Disclaimer: I do not own any of the series that appeared here. But if I have the money, I would have bought the rights. But I don't. So I don't own anything.
Thank you ThePersonaficationOfNight, diaaan, NekoGurl98 and Guess for the reviews.
As for Guess, here is an answer for your review: She has more of a role later in the story. But because Minato is the main character, Runako doesn't get much focus for now.
Now, on with the story!
Chapter 6: Battles between Priestesses
Velvet Room
"Welcome to the Velvet Room," said Igor in the usual welcoming tone.
"It seems you've managed to develop a bond with an acquaintance of yours. Currently, it's small. But overtime, it will grow into something that can never be broken."
Minato could only nod at Igor's word stoically; the girl having a hard time believing the old man's words.
As if reading her mind, Igor chuckled:
"Do not worry, we in the Velvet Room do not lie to our guests. Everything that is said here can be treated as the truth. The only thing you have to worry about is developing your bonds. Everything has its own pace in the flow of time."
The bluenette stayed silent, slowly nodding off.
"One last thing before you go; The small bond you've obtained has granted you access to more Personas under the Empress Arcana. Oh, but I supposed they are called 'Servants' now. Please check through the compendium when you have the time."
Minato gave a small nod in affirmation before closing her eyes, drifting into slumber.
"Until we meet again, my dear guest. Farewell."
Wheels turn; Her heart gains glow
Let us turn back the clock; to the time when Mitsuru and Minato were chatting back at the dorm. During that time, the juniors were making their way to the hospital to visit Akihiko, who was having a checkup for his injury.
May 1st, Tatsumi Memorial Hospital
"What're you guys doing here?" asked a surprised Akihiko when he saw the trio.
The juniors did not answer immediately as they were intimidated by Akihiko's other visitor; a tall young man wearing a knitted cap, a trench coat and a simple pair of trousers. The man had an intimidating face and a presence to match.
"W-we came to see you," replied Runako, obviously startled at the sight of the man in the trench coat.
"I'm just for a checkup," said Akihiko awkwardly, he was not expecting that many people to come and visit him.
"Is that it Aki?" the tall young man finally spoke. It was a smooth yet deep voice that held quite an impression.
"Yeah, thanks."
The young man clicked his tongue and walked towards the door, "I don't time for this shit," he said gruffly, leaving the room.
"W-who was that?" asked Junpei hesitantly.
"A friend from school… sort of," replied Akihiko, "You know how there was an increase in the number of victims for Apathy Syndrome?"
The trio nodded at Akihiko's words.
"Well, he knows a few people who are suffering from it, so I was asking him about it."
The trio nodded again at Akihiko's words. But this time, a question popped into their heads; 'Why does Akihiko know someone like that?'
"Anyway, Junpei, did you bring what I asked you to?" asked Akihiko, obviously trying to change the subject.
"Huh? Of course, Senpai," replied Junpei with a stupid grin on his face.
The cap wearing boy passed Akihiko a file that held a class roster.
"Thanks, well let's go," said Akihiko as he tests his arm with a punch in the air.
Worried, Junpei told the senior not to do something like that as he was still injured.
"It's nothing," shrugged off Akihiko as he continued moving his arm, "I've wasted enough time already, I need to get back to training."
"By the way Senpai, why boxing?" asked Yukari.
"You mean, why I chose that sport?" clarified Akihiko before answering, "Well… it's not the sport itself I like; I just wanted to learn how to fight."
The young man stopped moving his arm and looked away before continuing, "I know what it's like to feel powerless… And I don't want to feel that way again. Besides, I'm curious to see how strong I can get. It's like a game, only I'm competing against myself."
Akihiko's last sentence held a strong amount of confidence that somehow gave energy to the juniors, giving them morale.
"That's an interesting way to look at it," said Junpei , folding his arms and nodding his head as if he understood something, "Ya know, I'm into games too…"
"Yeah, VIDEO games," retorted Yukari, sighing at Junpei's stupidity.
Junpei, pretending to be offended, decided to say something in defense, "Oh, I like playing fighting games too."
Ignoring Junpei's words, the group left the hospital.
False smiles; False bonds
May 2nd, Dark Hour, Minato's Room
"How've you been?" asked an unknown voice.
Minato slowly got off her bed drowsily. She felt no hostility from the owner of the voice, in fact, she felt the owner to be familiar. The bluenette turned to face the mysterious person and was a little surprised when she saw who it was.
Though his hair was no longer the same shade of black, he still wore the same prisoner uniform. It was the young boy Minato had met on separate occasions, only this time, his hair was completely blond.
"Surprised?" asked the boy with a chuckle, "I was the surprised too. To think my hair that was as dark as the night would become the exact opposite; bright as the sun."
"What happened?" asked Minato, the surprise waking her up completely.
"Your power was growing. And as it grows, it affects me," replied the boy cheerfully, "It's not a bad thing, really. I seem to be gaining a more positive appearance. Even now, I can feel the changes to my body; and it won't be long until I look like a completely different person."
"Aren't you worried?"
"Of course not, it just means we're getting closer."
The boy gave a bright cheery smile, one that was so bright, it made Minato smile as well.
"That's a good smile. One with nothing but pure happiness. I hope you'll wear it more often."
"I'll try…" replied Minato.
"Now, on to the reason as to why I'm here. In one week, THEY will appear. Be careful, they are much more powerful compared to the first one," said the blond boy, "And this time, you're on your own."
Sensing the boy's kindness and worry over her, Minato nodded with a small smile. Suddenly, a powerful yet gentle voice whispered in her mind.
"Thou art I… I am thou… Thou hast established a new bond. Thy path illuminates brighter. Thou shalt be blessed with allies under the Death Arcana…"
A strong surge of power flowed within Minato's body when the voice had finished talking. Slowly, the power centered to Minato's chest, giving off a warm and comfortable feeling."
"Again…" mumbled Minato.
"I hope our bond will help you get through this ordeal easily," said the boy as if he too had heard the voice, "I will come visit you again when it is all over."
As soon as the young boy vanishes, Minato slowly fell back into slumber.
Guided path; A shining destination
May 9th, Dark Hour, Command Room
Time had slowly passed and the week warned by the young boy had arrived. In the command room was Mitsuru, who was using her powers to search the city for Shadows.
Minato had told her about the meeting with the young boy, though she left out the fact ABOUT the young boy. Minato did not know why she did not mention him, but she felt that she should keep it a secret for the moment. In any case, Mitsuru decided to take Minato's warning to heart.
"You're still at it?" asked Akihiko who had just entered the room.
"Yeah, you never know when the enemy might appear," replied Mitsuru, "Not to mention Arisato's warning."
"The one from her dream? No offense, but I'm having a little difficulty believing that some dream could tell her when Shadows will attack."
"I don't blame your skepticism; it does sound a little farfetched… But I have reasons to believe her words."
"And that would be?"
Mitsuru stayed silent. She did not want to say anything that might cause trouble for Minato; considering the problems the bluenette was going through, the last thing she needs is pity. At least, that was what Mitsuru thought.
"Uh… By the way, I though you couldn't scan outside Tartarus?" asked Akihiko, trying to change the subject.
"To be honest, I lack the power…" replied Mitsuru, a little relief about Akihiko's consideration, "Maybe this the best Penthesilea could do in terms of data gathering. Although, the power of Persona seems much broader than I thought."
"Yeah, having multiple Personas, being able to switch them whenever she likes and they can even talk," said Akihiko as he listed off Minato's abilities, "How strong do ya' think she could get?"
"She said that her power grants 'infinite possibilities'. Or at least, that was what the man in her dreams said."
"It all comes back to her dreams, huh? What did Ikutsuki-San say about them?"
"There was a problem with that; he couldn't read the book. Well, more like the words aren't even there to him. Same goes for the symbols."
"What symbols?" asked Akihiko.
"The ones on Arisato's hands," replied Mitsuru, "You should've seen them plenty of times."
"Really? Must've missed them…" muttered Akihiko.
The comment confused Mitsuru but her Persona's radar detected a Shadow.
"A Shadow!"
"You serious?!" asked Akihiko in surprised, "You've actually found one?!"
"Something's wrong, the readings' too big. Could this be what Arisato was talking about?"
"You think it's one of 'those'?"
"It must be. Akihiko, wake up the others!"
"No need to tell me twice!"
A few minutes later
The juniors entered the room, slightly panicked due to the emergency; with the exception of Minato, who was already prepared for an attack.
"Where is it? I'll rip it a new one!" exclaimed Junpei, the boy looking like he was ready to bounce off the walls.
"We've detected a Shadow outside Tartarus," explained Mitsuru, "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."
Pausing for a few seconds to allow the others to digest the information, Mitsuru then continued, "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 cost."
"Got it, leave it to me!" shouted Junpei excitedly, "I'll kick some major Shadow ass!"
Seeing as he did not seemed to understand the consequences if they failed, Yukari could only sigh at Junpei's excitement.
"Akihiko, you stay here and wait for the Chairman," ordered Mitsuru.
The order did not sit well with Akihiko, who was eager to join the juniors in the fight, causing the senior to complain, "What?! Are you kidding?! I'm going!"
"You still need to recover. You'll just be a hindrance."
"But-"
"They'll fare better than you, in your current state. Have faith in them; their ready."
Akihiko turned quiet, unable to argue back. He knew that despite his injuries were almost healed; he can't go fight without holding the other fighters back. Reluctant, Akihiko gave in to Mitsuru's demands.
"Relax! I've got it covered!" said Junpei, trying to assure Akihiko.
Unfortunately, this only made Akihiko worry even more. Turning to Minato, he told the bluenette that she was in charge.
"Her again…? I know her Servants are pretty powerful, but…"
"It's more of the fact that she could remain calm compared to you," retorted Akihiko.
This wound Junpei's pride a little. Causing him to say something that he would regret in a few seconds, "Even when I'm the only guy in the group…"
"Whether one is a boy or a girl doesn't factor into it," said Mitsuru with a small smile that sent chills down Junpei's spine, "The responsibility falls to those who have the gift. And let me add, if you say or do anything condescending or demeaning to her…"
"Oh no no no no no!" said Junpei in a panic, frightened at Mitsuru's tone and threatening aura, "It's not like I look down on her or anything…"
An awkward laugh followed when Junpei had finished talking.
"Kirijo, where's the location?" asked Minato, ignoring the previous conversations.
"It's at the station. The four of you better head there immediately, I'll catch up after I've finished my preparations," answered Mitsuru.
Nodding at Mitsuru's order, Minato turned towards the door and left.
"Woah… she wrapped the whole thing up pretty quick…" said Yukari in awe.
Curtain rises: The Emperor enters the stage
Iwatodai Train Station
The juniors had been waiting for quite a while since they had arrived at the station. But Mitsuru was nowhere to be seen, causing Yukari to get impatient.
"Where is she?" asked the brunette.
Junpei took sip from a drink he had brought with him and said, "She'll be here soon, don't worry."
Giving Junpei a look that seemed to say 'right…' in a sarcastic way, Yukari looked up at the sky.
"There's a full moon tonight… But, it looks even creepier during the Dark Hour…"
"Lunacy…" mumbled Minato.
"What was that?" asked Yukari, curiously.
"It is said that the moon's cycle results in the changes of the human mind… In the past, it was said that just looking at the moon would cause a person to go crazy."
"A history lesson…?" groaned Junpei, who was tired from having to listen to lectures in school, "Don't we learn enough of that at school?"
"It's actually science. In any case, take heed of the full moon. Dangers may arise from them."
Not understanding what the bluenette was talking about, the other juniors were about to clarify before Mitsuru arrived, riding on a motorcycle.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," said the red head, taking off her helmet.
"A motorcycle?" questioned Yukari.
Ignoring Yukari's question, Mitsuru started explaining the situation, "Tonight, I'll be providing support from here, everything else is the same. The Shadow is currently located inside the monorail, not far from the station. To get there, you'll have to walk on the tracks."
This raised some concerns from the juniors, with the exception of Minato and Yukari, prompting Runako to ask, "Isn't that dangerous? I mean, with the high voltage and all that…?"
"Don't worry; no electric equipment is operable during the Dark Hour, including the monorails," assured Mitsuru.
"But, your bike…"
"It's special," the red head said with a smile, "Now, if circumstances changes, I'll notify you immediately. Let's get started."
Nodding in affirmation, the juniors ran into the station.
Monorail
"Can all of you hear me?" asked Mitsuru using her Persona's powers.
"Yes, I can hear you clearly," replied Yukari, "We just got here, but I don't see anything out of the ordinary…"
"The readings are definitely coming from the monorail. Proceed with caution and stay together. And that means: listening Arisato, understand Iori?"
"Oh, come on!" complained Junpei, "I'm sorry for what I said earlier, all right!"
The comment caused Yukari and Runako to laughed, while Minato climbed into the train.
"Hurry up, we need to find the Shadow as soon as possible," said Minato.
Tragic Emperor; Tearful Emperor
Within the cabin were a few coffins standing around where the passengers were supposed to stand.
"This poor stiff must be a passenger…" muttered Junpei while poking one of the coffins, "He's been Transmogged, huh…?"
"So… guys like him don't remember a thing?" asked Runako rhetorically.
Suddenly, the door that the juniors entered from closed shut, locking them inside the train.
"What's wrong?" asked Mitsuru, "What happened?!"
"It looks like we're trapped inside," replied Yukari.
"It must be the Shadow; It knows you're there. Be ready for anything! Proceed with extreme caution!"
"Umu! Understood," replied Minato.
"Umu?" asked Yukari, "Did she just say 'Umu'?"
"That's the first time I've heard her say that," replied Runako.
"You three, we need to start moving" said Minato, "Let's hurry!"
Juniors are running…
"What the heck?!" said Junpei in an annoyed tone, "I don't see any Shadows…"
"It's so quiet it's creepy…" muttered Yukari.
As soon as she said those words, a Shadow dropped down from the ceiling, surprising the juniors. The Shadow looked like a floating rag that was wearing a transparent crown with a book in it.
"There it is!" shouted Runako, stating the obvious.
The group prepared for battle, but the Shadow instead turned around and escaped into the next room.
"Hey, get back here!" shouted Junpei as he and Runako started chasing it, but was held back by Minato before they could go any further.
"Wait, it could be an ambush," said Minato, calmly.
"But, if we don't go after it, we're gonna lose it!" argued Junpei, trying to free himself from Minato's grip, which was surprisingly strong despite her thin frame.
"She's right Iori, the enemy was acting strangely," said Mitsuru, "It would be foolish to blindly chase after it."
"But-"
"Umu, there's another thing," interrupted Minato, "To shut the doors in the train when it's not supposed to indicates that a powerful Shadow has taken control of it. In short, they plan to separate us to make taking us down easier."
Minato's explanation caused Junpei and Runako to stop struggling. It made sense, even if it was not a trap, it does not change the fact that an extremely powerful Shadow was on board. And considering that they were not too experienced in fighting Shadows yet, they could not afford to separate.
"All right…" muttered Junpei, irritated that he could not show off, "Man, how could you stay so calm…"
"As expected of Onee-Chan," praised Runako, "You could see through anything!"
"I'll admit, I did not think of that…" said Mitsuru, "If what you said is true, then you should hurry. We don't know when the Shadow might start rampaging."
Nodding in affirmation, the juniors entered the next cabin; only find a group of Shadows waiting for them.
A very large group.
The sight stunned Junpei and Runako, "Glad we didn't run off…" said Runako, picking her jaw off the floor.
"Medusa!" shouted Minato as she shot her Evoker at her head.
As soon as the purple haired beauty appeared, she kicked the Shadows that were in front of the group. Thanks to her long legs, Medusa managed to sweep off quite a number of Shadows.
"Oh YEAH!" exclaimed Junpei, following Minato's action and summoning his Persona, "Hermes!"
The summoned mechanical being plowed through the Shadows, combined with Medusa's kicks, created a pathway for the juniors to run through.
"Umu, don't bother going after all of them!" ordered Minato as they plowed through, "Take down the ones that matter and run!"
With swords in hand, Minato and Junpei both cut through the Shadows that came in their way, with Runako and Yukari taking care of the enemies at the back so as not to be chased. However, the enemy numbers began to grow larger and larger; slowly overwhelming the group.
"Master, what should we do?" asked Medusa, trying to hold the enemy back.
Minato stayed silent, it was unknown if she was too busy concentrating on the fight or thinking or a strategy. After a few minutes of fighting, Minato was about to suggest an idea until the train started to move.
"Whoa, what the?!" shouted Junpei in a panick, "Why're we moving?"
"It seems Arisato's theory was right," said Mitsuru, "The enemy has taken control of the monorail."
"What're we gonna do?!" asked Runako as she dodges an enemy strike.
Slowly, the train picked up its pace, causing most of the group to panic.
"This isn't good…" said Runako, stating the obvious.
"If we can't stop that thing," said Mitsuru in a very worried tone, "it'll crash into another train."
"WHAT?!" shouted Yukari, "Oh god! What are we gonna do?!"
"Calm down and listen, I sense a powerful presence in the front car. That must be the one we're after. You'll have to defeat it to stop the train! Arisato, you know what to do."
Minato nodded, "Umu, understood, we need to get there even if the enemy isn't there anyway. We need to turn on the brakes."
"But, don't we need to deal with these guys first?" asked Yukari, now struggling to hold the enemy back.
"Caesar!" shouted Minato, firing her evoker.
Next to Medusa, appeared a young blond woman who had her hair tied in a bun. She was wearing a red one piece dress that reached near her ankles. The front bottom side of the dress was transparent, showing her underwear and with the back a small hole that showed her backside. The woman was also wearing greaves.
The most eye-catching thing of all was the sword the woman was carrying. It was very long and had a weird design. Compared to the woman's petite frame, the sword seemed to be much too long and heavy for her to carry.
Despite the tension, the woman ignored the enemies and turned towards Minato and asked, "I ask of thee, art thou mine Master?"
Due to being too busy fighting the Shadows, Minato could only give a small nod before resuming the fight.
"Umu, thine beauty… thine graceful aura… Truly a master worthy of mine power. If thou were in red, I would beseech thy hand without question," said the woman, ignoring the threats, "But, I doth think this be a good place to converse. Shalt I aid thee in battle, praetor?"
"That is why I summoned you," replied Minato, slowly losing ground, "Bring out the theater!"
The woman smile, "Umu, to beseech for the theater without hesitation, this be a serious situation. Very well, I shalt summon the theater!"
Unknown to anyone as to how she did it, the woman pulled out a rose, "I, Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, call for the grand stage!"
Throwing the rose up in the air, the woman then lunged towards the Shadows with inhuman speed and continued her speech, "Behold mine glory! Hear the thunderous applause!" the woman then released a series of slashes in quick succession, felling a few Shadows.
"Sit down and praise… Mine Golden Theater!" shouted the woman in an ecstatic tone as she continued to unleash another barrage of slashes, "Kingdom of Heaven and Hell! Nero's Heaven, reconstructed!"
When she had finished her attacks, the woman planted her sword to the ground. A bright flash exploded out of nowhere and when it subsided, the surroundings that was once a train carriage turned into a giant theater, with the group standing in the centre; which is the stage.
As if on cue, the woman spoke as the rose she threw finally landed on the floor, "Hither where the limelight shines! Aestus Domus Aurea!"
The juniors, with the exception of Minato, were in awe. The theater was huge and beautiful, like the places one could only see on TV or movies. They also noticed that the theater granted them more room to move around in and somehow rejuvenated them. In fact, they felt like they were more powerful than before they started fighting.
"Great work, Nero," praised Minato, "Now, open a way towards the front car."
"Quite a slave driver, Praetor," said Nero with a chuckle, "but considering our situation, I shalt take this in stride."
When she had finished saying her piece, Nero raised her hand and faced it towards a random direction. This caused a door to appear.
Without hesitation, Minato opened the door and entered, with the others following suit. Behind the door was the train car. Or rather, the car next to the one they were on.
"How…?" questioned Yukari.
"We'll talk later, let's go!" said Minato, running towards the door on the other side of the carriage.
Set stage; the two wives
After a short amount of running, the group managed to arrive at the front car of the train. Though they expected a Shadow to be there, they were surprised at what they saw. A giant masked woman, wearing only a piece of cloth, was sitting at the end of the car. It was without a doubt, a Shadow. Half its skin was literally white and the other black. On its breast were the letters B and J. The woman's hair was actually paper with strange symbols written on them, giving off the impression that they were scriptures. The way the woman was sitting made her look like she was just lazing around, not wanting to do anything.
"What the hell…? Is this the friggin' boss?!" asked a shocked Junpei.
"Hurry!" warned Mitsuru, "We don't have much time left!"
"This be an annoying foe," said Nero, preparing to attack, "I sense great power within her. Be wary Praetor!"
Nodding at Nero's warning, the group prepared their Evokers and weapons and began attacking.
"Iori, Runako, Takeba; the three of you take the left flank and we'll take the right," ordered Minato as they made their way to the Shadow, "Dodge any attacks that come in your way and attack as much as you can. We have no time to lose!"
As soon as Minato issued the order, the trio immediately ran towards the Shadow's right and attack. Junpei, using his sword, sliced through the Shadow's legs; this caused it to moan in pain. Suddenly, a group of Shadow appeared from the ceiling and attacked the trio.
"What the…? Where did they come from?" asked Yukari, firing an arrow at one of the enemy.
"The Shadow is summon them," answered Mitsuru, "Defeat it quickly, or you'll be overwhelmed."
"Ugh, what a pain," complained Runako as she ran towards the giant Shadow. Firing her Evoker, Runako summoned her Persona and had it use a Zio spell. Though it was struck with lightning, it did not flinch and did not appear to have taken any damage. "It didn't work?!" said Runako in shock.
"I've finished analyzing the enemy," said Mitsuru, "It's under the Priestess Arcana and seemed to resist electric and ice attacks."
Gritting her teeth in annoyance, Runako gripped her naginata and attack the Priestess physically.
Meanwhile, Minato and her Servants were also having a difficult time. The Shadow did not even allow them to go near it and summoned a large group of Shadows to bar their path.
"Nero! Can you summon the theater again?" asked Minato as she sliced through the Shadows.
"Unfortunately Praetor, I could not," answered Nero, "I need to wait for ten minutes before summoning the theater once more."
Sighing in frustration, Minato continued fighting while thinking about her next move.
"Master," called Medusa, "I could use Cybele and finish them off quickly."
"No, it would affect the others," declined Minato, "We can't risk getting them caught in the crossfire."
Nodding at Minato's decision, Medusa continued fighting, leaving Minato to her thoughts. It was troubling, the enemy was resistant to ice and electricity and in addition, it kept summoning Shadows to aid it and hinder Minato's path. Not to mention that they were running low on time, rushing Minato's thoughts.
"Kyaa!" screamed a familiar voice. It belonged to Runako, who was almost hit by a spear of ice. Minato looked for the source of the spear and found that the Priestess Shadow had summoned a volley of ice spears and is throwing them at the other group.
"Runako!" shouted Minato, panic filling her voice as she ran towards her sister. But was stopped by the weaker Shadows.
Runako could barely dodge the Shadow's attacks and could not get help from Yukari or Junpei because they were being surrounded by Shadows. In short, the Priestess was trying to isolated the group and take them down one by one. Soon, Runako lost room to and could only wait for one of the ice spears to finish her off.
When she closed her eyes, she heard a sickeningly squishing sound, like flesh was being torn, along with the sound of bones cracking. However, Runako felt no pain; opening her eyes, she saw something that made her legs weak.
Minato managed to break through the enemies' formation and shield her from the attack. The spears were protruding through her body, with one on her right arm, three on her left leg and quite a number of small ice spears on her main body. This sight made everyone in the room cringed.
"Are… you all right…?" asked Minato, not giving her situation any concern.
Runako could only nod her head, too shock to say anything.
"Umu, good…" said the bluenette before turning around and facing the Priestess. A voice echoed in her mind, telling her to call whatever that was talking in her head. It is unknown if she was hallucinating due to the pain or it was a genuine voice. Regardless, Minato pointed her Evoker to her head and pulled the trigger.
"TOMAMO!" shouted Minato, summoning a woman with pink hair.
The woman was wearing a kimono with detached sleeves. The neckline of the kimono barely covered her breasts; making one wonder how it did not slip off. She was also wearing a pair of zori that looked like platform shoes; along with thighhighs. The woman's hair was tied with twin tails and had a color similar to Sakura. The most eye-catching sight of all was that the woman had fox ears and a tail.
"You've finally called Master!" said the woman known as Tomamo with a happy smile, "I'll take care of this quickly so we can talk as much as we want later!"
Tomamo ran towards the other two servants and joined them in battle.
"Umu? Is that not Caster? I hath not seen thee in a long time," said Nero in a nostalgic tone.
"Saber!" cried Tomamo, "You've been summoned too…? So much for having Master all to myself…"
The last sentence was said at too soft a whisper that the other Servants did not hear it.
"Talk later, we need to take that Shadow down now," ordered Medusa, "We're running out of time."
Nodding her head, Tomamo turned to face the Shadow and said, "I'll take this down in one strike!" She then took out several paper charms and threw them at the Shadow. "Thunder, Fire, Earth… Roar in the name of the Heavens and strike down whoever stands in my path…"
After reciting those words, the paper charms glowed brightly and clouds gathered above the Shadow. Not one to hold back, the Shadow tried to attack Tomamo, but had its attacks blocked by Medusa and Nero.
"I call forth Raijin; I call forth Fuujin; Beat your drums and smite those who oppose you; Open your bag of infinity and blow away those who oppose you; Strike! Shippuu Raisenbu!"
When she had finished her incantation, the clouds turned darker and darker. A strong gust of wind blew towards the Shadow and due to the speed; struck the Shadow like a cannon. Then, a giant bolt of lightning struck the Shadow and exploded. When the dust cleared, the Shadow was nowhere to be seen, along with the other smaller Shadows; signaling its defeat.
"W-we did it!" exclaimed Junpei, pumping his fists in the air.
"But, we're still moving…" said Yukari worriedly.
"We're going too fast!" shouted Runako, finally recovering from her shock, "We have to put on the brakes or else…!"
"What are you waiting for?!" yelled Mitsuru, "There's a train up ahead!"
True enough, a train could be seen up ahead. But the trio was panicking so hard that could not think about their next step. Soon, the train got closer and closer; leading them to think that they were going to die. But a screeching sound could be heard and in a few seconds, the train had stopped moving.
The trio looked around and realized that they had not crashed and still alive.
"Is everyone alright?" asked Mitsuru.
"Everyone… is fine…" replied Minato who came out of the driver's cabin, supported by her Servants. Her body was badly battered compared to the others, blood was trickling from her wounds and some of her bones were broken, leaving her unable to even stand on her own.
"Arisato-San," cried Yukari, running towards the bluenette.
"Arisato, are you alright?!" asked Mitsuru, a worried and panicked tone filled her voice.
"Don't… worry…" said Minato, before passing out from her wounds.
Friends forged; Eternal gratitude
The Empress: Rank 1
Death: Rank 3
This took a while to write. I'm not that good at battle scenes so I apologize for the poor writing during those segments. So, two new Servants have joined the scene. And they're from Fate/Extra, a fun game in its own right. Expect Garcher to appear. Yes, I'm not even hiding it.
So, Death is changing his appearance. Expect the change to continue for a while. To be honest, I did not originally plan for him to have an appearance change. But then I was researching for Servants to give Minato and then I came up with an idea. Guess who's gonna appear?
And yes, the Death Arcana ranks up really fast. It's one of the few Arcanas that Minato can easily rank up. Don't expect anyone TOO powerful though.
So, I hope you readers enjoyed this chapter and I hope to see you next time.
Until next time…