'That was a good lunch, wasn't it?'
It was adequate
'There's never any praise from you, is there? Always a Critical Cathy.'
I don't think that's a phrase
'Sure it is, right-What are you doing?'
"Hmm? Oh, I was just looking at the title"
' 'Waltzing through the Flames', huh? Sounds wonderful'
"It does, doesn't it? I've always loved a good old ballroom dance. Always dreamed of being invited to one as a little girl"
He's being sarcastic
"Oh. Well...I knew that"
Sure you did
"I totally knew that-Wah! M-Milord, what're you d-doing?"
'You said you always dreamed about being invited to a ballroom dance, right? Well, I know how to dance. So let's do it.'
"B-But..."
'Just relax and follow my lead'
...I'll go get the matches
The author doesn't own Persona. That belongs to Atlus and it's creators. All the author owns are the original ideas and original characters
Chapter 11: Waltzing through the Flames
Souji
"Yukiko!" Chie cried out.
In front of them was Yukiko, wearing the same pink kimono he had seen her wearing last time. And in front of her, sitting regally on a throne, was her Shadow.
"I knew there were two of her," Yosuke said on seeing Shadow Yukiko.
Yukiko turned to look at them in surprise.
"Chie?" she asked disbelievingly.
Shadow Yukiko smiled from her throne, and tilted her head, looking at them curiously.
"Oh? Ohhhhh? What's this? Four Princes are here to see me?"
It didn't take long for him to realize that she was talking about them, and Florence suddenly looked uncomfortable. Shadow Yukiko tittered, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.
"Are you perhaps the special guests that arrived late to the ball? I couldn't recognize you for a second". Shadow Yukiko gave a pleased sigh. "You have become True Princes, not just Princes-in-Training". Shadow Yukiko then pouted. "I wish I'd gotten a better look at you before though".
Shadow Yukiko got up from her throne and walked down the stairs. The look in her eyes reminded him uncomfortably of Senri.
"Why don't you and I go somewhere less crowded? To a land far, far away, where no one knows me. If you're my Prince, you'd take me there, wouldn't you?," the Shadow asked them with a suggestive whisper.
At this point, Chie was staring at the Shadow in complete flabbergast, while Yosuke and Florence looked uncomfortably to the side, Florence covering his eyes with his hat. It was at this moment that Teddie came to a realization.
"Ohh, is this what 'scoring a hot stud' means?" he asked.
Crystal slapped him upside the head.
"Now's not the time for that".
"Four Princes...Does she mean me too?" Chie asked, pointing to herself.
"No, she obviously means me!" Teddie said confidently. At the same time, Crystal muttered, "Well, I doubt she means me".
Shadow Yukiko looked at Chie in contemplation.
"Yes...Chie is my Prince," she said without any doubt in her voice. They all looked at Chie, who was still pointing to herself, and looking around as if there was another Chie in the room.
"She always leads the way...Chie's a strong Prince," Shadow Yukiko said, smiling.
The smile immediately turned into a sneer. "Or at least she was".
"Was?" Chie repeated with confusion.
"When it comes down to it, Chie is just not good enough!" Shadow Yukiko started to gesture angrily.
"She can't take me away from here! She can't save me!"
Chie looked at Shadow Yukiko sadly.
"Yukiko..."
At this moment the real Yukiko got up from the ground with a pained expression.
"S-Stop..." she demanded weakly.
Shadow Yukiko continued to yell.
"Historic Inn, Managerial Training!? I'm sick of all these things chaining me down! I never asked to be born here! Everything's decided for me! From how I live to where I die!"
Shadow Yukiko violently ripped the tiara from her head and threw it aside.
"I'm so sick of it! To hell with it all!"
Yukiko stepped forward. "That's not true..." she protested.
Shadow Yukiko started to pace around.
"I just want to go somewhere far away," she simpered, "Anywhere but here. Someone, please take me away. I can't leave on my own. I'm completely useless."
"Stop it. Please stop...," Yukiko pleaded, looking to be on the verge of tears.
"There's no hope if I stay, and I have no courage to leave," Shadow Yukiko continued mockingly.
"So I sit on my ass hoping that someday my Prince will come! I don't care where we go! Anywhere's fine! As long as it's not here, I don't give a damn! Historical Tradition, Pride of the Town!? What a bunch of bullshit!"
Yukiko glared at her Shadow weakly.
"How dare you...?"
Throughout this entire thing, Chie was staring at the scene, seemingly tore between shock and the desire to run in there to save her friend. Shadow Yukiko took a breath and composed herself, smiling again. This smile had a bitter tone to it though.
"That's how I really feel. Isn't that right...me!?"
Yukiko looked at her Shadow, shaking her head in denial.
"N-No..."
They all realized what was about to happen next.
"No! Stop! Don't say it!" Yosuke shouted.
Chie snapped out of her daze and ran towards Yukiko, only to trip and fall on her face. A closer look revealed that the threads of the red carpet had come loose entangling Chie's ankles. If Chie had been affected by her face plant, she didn't show it.
"Yukiko!" She called out, struggling against the threads while reaching out for the figure garbed in the kimono.
"No! You're not me!" Yukiko yelled.
For a moment it was completely silent. The silence was broken by Shadow Yukiko's near maniacal laughter.
"Heeheehee...Hahahahaha!"
Shadow Yukiko clutched her stomach, long black hair falling in her face while giving a chilling smile.
"Aaah! This feels wonderful! It's building...more and more...If this keeps up...I'll...I'll...!".
Shadow Yukiko gave a loud gasp.
"Ahaha! Ahahahahaha!"
All the candles in the room suddenly flared up, and the tapestries, and more importantly, the rug caught fire. Chie stopped struggling, looking at the flames in horror, before continuing her frantic struggle. Both he and Yosuke snapped out of their stupor, and rushed to her side, trying to cut her free. Both were cursing the fake katana and its blunt blade. There was a loud tinkling sound, and they all looked up, and froze when they saw a chandelier falling from the roof.
"Crap!" There was a sudden grinding sound as stone pillars erupted around them, blocking the chandelier. Crystal ran up beside them.
"Get her free, quick! She's about to do somethi-!"
She was cut off by an explosion of red light. They turned towards the light, just to see a cage, fixed upon an even larger chandelier fall from the ceiling and crash onto the floor. Inside the cage was a vermilion bird with a white heart shaped breast and Yukiko's face and raven hair. The bird looked very cramped and uncomfortable, and why was soon to be revealed as she opened the cage door, showing a massive wingspan. At the same time, the real Yukiko was suddenly trapped in a cage that erupted from the ground, before rising up in the air by a chain.
"Yukiko!," Chie cried hysterically, further entangling herself.
"I am a Shadow...The True Self!," Yukiko cawed, "Now my Prince, why don't we dance and make merry together?".
Shadow Yukiko's feathers glowed, and she sent a blast of fire towards them. Tomoe rushed in to intercept, only to writhe and fall to the floor as the fire hit her. He flinched on hearing Chie scream in pain.
"Chie!," Yosuke said.
Shadow Yukiko cawed again, and sent another blast of fire. Izanagi and Jiraiya stood in front of Tomoe protectively. Before the flames hit, he felt a sudden chill, and all he saw was black. He felt as if he was falling, and before he knew it, they were suddenly behind Florence. He looked at the spot they were, which was now ablaze. Yosuke looked around wildly, while Crystal was busy trying to pull off the threads ensnaring Chie.
"Brother," she grunted, tearing the threads, freeing Chie, "Next time you Shadow Travel us, warn us please?".
Florence just nodded. Chie jumped up to her feet.
"Hang on Yukiko, I'm right here for you!," she said, taking a battle stance. Shadow Yukiko just chuckled.
"Oh really? Then I'll make sure to give you plenty to deal with!," sending a wave of fire towards them. Fire met rock as Crystal created a wall of stone.
"We need to do something, quick," Crystal said. He nodded.
"Crystal, I need you to distract her."
"Got it."
"Yosuke, you're with me. We're going to attack her with everything we got."
"Got it Partner."
"What about me?!," Chie asked, glaring at him.
"I can fight too!"
"I know. But you and Florence need to save Yukiko".
Chie just blinked, and Florence nodded.
"Does everyone know what they're doing?".
Everyone nodded.
"Good. Then let's go!".
Crystal created an opening in the wall, and he and Yosuke ran through it. Shadow Yukiko watched them with glee.
"Oh, looks like you haven't had your fill of divorcing!".
He laughter was interrupted by a boulder suddenly hitting the chandelier.
"Distract it eh? Easy! After all, rock beats bird!".
More stones flew towards Shadow Yukiko, and in response, she sent a wave of fire. The Shadow shrieked.
"You little..."
Chie
As soon as Souji and Yosuke ran out, she ran towards the cage Yukiko was trapped in, Florence not far behind her. She looked up at the unconscious form of Yukiko in the cage and ground her teeth. Florence stopped next to her.
"We'll save you Yukiko, don't worry," she muttered.
She turned to Florence.
"Any ideas?".
Florence just looked up at the cage, before suddenly grabbing her hand as shadows engulfed them again. For a moment, the all encompassing darkness reminded her uncomfortably of the Mudo, and she gripped Florence's hand tighter. As suddenly as it happened, the shadows receded, and she sighed in relief. Only to notice they were standing on top of the cage, thirty feet above the floor. She gave a small 'eep' and clutched the bars of the cage. Florence started climbing down the cage, before looking up at her.
"Chie, I need you to wake up Yukiko," he said, before shaking the door of the cage with a frown.
She nodded, before looking at Yukiko. A torrent of emotions was surging through her-worry, joy, terror, but most of all relief. Relief that Yukiko was okay. She shook her head. There was no time to relax right now. She reached through the bars, and shook Yukiko's shoulders.
"Yukiko, wake up," she said gently, though hurriedly.
Yukiko groaned softly, and her eyes fluttered open.
"Chie...". She cringed at how weak her voice sounded.
"Don't worry, just hang in there," she said supportively, before looking at Florence, who was attempting to pry open the cage with tendrils of shadows. He wasn't having much success. She started on hearing the defiant cries of everybody else and the laughter of Shadow Yukiko, before narrowing her eyes. Tomoe appeared behind her, and pried open the bars of the cage with her hands, opening a wide hole. Florence looked at her for a minute, before nodding.
"I suppose that worked better than my attempts".
Florence shifted to the side, and outstretched a hand towards Yukiko, who looked at him in shock.
"Miss Yukiko, we need to get out of here," Florence urged.
Yukiko glanced at her, and she smiled reassuringly, before climbing down slowly and reaching into the cage. Yukiko made her way towards the door, before latching herself onto her, much to her surprise. Tomoe supported both of them, making sure they didn't fall.
"I knew you would save me...," Yukiko muttered, half lucid.
She just kept a arm around Yukiko, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. She turned to look at Florence.
"So, how do we got off of this cage?"
"Same way we got here. Hang-".
"You're saving her!?".
They turned to see Shadow Yukiko glaring at them, looking betrayed.
"No! You're my Prince, not hers!", she screeched, before sending a torrent of flames towards them.
She froze as the flames came closer, remembering their bite. Just as the flames came within feet of them, , Florence jumped off the cage in front of them, and shadows covered her vision. She hugged Yukiko close, and before she knew it, she collided against the ground.
"Chie-chan!".
She opened her eyes to see Teddie hover over her worriedly. They were behind the wall. She looked at Yukiko worriedly, only to sigh in relief as she saw she was only unconscious. She gently laid Yukiko on the ground, before turning to Florence.
"Heh, that was a nice save th-".
The words caught in her throat as she saw Florence leaning against the wall, face contorted in pain. Half of his suit was burnt off, and his arm was covered in angry red burns.
"Florence!," she cried out, running up to him.
Florence opened his eyes, and for a second she thought they looked gold. Florence blinked and they were back to their electric blue barred his teeth in pain, shadows flaring erratically.
"Hang on, I'll get Souji and-"
"No. Focus on fighting off the Shadow," Florence interrupted.
She hesitated.
"But-"
"I'll be fine. We need to defeat the Shadow first," Florence said firmly.
She looked at him, before looking at the space above the wall, where the light was an almost hellish red, before standing up.
"You'll be okay?".
Florence barred his teeth in a smile.
"I've been better, but I've also been worse. I'll be fine".
She nodded, before turning to Teddie.
"Teddie, take care of Yukiko and Florence"
"Y-Yes!".
She nodded, before turning to the opening in the wall. she stretched while Tomoe cracked her knuckles.
"Alright...Now it's our turn. Time to deliver a stomping!"
Souji
"Agi!".
He and Izanagi backpedaled to avoid a blast of fire. Though that was hard to do, considering the entire room was on fire. Crystal was busy covering Yosuke, who was peppering Shadow Chie with Garu after Garu. He hissed as heat licked at him.
Souji, summon me. The flames won't hurt you Senri urged.
'But can you hurt her?'.
Senri didn't answer, and Izanagi launched itself at Shadow Yukiko, only to fall back as Shadow Yukiko caught fire. He gritted his teeth in frustration.
Young Warrior, summon me Valkyrie said suddenly.
He blinked, before summoning Valkyrie. The Maiden of the North lifted her shield up to block an Agi, before launching a Bufu. The effect was instantaneous, and Shadow Yukiko shrieked in pain as the flames on her body died to embers.
"Alright Partner, you found it's weakness!," Yosuke cheered.
Valkyrie galloped towards Shadow Yukiko, raising her swords. There was a bright flash of light as the swords were covered in ice, and Valkyrie slashed at Shadow Yukiko. Shadow Yukiko cried in pain, and lunged towards Valkyrie, only to hit the shields. Valkyrie pranced out of Shadow Yukiko's range and launched another Bufu. Shadow Yukiko glared at them.
"It appears I was mistaken. You're no Prince, you're a commoner! Die, commoner filth!," she cawed, flames bursting to life.
"Oh no you don't!". He turned around just in time to see a Bufu whiz past him and hit Shadow Yukiko. Shadow Yukiko cried out, and an angry looking Chie and Tomoe jumped into the fray. Shadow Yukiko stared at Chie in shock, feather's glowing dully.
"You! How could you!?," Shadow Yukiko cried out, only to scream as a small boulder hit it.
He saw a very smug Crystal quickly form more sharpened stalagmites. She launched the sharpened stones towards Shadow Yukiko, and at the same time Jiraiya used Garu, accelerating the stones to breakneck speeds. However, Shadow Yukiko ducked back into her cage, and the chandelier rose into the air, avoiding the stalactites completely.
"None of you are my Prince...Come, my true Prince!".
He shielded his eyes as a flash of light blinded him. The light died out, revealing a Shadow that looked like a regal prince. The prince took one look at them, before brandishing its sword. At the same time, it's hands glowed white, and he watched as Shadow Yukiko's wounds heal.
"Hmmm, yes. My Charming Prince is my true Prince,"Shadow Yukiko gloated.
The Charming Prince seemed to agree, before seeing Chie. It immediately rushed towards her, only for Tomoe to intercept. Both Tomoe and the Charming Prince glared at each other, and he flinched as flames filled his vision. If the ballroom had been on fire before, it was positively ablaze now. Everywhere he looked, all he saw was flames.
Valkyrie's horse reared, and he grunted, temperature rising to almost unbearable. At least there was no smoke. He heard wild cackling, and he looked around wildly, trying to find Shadow Yukiko. He heard a creaking sound, and looked up to see the chandelier hanging above him. As soon as he looked, the chandelier dropped , falling towards him. Valkyrie immediately was next to him, holding her shields as she braced herself. He also braced himself, and just before the chandelier hit, large earthen pillars erupted from the ground, stopping it.
"Hey!".
He turned to see a slightly singed Crystal run towards him.
"You okay?," she asked.
He nodded.
"You?"
"Just peachy," she grunted.
They looked up as the chandelier started to grind into the pillars.
"We'd better get out of here," he said.
"Run out and pelt her with stone and ice?," Crystal asked.
"Took the words right out of my mouth".
They glanced at each other, before running out from under the chandelier.
Chie
She gritted her teeth and kicked the Charming Prince, only for it to dodge and slash at her. Tomoe blocked the attack and forced the Prince back. She panted, feeling drained from the heat, and the Charming Prince took that time to heal itself. She glared at it as the background was filled with Shadow Yukiko's laughter.
"Don't get in my way!," she yelled at the Prince.
The Prince just glared back and taunted her. She growled and Tomoe lunged at the Prince. The Prince stood still, only to feint at the last second and cut Tomoe's back. Tomoe fell, and she gave a cry as her knees hit the ground. The Charming Prince followed with a flurry of cuts and slashes. The Prince lifted up it's blade, only to be blocked by Tomoe. Both of them glared at each other-And the Prince was sent flying as Jiraiya appeared out of nowhere, punching the Prince in the face. Both she and Tomoe stared at Jiraiya in surprise as Jiraiya struck a cool pose.
"Chie!".
She turned to see Yosuke run towards her.
"Hey, you okay?," he asked.
"Never...better...," she said, before falling back down to the ground.
"Chie! What's wrong?".
She just laid on the ground, looking at the flames dance around them. She was completely drained of strength. Jiraiya appeared next to Yosuke and pointed at the flames as Tomoe helped her up.
"Crap. Your weakness," Yosuke said grimly.
Jiraiya nodded, and the pair turned to face her.
"Hey, maybe you should take it easy," Yosuke suggested.
"I'm fine. It's just a bit of heat," she muttered, before taking off her jacket.
"Now then, we better help the others-," she began, only to see Yosuke staring at her. What was he staring at-?
Anger began to bubble up as she realized why, and she stomped on his foot.
"Ouch! What the hell did you do that for!?," Yosuke cried clutching his foot, as a bewildered Jiraiya looked on.
Tomoe let go of her and twirled her spear menacingly.
"You're really doing that now!," she yelled. Why that dirty pe-.
"I was only looking at that gash!," Yosuke said angrily.
She blinked and looked at herself. On her shoulder was a long gash, oozing with blood. As soon as she saw it, the pain registered and she winced, grabbing it.
"Oh...," she said sheepishly.
Yosuke sighed.
"Here, let me heal i-".
He jerked back suddenly as something flashed past him, and he caught the airborne sword before it hit her. She stared at the point in shock, and they both turned to see a battered Prince glaring at them, emerging from the flames. Yosuke grinned.
"Hah! What ya gonna do without you're sword?," Yosuke taunted.
The Prince just looked at them, before unsheathing a second sword and forming a green light. A Sukukaja.
"...Oh."
"You just had to jinx it!".
Souji
He watched as another attack hit the cage, sending it shaking but otherwise unharmed. Crystal growled next to him.
"Stop hiding and fight!".
"We have to get her out of that cage," he said.
"Easier said than done. Everything's on fire. Including her"
"...What if she wasn't on fire?".
Crystal blinked before looking at him. He continued to look at the cage, formulating a plan. Valkyrie's horse whinnied.
A bold plan she said.
'Can you do it?'.
It is within my power.
He looked at Crystal.
"If she wasn't on fire, could you take her out?".
"I'll try at the very least...Let me get ready," she said, kneeling down.
He could feel the stone buckle underneath him as he ran towards Shadow Yukiko.
"Hey! Your Highness!," he called out.
Shadow Yukiko peeked out of her cage to look at him curiously.
"Come and get me! If you can get off your fatass that is!".
Shadow Yukiko blinked in shock, before glowering, flames dancing. He stood in front of the cage and continued to hurl insults.
"What's wrong? Too busy sitting on your cushy throne to deal with a 'commoner'?".
Shadow Yukiko started to glow crimson, and the flames around her flowed into her. The fires around the room dimmed and traveled into the Shadow, and out of the corner of his eyes he could see Chie and Yosuke fight the Prince.
"Come on! Get me you worthless-".
Part of him wished he had better insults. However, they did the job.
Shadow Yukiko was now glowing bright white.
"You... You mongrel! How dare you talk to me like that!," she shrieked.
He just stood in front of her, watching as heat distorted the air around Shadow Yukiko. He really hoped she wouldn't just crush him with the chandelier. Shadow Yukiko stormed out the cage, outstretching her wings.
Bingo.
"Burn to Ashes!".
"Partner, what the-!"
"Senri!".
Valkyrie changed to Senri as he leapt forward and rolled under the cage. The idea had been to avoid the flames. The idea was quickly dashed when the entire radius around the cage turned into a miniature sun. He flinched as all he saw where flames...and just sat there as they did nothing but tickle him. In fact, he was absorbing them, and the burns, scratches, and exhaustion of the day disappeared. He looked to see Senri leaning in front of him, purring and looking at him impishly. Shadow Yukiko's impression of a miniature sun continued for about five minutes, before going out. He blinked away spots and looked around at the now dark room.
"...Partner?"
"Souji?".
Shadow Yukiko started to cackle wildly, and he quietly changed Senri to Valkyrie.
"Yes! A commoner bites the dust! And now for the rest of you!".
He felt the flames start up again, and tensed up.
"Burn to-!"
"Bufu!," he yelled, jumping from under the cage.
Valkyrie galloped out and hit Shadow Yukiko right in the face with a barrage of Bufu, dousing the flames immediately. Shadow Yukiko cried out, feathers dulling, and she looked at him in shock.
"But how-How are you alive!?".
Valkyrie slashed her with her swords, and he looked wildly around for Crystal. For a second, he was afraid she had burnt in the attack. Then he felt the stone buckle beneath his feet, and he jumped to the side as a boulder crashed into Shadow Yukiko. Or at least, that's what it looked like at first. The boulder then grew arms and grabbed Shadow Yukiko with massive earthen claws, and gave a very feminine yell as it pulled Shadow Yukiko off the cage and onto the ground. The boulder started to wail on Shadow Yukiko, until she buffeted it with her wings and set herself on fire. The boulder jumped back, and the rocks fell apart to reveal a very dusty Crystal. She still had a stone claw over her right arm. He ran up to her, and she glanced at him.
"Nice job," he said.
She quirked an eyebrow.
"Nice job? You were the one with the brilliant plan".
Then she punched him and he rubbed his shoulder.
"What was that for?"
"For being stupid too."
They were interrupted by Shadow Yukiko screaming harshly. The hairs on the back of his neck rose, and he suddenly was pushed by Crystal.
"Get back-!".
Shadow Yukiko, still ablaze, launched herself towards them and sank her fangs into Crystal.
Yosuke
"Crystal!," he screamed.
Besides him, Chie was looking on in shock. Shadow Yukiko, Crystal still in her jaws, whipped her neck around and threw the girl. Crystal fell with a sickening smack, and lay unmoving. Shadow Yukiko started to cackle hysterically, and the Charming Prince joined silently. Shadow Yukiko cawed and flew into the air towards Crystal.
Only for Izanagi to grab her by the neck and pull her to the ground. Souji ran and stood in front of Crystal, wielding the Imitation Katana menacingly, looking angrier than he had ever seen him.
"Is he about t-?," Chie started.
Souji then charged towards the still fiery Shadow Yukiko and slashed her across the face. At the same time Izanagi let go of her and cleaved her wings.
"He totally is," he groaned.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the Charming Prince run towards Shadow Yukiko, and he narrowed his eyes.
"No so fast!".
He ran towards it and grabbed it by the cape, before bashing it with the wrenches. The Prince stumbled around, and he slashed it's neck with the short sword. The Prince fell as black ichor poured out, before lunging at him with the sword. He dodged and grabbed it by the cape again. At the same time, Izanagi unleashed a huge Mazio, sending a struggling Shadow Yukiko to the ground, and he and the Prince spasmed as they were struck by a bolt of lightning. He was thrown back and landed on the ground with a wheeze, and the Prince fell on its face, twitching.
"Yosuke, give me a boost!," Chie called out, running towards them.
He blinked, before nodding as Jiraiya used Sukukaja. Chie glowed green as her speed doubled, and she kicked the Charming prince straight in the air.
"Now Tomoe, rampage time!".
Tomoe appeared next to the Prince in midair and struck it with a barrage of blows, before sending it to the ground. The Prince laid there in a heap for a while, and Chie helped him up.
"My Prince, help me!," Shadow Yukiko shrieked, and they turned to see both Souji and Izanagi glowing red with a Tarukaja, beating Shadow Yukiko into the ground.
The Prince stood up shakily, before looking at the scene.
And turning tail and running.
"Hey! Come back here!," Chie yelled.
"Focus Chie! We need to help Souji and Crystal! Gah, where's Florence when you need him?".
Chie made a face before grabbing his arm and running towards the fight, almost dragging him.
He quickly used Sukukaja on himself and outran Chie, sliding towards Crystal. His face grew pale on seeing her. She had two puncture marks in her side, covered in burns. Her eyes were closed, and she was groaning loudly. But at least it was better than silence. Chie stopped next to him and gave a gasp.
"Oh crap, oh crap! W-What do we do?"
"Calm down and let me help!," he snapped, before mustering up his strength.
Jiraiya kneeled down next to the girl and started using Dia. He concentrated, only to whirl around on hearing a hysterical caw. He saw Shadow Yukiko, still ablaze, flying towards them, talons outstretched. Chie jumped in his way and Tomoe used a Bufu, making the fires die out, but not stopping Shadow Yukiko. She gave a harsh caw, only for a flash of silver to come between them, slashing at the talons.
Shadow Yukiko gave a cry of pain, and Souji stood in front of them panting, katana broken. Shadow Yukiko glared at them and outstretched her wings-only for Izanagi to tackle her. There was a sharp crack, and Shadow Yukiko fell to the ground with a bent wing. He looked at Souji in surprise as Jiraiya stopped using Dia, and stood up.
"Partner," he started, looking at Souji's burnt right hand, still holding the hilt, "You okay?".
Souji nodded.
"Never better," Souji said calmly.
He looked at Souji's eyes for a moment, feeling a shiver up his spine, before standing next to him, twirling his sword.
"I see you got a new weapon?," Souji asked.
He nodded.
"What can I say, it was a flying bargain".
Souji quirked his lips, and he smiled in return.
"Now's not the time for jokes, we've gotta finish this!," Chie snapped.
He glanced back at Crystal, who stopped bleeding, before snapping back to Shadow Yukiko, who was trying to get off the ground. Izanagi, Jiraiya, and Tomoe appeared behind them.
"We have to hit her with everything we got," Souji said.
He nodded.
"So what, like an all out attack?".
Souji tilted his head.
"Yes. I like the sound of that".
Chie grinned.
"Alright, dog pile time!".
Souji nodded, and smiled calmly.
"Yes. Time for an All-Out-Attack!".
They all rushed towards Shadow Yukiko, wailing on her with everything they had, before jumping away. Shadow Yukiko laid on the ground, limp.
"Did we-".
They all jumped back as Shadow Yukiko gave a scream full of loathing, glaring at them as she glowed orange.
"Die! Commoners cannot defeat nobles! Die worthless filth! Burn to Ashes!".
She sent a flood of fire towards them, and he flinched back, completely spent...Only for fire to meet stone. At the same time, a crumbling pillar of earth rose and fell on Shadow Yukiko's wing, pinning her with a scream. He turned around to see Crystal glaring weakly at her, still on the ground, an arm outstretched.
"Take that bird...," she croaked out.
Izanagi quickly rushed towards Shadow Yukiko, blade crackling with electricity. Before Shadow Yukiko could scream, Izanagi imbedded his naginata into her. There was an explosion of red aura, electricity, and fire, and he blocked his eyes. When everything cleared, dull red feathers fell around them as the air smelled of ozone. Shadow Yukiko stood in the middle of the room, looking up despondently. He blinked in surprise.
She almost looked...melancholic.
Souji breathed deeply as Chie fell down on her bottom in relief, before running to Crystal. He followed, and watched worriedly as Souji helped Crystal up, supporting her.
"This is a little awkward," Souji muttered, bending to match Crystal's height.
"Sorry for being short," she said snappishly, clutching her side with a wince.
"Let me guess. I missed it all".
He turned to see Florence looking at all of them, supporting Yukiko.
"Yeah, thanks for that. We could have really used your help!," he snapped, only for Chie to push him out of the way.
"Are you two okay?," she asked worriedly.
Florence nodded.
"Yes. Miss Yukiko has awoken. And I have addressed myself.
He opened his mouth to ask what he meant, only to notice the fact that Florence wasn't wearing his suit, only his white shirt, and his arm was covered in bandages and hung limply. He opened his mouth in an 'oh' and looked at Florence, whose eyes were on him.
"Uh, sorry about snapping at you," he said sheepishly.
Florence stared at him, before sighing.
"If anyone should apologize, it is me. I should have been able to offer assistance," Florence said bitterly.
"No man, it's okay. After all, we defeated her, right?".
Barely of course. Yukiko made a sound, and shrugged off Florence, making her way shakily towards Chie. She fell halfway, only to be caught by Chie.
"Yukiko!"
"I-I'm fine," Yukiko said, before leaning on Chie in exhaustion.
"I knew you would save me...," Yukiko whispered, and suddenly he felt hell of a lot awkward.
Chie stared at Yukiko for a moment, before sighing.
"You're wrong Yukiko."
"Hmm? W-What do you mea-?"
"Yukiko, I need to tell you something. you think I'm strong...But you're wrong."
Yukiko looked at Chie in surprise and opened her mouth.
"Just listen! I'm not strong at all. I was only able to do those things because you were there to help me. But when you needed my help...I was so self-centered that I never understood what you were going through. I'm your friend, and I still...I'm so sorry...," Chie said, sniffling.
"Chie..."
"I was always jealous of you, Yukiko. You had everything that I didn't. That jealousy was like a wall...But I shouldn't have allowed it to happen! I wanted you to need me, but I'm the one that needs you! I can't do anything right on my own! I've caused so much trouble for Yosuke and Souji and the others...".
He wanted to open his mouth to say something, like she didn't cause that much trouble, only for Souji to shoulder bump him. He looked at his Partner, who just motioned for him to stay quite. Crystal was still leaning on him, watching the scene in silence.
"I...I love you Yukiko. You're my best friend, and...I'm just glad your okay," Chie's voice broke and she buried her face in Yukiko's shoulder. Yukiko stood still for a second, before embracing Chie.
"No comment?," Souji asked quietly.
He shook his head.
"Only a complete jackass would make fun of this," he said solemnly.
Souji smiled, and Crystal gave a small snort.
"Sentimental clart...," she muttered, but she had a smile on her face.
Yukiko and Chie stopped embracing, though they still held on to each other, and Yukiko saw the gash across Chie's shoulder. She looked back at her Shadow, and he saw a look of unbridled anger sweep across the normally calm girl's face.
"You...," Yukiko growled, walking towards her Shadow.
"Yukiko, wait...," Chie said worriedly.
"If I may intervene?," Florence suddenly said.
They looked at him as he pointed to Shadow Yukiko. They turned to see Shadow Yukiko grabbing a feather from the air, only for it to crumble into dust. She stared at the dust for a moment, before cupping her face in her hands and trembling. Yukiko looked at her Shadow for a while, before her eyes softened and she stepped towards her.
"I never saw the real Chie either," Yukiko started, causing Shadow Yukiko to look at her, "I was too busy trying to find an easy way out. 'I want to run away', 'I want someone to save me'...You're right, those feeling are a part of me too. No matter how much I wanted to deny it, they were true. Everything. You're me...And I'm you".
Shadow Yukiko blinked in shock, before smiling, a genuine smile. The feathers in the air suddenly glowed pink, and wrapped around Shadow Yukiko. When the feathers cleared, a graceful feminine figure garbed in a pink and white dress, with a wreath of pink feathers and flowers connecting both her arms spun around, scattering now bright pink feathers across the air.
"Konohana Sakuya," Yukiko whispered, smiling, before stumbling forward.
"Yukiko!".
Yukiko's Persona caught Yukiko at the last minute, before handing her over to Chie and disappearing.
"Hey, are you okay?," he asked.
Yukiko nodded.
"I'm just...a bit tired," Yukiko said, before looking at all of them.
"You all came to rescue me?".
Souji nodded.
"Of course".
Yukiko smiled and bowed her head.
"Thank you"
"We're just glad your okay," Chie said.
He nodded.
"Same here".
"So, who threw you in here?".
He turned to see Teddie walk up to them.
He frowned.
"Ted, now's really not the time to ask that".
Yukiko looked at Teddie in surprise, tilting her head.
"Who are you? Or, rather, what are you?".
"I'm Teddie. So who threw you in here?"
"I...I can't remember. I think someone was calling my name...but...," Yukiko frowned in concentration.
"Don't try to push yourself. Your already tired as it is," Florence said.
"Hmm...No new clues then," Teddie said sadly.
"Not necessarily," Souji said.
"After all, this confirms that someone is definitely throwing people in here, and that it wasn't an accident."
He blinked in surprise.
"Hey, I didn't think of that. You're right."
Crystal tilted her head from Souji's side.
"Yeah. No idea who it is though."
"So that means it wasn't you guys," Teddie said to himself.
Souji raised an eyebrow.
"You still suspected us?"
"What?! N-No, not at all."
Crystal growled, and he sighed.
"Seriously? You're one lying sack of honey."
Florence coughed.
"I don't want to be rude...but Shadow's are still roaming the castle."
They froze on hearing that.
"Crap, we forgot about that. How do we get out now? I don't know about you guys, but I'm running on fumes here."
Chie shook her head, and he didn't need to say anything about Crystal and Florence.
Souji pursed his lips, before turning to Crystal.
"I need you to take out a Goho-M from my jacket pocket?"
"A what?"
"The small box thing."
"This pocket?"
"The other one."
Crystal reached inside and took out a small box. And inside the box was a small snow globe like object.
"What does it do?"
"It'll take us back. Just open it-".
Crystal threw the globe to the ground, where it shattered, the 'snow' in the globe surrounding them.
"-gently...," Souji sighed.
There was a flash of light, and they were at the TV studio.
"Hey, it worked," he said, before turning to Souji.
"How many of those do you have?"
"Not much."
"Hmm...Oh well. We better get out of here. We all need to rest".
"Y-You're leaving me here?".
They turned to look at Teddie, who was looking at them uncertainly.
"'Leaving you'? You live here".
Teddie frowned.
"I know, but...".
Teddie remained silent, and Yukiko suddenly spoke up.
"Hey, don't be sad. I promise to visit again."
They all looked at Yukiko in surprise, most of all Teddie.
"Huh? Y-You will?"
"Of course. So be a good boy and wait here until then."
Teddie gave a small growl of pleasure.
"How bout you and I go somewhere a bit less crowded?," Teddie suggested, only to back away fearfully on seeing Chie.
"Gah, quit it. Stop giving us the creeps," he complained.
Florence coughed again.
"We have a problem. None of us are in any state to leave the TV world without attracting attention. Both Yosuke and Chie have numerous small injuries and cuts, I have sustained massive burns, and my sister is heavily injured."
"I'm fine!"
"Can you walk on your own?"
"..." "My point".
He looked at himself and winced.
"You're right. And I don't have the strength to muster a Dia."
"I think I can fix that."
They turned to see Souji holding a card above him.
"Angel. Media."
Florence
They sat at a table in the Junes food court. Not their usual one, but a rectangular one with an umbrella. Around them, people busied about, trying to get out of the rain. And not at all paying attention to the six teenagers at the table. Which was a good break from the rest of the day's events. He opened and closed his fist, looking at his arm. New, sensitive pink skin met his vision. The rest of everyone was similarly healed. All except Crystal. No matter how much Souji used Media, her puncture wounds had not completely healed, hence why Crystal was still being supported by Souji. Or she was supporting Souji. After using Media so many times, he had almost collapsed, before recovering. It was hard to tell whether he was asleep or not at the moment.
"Yukiko, you're sure you're not hurt anywhere?," Chie asked.
Yukiko shook her head.
"No, I'm fine. Just...tired."
"Yukiko-san, I know you've been through a lot, but do you remember anything else? Like who threw you in?".
Yukiko made a face, before shaking her head.
"Hmm...N-No, I don't remember anything else. I'm sorry."
"There's no need to be sorry," Souji said,
"You're okay, and that's what matters. And you've given us plenty. We should probably call it a day for now."
Yosuke nodded.
"Yeah. We've all had a hell of a day. Some more than others. Chie, can you escort her to her house?"
"I was already planning to do that. Come on Yukiko."
He watched as the two girls left, before turning to Yosuke.
"We'll be on our ways too."
"Uh...Are you sure you should do that? You guys are welcome to crash at my place, you know."
"We don't want to cause you any problems."
"Relax, my parents already know Souji."
"Yosuke, it's fine."
They turned to look at Souji.
"Are you sure Partner? You don't look so good."
"I'll be fine. Just need some rest," Souji said with a yawn.
"If you say so. Anyway, see you tomorrow," Yosuke said, before leaving.
He turned to look at both his sister and Souji.
"Are you sure you two can walk?"
His sister glared at him.
"We're fine...Worry about yourself...Right Souji?".
All she got in reply was soft breathing as Souji finally conked out.
"Thanks...for the support...jerk...".
With that, his sister fell onto the table, sleeping. He cupped his head in his hands, sighing.
"Great...Thanks for that".
Souji
He woke up with a groan, clutching his head. Everything was...fuzzy. No, that wasn't the right word. Everything was foggy.. There was a thin fog everywhere. He looked around the small room he was in. It was...a house. A small house. He looked around to see Florence sleeping in a chair. He heard the rustling of cloth, and turned to see Crystal laying down on the sofa. And a figure in a brown dress hovering over her. The figure adjusted the bandages on her side, before forming white sparks that flowed into her. He stared at it for a while, and the figure suddenly turned around. His vision became more fuzzy, and all he could make out was a feminine face as the figure leaned towards him. "Relax...Just sleep," she said kindly. Before he could do anything, she covered his eyes, and he blacked out.
He opened his eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling.
"I see you're awake."
He sat up to see Florence looking at him from a chair.
"Where-?"
"This is our house."
He turned to see Crystal laying on a sofa. She grunted, before getting up, clutching her side.
"Hmm...Wow, you're healing magic's pretty good Souji," she said with a grin, standing up and stretching. He just looked at her, before looking out the door pane.
"It's night already?".
Florence nodded.
"Yes. You two were out for quite a while. More than I was."
He was about to open his mouth, only for his phone to ring. He flipped it open and put it to his ear.
"Where have you been?".
He flinched a bit at Dojima's tone. He thought for a while, before answering.
"I'm at a friend's house."
"And why are you at a friend's house?"
"We had a project to complete."
For a minute it was silent, and he hoped Dojima would buy it. Thankfully, it seemed Mr. Morooka's insistence on delivering the sports jersey in the middle of the night convinced him.
"School projects this early? Still, that doesn't explain why you're so late."
"It was a tough project."
"Did you mention the part where you fell?".
He looked over his shoulder to see Crystal.
"...Is that a girl?"
"Yeah. She's my classmate"
"...".
He really didn't like that suspicious silence.
"You fell?"
"Yeah he did. Down the stairs."
"What?".
He blinked in surprise at the concern in Dojima's voice.
"I'm fine. It was only a small tumble at the end of the day."
"Then why didn't you come back home?"
"Their house was closer."
"...Hmm, very well. Will you be staying the night?"
"I...I think so. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, both of you."
"Both of us?"
"Goodnight to Nanako too."
"...See you tomorrow."
The phone call ended, and he flipped the phone close.
"So, you're staying the night?," Crystal asked.
He nodded.
"It would appear".
She made a face.
"I guess that's fine. I have to prepare dinner for three though now."
She frowned at the word dinner.
"Do you need any help?" "Uhh...Yeah, I'd like that."
They ate their dinner in silence. He and Florence just because, Crystal because she was too busy enjoying it.
"You need to teach me how to cook. I demand it."
He quirked an eyebrow.
"A demand of your Leader?," he asked jokingly.
She scratched the back of her head.
"Uh, well, not a dema-Never mind. Yeah, it is a demand."
He smiled.
"Usually it's the other way."
"What are you going to do? Order me to cook for myself?"
"That sounds like an excellent idea."
Crystal immediately grabbed him by his jacket.
"Don't you dare," she said seriously.
Florence cleared his throat, and they both looked at him.
"Do you have a cough today?," he asked.
Florence didn't respond, and instead looked at them calculatingly.
"What's wrong brother?"
"You said we would tell him about us after we saved Yukiko."
Crystal stiffened.
"I said I'd tell everyone."
"Regardless, we have the chance to tell him right now. I feel like we should. After all, as Leader, he should know, and he may be able to help us tell the others."
Crystal remained silent, before sighing.
"Fine."
He watched the exchange silently, curiosity peaked. Was he finally going to find out who they were? Florence steepled his fingers and looked at him, suddenly reminding him of Igor.
"Tell me...what do you know about other worlds?"
'...'
"..."
'...'
"...I'm sorry. I'm a really horrid dancer."
'Relax. You'er not that bad. Just because you stepped on my foot a grand total of ten times, doesn't mean you're a bad dancer'
(I think it does)
Oh, Sir? What're you doing here?
(This is the Authors note, is it not?)
'So, are you gonna pretend that you were gone for about a month?'
(Quite. Moving on to the Boss...Those of you in the audience who are reminded by the Dark Gaia Phoenix definitely noticed the similarities .)
'The what?'
(...Nothing. Never mind. For now, let's stop the chapter.)