Disclaimer: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 belongs to Atlus and Odin Sphere, while published by Atlus, belongs to VanillaWare. I have no rights to them at all.

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Soul's Nocturne

Chapter 10

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Kanji slumped against the wall as the chain snapped forward and recoiled back, forcing the black creature away.

"Begone from this place, Desecrator! You who are a dark spirit, how dare you wander amongst these people! Had they'd enter Winterhorn Ridge, I would understand, but that place is gone. How do you remain?"

The woman with golden hair glared at the scarlet-eyed shadow, her violet eyes watching it closely as the flames composing its body sparked and crackled. Suddenly, it leapt back. Her red cloak flared for a moment, but she paused, looking back at Kanji. Looking around, she spotted a phone. Ugh, she'd admit, it was a clever idea, but one she never really enjoyed learning how to use. She dialed and waited.

… Beep. "What is your emergency?"

She lowered the phone from her ear and set it in Kanji's hand as the operator asked, "Hello? Is anyone there? This number is for emergency purposes only…"

They would have to send a squad car due to a 'prank' call, but it was enough. She waved a hand over Kanji's form, whispering under her breath, "Forgive us for the pain that has befallen you, son of the great ancestors. Your fight for life will not be in vain."

She turned, her heels clicking and her red cape flaring as she disappeared from the house.

"… As you can see, your friends are in danger. Not only do you know, but so do your other bonds. Through you, they feel the others linked closely almost as if they are bonded as well. It seems as though they both protect and endanger. As long as one lives, the others will not pass from this new threat."

He blinked once, the darkness of the Velvet Room closing in around his eyes, but it turned out to be a shadow. Another woman entered and sat down opposite of Margaret, a large tome firmly within her gloved fingers. Margaret raised her head, her amber eyes locking with almost identical amber. Igor gazed between the two, remaining quiet as the newcomer spoke, "Her plan has failed. It always would have. The power has drawn my abrupt return."

"She never understood and now the consequence for her actions is unfound punishment on the descendants," Margaret replied, "Humans have done as they suspected. They've develop freely with trial and error."

"Indeed, sister. There is, but one way for resolution and peace to return," the newcomer sighed. Margaret nodded and both turned, looking at him. Together, they spoke in hauntingly in sync, yellow eyes glowing.

"The red crystal through which death whispers. Bring it to us for the key."

"Be quick about it though," Margaret said, lowering her gaze.

The newcomer did the same, "The scent is upon you. He will not hesitate to come."

"Our contract may be broken, but with this threat, a new one between Elizabeth and myself will hold you to your new challenge. Do you accept?" Igor asked. He closed his eyes as Elizabeth raised her head, her short hair bouncing slightly as her lips curled into a smile. Igor's fingers crossed together and he leaned against his enclosed hands, smiling. Slowly, he opened his gray eyes, nodding slowly.

"Igor… I accept the contract…"

"… Hm… then…" Igor waved his hand. In mid-air, a red book revolved and opened, sheet protector pulling back as it opened to a new page. Souji Seta scrolled in on the bottom line and a pulse raced through his body. Whispers in his mind awakened louder than they had in a month, images of gods and goddesses crossed his mind. For a moment, he saw feathers dancing in his vision; someone with silver hair and bright plumage around their pale form.

"Your Personas recognize what has happened, especially Izanagi-no-Okami," Igor whispered, "Let him be your guide upon your return. Do not forget to awaken those who aid you. During your absence, they slumbered, but when you return, they await to hear the one above them."

The wheels of the car were starting to slow. Igor grinned, "Here is your stop. Please, we always wait for your return. Until then, farewell."

He raised his head, opening his eyes as the train exited the tunnel, its horn blasting as smoke billowed into the air. Rain pattered noisily against the window as he stared. Well, it must be fate his parents needed to send him out here again when something needed to be done. His friends, if they were in better condition, would be there at the station, but no. The ties he had made where solid; coiled to him like another part of his body. Yosuke was in pain in the hospital, Naoto was asleep, numbing her own, Teddie was still panicking, and the recent… Souji gritted his teeth, resting a hand on his stomach as he felt a sharp prod and pull.

Kanji was still in surgery, fresh blood entering his veins as he struggled to hold on.

"Attention passengers. We will be arriving at Yasoinaba Station in five minutes. Please make sure all your belongings are with you as you make your departure."

Souji lowered his hand from his stomach and calmed. Something was luring this creature to the others. He would have to figure it out as he looked for the crystal, but still, what did any of this mean? Izanami and Teddie referred to the black shadow as 'Father'. Had it some form or was it just a shadow? That was probably it. It was responsible for the shadows that plagued humanity. Maybe if they stopped the rampage, they would disappear for good.

Under his feet, he felt the train shudder to a stop.

"We have arrived at Yasoinaba Station. All passengers departing please stand away from the doors as they open."

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This had really been the first for her dad to call her home from a friend's house. He said he had a surprise at home, but didn't divulge any details. Nanako had to really consider going home at that moment or later because the rain was coming down in thick sheets. In the end, she decided to hurry home. Maybe her dad got something from Junes? Giggling, she clutched her umbrella tighter, "Everyday's great are your Junes!"

She always liked that commercial. Looking around, she noticed that the shopping district was practically deserted due to the weather and some shops were closing early. Nanako looked over at the Textile Shop and paused, frowning. She had heard what happened this morning on the news. She had really been looking forward to showing Kanji the doll she made at home from last week. Well, she could always visit him in the hospital with Rise or Yukiko and show him there.

"U-Uh-ghh…"

Nanako paused and turned her head, "Huh?"

Nervously, she looked around, holding her umbrella closer and bending her knees in. Who would be out here in this kind of weather? She jumped at the sound of wood creaking and turned. The dark alley next to her? No, it used to be a street people took often, but the shops were closed. Some of them were opening again, but they were closed to set up. She wondered if she should just go home, but curiosity had the better of her. As carefully as possible, she walked down the street, glancing around. About four buildings down, she noticed one door was slightly ajar on one of the boarded up stores.

Despite her legs shaking, Nanako approached the door and nudged it open a bit. It wasn't enough. Releasing one hand from her umbrella, she pushed it open a bit more, the wood creaking as it slid on the rotting guide. From what light spilled in, she saw empty shelves covered in dust and cobwebs along with a counter on the far side of the room. At the sound of breathing, her eyes darted around.

"H-Hello?" she called, stepping inside, but not entering completely. There was the faint sound of shifting. She tensed, but it wasn't coming towards her; it was moving away. Deciding no harm no foul, she lowered her umbrella and stepped inside, walking slowly into the back, keeping an eye out for any…

A shadow shifted as she approached the counter and she gasped, withdrawing her hands to her chest as she bit her lip. Trembling, she peeked around the counter's edge. Glowing, red eyes looked back and she cried out in surprised, ducking back from its view. When nothing happened, she chanced a glance back. The red eyes were still focused on her, but she noticed they just stood out on the man's really pale face especially the right one. He was breathing hard, probably from exhaustion, but she didn't know as she stepped slowly, rising to her feet as she came out of hiding.

"Uhm… a-are you okay, mister?" Nanako asked, frowning. The man didn't reply, but instead, his expression changed to one of confusion. Did he not understand her? She tilted her head, but then looked down, "Mister… your bleeding. S-Should I get a doctor?"

"… No. I just… need rest."

Her eyes widened a bit as he spoke, but she calmed down, becoming concerned as he shut his eyes, gripping his side tightly. A glimmer made her realize he was wearing what appeared to be heavy black armor with red faintly standing out against it. Nanako frowned, "I just have small bandages with me… stay here and I'll get a first aid kit."

"I don't…" he started, but Nanako already dashed out into the rain and to Shiroku. The old froggish old woman was pacing behind her counter, smiling as always, and turned when the door rattled.

"Ah, here for the Rainy Day Sale I presume?" she asked, her smile broadening. She blinked, surprised to see Nanako, "You're a young customer. Are you here for some sweets?"

"Actually, I was wondering if you had first aid kits," Nanako replied.

"Oh, one of your friends hurt, little one?" the woman asked. Nanako thought for a moment, but then nodded quickly. At a leisurely pace, the shop keeper walked over to a cabinet, opening it slowly and drew out a small box. "One medical kit is 2720 yen… but I'll make an exception for you. Go help your friend."

Nanako smiled broadly and nodded, "Thank you very much!"

"You're welcome, little one."

Nanako brought the medical kit close to her chest and ran out of the store, going back to the boarded up building. She lowered her umbrella and walked inside, less cautious this time, "Mister, I got something to help you…"

She trailed when she found he wasn't behind the counter anymore. Moving towards the door located in the corner, she nearly tripped. Apparently, he tried crawling into the back room. She knelt down, tilting her head. He wasn't saying anything, but she could make out that he was breathing… She barely popped open the medical kit when she heard a husky voice.

"Leave me child…"

"But you're bleeding really bad," Nanako said, frowning, "And the lady gave me this medical kit for free to help. Please let me help you mister…"

He didn't respond. She lowered her head; knowing he was just going to tell her off again, but she was surprised when he shifted slowly, armor clinking together as he forced himself to sit up. His white hair now became apparent and his red eyes landed on her.

"You should not be troubled with one such as myself…" he said coolly, "I deserve the pain I suffer."

"That's not true," Nanako replied, a little caught off guard at his words. He had a funny way of speaking. She opened the medical kit, smiling at him, "You look mean, but you're not mister."

"And why do you assume that?" he asked, eyes glinting.

"Because… why does someone need to be in pain?" she replied innocently. He tilted his head, blinking, but then was silent. Minutes passed, she soon said goodbye and departed, and the man remained. He stared at the closed door for some time before looking down at the empty medical kit. He picked it up and rested it in the palm of his gauntlet. A streak of lightening illuminated the store and as the flash faded, he was gone.

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Me: Is it obvious I got stuck? Please review.