Author's Note: I apologize for taking so long. And pre-emptive apology for the incoherence that you will find in this chapter. I was taking too long in completing it, I lost the feeling of writing when I typed the end of the chapter. I deeply apologize. Oh, and it's less than a month before my National Exam. The next chapter will be take a very long, I mean l o n g time.
Disclaimer: I do not own Persona 4 or any of the lyrics/poems that I used in this fic. They are of their resepctive owners..
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Chapter XIV
Blackness
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Don't use my blood.
I offer it for nothing,
a sacrament unfit for you to touch.
Tim McBride – "Don't Use My Blood"
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Kou gave a loud cry, splattering blood all over the place as he received the impact of Garula head on in the place of Rise. He fell to Rise, bleeding and wounded. The girl fell along with him, eyes widening as blood splattered to her face. Kou groaned, shielding the person behind him though he was unable to even feel his right hand anymore. Rise laid petrified, eyes widening with horror when more blood spilled from the deep wound on Kou's right shoulder.
"NO!!" Kanji pushed himself up—his body screaming with pain. "Stop it, dammit! It's me you're supposed to deal with!!"
"Shut up!" The small man flicked his hand and another Garudyne slashed Kanji. The blonde man was down in an instant, pushed to the ground he hated so much. Their attacker looked at Kou again, narrowing his eyes in disgust. He spitted the ground. "That kind of attitude… is what I hate from human the most!!! They're nothing but a liar, even to themselves!"
The small man took Kou's arm, drawing his face closer to his prey, and showed his fangs.
"You… ARE THE FIRST!"
And he opened his mouth.
"NO!"
X
"… I see… I'm sorry."
Chie's voice lowered into a whisper. Naoto who was on the other side of the phone didn't answer directly right after. She had asked for Chie's confirmation about what happened last night and had slightly reproached her for being forgetful about telling. She wasn't angry though, and her voice was cold as ever, but Chie from the very beginning was very low spirited. It didn't need a detective to know that something was wrong.
It wasn't Naoto to talk about sentimental stuff though, so the detective remained silent. She didn't hung up, nor saying anything.
The only thing that both of them could hear was each other's breathing—a solid reassurance that they were still there. None of them left.
"… Tell me, Naoto-kun…" Chie's voice suddenly drifted. It was low and too melancholic to be Chie but it was her. "… Is… feeling love and anger at the same time a sin?"
There was no immediate answer, but a while later Naoto's signature soft sigh was heard.
"If that is so, Chie-Senpai…" Her voice was soft, with a flick of gentle amusement. "… Then everyone in the world is sinful."
X
"DAISUKE!"
Scream was heard all over the floodplain when black mists burst out of Daisuke's wound. He had jumped to the small man right before he sucked Kou, receiving the attack on his stead. The small man continued to suck, harder, swallowing more mists and made it burst out of Daisuke like an overflowing aura. Black liquid wasn't only dripping right now. It was spilling like an overturned barrel of oil—gushing out like it had been pressed out of the coach's body and splattered the road with blackish stain.
"NO!!!" Kanji struggled on his place, gripping the grasses as he tried to draw closer. Blue card was falling before him, but he couldn't even lift his hand to reach the gliding card. "Dammit! NO! NOOO!!!"
The black liquid splattered all over the place—over Kou, over Rise, over the road—as Daisuke finally fell lifelessly to the ground, leaving only an empty shell of his body… and as the small man licked his lips in contentment, a soft sound was heard from behind the petrified Kou.
Thou art I…
The small man lifted his face, his eyes changed from proud predatory to shock.
I art thou…
"AAAAAA!!!"
A card shattered. Bluish aura illuminated from Rise—along with a figure of Kanzeon, which towered over her body like a graceful protector. Kou's eyes widened when Rise started to scream—clutching her head to contain the sudden agony. The small man stepped back in disbelief—his slit-like eyes widened.
"T-That's…!!!"
"Aaaaa… AAA!!" Rise clutched her head in pain as numerous memories flooded her. As she screamed, Kanzeon shimmered—raising her head to the sky and sending transparent blue shockwave to the air. Air was blown from around Kanzeon, swooping the floodplain with a gentle breeze that was… calm and relaxing, almost too comforting to be real. Rise's eyes widened in both pain and shock. Her eyes drifted to the small man, who was standing petrified under the light that Kanzeon illuminated, reflecting unexplainable confusion and pain...
Lovers Arcana…
The brown eyes turned watery—painful and confused. A drop of tear fell from Rise's eyes.
"T—Teddie…?"
It was now streamed of tears… and Kanzeon sent another shockwave to the air, with more breezes following right after.
"Why…?"
X
Chie blinked. A while later she laughed.
"You're being too good, Naoto-kun."
"I'm just giving deductions based on the fact that I've seen, Chie-Senpai," The detective was definitely amused. She sighed again. "Anger and love are not about being egoistic. It's everyone's ego—it's something impulsive and unavoidable. Therefore, it's not something sinful, unless it was left growing into an overdrive. I believe in your case, you won't let that happen though."
"Eh?"
It was Naoto's turn to chuckle.
"You love Yukiko-senpai too much, Chie-senpai. You cannot hate her."
Chie stood frozen. Her face blazed, but it was nothing compared to Naoto's next statement.
"And you like Yousuke-senpai too much either. You cannot give up—and it's not even your nature to give up either. I guess knowing that much is enough as an answer for now, is it not, Senpai?"
X
Kanzeon shattered. Rise fell to the road, almost in the same time with the pieces of her Persona. Kou watched with bewildered eyes, staying frozen by his place as everything happened. The gentle breeze and relaxing atmosphere disappeared when Kanzeon vanished—negative feelings flooded the plain almost like a wave at that very second. The small man moved again, gritting his teeth together when as his yellow eyes drifted to Rise. He chided.
"More of you?" He heaved a sigh, letting whitish cloud to drift from its mouth. "Then I have to finish you first!"
He took a step forward towards Rise but Kou raised his arms, shielding her from the small man's view. He was trembling—because of the bleeding and also because of fear. But he didn't back down. He still there in front of Rise—covering her like a shield. The small man gave an exasperated sigh.
"It's useless," the small man said. His palm held another swirling wind. "You cannot protect her. You're just another meal, the same as that stupid human earlier."
"I'll try still!" Kou clashed his teeth together. His eyes flashed. "That man had taught me to never give up… and this time is not an exception!"
The small man's eyes turned to slit. He gritted his teeth together, blowing white mists from between his fangs. Disgust and unexplainable fury raged from the man's eyes and slowly but surely blackish aura started to emerged from his body.
"That is why… Humans… are disgusting…"
He showed his fangs, narrowing his pupils to slits.
"They are all nothing but pitiful LIARS!!!!"
He raised his hand.
"GARU—"
"AGIDYNE!"
BOOOOM!
The small man let out a scream when he was slammed to the ground hard. Fire burnt his jacket, raging to eat his whole body. Kou sat petrified, eyes widening when the fire exploded before his eyes. Dust and the smell of burning clothes drifted to his place as he watched the small man threw his jacket away in rage—heaving painful groans in his every move. Kanji turned to where the sound was heard and just like he had expected, Amagi Yukiko was meters away from them with a blue card falling before her again.
"Amaterasu!" She smashed the card. "SALVATION!"
Beautiful colorful lights covered Kanji, Kou, and Daisuke then a second later they all found themselves cured and healthy, as if nothing had ever hurt them before—Daisuke's bleeding stopped, but there was no sign of him waking up. The small man had stood firmly again now, his yellow eyes narrowed in disgust at Yukiko who walked closer to them.
"You…"
"AGIDYNE!"
The small man rolled over to evade the sudden explosion. He gritted his teeth together in annoyance, especially when he saw Kanji standing up too, the signboard in his hand. The blonde man was pissed, and he was ready to give his opponent what he had received.
"You'll pay, Dammit…" Rokuten Maou's card falling in front of Kanji's enraged face. "FOR SENPAI! ZIODYNE!"
The small man barely dodged but he managed to jump back, letting his cap fall to the road and got hit instead. He looked at Kanji with pure hatred and roved his yellow eyes at his surrounding. His aura was getting stronger—the blackish mist that covered him rose up to the air like an intimidating presence.
"Come!" Yukiko flicked her fan. She had arrived by Rise's side and it was clear that she was on for some fight. "If you dare, come here! I'll burn you to crisp!"
The small man growled, snarling as he bent himself in defense. He knew what was going on and he knew he wouldn't get out of there alive with two angry Persona users. And it pissed him off. Pissed him off so bad… that the aura which emanated from his body turned stronger than ever—he could even merge with the shadows by his feet. Yukiko lowered her fan, steadying her heavy breathing.
The next attack would deal severe damage…
"Enough, Vala."
The cold voice showered everyone like a sudden rain.
"You cannot win."
A brown haired man stepped in, suddenly appearing behind the small man. Kanji sneered, clutching his signboard even harder.
"More of you, eh?" He narrowed his eyes. "This is interesting."
"We have no intention of fighting with you," The newly arrived man's eyes rested on Yukiko, hardening themselves. "That will not be beneficial to any of us."
"Like we'll let you get away after hurting Daisuke-Senpai!" Kanji swished his signboard. "PRIMAL FORCE!"
Light exploded right in front of the brown haired man but he stood unaffected. Kanji's eyes widened.
"It's not working?!"
"You'll think twice before doing that again," said the brown haired man. He had a hand on his friend's shoulder, holding the small man back. "Our duty here is over for now. And if you are wise enough, you will let us go."
"Like we'll do that!!!" Kanji held his signboard again, a blue card falling before his eyes. "Not when we're on the upper hand!!! Zio—"
A cold smile curved up the brunette's lips.
"Wait!!" Yukiko held back Kanji's strong arm, slightly getting dragged herself. Kanji looked at her in annoyance but she clashed her dark eyes with Kanji's strong ones. She looked at her two opponents. "Why should we let you go? Is there a reason for us when we can still win over you?"
"You can win over my friend, given your elements… but you cannot win over me," The brown haired man's yellow eyes narrowed. He was emotionless, unlike his little friend that was gawking at him in tantrum. "It will be better for you to let us go and we will let you go. Especially you, Priestess, you cannot stand against me."
Yukiko tightened her jaw. It was true how her eyes could see cold mists evaporating from the man's right hand. She, of all people, couldn't stand against cold. But it seemed like the small man was weak against her fire, so they were more or less at a draw. But if the brown haired man was not only immune against physical but also immune against lightning… that would spell trouble—his smile when Kanji wanted to cast Ziodyne earlier didn't mean a good thing.
"Like I said!!!!!" Kanji swished the signboard. He growled. "We're NOT going to let you—"
"Fine, then!"
Kanji turned to look at Yukiko in bewilderment. The dark haired woman's eyes were fixated on their opponent, didn't even waver when Kanji opened his mouth to say something to her in surprise. The brunette gave a fleeting smile.
"You may go this time," Yukiko lowered her fan. She gritted her teeth. "But next time, don't expect us to hold back."
"Y-Yukiko-Senpai!!!! But—"
"Wise decision, indeed," The brunette nodded. He pushed back his small friend. "Let's go, Vala."
The small man slapped his hand away from his shoulder in agitation.
"You… Who told you to—?!"
"Father will not like it if you failed again," The brunette's orbs flashed. Yukiko narrowed her eyes. Father? "Father will be angry."
The small man, Vala, chided. The aura slowly resided and he straightened from his snarling stance, slightly trembling from accumulated anger. He casted a disgusted look at Kanji, then turned around. The brunette looked at Yukiko, nodding his head.
"Until we meet again, Priestess."
His voice was low and formal, but Yukiko kept hers cautious.
"That Father you said…" said Yukiko slowly. The brunette raised his head. "… Who is he?"
The man didn't answer directly. His yellow eyes shimmered, narrowing, then he curved his lips into a cold smile.
"Father is Father," He turned around. "There is no other explanation than that."
With that said, the both of them jumped to the woods, disappearing from Yukiko and Kanji's eyes.
X
"I've never heard of evidence being given back to the owner," An investigator yawned as he handed Chie the soft red cell phone Doujima had given to him before the detective went away. "But since Doujima-san said so… I guess I cannot help it. There's nothing crucial in it either. AND it ran out of battery a while ago. We really have no need of it now."
"Thanks," Chie flipped open the phone, looking at the black screen to make sure it was alright, then flipped it close again. There was a slight crack by the screen but other than that, the phone was perfectly fine. Yukiko will be devastated if it were to break—"argh! Souji-kun's number!" or anything along that line. "Where's Doujima-san?"
"He went away, didn't say where he was going," The investigator raised his shoulder. He waved. "That's none of my business anyway. He seemed kinda down. The superior from the central office is beginning to question how we're handling things here, you know. The case is getting even more serious now that we have an old woman being murdered. Perhaps Detective Doujima is being pressed by the upper class."
But that wasn't the case. Chie bit her lips. Doujima's earlier statements still bugged her. It was not only about pressure…
"Well… but Doujima-san said something about… you being in full charge of the case now," The investigator turned to look at Chie, who quickly looked at him in shock. He grinned mischievously. "Then it means YOU will get to talk with the superior of this case and all. The good side is, you're free to use whatever resource available for the sake of the investigation. So… hm… I must somehow obey you, Satonaka. I dunno what Doujima-san was actually thinking when he signed the paper, really."
X
"Naoto-dono."
Naoto looked up from the file she was looking to Yamagawa who stood by the door way. The man was holding a phone, and he bowed when Naoto walked closer.
"From whom?"
"From the Central, Naoto-dono," said Yamagawa, handing the phone to her politely. He bowed slightly. "They said they have important issues to talk about with you."
Naoto threw a look at Yamagawa, blank and unwavering. Her butler nodded then walked away. She looked at the phone as if waiting for it to swallow her face before finally brought it to her ear with a sigh.
"Shirogane Naoto speaking."
X
"… yes… I don't really know…"
The low voices finally reached her ears when she stepped out of the small apartment. Doujima was talking on the phone by the end of the balcony, seemingly in quite a serious conversation. Though the feeling of wanting to question him was swirling in her head, she didn't have any other choice but to stand by the door like an idiot, waiting for her superior to notice her presence. Interrupting Doujima would always be a suicidal act.
"… So I guess we need to… Ah, Satonaka!"
His voice was a little fake, but it managed to make her blink. Chie opened her mouth then say, "Y-Yes?"
"Amagi is by your house now, isn't she? Is her cell phone have been off the whole time?"
"O-Oh, yes!" Chie answered quickly. CRAP! She forgot to phone her parents! "Yes, she's by my house, saying that she'll be staying for a—"
"Yes, yes, of course," Doujima quickly replied. It seemed as if Yukiko's parents had been storming him with questions all these time. "Yes, I'll tell her that. Yes, su—No, I mean… Amagi-san, I am sure—… no, of course not. Yes, Satonaka will. I'll tell her. Yes. No, no problem. Sure. Yes. Good day, Amagi-san."
Doujima turned off his cell phone with a sigh. He turned to look at Chie, who stood by the door with an apologetic grin.
"You'd better remember to do proper precautions if you want to stay in low profile, Satonaka," Doujima shook his head. Chie gave a sheepish nod. "If the parents were to know, you all will be in a deep trouble with restrictions to your movements."
"I'm sorry, I was… too exhausted last night, although maybe that cannot be used as an excuse…" Chie moved uneasily. Doujima was looking at the roofs of other apartment surrounding the building, eyes wavering. Chie bit her bottom lip. "But… why, Doujima-san? You… You don't like us to interfere before, but now why…?"
"… it is almost obvious, isn't it?"
Chie blinked. Doujima's voice sounded so distant. His face was hard and his expression was grim. He didn't like it, but he couldn't help it. His grip by the rail securing the balcony tightened, as he finally admit that he had lost to a greater power than himself.
"For Nanako to survive… there is no other way but to give you the best assistant, is there?"
X
Bordeaux, France…
Souji looked at the phone in his hand, countless thoughts circled in his head. Should he trust Yukiko? When he called the others, they all sounded so fine—Chie was busy with her work, Yousuke with Junes, Rise with her Idol schedule, Naoto with her detective works… even Kanji was busy with his textile shop and knitting lesson. But it didn't seem right. Something just didn't seem right…
Souji flipped open his black phone, watching the screen as it displayed the wallpaper. He and Yukiko, on the night of the previous Christmas Eve. He remembered how Nanako took the photo with a giggle, smiling happily as she ordered them to say 'cheese'. She said they would look good together with only a shawl that linked their neck. Why, how cheesy. The thought itself only make him think of those Japanese anime fanarts…
Pi… pi… pi…
Souji blinked, a little surprised when he saw the name that was suddenly displayed and breaking his daydream.
Amagi Yukiko.
He stared at the screen for a while, mesmerized. Yukiko calling him? His thumb hovered over the dial button before finally it rested there, unmoving.
Their last call was suddenly cut off. After that the phone was seemed to be inactive. When it was active once more, his call wasn't picked up. And here she was, calling him. Perhaps she wanted to tell him sorry? What took her so long, he wondered…
And he was even more curious on how her parents called him just a while ago, accusing him for kidnapping her. L.O.L. If there was a way for one to kidnap others via phone, the case years ago would even be a lot more bizarre and unsolvable, even by his team. But why, he wondered. Why had Yukiko disappeared from home? Was that a confirmation that something is not right? He had pondered about this in a whole five minutes, wondering of not to call everyone. After a while he tried.
Yousuke's phone was off, Naoto's phone was busy, just like Chie's… Kanji's and Rise's somehow inactive either. He could call no one… and when he was in the peak of his confusion, there it was, the name appeared so suddenly on his cell phone like a mocking move. He wondered… if this really was Yukiko.
Call him strange, but he was oddly calm about everything. He knew, somehow, Yukiko was alright. What had stolen his mind was… confusion, curiosity, the need to know what happen even if he knew the outcome.
The caller was persistent. It seemed like the one on the other side would not put the phone until he answered.
His thumbs caressed the dial button, but he didn't press.
X
Inaba Municipal Hospital…
The phone was kept on giving the waiting ring. It was low, mumbling, and too gloomy for the heat of the summer. Her eyes drifted to the heated asphalt by the hospital's parking lot, knowing exactly that the orange flashy car was Yousuke's father's soon-to-be-ex car. There were chaos, questions, police officers, and everything else when Daisuke arrived. Confusion was everywhere but out of the blue Chie came, giving her the cell phone, then darted off to the emergency room. Kou was hospitalized also, with no apparent reason… and Yousuke was already off to Doujima's house without his father knowing.
She sighed, looking up at the bright blue summer sky.
It was one hectic day…
And it didn't seem like he would answer the phone…
… and so the ringing continued to be heard from the cracked soft red cell phone.
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To be Continued
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