Fate Rewritten by Wordsworthy

Disclaimer: I obviously do not own The Shin Megami Tensei series since obviously Atlas does, along with all other references made over the course of the story. This is, after all, just a fanfiction written for the sole purpose of entertainment and no profit motive whatsoever. So please just enjoy the story and do not sue me for this. If you wish to know more about the series, please support the companies producing them directly and purchase their merchandise if you like.

Chapter 26: The Last Banquet

Clack, clack, clack, went two pairs of hurried getas and rapidly shuffling feet.

"Mou… Chi-chan, you took too long fixing your yukata! The miko-lady at the shrine is probably swamped by despos by now!"

"Maiko-chan! Watch who you're calling a despo! Heck, you're acting like one too!"

"What was that? I'm not the one nearing thirty and unmarried!"

"Say that again and I'll bury you under a cherry tree!"

"See? That's why you don't have a boyfriend!"

"You little runt!"

The wind whooshed past a certain hapless male bystander by the bus-stop as a blur of pastel pink and baby blue floral prints brushed past the poor soul, causing him to teeter and toe as he narrowly avoided falling to the ground, if only by virtue of the solid post that he was hanging on. Regaining enough of his nearly scattered bearings, the almost typical salaryman hazarded a look at the two squabbling girls before deciding to walk instead, contemplating idly about the poor public transportation system in their city and the peculiarity of its female population.

Elsewhere in an obscured area somewhere within central Honshu, a perpetually unknown mountain sat as it always seemed to under the ominous veil of the darkened moon. Remarkably uninhabited for miles around and unmarked by any geographical survey, the existence of the mountain was as inexplicable as the perennial wall of mists that enveloped it. Yet, more mysterious still was the low, dull taps that had been, for quite some time, the only ambient noises about the dead stillness of its shrouded heights. The slow, unwavering beat eventually fleshed out from mere echoes to the vague muffled grinding of boots and stone before solid footsteps emerged eventually, this in spite of the mysterious enervating mists that apparently deadened all senses within its ashen blanket. The owner of these footsteps stood in place for a brief moment as he took in the welcomed normalcy of the dark forest before him, however limited that quality may have been for the casual observer. Nevertheless, given his very recent experiences, this was probably as normal as it could get for a while. At the very thought of this, the man did the one thing he usually did in moments like this; a rare lapse into a rarer moment of predictability.

"Haiz…"

"Hmmph… That sounded lively enough Arisato Minato, for someone who had just clawed his way right out of Hell."

The corners of the man's lips turned upwards briefly despite not sparing glance at the familiar voice that was carried by the paltry yet foreign breeze.

"I walked just fine, thank you very much."

"Strolled back from Hell huh... Will the wonders never cease with you."

Still not paying much attention to the yet unseen other, the man took a few steps forward before braking rigidly in mid-step. He turned his head slowly and deliberately to his left and right as he scanned the near pitch darkness for something.

"How long was I gone?"

"Three weeks, although I'm sure it seemed like closer to three months to you."

Minato stopped his seemingly fruitless search and looked at straight at the direction opposite of the voice that was conversing with him with slightly squinted eyes and lightly furrowed brows; his best take at a serious expression when he is at his lazy best.

"Right...in any case, where's my car?"

The other man finally gave up his ineffective concealment and stepped out from one of the many shadows that flitted between the trees and the earth, dusting his usual black uniform idly with little sign of being perturbed at being found out for the umpteenth time.

"I sent it back before the rental expired. It would inconvenience the vendor otherwise. The SIU also prides ourselves in our minimal disruption of civilian life among other things, but more importantly… here."

A brown envelope was extended and received from one dark one to another.

"Thanks."

"Will you be reacting?"

"…Soon."

"I see… your friends are currently heading for the matsuri my sister is holding at Nagasaki Shrine. If you need a lift..."

A rare smirk emerged into being just as the darkened clouds that shadowed the night sky gave way to the full moon, allowing the man his first rays of moonlight for weeks. The unearthly pale light drenched its way into the cobalt-coloured locks, illuminating it with a ghostly blue lustre on the brink of surrealism. It was only then that the agent in black noticed the tattered state of the other's attire, particularly the glaring long rips on the long black trench coat wrapped about him and the frayed remains of what were previously its sleeves; keepsakes from some cataclysmic ordeal perhaps. Yet, that wry smirk and bemused gaze seem to prove him none worse for wear still...

"That won't be necessary." announced Minato matter-of-factly as a strange bluish-white glow crept onto his eyes, after which a long, shuddering ripple seemed to run down the full length of the worn-out trench coat like an awakening black entity. Suddenly, two plumes of amorphous pitch erupted out of that viscous black mass from the man's back, giving rise to the primitive form of dark skeletal wings. That strange blue light spread from the bluish grey irises and engulfed the man, particularly the black plumes on his back, moulding and shaping them. Before long, two dark midnight blue wings took form when the black strands receded and dissolved into scattering particle of blue after the process had stabilized. Coincidentally or otherwise, his wings glistened with the same sheen of darkened sapphire under the glow of the unadulterated moonlight, as did his unique blue hair.

"Let's just say the trip was… educational. Nagasaki Shrine was it?"

The feathers on the newly manifested wings barely had time to bristle before the blue haired one pushed off the ground in a powerful leap. Midway on his ascent, his wings rose and struck downward in a powerful flap, creating a massive amount of updraft and lift that accelerated him vertically into the air before the next flap caused him to speed across the velvet night sky like a blurred streak of blue.

The remaining man looked on at the rapidly fading silhouette across the horizon with a slightly ruffled expression before sighing and dusting off the loose soil and dirt that got displaced by the abrupt takeoff. Apparently, black uniforms are weak against dust.

"... Show off..." said the man before he stepped quietly into the winds, disappearing no less as abruptly himself.

Back in more familiar urban settings and away from the elevated rustics, the scarlet and vermillion of the waning twilight gave way eventually to deep violet and various blue hues as the evening progressed steadily unto the edge of nightfall. A smattering of white fluorescence began flickering into life from homes and street lamps alike in herald of the later hour. However, atop a certain sacred hill, a more traditional glow of genteel crimson and vivid amber seemed to emanate from the various lightings set up around the shrine, putting together a nostalgic atmosphere which was deliberate in contrasts to the picture of modernity that was Iwatodai. Nostalgia seemed to be the theme of the festival, and judging by the yukata-clad numbers thronging about the event, a very well received one.

The organising committee for the matsuri appeared to have pulled out all the stops this time round, be it their intention or not, as every aspect seemed to have been planned to the most minute of details. For instance, the food-fare catered for by the Suemitsu Gourmet Association was practically gourmet-levelled cuisines disguised as innocuous festival finger foods. The various souvenirs on sale were also of a ridiculously high level; each mask, paper umbrella or other assorted handicrafts bore the meticulous handiwork that was signature to the most accomplished of artisans. More incredible still was the fact that all these extravagant luxuries were kept discrete and inconspicuous from the general public, save for the keenest eyes, generous considerations by the slave-driver... I mean mastermind behind the event perhaps.

Speaking of the mastermind, a suspiciously long queue snaked its way from the miko's booth, the profile of which was made up almost entirely by women of various ages. For some peculiar reason, those in the queue held tentative expressions that were in relative contrast to those who departed from the main booth itself who wore relieved smiles and clutching a mysterious sachet close to their hearts. The miko herself seemed pleasantly satisfied at the turnout as well, judging from her knowing smiles at those departing backs and the fast-filling donation box. However, once in a while she would turn to the empty wooded stage nearby with a pensive scowl, one that was so fleeting that it was gone by the time the next faithful believer pulled up alongside.

Over by several designated trees about the compound, numerous ribbons of assorted colours and design hung from elaborate bamboo structures that extended from the overhanging branches. Each simple strip of paper or cloth that adorned the holy trees represented the wishes and hopes for the future of both couples and singles alike, bearing testament that the spirit of the Tanabata was well-lived, even in this secular age. There would always be a place for love and hope after all, as well as comfort for the worried and insecure soul.

But enough about the setting, Tanabata is as much about the people as well…

"Daddy, Daddy! I want the pink candyfloss! The blue one too! And the candied apples! And..."

"Again? Minako, this will be your fifth, sixth and seventh candied treat in thirty minutes! Your mother will flip when she comes back from the miko's..."

"But Daddy.... prreeetty pleaseeeee...?"

"Darn... curse this unstoppable cuteness of this daughter of mine... can't resist..."

"Can't resist what?"

"M-M-Mom!!"

"C-C-Chidori!!"

"I know that 'Oh no, I've been caught look' and that googly-eyed sugar high. Just what have you two been doing hmm?"

"Gulp..."

A pair of brunettes walked rather absent-mindedly away from the miko's booth with dejected expressions that could have made a bull-dog proud. Growling softly under her breath, the younger of the two made a not-so-snide comment directed to someone in particular.

"See, we were late."

"Can it Maiko-chan…"

The two shot each other a snarl and dirty look before they sighed in unison.

"I guess we're both down in the pits when it comes to luck…"

"Yeah… I was so caught at it that I forgot to ask Onii-chan if he was coming along today."

"That charm would come in mighty handy right now…"

"I would've gotten one for you anyway…"

The younger of the two nodded dumbly as she walked in step with the other, the bobbing head seemingly missing the normal feistiness for the moment. Unlike the other girl, Chihiro lapsed out of her own disappointment for a moment to look at her companion, caught by the wistful expression on her childhood friend. Maybe it was the mature look afforded by the ornamental hairpins and pinned up burgundy hair, the traditional yukata that contrasted with her usual peppy attire, or perhaps it was the quiet melancholy stemming from her own feelings regarding a certain common person…

"Ah sou…" muttered Chihiro reflectively as her lips eased and turned upwards without even realising it.

"Fushimi-san, thank you for agreeing to look after Maiko-chan. It's so hard to find a babysitter on such short notice…"

"Mou… Oka-san, I told you I didn't need to be babysat anymore! I'm already eight and a half!"

"I don't know… there's still seven and a half more years of babysitting to go…"

"EH? Don't give her anymore ideas Chihiro-san!"

"S-sorry Maiko-chan!"

"…"

"What is it Maiko-chan?"

"You call me Maiko-chan but I'm still calling you Chihiro-san…"

"Huh? Oh… I'm sorry… Do you want me to call you Maiko-san?"

"Chi-chan."

"Huh?"

"I've decided. I'll call you Chi-chan from now on!"

"EH?"

"The pouty little girl has grown up and is overtaking me huh… I feel a little lonely…" muttered Chihiro softly, as she somehow missed the darkened trail that they had somehow found themselves on.

"Chi-chan?"

"Huh?"

"You're looking at me funny. Are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine! More importantly… where the heck are we?"

"Eh?" uttered Maiko as she looked around her as well, finding themselves in some sort of darkened clearing whilst the glow and sounds of the matsuri became some distance behind them. "Funny, I wonder how we came this far off… Sorry Chi-chan…"

"It's alright. Since we're all dressed up and all, let's just go back and enjoy the festival okay? We shouldn't let some simple charm mess up our day."

"Right, charm or no charm, let's just have fun tonight." declared Maiko with aplomb, regaining her usual fiery spiritedness.

"Pssst…" came a suspicious sounding aside from two shady looking teens in hoods, looking more than a little out of place considering the ongoing festivities. "Are you looking for something like this?"

Dangling on one of the teen's fingers was a small red and blue sachet with the kanji for fortune written on it. Immediately the two girls perked up and raised their hands up at full military-like attention in eerie unison.

"Hai!"

The two turned to stare daggers at each other once again as the odd sisterly bond they had took a backseat once again in view of the common, singular objective before them. Then again, these two were probably sisters at heart anyway. They already behaved like it.

The faintest rustle of leaves and the light breath of a warm summer night's breeze swirled within the small courtyard of the shrine's living residence before black laced boots landed lightly back on solid ground. The young master of the grounds looked around warily before taking excessive care in deadening his presence and footsteps as he headed back to his room to change. He thanked the grace of his Goddess silently for the unglamorous episode that was the ninjutsu training he endured as a child. Of course, using it to elude a certain maniac adopted sibling couldn't have been foreseen at the time, but… it sure came in handy at the moment.

Sliding the door of his room open carefully, the man poked his head into what was his own room with the most peculiar of caution before deciding to step into it, satisfied with the currently empty state of the room. Heaving a sigh of relief, the man barely stepped into his room when a flurry of lights came on from both within the room and the corridors, followed soon after by an erratic flurry of kunais that landed on the tatami mats. Even with sharpened reflexes, he found himself immobilised in mid-turn and unable to face the sudden presence behind him directly.

Damn… Kagenui…groaned the young Raidou inwardly as he noticed the small runic knives that struck the many shadows projected by the numerous light arrays hidden in the room and corridors. There was just no way to keep this many shadows from being sewn down… in short, a successful trap.

"Yuko-nee… that's cheating…"

"Fufufu… have you forgotten who taught you your ninjutsu skills? Now… I believe you were about to change… Fufufu…"

"Baka Ane…"

Back in the festival proper, Aigis and Mitsuru strolled idly by and around the stalls while their white canine companion became their sagely male escort. The other members of SEES were supposed to have walked around the festival together, but somehow… managed to either wander off or get lost with unbecoming ease. The Ioris seemed to have their hands full with their little progeny while an unscheduled stop by one of the gourmet ramen stalls lost them the white haired sempai of the group. Yukari too excused herself to visit the miko and the wishing trees in order to seek some much needed assurances, even if they were circumstanitial. The Fuuka and Ryoji pair stayed around for the longest time, but an incoming text message and the subsequent return call from her cell phone resulted in an hurried excuse to go off somewhere else, and with a confused Ryoji in tow no less. However, the company was pleasant still and so the two ladies really didn't mind it too much.

"It's been a while since we walked in a matsuri together like this, hasn't it?" began Mitsuru thoughtfully as they slowed down to inspect some trinkets on display.

"Yes, I believe so. Not since ten years ago." agreed Aigis quite happily.

"Ah yes… the time you kidnapped me to the summer festival."

"I would prefer the term compelled invitation."

The redhead brought a sleeve of her scarlet and black yukata up to cover her uncharacteristic giggle politely upon reliving that particular fond memory. As she moved to further their conversation, she spotted something interesting and slowed down to point it out to her blonde friend.

"Hey Aigis, do you remember what is that?" asked Mitsuru coyly as she picked up the object of interest and raised it between the two of them.

"It's called a 'mask'. You wear it over your face to have fun." replied the android with a smile, having caught on to the little exchange of roles.

"Hiding your face is fun?" pressed the redhead playfully.

"The purpose is not to hide your face. Rather, you wear it to have a different face."

"You try to be someone else by wearing a different face…?"

"Yes, exactly… your degree of comprehension is simply amazing. At this rate, after a few more tests the Fuuka may give you permission to go out with other guys."

"Aigis!"

The two looked at each other for a moment before giving in quickly to quiet guffaws, each finding the taint of Fuuka's shadow upon them as amusing, to say the least. Suddenly, a mellow, traditional melody started to play from the wooden stage a little distance off where a sizeable crowd had gathered, drawing the redhead inadvertently towards the gathering as well.

"Look Aigis… something interesting seems to be happening over there… Aigis?" Mitsuru stopped in her tracks and turned towards her lagging friend with a querying look. "What's the matter Aigis?"

The blonde's cyan pupils tore themselves from a vaguely familiar back after her synapses registered little visual recognition amidst the interference of the other visitors to the shrine. Picking her steps, she moved quickly back alongside her friend to ease whatever worry she could have caused.

"For a moment there… no… no, it's nothing. What was it you were saying Mitsuru?"

"As I was saying, there seems to be something happening over here…"

"Hmm…? Mitsuru?"

This time it was the redhead's turn to freeze up as her mind seems to splutter and get caught up in the scene before her. Aigis trailed her own eyes along her friend's line of sight before mouthing quietly.

"Oh…"

"Fuuka… Are you sure we don't look ridiculous driving around in yukatas?" asked the dark-haired driver of the convertible that was speeding down the highway.

"Of course I'm sure. Now be a dear and drive faster, okay?" assured the female passenger beside him casually, her attention focused still on her cell-phone and text message.

"I mean, are you really, really sure? I have to maintain my image as a model and all…"

A pale slender hand reached across the short distance between the seats and cupped the men's cheek lovingly. For a few long seconds, the electric blue sports car swerved left and right erratically on the asphalt, leaving several scorched marks on the tarmac before it aligned itself with the right side of the road, much to the relief of all the other road-users out there.

"Any more questions?" asked the female passenger innocently, as though she didn't just almost cause a bevy of possible traffic incidents.

"I'm good. I'll think of something later." replied the driver with that silly grin of his.

"You do that." said the woman next to him as she brushed a stray strand of pale green hair behind her ears before she went back to her texting.

How long do you have between transit?

They're telling me two or three hours tops before they're done refueling. I'm really sorry for the short notice…

Matagu… did we really need some ridiculous fog before we meet? Okinawa isn't that far away. You could always just drop by at any time.

Ah? You're saying that even if when I DID drop by? We do keep texting each other every other day no?

Maa… I'll let it slide this time. =)

… Can't wait to see you again Fuuka~

Me too, Natsuki-chan.

Oh, and that cute model boyfriend you said you caught.

A mischievous smile.

"Any questions yet?"

A white-haired patron hopped lightly off the stool of the wooden ramen cart before heaving a sigh of girth-inspired satisfaction. He stretched himself gingerly before withdrawing his hands and folding them inside his dark blue yukata, walking back out into the festivities feeling pretty much like one of those off-duty samurais in ancient times.

"Ah, that really hit the spot. Who would have thought Hagakure would have a cart here as well… I wonder if they have beef bowls here too… come to think of it, I wonder where the others are too…"

He stuck his hand back out and scratched his head briefly before taking a cursory glance left and right. Since he had not one inkling which side was better, he just started moving forward in the direction he had been facing. Sure enough…

"Ah…" went the man as he spotted a certain father and daughter pair running and scrambling away from a certain crimson-haired mother who was having little trouble following them with physics-defying long strides and an eerily calm smile on her lips.

"I'm… going to pretend I never saw that…" muttered the man as he turned sharply in the other direction. However, doing so in the middle of a somehow well defined channel within a dense crowd meant…

"Ouch!" sounded a startled feminine cry before a muffled landing between soft cotton and the paved ground followed.

"Oh no, are you alright? I'm sorry, it was my bad. I shouldn't have turned so suddenly…" apologised the white-haired man hurriedly while extending a hand out.

"No no… I should have been watching my step too instead of pulling… erm… nevermind…" replied the voice demurely as she received that hand and got lifted off the ground with little effort at all. "Wow…"

"Ah, ya… sorry bout that. I don't know my own strength from time to time…"

The man took a double take at the accidental victim of the collision from just seconds ago. Before him was a tall, dark-haired woman with stylish short hair and fierce piercing eyes that contrasted greatly with her mild porcelain features and the red and white traditional miko attire that she was wearing. An air of mature charm and elegance hung over the woman regardless though, a lady gifted with both modern and traditional beauty. Her thin lips lifted and formed a kind smile before her voice finally registered.

"Erm… my hand…"

"Ah…"

The above-mentioned hand was quickly released as the man seemed to almost spring back from realization, causing the miko to giggle a little. He could feel his ears twinge and redden as he sought to regain his composure as best he could. A nagging thought arose somewhere from the depths of his mind though, even if it sounded rather cliché at the moment.

"Erm… Miss, you look familiar. Have we met somewhere before?"

The miko's eyes widened with surprise before raising her hand to cover her mouth, her struggle with her giggles apparent despite her consideration for the man in front of her.

She's laughing… Wait… darn… did I… did I just use the oldest pickup line in the bloody book!?

A traumatic repressed memory struck the man unexpectedly as a sudden mental image emerged from the back of his mind. A page from a certain 'book' with the lines 'Are you able to make other's laugh with a well-timed joke? Careful: Making others laugh and being laughed at are two entirely different things!'.

Damn! Yakushima and that bloody book are still haunting me!? Wait, there's no way I'll lose to that pile of waste paper!

"Anou… erm…s-sorry, I was just thinking… I mean you look like someone I've seen somewhere…"

"Ah… you mean that time in Kyoto? In that case it should be me who should be extending my thanks for your assistance back then."

Kyoto? asked the man inwardly as the miko made a formal bow towards him, his mind furiously searching for her face within his latest trip to Kyoto, or any other trips for that matter. I don't remember…why can't I remember… it's not like I can forget someone like her…

"You don't remember?" began the miko as she tilted her head in a quizzical manner, before she mouthed a vague whisper offhandedly. "Must been too busy fighting those accursed Onis…"

"Huh?" went the rapidly confused man.

"Ah, it's nothing. Nothing at all."

The gears in the white-haired man's mind seemed to sizzle and give out smoke before he spat out the first things that came to mind.

"H-Hey there! I'm… going to the Beef Bowl place… wanna come with…?"

"The Beef Bowl place?"

"Y'know, the Beef Bowl place… Hey… M-maybe we could 'meet' up there…!"

Are… what am I… ARGH!!! His mind screamed and berated himself in a rather belated and violent manner that made him almost double up with disgust at himself. Where did that come from!? Not again!!!

"Hahahaha!"

The man winced at the gay and merry laughter before hazarding a glance at the miko, who was incidentally doubled up with hilarity herself, her cheeks all flushed and ruddy from uncontrollable laughter.

"Hahaha! That was so funny! I haven't heard lines this bad since ten years ago!"

"T-ten years?" repeated the man dumbly, still as suitably confused as ever.

"Just how old did you think she is?" asked a familiar dull monotone from beside the miko, causing the white-haired man to turn towards that new voice.

Standing beside the miko was a tall, lanky dark-haired man around the same age as himself, clad in elaborate blue and white embroidered robes with numerous ribbons, tassels and bells floating around his bodice, long flowing sleeves and a headband of similar design. The faint crystalline timbre of the bells can be heard in the background as a light breeze seemed to sway them of their own accord despite the windless night. Once again, he felt something familiar about the other man, but couldn't quite place the image of the man before him with anyone…

"She's six years short of for- ugh…" the man halted his words quite abruptly as he seemed to wince and stiffen a little.

"Hey, don't spoil my… I mean, don't you have something else you have to do, my dear Otouto-kun?" cooed the miko coolly despite the threatening light in her eyes and the mysterious action she was doing behind her back.

"I know, I know… I just have to perform right?" went the said little brother reluctantly as he seemed to shake himself free from some sort of invisible binds before striding forward brusquely. Before he left the other man and his sibling alone though, he left quite an ominous piece of advice.

"Be careful Casanova… my Baka-Ane is more of a Seme than a Uke…"

"Huh? Seme? What's that supposed to mean…"

A deceptively strong arm hooked itself quite securely with the clueless man's as the miko pulled up alongside.

"Oh ho, you don't need to know stuff like that… yet. Now, where's that Beef Bowl place you promised…"

"Hah…"

The man raised his free hand to the back of his neck quite reflexively, although he himself was totally unaware that hairs on the nape of his back were standing…

"Hey, why are we walking further away from the matsuri?"

"Yea, just give us the charms and we'll hand you the money."

The two girls had been following the two teens deeper in the wooded area despite their obvious unease about the situation. It had started out by making a lot of sense, avoiding the other girls who would probably be eying the same things that they did. It then made less sense when they started seeing less and less people. And now…

"That's it! We're not going anywhere further! Either hand us the charms or we'll just forget about it and go back!" declared Chihiro with as much assertiveness as she could muster.

"Yea, what she said! What gives anyway?" agreed Maiko, eyeing the hooded guys suspiciously as they came to a stop as well..

"Right, that's far enough I suppose…"

The two girls cringed when the two guys finally turned around to face them with menacing smiles. Chihiro sought out and clutched Maiko's hand instinctively, finding it no less clammy as her own.

"I'm sure you've heard of what people do behind shrines during a matsuri don't you?" continued one of the two men suggestively.

"S-Stay back you… you hoodlums! Maiko-chan, let's run - "

The older of the two girls didn't get the chance to finish her sentence when a hand reached around their backs and jammed a wad of white cloth swathed with chloroform over her nose and mouth, causing her to gasp and inadvertently take in enough of the vapours to make her feel heady and weak. The same occurred to the younger girl as well, although she managed to hold her breath a little and had enough in her to shake free of her assailant's grasp, catching sight of two men in fox masks behind them. Pulling on the arm of her slumping friend she tried to drag both of them away from the four seedy guys, but found herself already losing her strength and succumbing to the vapours that she had already breathed in. Despite her vision beginning to blur, she still tried desperately to pull her unconscious friend along as the four fiendish males approached.

"O… Oni… -chan…" whispered the brunette weakly with the last of her fading consciousness.

"Heheh… now… shall we take turns or… argh!!"

"Watch out for the falling branch!! Argh!!"

"Hey, are you two alright? What the hell?"

Fortunately for her, what's a matsuri without fun, adventure, people falling out of the sky and one or two answered prayers?

"Itai… gotta work on my landing… what the… Chihiro-san? Maiko-chan? Why are you two sleeping here?"

"What the… who or what are you?"

"I don't care where you fell from, but you better get the hell out of here if you know what's good for you."

"Hmm… I see… so this is what's happening… well, it's funny you should mention Hell…"

"W-What are you… wait, s-stay away!!"

"Fufufu… Shall I show you what Jigoku is like?"

"O-ONI!!"

"Did I overdo it I wonder…" asked the blue-haired man to no one in particular as he surveyed the scene before him as black and bluish white particles settled back within him. Besides the two men he knocked out during that botched landing, the bodies of the other two hooded delinquents were wrecked with spasms while foaming at the mouth, as though they saw something truly terrible just moments before.

"Ah right… the girls…"

Striding over quickly to their prone forms, the man bent down and made a quick check on their conditions. He heaved a small sigh of relief when he found them no worse from wear, other than being unconscious for a while.

"Looks like they'll be out for a while… I better get an officer to send them home just to play it safe…"

The man got back to his feet and was about to go find the above-mentioned person before he noticed one of the fox masks lying just by his feet. Acting on a sudden whim, he picked up the discarded article and looked at it intently, as though having some sort of short but complicated internal debate.

"A mask huh… hmm…"

And so a vaguely familiar stranger, wearing a worn out black trench coat and a simple fox mask emerged from the small beaten track out of the forest and into the edge of festival and the crowds. Curiously enough, neither the oddity of the ensemble nor the tattered state of the attire seemed to bother the other guests. Or rather, they had no choice but to not notice him. It was as though he existed out of their collective consciousness and awareness, that their perception of doubt and irregularity was suspended or bent around his vicinity, that he appeared to them with the impression of an irrelevant bystander. However, that suited the man just fine. He was more worn out inwardly than he would care to admit, even if he did show little sign of it other than a slight stagger in his usually steady steps. Dealing with people did tire him out so.

Nevertheless, there were always exceptions. For instance, he really couldn't help but let a bemused smile creep out from behind his mask when he passed by the Ioris near the entrance to the shrine. It would appear that the crimson-haired matriarch of the family had finally cornered her two charges despite walking more gracefully than the desperately fleeing pair all the while. Looking at the sight of the two teary-eyed Ioris backed up against the wall and Chidori's unslipping smile, the man suddenly had an image of a smiling predatory lion and two scared-out-of-their-wits bunnies superimposed over the scene. This picture of unconventional family bliss was too funny, even for the usually serious 'him'.

A little further into the festival, the masked stranger encountered a second amusing encounter by way of his white-haired sempai. Or to be more precise, the fact that he was being half-dragged his way to the Beef Bowl cart by an older woman. An attractive older woman, and in a miko's attire no less. Somehow, the man felt compelled to take a closer look at the two. He attributed it to two things, the first being the general, totally understandable nosiness that surrounded his senior and old friend with regards to his love-life or lack thereof. The second was actually the fact the woman beside his sempai actually reminded him of… something that he couldn't quite place. Perhaps he had met her somewhere before. However, upon looking at the interaction between the 'maybe-couple' couple, he changed his mind when realization finally hit him, thankful that he had not shown any sign outwardly of approaching or noticing them at all. Yes, it was probably a good idea to avoid people who gave off dangerous Fuuka-esque vibes.

Heaving a little sigh of relief, the man continued to trudge alongside the crowd, all the while scanning through the miscellaneous peoples before his progress slowed down due to how congested it had gotten. Looking over to his left, he quickly found the reason for the congestion; a rare ceremonial dance performance over at the wooden stage nearby. At the same time, his keen eye had picked out hints of scarlet and blonde hair near the front of the stage, tell-tale signs of his two other close friends. Thinking that it had been a long while since he last contacted them, he was about to draw closer to greet them before he hesitated. There was something about Mitsuru's enthralled gaze that made him feel like he would be intruding upon something if he did approach. Following along her line of sight, he raised his eyebrow when he realised who the unlikely dancer. In the midst of graceful turns and deft flicks of the ritual fan was no other than the young Raidou who welcomed him back from the underworld, even if he didn't look anything like the sarcastic secret agent while draped in rich robes with flowing tassels, swirling ribbons and the drifting sound of bells. The corners of his lips lifted quite deviously behind his mask when he realized the unease behind the other man's calm façade, despite how disturbingly well he was actually doing it. He decided to leave the performer and audience alone for now but made it a point to look for Aigis after the performance ended. Having a friend who had video recording functions sure was convenient at times, especially for things like blackmail and teasing rights.

A few minutes later, he finally found the one person he was actively looking out for in the secluded grove at the rear of the matsuri. Sitting by one of the many otherwise empty metal benches was a brunette woman in a white yukata that was accentuated with pink sakura prints and a matching obi sash. She seemed to be doing nothing but spacing out and staring at the bamboo frame where the ribbons that bore prayers and wishes hung and swayed in the faint breeze. Exhaling a little harder than he had intended to, he ran a hand down his outfit to smooth it out slightly before approaching as normally as he could.

"I don't suppose you're waiting for someone?"

The woman raised his head to look at the man before getting up to her feet and moving to face him properly. Without much warning, the brunette had stuck a hand up to his face and yanked the fox mask away, dropping it carelessly to the ground. Before he could react, the woman followed it up by driving a sharp hard kick to his knee, causing the man to wince slightly.

"You're late." replied the brunette in a quaking voice before she reached out and captured his neck with her hands, resting the bridge of her nose unto his chest, deliberately avoiding the man's face.

"Mmm… So that's what the kick is for…" asked the man softly as his arm drifted toward the small of her back and held her tentatively.

"No… that's for coming back to me all ragged and banged up."

"I see… in any case… Yukari… Tadaima." whispered the man gently as tightened his hold further while stroking the back of her auburn hair tenderly. He felt rather than heard her reply as it was nodded into his chest.

Author's Notes:

I apologise for this late late update. I had been working on this chapter all this while, but I ran into some personal difficulties and issues along the way. In fact, the past month and a half have been rather dark for me. Somehow though, I was able to pull myself out of the grey funk and depression and finish this chapter. More importantly, I wanted to push it through in time for Christmas, my gift for my dear readers.

The chapter should be rather straight forward, considering all the fluff here and there but as usual, I like messing with the characters. I've also included some small preludes to his new powers, but I shall save the full mechanics of it for the later chapters. Something to look out for yet again.

As for references, 1) matsuri = festival, 2) kunai = small throwing knives, 3) kagenui = 'shadow sewing', a fictional ninjutsu technique that immobilizes people by pinning down their shadows, 4) Baka Ane = stupid older sister, 5) Otouto = little brother, 6) Seme and Uke = the dominant and the submissive and 7) Jigoku = Hell.

I'll keep the A/N short this time since I don't feel particularly well enough to add too much stuff on. In fact, I'm a little wary of the quality this time round since I'm not really out of the woods with regards to my depression… However, do feel free to review and air your comments, but cut me some slack? Well, as long as they're not too harsh. Don't really need that much flak at the moment.

Last but not least, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Omake 23: Three's Company

The man sighed softly as he looked down on the sleeping brunette beside him on the metal bench, finding her still very much attached to him even as she snoozed on his shoulder. It seemed that she had been tired out with worry over the past few weeks, so he really didn't have the heart to wake her. Or to tell her that he had to go off again for that matter. However… he had a promise to keep…

He sighed once again before he eased the girl into a cradle position and picked her off the bench properly.

"Well… it's only a short distance to her place…"

His bluish grey eyes lit up with that pale blue glow once again before his surroundings swirled into darkness and reconfigured itself into a bedroom filled with multiple shades of pink in an instant. After setting his precious cargo down carefully onto the bed and tucking her in, the man took one last long look at his blissfully sleeping other before exiting silently out of her window, landing soundlessly in the alley below with impossible grace. Dusting himself off casually, he reached into his coat for the map that was enclosed within the brown envelope previously.

"The Swiss Alps… That's far… Looks like I won't be able to make it back before she wakes up… unless…"

"Going somewhere?" asked a familiar male voice before a dark-haired man in a black suit, cane and that trademark flowing white scarf stepped out from around the corner.

"Ryoji? How did you…" began the man quizzically before another familiar female voice sounded from the opposite end of the alley.

"We had been staking out Yukari's place for a while now." explained the blonde android that appeared into view as well. Like Ryoji, she was dressed in black as well with a chic black one-piece made out of an unknown material with an unnatural sheen to it. "It… seemed like a likely place for you to stop by before you go off again."

The man sighed as his two oldest friends, by all counts, pulled up alongside him with accusatory expressions.

"So where are we going?" asked Ryoji quite matter-of-factly, as though it was already a forgone conclusion that they were tagging along.

"We?" countered the man hopefully, trying to play the fool this time round. However, the plan soon fell through when he turned around to find a pair of expectant cyan irises staring back at him.

"A-Aigis?"

Without saying a word, the blonde android leaned in and approached with those big cherubic eyes until the blue-haired man found himself backed up against the wall while their other friend chuckled. Defeated by her enthusiasm and sense of obligation, the man sighed once again.

"Switzerland." answered the man belatedly.

"Wow… that sure is far. How did you plan on getting there?" asked Ryoji once again. He was really annoying that way it seemed.

The man took in a deep, long breath before he extended his hands out, palms facing the ground. A black glow emerged from the ground beneath them before it grew, swirled and converged around them, encasing the three of them slowly within a gradually closing black hemisphere.

"Cool. A new trick." commented Ryoji with a whistle.

"Well… I hope we don't end up inside a rock…" muttered the man under his breath.

"Eh? Haha, that's funny. I thought you said something about ending up inside a rock…"

"It's the first time I'm using this technique for long distance transfers… but hey, you can probably dig yourself out..."

"What the- "

"Ryoji! Let Minato concentrate already!"