But that doesn't make sense. Isn't it better to make up as soon as possible?"
"Yes, it is. However, sometimes people need time to think before taking action. It's so that they can find the right words to say."
Mr. Springfield gave a perplexed expression showing that he wasn't satisfied with my advice. He is, after all, only ten years old, so it can't be helped that he is impatient and bond to cause some mistakes. It makes me wonder how he can remain sincere toward others. If I can recall, children tend to be self-centered during this stage of development.
I decided to give him a little bit more advice.
"As if a single word could break your bond with her…"
Mr. Springfield perked up.
"She's probably angry about something else you said..."
"What is it?"
"I don't know," I shrugged, "I don't have all the answers to your problems. In the end, it's up to you to decide on what to do…"
He looked even more unsatisfied and lost. So he went somewhere to ponder for a bit. Well, it isn't my job to fix all his problems. Of course in order for him to grow as a person, he should figure out his own problems.
Suddenly, the thought of a lion throwing his cub over a cliff came to mind. Not only that but I had this strange feeling that I myself have been doing nothing but following a script on a stage.
My thoughts then turn to what I was thinking before. Metatron and the other Arcana are planning something big. Then again, I'm only moving wherever life takes me. I suppose I should just enjoy my day since worrying about it won't help me in the long run.
I then realized that it was too quiet and I heard Mr. Springfield shouting and then Asuna yelling, "Get lost, sharks!"
I could only wonder what on earth are they doing, but I'm just too lazy to check…
I'll leave it up to them. I put my headphone in my ears and took a nap under the shade.
"Shit…!"
Hermit was running through the woods but had the misfortune of meeting the Tower once again. He dodged the barrage of weapons and avoided confrontation against Tower due to it being uncontrollable and difficult to apprehend without a team.
Hermit took cover in the canopy of the trees. Through the branches and leaves, he watched carefully from up above waiting for Tower's next course of action.
Tower was shrouded in black mist and its eyes were like a wild beast, only moving on instinct. However, unlike a wild animal, its own existence was out of place.
Hermit readied his spear and positioned himself to jump off and impale Tower. He waited and waited…
He then jumped and the spear was able to piece where Tower's heart should be.
Unfortunately, Tower was still alive and was moving wildly and kept slamming Hermit into tree after tree until his spear dissolved. He fell until he crashed into a boulder that was resting under the hill.
He then tried to get up once more, refusing to accept his end. He materialized another spear and used it to get himself off the ground.
Vorpal Blade…
With a wave of his spear, a violent and transparent attack shot forth and collided with Tower's abdomen. However, the attack was to shallow to do any significant damage. Even though it wasn't strong enough to wound Tower, it was enough to buy time for Hermit.
Hermit then tried to heal himself. Yet, he isn't proficient in healing, so it wasn't good enough to seal the wound. An idea then came to him.
Virus Breath…
The surrounding area was now veiled in toxic gas as a desperate attempt. He then had second thoughts since he was in the general area where he released had poisonous fumes.
…
He deeply regretted now, even though he managed to poison Tower, he poisoned himself as well. He was slowly made his way out of the forest. Each step he took was now feeling heavier. He collapsed from the exhaustion and fatigue that he endured.
Ryoji was passing by and found Hermit lying on the ground. He leaned closer and decided to heal him. He then carries Hermit to their base of operation. He wondered what happened to Hermit since Hermit said he was only going out for a walk.
Metatron was wondering the streets, looking for any Arcana that happened to be nearby. He had no such luck, that it, until he saw Tower from the distance fighting a man in a white suit.
He bolted through the streets and climbed ladders of an apartment complex. He managed to climb on the roof and jumped on building to building.
When he arrived, more mages appeared trying to take down Tower. They tried to use a magic. However, Tower voided each spell and continued to rampage.
"Takamichi…! What is this monstrosity?" shouted Professor Touko Kuzunoha.
She used her sword to stun Tower but it kept reading her movements and blocked most of the attacks with a decent level of skill. Tower is resistant to slash and piercing attacks. Furthermore he absorbs strikes, rendering them useless.
Kataragi, also known as Prof. Shade-Beard, released a rapid fire spell to suppress the unknown entity. From their observation, only elemental magic seemed to be effective. However, Tower fired several weapons in many directions. In response the mages put their barriers. Takamichi evaded all the weapons and delivered a strong blow but it wasn't enough.
The surrounding area was being destroyed.
Tower used a Megido spell and the Teachers evade the blast. The result was a crater the size of a car.
The battle was a deadlock. However, a flash of lightening crash down which made the mages stay in place. The smoke cleared up revealing a young man with golden hair and red eyes, wearing a kimono.
"Representative of the Tower Arcana… Perhaps, it's better to call you by your proper title and name…? Still, to think we fought in our legend and actually meet again. I don't suppose you have forgotten me, God of War?"
Huang Long stands before Tower with sardonic smile.
"Who are you?" shouted Gandolfini.
Huang Long continued to walk towards Tower while ignoring the mages. He summons a katana with a wave of his hand.
"…I believe it was in our legend that my general executed you but you're widely known for being a God of War, no? I suppose you want to wage war once again, eh Heavenly King?"
The black mist that surrounds Tower was getting thicker and Tower was getting agitated.
"My, to think you have become corrupted and unsightly… Also, isn't it about time you come out, Voice of YHWH?"
Metatron stepped forward. Gandolfini was about to interrogate them but Takamichi stopped him so they might have the opportunity to have Intel or fine potential threats and allies in order to plan their next move through telekinesis.
"Normally, you would charge right in…"
"Taunt me as you wish, Hierophant, but I wouldn't flaunt our titles or true names in front of bystanders that have nothing to do with us…"
"That's strange I thought you only wanted to accomplish your goals, Metatron. I mean, you haven't even reprehended us for calling you by your true name."
"Talking to you, Hierophant, is pointless, my goal is to assimilate all Arcana even if I'm hated. Not involve bystanders."
"Even at the at the very core we're still part of the same person," Huang Long smiled but quickly gave an angered expression that replaced his serene one, "Do not interfere, although I'm based off of the Yellow Emperor, my blood boils to fight against my former enemy once again."
"I cannot allow that, Sandalphon, now!"
A black dome suddenly surrounded Tower, Metatron, and Huang Long which separated them from the mages.
The three of them were in a confined space and the environment started to darken. The world around them shirted into a familiar, yet eerie landscape forged from a distant memory. The coffins and the red liquid oozing from every
"To think, I would see this world again… I suppose it's The Rep. of the Moon Arcana's doing…"
Metatron remained silent and brought out a gun, while Tower roar inhumanly. Huang Long smiled and readied his blade for a long battle.
"Stop where you ar–!"
A powerful blast stopped them in their tracks. They turn their attention towards a silver haired youth with golden eyes standing between them and the dome.
"… No one may enter nor interfere…"
Prof. Touko was about to slash him but Takamichi stepped in.
"Who are you people? Why are you here?" Takamichi asked in a calm manner.
"… I sometimes wonder myself who we are… I'm the Representative of the Moon Arcana and if you were asking why we are here fighting, then all I can say is, it was bad luck…"
"Bad luck? Please elaborate…"
"Your world just happened to be there, in fact, we could have spawn anywhere in the universe or any world. It just happened to be here that this would be our battlefield..." he sighed with apathy, "Think of us like a natural disaster or some unfortunate event."
"Why is it that you have to fight?"
"…We each have different ideals to follow. In the end, we couldn't agree among the other representatives, so we ended up waging war with one another. Before you ask, no there is no way to resolve this peacefully anymore."
"That doesn't really tell us anything…"
"Doesn't matter, all you need to know is we're fighting for different results and stay out of it. Don't worry, we have no interest in bystanders…"
"Takamichi, it doesn't look like we can reason with this child," said Kataragi.
"We still don't know why they are fighting though."
"I say we finish him off quickly and stop this childish dispute," stated Touko.
At that, Sandalphon started to laugh quietly then burst out uncontrollably.
"What's so funny?" she asked angrily.
"It seems you are going to stop this battle among us Personas," he snickered, "Only those who have achieved legendary heights have a chance with dealing with any of us…"
"What are you…?"
"Listen, if you think I'm human just because you can't sense any magic from me then you are dead wrong..."
Sandalphon summoned a golden sword that was once wielded by the archangel Michael.
"…This is going to be a long day…" sighed Takamichi.
"No," I bluntly said while sitting in my chair reading a book.
"C'mon, not only you'll get to kiss a girl and form a contract that'll become a valuable asset to a mage in combat. In addition you might find out your real name!"
"I'm not interested."
Mr. Springfield's ermine explained to me what a Pactio was and why it was crucial, but I have no need for such a thing. Even though I fought with a team against supernatural beings, I can still fight on my own and hold my ground against even Elizabeth…
Huh? Elizabeth? That name has been bothering me for a while now. Was she someone I knew?
I snapped back to what the ermine was ranting and continued to reject his proposal.
"…I do not wish to play with anyone's emotions and I will handle my own problems. In addition, I'm not a mage, and my memories are slowly coming back to me. There's no need for a contract."
For some reason, Mr. Springfield started to look guilty for some reason. Regardless, I do not have any desires of forming any contracts, I already sighed one before.
"I guess I shouldn't expect an inexperience boy to man up and kiss a girl. I suppose that's all right then," he taunted. However, I didn't pay him any mind and glance at him with no expression of anger or interest. So I continue to enjoy the scenery.
"Only a person of an immature mental capacity would be bothered to retaliate," I sighed, "Besides, I could tell you have an ulterior motive for trying so hard to egg me on. Also, if you try anything on these girls and complicate my relationships, I'll personally send you down Phlegethon, burning within the inferno river where you'll be sent to be tormented for all eternity. There are grave consequences to your actions if you manipulate the emotions of others, do I make myself clear?"
I gave a cold glance and materialized Excalibur near the neck of the ermine. He nodded his head in fear and agreed to not mess with me. I put away the sword.
I continued to take in the air and wanted to sing for some odd reason. Yet, I remained silent, to appreciate the settings before me. However, an inquiring voice made me turn my attention.
"Wow, I didn't know you were this passionate about love. I can assume that you have a girlfriend, right Mr. Hanshou?" Ms. Asakura asked in a teasing tone.
"I'm not sure if I had a lover but the possibility exists. Anyways, I don't feel like looking for love right now. Instead, I want to enjoy life as it is. In addition, I don't really need a Pactio since I can take care of myself fine now."
Of course, there's the fact that my magic became slightly stronger and a big bonus of having the Magician Arcana with me which means I can summon a Persona. However more thoughts burst into my head.
Now that I think of it, did I have a lover? I mean, I don't really the feeling of love but I know about it. It's strange.
Certainly according to my dreams, or rather memories, I had people I care about but dare I imagined that I am in a relationship already? Well, I have to be patient for my memory to return…
"That's really unfortunate, Prof. Hanshou…"
"How so…?"
"You're pretty popular with the girls. I mean you got that mysterious look to you and you're aloof. It's a real shame y'know?" she smirked.
"Is that so?" I replied with no interest. I continued to read my book.
"C'mon Hanshou," Miss Sasaki beckons, "The waters fine!"
"Aren't you going to join us, Mr. Hanshou?" asked Miss Izumi.
I put down my book, knowing I'll never finish it with everyone constantly pestering me. Of course, I suppose it's better for me to get some exercise.
Now that I think of it, didn't I meet Aegis on a beach? I remember Junpei splashing everyone and Aegis shot him down. Yukari also…
Huh?
Wait, something important happened when we went to Yaku… Yakushima…?
I need to focus…
"Are you alright, Hanshou?"
Stop, don't interrupt me, I'm regaining something important now!
"Mr. Hanshou?"
Dammit, it's almost in my reach…
"Hanshou? Hanshou!?"
I snapped my attention back and found myself staring down at a worried Miss Izumi. Although it's frustrating that I wasn't able to recall anything, I shouldn't make everyone worry.
"…I'm fine…"
"…Are you sure?" Miss Okochi inquired.
"…Yeah, I think I need to rest for the day…"
They gave each other worried glances but I kept assuring them all I needed some rest and so, I retreated into my room.
I wonder if I should really be playing around instead of exploring my memories. Yet, I couldn't help but think the memory I was about to remember didn't feel exactly pleasant. In fact, I felt a bit sweaty and exhausted.
I suppose a rest is truly in order…
There once lived a musician and his wife. The musician was blessed by the Gods for many things and was called the Master of Strings…
They lived happily together, that is until the musician's wife passed away…
He then mourns and traveled into the underworld…
His music captivated the ruler of the underworld and made a deal with the musician that he shall have his wife back if he completes a condition.
He accepts the bargain however he fumbles and once again lost his lover. So wanders the land and play his sad tune.
One day, The Wine God's followers fell in love with this young man. Yet, he remains loyal to his lover and refused them. They then tear him limb from limb, leaving only a head and lyre.
His parts were all scattered and his lyre and head floated down a river. Even though he lost his body, his head continues to sing a mournful tone.
Now I ask of you, what happened to those parts, if they were given life and a form?
"Ah, Huang Long, you're back," said Ryoji.
"I'm back…"
"It's seems you're in a bad mood…"
"Well, this old man wanted to fight once again with his former adversary from his legend but never got the chance…"
"Huh? Aren't you supposed to be watching over the Vessel, whatever that is?"
"I'm having Priestess take over for now. After all, I needed a break and this old man wanted to fight again for nostalgia sake. Not for saving someone like last time."
"What's the status on Metatron and Tower?" Shimei walked in.
"Metatron retreated, although, I'm not sure why considering he has more Arcana. Not only that, he managed to transport Tower in an unknown location. What is he planning?"
"Could he possibly targeting the rest of the Fool Arcana?" Shimei asked.
"If he did that, High Priestess would be sending us an emergency call but she hasn't yet…"
"It's seems he's scheming something big…" stated a voice, "…He's a crafty one, the Voice of YHWH…"
They all turn to the new voice in the conversation. It was a young man with red hair and a white buttoned shirt with black jeans.
"…After all, I'm the Morning Star. I know what he's thinking," stated the Star Arcana, "He's planning something dirty even though he makes it sound clean…"
"You still hold a grudge on him, even though you're only based off of that story?" asked Shimei.
"Perhaps a little, but it's in my nature to oppose him. Even if I'm only a fragment of a single person or the real thing, I'll always oppose him."
I woke up early in the morning when I hear laughter outside. I opened a window and saw Miss Asuna embracing Mr. Springfield. It was a great moment that they finally reconciled with one another. That is, until they started fighting once again. I sighed and head back to sleep some more.
Once again, I stand in the familiar landscape once again. The crimson liquid seeps out of the crevices and the coffins scattered on the streets. The yellow ominous moon shines dimly on this manmade island.
I'm standing on a bridge, the place where it all began.
It was when I was truly born.
The scene changed again…
I'm standing in a desert with nothing but the horizon can be seen, except a metal door.
The scene changed once again…
This time, my friends were struggling to fight for their ideals.
One group wanted to bring someone back. The other wished to respect his decision while the third group remained neutral. As for the last group, they were undecided to what to do. They became the center of the struggle since she gained that power. The Wild Card…
Yet, once again, I'm no longer there…
I continued to dream once more…
To Be Continued…
