Chapter XXIII
Clone Battles; Entry to a Vein World (クローンバトル; 静脈の世界への入り口)
xxxxx
Yoyogi Park (代々木公園)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/February 25, 2020 (2020年2月25日) (Reality: February 25, 2022)/8:45 PM (JST)
"Ok, we're here!" Skyler announced.
"Where?" Hifumi asked, her field of vision was blacked out with a blindfold covering her eyes.
"Hang on. Ok, Io, do it."
With that, Io undid the blindfold and uncovered Hifumi's eyes. The woman scanned the familiar open forested area and the fountain spring spewing water out of the park's lake as it crashed back into the lake.
"This is Yoyogi Park."
"Yeah."
Turning to meet him, Hifumi blinked. "But, we've been here many times."
"Yes, but this time is for a very special reason."
"Like what? What are you up to, Skyler Jones?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
Turning over to Io, Skyler beckoned her to hand him a small black box. Eyeing the black box, Hifumi gasped. As he approached her, Skyler knelt down in front of her and opened the box. Hifumi's immediate response was genuine astonishment.
"I know. This shouldn't come as a surprise and maybe I should've asked earlier."
Hifumi's eyes gleamed with bliss at the proposal diamond ring shown to her. Facing Skyler, Hifumi's cheeks blushed. She clasped her hands together. Her lips curved outward into a genuine smile.
"Togo Hifumi, will you marry me?"
"Y-Yes, I will!" Hifumi happily responded as she embraced Skyler. She and Skyler then passionately kissed while Io watched them.
"Congratulations, you two," Io expressed her wishes for the couple's marriage.
Pulling away from their kiss, Hifumi watched Skyler put the proposal ring on her. Her eyes transfixed on the ring fitting her finger.
"Wait until my family hears about this."
"We can tell them tomorrow. Tonight, this is all about us," Skyler said, holding Hifumi's hands.
"Yes, of course."
When the couple went for another kiss, an insidious laughter filled the peaceful air.
"Heheh, yes congratulations to the loving couple indeed!"
Suddenly, Io's golden eyes glowed as she felt something about to crash straight into Skyler and Hifumi. She quickly jumped in and prepared to push them. However, Skyler saw something heading their way and jumped up carrying Hifumi.
A powerful force crashed in the center of the park and kicked up a billowing dust cloud. The sudden disturbance sent bystanders running in fear. Skyler, Hifumi, and Io landed together. They faced whatever it was that crashed near them. As the billowing smoke dispersed, a figure with a striking resemblance to Hifumi's Tennyo form turned around. It was the Revenant Hifumi.
"H-Hifumi?!" Skyler exclaimed as he looked at his Hifumi and the Revenant one. However, when he faced the other Hifumi, his eyes instinctively turned red. "No, I have my Hifumi. Who… no, what the hell are you?"
Io answered. "She has Hifumi's scent, but she's not the genuine one. I sense a Revenant nature from her."
Hifumi frowned at her doppleganger. "So, she's a clone."
"Indeed, she is!" The sinister voice chimed in as he appeared next to Revenant Hifumi clone.
The trio quickly faced them with resistance.
"Mido!" Skyler acknowledged the Revenant mad scientist.
"Hello again, Skyler, Hifumi, and Io. It's been a few months, hasn't it?" Mido addressed them with an insidious chuckle. "I, too, send my congratulations to your day of matrimony."
"Cut the crap, Mido. Why is there a Hifumi clone with you?!"
Hifumi glared at the clone with disdain. "You disgust me for creating this thing with my appearance!"
Caressing Revenant Hifumi's face, Mido placed a hand under her chin. "Now why would you say such disparaging things to my favorite creation. No, my favorite daughter? This is Jinyo, your clone sister."
"Don't call that thing my sister!" Hifumi disdainfully chastised the mad scientist and his creation.
"She's everything you'll never be, Togo Hifumi. She's obedient to me, her father."
Hearing this from the scientist's disgusting mouth, Skyler rebuked. "Her father? Of course, a sicko like you'd think that."
Mido chuckled slightly, humoring Skyler. "Don't misunderstand me. She's just a clone, not my natural daughter. However, as my greatest servant, she is willing to follow my command without question." He attentively faced Hifumi, but Skyler and Io blocked her presence from his sight. "She was made solely as a vessel for the endgame. Consider my Jinyo my Plan B since I failed to instill my essence into you, Togo Hifumi!"
"She's your Plan B?" Io queried.
"Indeed, I no longer have any interest in Togo Hifumi anymore for my plans. Yes, the opportunity to take Hifumi's goddess power was a viable option, but how could I have neglected my daughter? So, I'm making up to my Jinyo to kill you and your friends when we meet for the final battle. And you can rest assured the Yami Matter will be there to witness our final battle!" The Revenant scientist openly stated and stepped aside, allowing Jinyo to pass and brandish her ko-naginata, a similar design but with darker colors to contrast Tennyo's lighter-colored variation.
Skyler muttered. "Final battle? He can't mean now."
Io nodded. "That's not what he implies."
Hifumi quickly protested Mido's threat. "You want to sic your clone of me on us?! I'll deal with her now!" With that, a white veil of light formed over her, changing her into Tennyo. She summoned her ko-naginata. "Let's settle this here and now!"
In response to Tennyo suiting up for battle, Skyler and Io followed suit. Skyler donned his Sion appearance. Readying her halberd, Io donned her Ivy form and fiercely met Jinyo's glowing blue eyes.
Jinyo quickly sprinted toward Tennyo and clashed with her. As their ko-naginatas meet, Tennyo and her clone met face to face. An evil smirk smeared over Jinyo's pale features. Jinyo's cold and lifeless gaze pierced deeply into Tennyo's fiery and determined eyes. Tennyo didn't let the maniacal grin on Jinyo's face deter her. Tennyo mentally couldn't fathom how Mido could create a Revenant clone of herself. Other than perhaps Mido trying to break her mental state.
"You're not me! You will never be me!" Tennyo yelled at her doppelganger.
"Eheheh, but I am! Father said I'm the perfected version set to replace you!" Jinyo's face twisted with a demented look. The clone's blue eyes gleamed while a Revenant mask formed and covered her mouth.
As her Revenant mask formed, Tennyo swung at ko-naginata, nearly splitting Jinyo right down the middle. Jinyo narrowly evaded being horizontally bisected. Laughing fiendishly, Jinyo goaded Tennyo to engage her in a mid-air battle. Tennyo summoned two nine feet tall Shogi pieces opposite from Jinyo. When the Shogi pieces closed on the Revenant Hifumi, sparks of black lightning neutralized the pieces.
Tennyo frowned over this development. "I shouldn't be surprised she's capable of that."
Watching from the sidelines, Mido folded his arms while Sion and Ivy attacked Jinyo.
"Yes, my Jinyo has all of your abilities, including your goddess powers, dear Togo Hifumi. I made her with the sole purpose of ending you and taking your place," Mido keenly assessed Sion and Ivy defending Tennyo from Jinyo's ruthless attacks.
Much to Tennyo's surprise, a long metal tail popped out of Jinyo's back and within the blink of an eye nearly decapitated her. Using the brunt of his Regicide Blade, Sion countered what looked like his and Mia's Stinger-Type Blood Veil.
"Yes, as you can see, my daughter inherited all four of your Blood Veils, Sion," Mido chuckled.
Once her metal tail recoiled, Jinyo's right arm converted into a grotesque demonic hand armed with sharp metal tearing claws.
"An Ogre-Type Blood Veil!" Ivy exclaimed.
Moving faster than Sion's eyes could follow, Jinyo attempted to run her demonic hand through Sion, but Tennyo's ko-naginata countered what would've been a fatal blow. As his red eyes flared, Sion invoked his own Stinger-Type Blood Veil and tried running it through Jinyo's chest. Two metal hounds' heads materialized from Jinyo's back, snapping and breaking off Sion's metal tail.
Interjecting on Sion and Tennyo's behalf, Ivy swung her halberd at the hounds' heads. However, Jinyo turned her heads loose on the Persona Vein, who quickly summoned sharp spikes popping out of the ground and stopping the halting the hounds' advance. Summoning her Ivy-Type Blood Veil, the pale-skinned woman narrowly saved herself.
"Ehehe, you can't hold back my daughter's fury," Mido chuckled, watching Jinyo summon similar spikes underneath Ivy.
As the spikes came out, Tennyo quickly grabbed Ivy and pulled her away. One spike did manage to pierce Ivy's right leg, cutting through her calf muscles. She beckoned Sion to tend to Ivy's injury. Turning to face her Revenant doppelganger, Tennyo threw her Lightning Thorn at Jinyo. Jinyo fired a black variation of Tennyo's attack. When the two lightning blasts collided, they became interlocked in a brief struggle.
"You think you're equal to my daughter? I think not!" Mido boasted.
Intensely glaring down Tennyo, Jinyo unleashed enough strength to overpower and ultimately nullify Tennyo's attack. Crashing in front of Tennyo, the black bolt knocked her back.
"Hifumi!" Yelled Sion, who jumped up and caught her.
"Well, what do you think? My daughter is everything you only wish to become," Mido taunted Tennyo. "I think Jinyo's demonstrated why she's your superior."
"Are you still able to go?" Sion asked Tennyo.
"I am… but let me heal Io first," Tennyo offered until she treated Ivy's injury with Panacea Essence, healing her wound.
Facing Jinyo and Mido with murderous intent, Sion rushed to attack the clone first. Jinyo ran at Sion and swung her ko-naginata. Timing the ko-naginata's precise strike, Sion sidestepped the blade. Planting his right foot down, he swerved around and got behind Jinyo. He quickly slashed her with his Regicide Blade. Putting her hand out, she let the blade pierce through her palm. Squish. The unsettling sound of flesh going through metal was music to Jinyo's ears. Unfazed by her bloody wound, Jinyo ripped the hand out. Madly swinging her ko-naginata, Jinyo went on the offense. Swinging their weapons, their blades connected numerous times.
Jinyo's fast and frenzied strikes became difficult for Sion to follow. When she tucked her head from Sion's Regicide Blade, Jinyo kicked his weapon away and palmed his chest with her hand. Her hand turned into an ogre's claw. Sinking her claws into Sion's chest, she dug so deep blood started seeping out.
Roaring with excruciating pain, Sion desperately headbutted Jinyo's face. He quickly landed five consecutive headbutts, knocking her back. He then stabbed her right shoulder with his blade and punched her forehead.
However, as she produced immense power in her hand, she repelled Sion back. Tennyo quickly jumped up and grabbed him.
"Well done making an example out of them, my Jinyo," Mido commented as the clone skillfully brandished her ko-naginata and postured in a spearman's stance.
"Ready to die now, Togo Hifumi?" Jinyo asked Tennyo. Then, without hesitation, he ran at Tennyo, Sion, and Io.
Preparing to fight her off, the trio readied their weapons.
"Stop!"
Mido beckoned Jinyo to halt her attack. When she did, Mido approached the clone.
"I think that's enough for today. Besides, our other cohort has already encountered Ren-ren and his sweet Annie by now," the Revenant scientist stated, alluding to another possible clone meeting Joker and Panther.
"Oh shit, Ren and Ann are in trouble," Sion muttered.
"Indeed," Mido eavesdropped. "I neglected to mention Jinyo possessed a fragment of my soul. So, in essence, you fought a piece of me."
Upon realizing this, Tennyo never felt more disturbed. If facing a Revenant clone of herself wasn't alarming enough, the notion that a piece of Mido's soul resonated inside Jinyo made her skin crawl.
"Since the first part of Tennyo comes from Tengoku meaning heaven, then the first part of Jinyo comes from Jigoku meaning hell. So, we've just witnessed a battle between the heaven maiden and the hell maiden," Mido illustrated Tennyo and Jinyo's conflict. "And since you are the Phantom Thieves's Star Confidant, then my Jinyo is known as the Star of Yliaster."
Having heard enough, Sion protested. "Cut the crap, Mido! What is this war you're referring to?!"
"I'd suggest you gather up all of your friends. And I do mean every one. This war won't be fought here, but the dimension where I came from." Mido forewarned.
Realizing this, Ivy frowned. "Then, the world where the original Sion came from."
"My daughter, myself, and our accomplices will be there awaiting your arrival. Let us settle this once and for all. Let's make this war an entertaining show for the Yami Matter," Mido proclaimed.
"Why tell us this?" Tennyo queried, painstakingly glaring at Jinyo while awaiting Mido's answer.
"Isn't it obvious? After gauging your abilities, I consider you three as well as Amamiya Ren to be worthy adversaries. However, I cannot say the same for individuals such as Annie. Enough so that I created a worthy opponent for Ren-ren."
Just then, Sion felt a malignant presence nearby. Motioning to Tennyo and Ivy, the trio headed off for this other enemy presence.
The Revenant scientist slightly chuckled. "Heheh, won't they be in for a surprise? Why don't we have a look, Jinyo?"
xxxxx
9:05 PM (JST)
Attacked by Mido's accomplice during their evening walk, Joker and Panther struggled to fight off the assailant. Needless to say, a look of incredulousness crossed Joker's face when he uncovered the assailant's identity. Joker saw himself.
Or, rather the face of Kurusu Akira from the P5-Crimson dimension. Mixed emotions muddled his brain. He wondered: how and why was Akira doing in his world? He wondered if this was another cognition created by the Yami Matter.
As Joker fired a shot at Akira, Akira shuffled aside, avoiding the shot. He jumped high into the air and landed on a lightpost. Intensely glaring down Joker and Panther, a sinister grin adorned Akira's features. Akira's wardrobe was strikingly similar to Joker's, sans the mask being dark gray and his eyes being red.
Gritting her teeth, Panther tossed her whip at Akira.
Curling her lips, Panther snarled furiously. Her eyes also burned with intensity. "Whatever you are, you're not my Joker! You're just another thing created by the Yami Matter!" The memories of Cognitive Ann resurfaced, incurring the unbridled anger waiting to burn Akira in her path. "Because you can't be that other Ren we met!"
"Ren, Ann!" Sion called out as he, Tennyo, and Ivy arrived.
Whirling around, Panther gasped. "It's you three?!"
"There! That must be the accomplice Mido was referring to!" Tennyo pointed toward Akira.
"Mido's accomplice?" Joker was taken aback.
Mido's name quickly struck an emotional cord within Panther. Narrowing her eyes, the incandescent flames within her were ready to burst like water about to destroy a dam. She quickly turned to Akira and swung her whip, sending a trail of fire. Akira dodged and jumped far back.
Just in time, a portal opened behind Akira. Mido and Jinyo walked out to pick up Akira.
"MIDO!" Panther snapped. Before she can so much as release her unrelenting fury, Joker stopped her.
"So, you're behind this?" Joker responded with a fierce stare.
"I see my Akira Replica gave you quite a melee. Or, should I just call you Akireplica, my loyal clone?" Mido assessed Akira's tussle with the two Phantom Thieves.
A conniving smirk formed on Akireplica's face. "Whatever you wish, Mido. I accept Akireplica. I am bound to fight for you." He pointed to Joker, who hadn't shaken off his resolve. "You can continue the tough guy act, but I know you still feel guilty over what you did to my world." He shot a disdainful look at Tennyo. "Yeah, your goddess healed all the shit you did to my home, but that still doesn't change the fact you killed all of those innocent people, but most of all Makoto!"
Being reminded of this dimensional dumpster fire of a mess, guilt still gripped Joker hard. He and his friends only wanted to neutralize the Yami Matter, but they fell for the entity's trap. Joker saw the burning hatred in Akireplica's eyes.
As his demeanor became unhinged, Akireplica then fired back. "And just so you know, things have gotten rougher for me! Don't think I'll ever forgive you and your friends for this, Amamiya Ren! When I'm done with you…" He gritted his teeth hard and screamed. "I'LL TAKE YOUR PLACE!"
"That's not happening!" Panther quickly cut Akireplica off. "You're not taking anyone's place, you fake! You're not the same Kurusu Akira we met!"
Mido chuckled. "Hehehe, you're right. However, while he is a mere clone of that Akira, he does not have a fragment of my soul. He means less to me than Jinyo, but his hatred for you is good enough for me to keep around." Addressing Joker, Sion, Hifumi, and Ivy, while purposefully ignoring Panther's presence, he continued. "And with that, the three of us make up the Yliaster Trinity. Amamiya Ren, Skyler Jones, and Togo Hifumi, we await you three and your friends in my native dimension. Dimensional coordinates are: PV-CV-19. We shall await you all for the final war."
With that, the Yliaster Trinity passed through the portal.
As the group reconvened, Joker rubbed Panther's back shoulders.
"You can relax. He's gone."
Panther sighed. "Why did you stop me?"
"We needed information and we got it, but what is this PV-CV-19?"
"The dimension where the original Sion came from," answered Sion. "Mido is the only one from that dimension that's crossed over here. And he's the only one with all his memories intact."
"And he wants to resolve our conflict there. I'm relieved the war won't be fought here. So, our families, friends, and innocent people here will be spared," Tennyo said.
"But, if we don't defeat him, Mido will likely come back here and manipulate the Yami Matter to destroy this physical universe," Ivy reminded them of the repercussions in the event if they lost this forthcoming war.
"Like what happened to that Wulf-Edda dimension. Yeah, I'm not letting that happen," Sion resolutely vowed.
Joker turned to Panther. "Call Makoto and Haru. Let them know we're on our way. We can find someone to look after our child."
Nodding, Panther smiled. "Yeah, I can handle that."
Sion added. "Good idea, Ren. Let's gather everyone and meet at Meiji Shrine."
xxxxx
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/10:42 PM (JST)
Later, the group gathered the other Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants near the shrine. With help from Io, Anastasia and Nadia appeared with Akechi Goro. The Spiritual Gamblers were summoned by William and the spirits to attend tonight's meeting. The subject about Mido's return was debated. The Thieves and the Revenants unanimously agreed to join the fight.
However, William quickly spoke up, bringing immediate silence.
"I presume this is everyone?" William scanned the large crowd. Nekomata, Hanzo, and Okatsu appeared next to him.
"We have three other spirits who've requested to join us," Nekomata added.
With that, three ethereal and glossy auras materialized near William and the other spirits. This caught the attention from the Spiritual Gamblers and their Guardian Spirits.
"Hey, look!" Ryōta pointed to the formation of three new spirits.
"Oh wow, are those more spirits wishing to meet us?!" Yumeko asked with elation.
"Maybe, but who are they?" Mary wondered.
Nekomata beckoned the first of the three spirits: a large, robust man garbed in a tattered set of clothing, including a bright yellow shirt over a long-sleeved green under shirt, thick black leggings, black armored leg garments, and dark brown open-toed straw sandals. His overall wardrobe appeared older than what William, Hanzo, Okatsu, and the other spirits usually wore. He also has on a yellow waist belt with a white sheet with Japanese characters embellished over it. A red cloth, fashioned like a bandana, is tied around his neck. Covering his forehead is a dark brown cloth. While not too conspicuous from a first glance, he has a sword sheathed behind him.
A Guardian Spirit resembling a monkey materialized next to the large man. Its baby blue eyes scanned the large man, finally settling on the Thieves, Revenants, and Gamblers. It is largely covered in white fur. Its yellow mane resembled a crown adorned its head and face. It also has tufts of golden fur resembling flames covering most of its chest. It has on black wrist guards with yellow flamed markings emblazoned on them.
"This is Tokichiro, otherwise known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi," Nekomata introduced the first of the three newcomer spirits.
"This is the actual Toyotomi Hideyoshi?" Louis asked Nekomata and the other spirits.
"He is indeed. He would become Japan's second greatest unifier" Hanzo clarified.
Tokichiro acknowledged everyone with a customary bow.
Taking full notice of Tokichiro's Guardian Spirit, Morgana devilishly grinned. "Hey, look, Ryuji. One of your relatives?" Morgana teased the Phantom Thief.
"Heheh, yeah. Very funny, cat," quipped Ryuji, pressing his knuckles into Morgana's back.
"Yerow!" Morgana screeched.
However, Ann quickly chastised them with an intense glare. "Hey, knock it off, you two!"
The second spirit is a younger man with unkempt neck-length black hair. He wore a faded black mustache and goatee. His choice clothing consists of thick brown animal fur, covering most of the right side of his body. On his left side, he has on a dark blue upper body garment with a brown shirt under it. He has on dark blue pants and black legwear. He has dark brown straw sandals. The man's steel gaze eyed the crowds facing him.
Nekomata went on. "This man has no real name. The few who have accompanied him often refer to him as the Hidenoji."
The Hidenoji bowed to the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Gamblers.
"You have no real name, huh? They just call you 'the Hidenoji'?" Mina added, garnering the second spirits' attention.
"Yes, and I've often called him that," Tokichiro replied.
"Huh, a man without a known name? Shall I call you 'Mister No Name'?" Yumeko kindly asked the Hidenoji.
"Ugh, aren't you being rude?" Mary rolled her eyes over her friends' name labeling.
"Well, I mean he doesn't even have a name. So, maybe I thought…"
Mary palmed her face. "Never mind. Just forget it."
The third spirit materialized, taking on the form of a young huntress woman with dark brown, neck-length hair. She has on a full bodied red outfit with an armored waist belt and battle dress. The woman has on a black coat with feathers covering the top most areas. A necklace full of bones and beads comprised her neckline. She has on black sandals. In her right hand is a black scythe roughly the same length as the woman's body base.
Appearing beside the huntress is a mermaid whose body consists of clear white, greenish blue, and purple colorations. Adorning this Guardian Spirit's head is a light purple jellyfish, doubling itself as a hat. The woman's hair and face remain largely pale. Her eyes are obscured by the long strands of white hair and the jellyfish's tendrils.
"And this is Mumyo, leader of the Sohaya people, a Yokai hunting clan," William introduced the huntress.
"And her Guardian Spirit is Yaonami-Hime, thought to have been a princess that was turned into a mermaid following an unfortunate incident," Okatsu stated.
"These three were around long before William reached Japan," Nekomata said.
Ryōta added with intrigue."Wow, so we're looking at Guardian Spirit wielders before William and the others received theirs!"
Midari grinned manically. "That's pretty freakin' hardcore. I'm digging the lady's badass-looking scythe."
"It's wonderful meeting more Guardian Spirit holders!" Yumeko gleefully said while opening her arms up for an embrace. "I wish I could give your spirits a hug."
"Save it. We're here for important matters. Am I right?" Mary asked the ancient spirits.
"Correct. There's also another spirit who has come to meet with you all" William said as he motioned over to Nekomata.
Facing the Thieves and Yumeko, Nekomata's face became disheartened. "Now for this spirit. You all know him very well." He then pivoted over to Skyler. "And I'm sure you're well aware who this individual is based on what you've learned from the previous Sion's memories."
Shutting his eyes, Skyler sighed. "Yeah."
Hifumi grasped Skyler's hand. "It'll be ok, Skyler. I doubt he has any more ill intentions after we beat him."
"Not quite. This is the spirit of the Osakan soldier who'd later become Saklas, the Angel of Control, whom you defeated," Nekomata clarified.
"He's here," Mina muttered as she and Kyosuke backed away, giving room for the fourth spiritual guest's arrival.
Starting as an orb of clear light, the orb expanded into a ray of light. Inside this ray of divine light, a spiritual entity materialized before everyone. Shock overcame the Thieves, Skyler, and Hifumi when they faced the Osakan soldier, a mere shadow of their former enemy Saklas.
The Osakan soldier has a fair complexion and long, black back-length hair. The man's face has bristles of black and grey hair covering parts of his face. He has a thick black mustache and beard. He has on a black and white Shogun body armor and thick, black legwear. Golden shoulder armor, with signs of wear and tear, framed his upper body. Black open-toed sandals cover his feet. In contrast to Saklas' usually calm and confident exterior, this Osakan soldier has a crestfallen look. He has the look of someone who lost everyone and everything in his life.
Ren slightly frowned upon meeting the Osakan soldier's gaze. "It's you."
Makoto corrected him. "Remember what Nekomata said, this is the Osakan soldier who'd become Saklas."
Haru showed him pity. "He looks so broken and tired."
Yusuke added. "I would be too if I was forced to live out the rest of my existence as a wandering spirit."
Nekomata openly stated. "The Osakan soldier traversed from the dimension where the man known as Mido came from."
Upon hearing this, Skyler's expressed slightly darkened. "I see, so you came directly from the original Sion's world." He approached the Osakan soldier. "I remember all the original Sion experienced. When I regained all Sion's previous memories, I remember you. Well, to be accurate, I remember Saklas. He killed Hifumi and as a result she awakened and became Sophia the goddess."
The Osakan soldier glumly responded. "Yes, I must admit I'm not proud of what I, as Saklas, tried to do to you."
Hifumi kindly addressed the soldier. "But, if you hadn't killed me, I wouldn't have been revived and awakened with Sophia's powers." She glanced over toward the Vein Remnants. "And because of that, I used my power to restore reality and bring Skyler, Louis, Yakumo, Mia, and their friends to this world."
Louis smiled. "Yes, that much is true. We wouldn't be here now if Saklas didn't kill you."
Skyler nodded. "And while this led to the original Sion's sacrifice, I was brought here to pick up after him and eventually meet you, Hifumi."
Mia blinked. "Hmm, hey, now that you mention it."
Just then, the Osaka soldier interjected, cutting off their conversation. "Please listen and this especially goes for you Revenants. Yes, I know you were ported from your original dimension, PV-CV-19, and brought here by Sophia's power. You became humans in this world only to be reawakened into your true Revenant selves."
Io addressed the soldier. "That's correct and it was I who restored their powers and some of their memories."
"We've since regained all of our memories and we now know Mido is our sworn enemy. He was the only one brought here from our original home that kept all of his memories," Skyler clarified to the soldier.
"You must also know what you're dealing with in the dimension PV-CV-19. Not only is it the home of the Revenants, but it's a world now uninhabitable by humans." The Osakan soldier turned and faced the Phantom Thieves and Hifumi. "You all must go into this world with extreme caution. This is not like the Metaverse you've been accustomed to."
"We've already had our fair share of battles against real enemies and not mere cognitions. We learned after fighting you, the Yami Matter events, the Vamkyries, and Mido." Ren stated.
"Yes, I am well aware of your recent battles. The Yami Matter has certainly tested each of your resolve. However, every Yami Matter-related event up to now have been mere battles. Once you enter this dimension, you will be fighting a war not just against Mido, but his cohorts. That even includes contending with the creature called Kriemhild. Even exploring the world of Vein will be dangerous. You will encounter hundreds of Lost armies." The Osakan solder forewarned of the dangers ahead for the Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants.
"The world of Vein is that bad, huh?" Futaba asked the Revenants.
"Based on memory, Lost are commonly spread out in underground areas," Yakumo recalled based on his full memories.
"Humans are very rare inside the world of Vein. So, you guys will be a sight for other Revenants," Louis informed the Thieves.
"They'll be more surprised to see a talking cat," Mia giggled, looking down at the tiniest Thief member.
"Wait until they see what I can do," Morgana boasted.
The Osakan soldier continued on. "Be careful, Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants. This war will be your most daunting task up to now. Even the battle the Thieves, Sion, and Hifumi had against me will pale in comparison. Mido and his entourage have dubbed this forthcoming war, Ragnarok Vein."
Skyler scoffed. "Ragnarok Vein? How oddly appropriate since we know he's aligned with Kriemhild after seeing what happened in the Wulf-Edda dimension."
Hifumi addressed the Osakan soldier. "Can Sophia's power make a difference?"
"There's only one way to find out, Togo Hifumi."
"Don't worry, Hifumi. We're in this together," Ren reassured the Shogi playing woman. "We are the pieces on the board. You, me, and Skyler are the generals leading everyone."
Hearing this from Ren, his words brought a comforting smile on her face. She was happier that Ren remembered their Shogi matches and the lessons she taught him.
"That's right. We are the generals of this board," Skyler cut in as he grasped Hifumi's hand. "Let's give Mido and his crew a beating they'll never forget."
Facing the Osakan soldier, Ren gave a small smile. "And it was surreal seeing you again, but thank you for warning us."
"You and your colleagues earned my respect, Amamiya Ren. I never would have imagined you would have defeated Yaldabaoth's power again, but yet you did. If you can do that, I have no doubt you will stop Ragnarok Vein."
Nodding, Ren turned toward the three spirits. "And it was an honor to meet you three. I'm sorry we have to cut this short."
Tokichiro genuinely replied. "No, we understand. You and your cohorts have an important war to participate in. We wish you all well." He, the Hidenoji, and Mumyo gave customary bows to the Thieves and the Vein Remnants.
"But, that's ok, because we'll get to stay here and learn from you three," Ryōta added.
"Yeah… wait, hold on. We're not going with you, guys?" Yumeko realized, turning and facing the Thieves and the Revenants.
"It's probably best we do. This sounds like something way out of our element." Mary stated.
"Aw, really?! That's some bullshit!" Midari vented out loud.
"That's because someone has to stay here to defend this dimension while the Thieves and the Revenants are away," Nekomata informed the Spiritual Gamblers.
"Oh, well. I guess that makes sense," Yumeko said. She walked up to Skyler and Hifumi, quickly grasping their hands. "Please be careful, you two."
"Thank you, Yumeko," Hifumi nodded.
"He's right. We'll need to stay just in case Mido sends Lost and Yokai here. Some of us have to stay here to stop a likely invasion." Ryōta concurred with Nekomata's suggestion.
"Astute assessment, Nekomata," Akechi stated. "Of course, I'll be joining Ren and his entourage." As he said this, he earned some cautious looks, namely from the Thieves and Revenants.
"You better be on your best behavior," Jack warned Akechi. "Because I can't guarantee these two will want to kill you if you decide to betray us." He motioned Akechi toward Mia and Yakumo. They met Akechi with intense red eyes.
"Ehehe, yes, I'll keep that in mind," nervously muttered Akechi.
Eva whispered to Jack. "That certainly spooked him."
Jack shrugged. "You know what they say, fear is a great motivator."
"It's time. Togo Hifumi, will you do the honors?" The Osakan soldier addressed her.
With that, Hifumi nodded and raised a hand. Before using her goddess power to open a portal for the Thieves and the Revenants, she turned around.
"Are we all sure about this?" Hifumi asked her colleagues. "If there's anyone not up to the task, this is your chance to drop out."
"No way, we're ready," Skyler firmly nodded along with the other Revenants.
"You bet we're all in this until we kill Mido and his cohorts," Yakumo resolved.
"There's no turning back for any of us either," Makoto affirmed as she and Haru held hands.
Clenching her fists, Ann scowled. "Any chance to get my hands on Mido, I'll take it."
Ren nodded to Hifumi. "We're all ready. Do it."
With nothing holding her back, white light formed around Hifumi's hands. When she focused, she converted the white light and formed a portal in front of everyone.
"This will take you all directly into the dimension PV-CV-19. Be careful and I wish you all well." The Osakan soldier gave a prayer for the group.
"We'll be waiting for you all, friends," Yumeko smiled, watching the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Elven Princesses enter the newly conjured dimensional portal.
For a moment, Hifumi, the Thieves, the Remnants, and the Elven Princesses sensed the wisping air coming from a dry atmosphere and the scent of the dead fill their nostrils. Upon smelling the stench of dry blood, the Revenants' eyes instinctively turned red (blue in the case for Jack).
Taking a few deep breaths, Hifumi backed off, but Io stepped in and grabbed her hand.
"It'll be ok, Hifumi. We're going in together," Io's reassuring tone calmed the young woman.
"That's right. Let's keep our heads high, sweetie," Skyler said in a loving tone.
"Yes," a genuine smile formed on Hifumi's face. She expanded the portal, allowing the Elven Princesses, the Thieves and the Revenants to pass through. Hifumi, Skyler, and Io were the last ones to jump through the portal as it closed behind them.
The Spiritual Gamblers lowered their heads and prayer for their friends' hopeful return.
"Be careful, dear friends," Yumeko muttered.
xxxxx
?-?
Upon passing through a distortion between dimensions, Hifumi, Skyler, Io, the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Elven Princesses floated through a stream toward another portal. Falling straight into the portal, the group reached their destination.
As the portal closed, a distorted and vague voice muttered. "I've been bested by you twice, Phantom Thieves, and you've resisted my power to control humanity. Now, you and your new allies prepare to do the same against a being with a greater potential in bringing ruin to multiple worlds. Trickster, had you accepted my deal, your world would've fallen into ruin and become the world of Vein. However, you chose wisely and because of that decisive choice, half of my power ended up with Togo Hifumi." A shadowed presence similar to Yaldabaoth's shape surfaced on a dimensional wall. "May you achieve victory and prevent any more ruin." With those parting words, the Demiurge vanished, seemingly leaving no trace of him as if he wasn't really there to begin with.
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Chapter Soundtrack
Shin Megami Tensei IV OST - Pluto Castle - - vs. Jinyo and Akireplica.
Shin Megami Tensei IV OST - End Credits - - Meeting the spirit of the nameless Osakan soldier from the CV timeline, Saklas, as he tells the cast information of PV-CV-19 before the cast head to that dimension for the sixth Yami Matter.
Shin Megami Tensei IV OST - Reverse Hills - - The cast learning the horrors and ominous feeling of the CV dimension.
Dead Can Dance - How Fortunate The Man With None - The cast's passageway from PV-18 to PV-CV-19. Along the dimensional transition, they hear the voice of Yaldabaoth (PV-18, the main version, it's simply a hallucinated voice and not the real deal.) giving comments before disappearing.
xxxxx
A/N: Yaldabaoth wishing our heroes well? Wow, the threat of Mido and the Yami Matter are so severe that a former enemy has to root for our heroes to win.
So after a couple of long chapters, we felt the need to return to shorter formats. This chapter had two brief battles and interactions with new spirits, who are from the upcoming Nioh 2 game. Moreover, the Osakan soldier (who was Saklas in Persona Vein) returns to warn the group about Ragnarok Vein. If you might recall following his defeat in PV, Saklas split up and the Yaldabaoth half went away, leaving the nameless soldier's spirit to wander again and traverse into the Code Vein dimension.
Thoughts on Jinyo and Akireplica? As said in the story's context, Jinyo and Tennyo are opposites: hell and heaven. And Jinyo is Mido's clone daughter (on top of possessing a portion of Mido's soul in her). Akireplica is a clone based off Kurusu Akira from the Crimson fanfic story. So, we have two dangerous adversaries for Hifumi and Ren.
And with that, the stage is almost set for Ragnarok Vein. Mido's endgame is upon us.
And just a reminder, with Akane no Mai approaching, Urban Legends updates will be monthly for the remaining 7 chapters. This is done with the sole purpose of me shifting priorities to getting AnM off the ground, but don't worry we will ensure UL reaches its end.
Until the next chapter, see you soon! And Happy Leap Day!
