Strife Arc:
Chapter 69: Mass Recruitment
"How do we keep ourselves warm with only a candle?
How do we describe emptiness without seeing?
Perhaps no one will find me beneath the soil,
But I hold out the candle to the sky in hope,
He will see the small light and will bring fires upon fires,
Until darkness reach me no more, and mass of lights hug me."
-Page 1 of Marie's Poem Anthology
1/12/2012 - Limbo
Shinjiro Aragaki glanced at the place once had been the Celephais. There's no attachment to that old prison, but leaving it did affect him as he walked away from it. There was no place for them now, only walking the pathless dimension endlessly until they reach another place to call home.
He looked around, then downward at the crystal clear abyss beneath him. Many didn't survive the destruction of Celephais, and only a certain few managed to walk far enough from it, creating a trail that led to nowhere. By his count, a hundred out of few thousands were rallying their own survival or contemplating whether it was a blessing or curse to survive at all.
Shinjiro continued his tracks, and it was unintentional he accidentally bumped shoulders with the last woman he wanted to meet. The gothic girl -he remembered her as Chidori Yoshino- made no attempt to consult with him regarding his friends, and Shinjiro was oddly thankful for it. They lost count of the number of times greeting each other, but Chidori's assurance of his friends' safety in their first meeting was enough. Yet, it mattered little since she passed away months after him anyway.
"You were eyeing the girl for a while." A deep voice spoke to him at his front. The gothic girl took the opportunity to slip away among the crowds, leaving him with the stranger.
"It's nothing." He replied.
"Rough, are you?" The elder man smiled as if teasing him, "Shinjiro Aragaki, was it? I remembered your profile from my research. To think I met a familiar face in this realm."
Shinjiro widened his eyes and regarded the elder mam with dark spectacles in front of him. His long brown coat, black gloves, pocket full of worthless coins; reminded him of a hooligan. An agent? But that explained nothing of why the man knew him. Most of all, he had never seen the man before.
"How do you know my name?"
"I met your acquaintance in life. They don't speak of you, but you had profiles. I would love to spend more time talking about it, but if you refuse..." He paused.
Did Mitsuru hire another Persona user like Kei Nanjo? Seeing as the new visitor recently died, perhaps he knew the latest news of his friends. Curiosity outweighed his timidness. He sighed and was surprised to hear his voice softened, "Well, can I help you with anything, Mr..."
"Kaoru Saga, but call me Baofu if you like," He smirked, "Now then, the girl earlier... You knew her in life?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Things unsaid are a powerful poison. Of course, I won't force you," His expression when he said those lines sank deeper than he thought. Shinjiro saw strange wisdom in his eyes, like a regret unfulfilled.
"...It's awkward, that's it." Shinjiro answered, "I meant it. I'm not talkative-"
He halted his words and gasped. Baofu noticed his stares and trailed his vision. His gasp was louder.
"By the god, Conquest, the White Rider!" Baofu screamed.
Blocking the lines of people at the front was a tall figure in white and gold armor on a large horse. Baofu ran like mad to the front side. Curiosity seized him, and Shinjiro began trailing after him.
Most of the spirit at the front backed away in fear, but fortunately, no one broke the lines of wanderers. The realm was dark and filled with dust-like particles, which was the cause behind the rider's brilliant light in the dark place. Baofu's fragile expression from earlier vanished when he joined him at the front crowds, replaced with incredible hostility.
The white rider was several meters tall, garmented in golds and white which reminded him of Egyptian style. His gold-armored horse with strange reptilian eyes cradled his weight elegantly, tamed so well it shifted its body sideways, allowing the rider to face the people in full attire.
"Deceased warriors of persona," The white rider spoke with a booming voice, sending chills down his veins, "Thou are lost, not by thou own accord. Daemon Sultan beckoned thee from thy Great Sea, denied tranquility for reborn. Fodder for the fool god. And now thou stranded in the infinity of Limbo, to be forgotten.
"But fear not! I will grant thou freedom, but no small cost. My servant, Shu, will guide thee to Valhalla, for a great war approaching. Thou personas will be utilized, and the survivors will return thee to the Great Sea. Make thy choices."
Shinjiro left his mouth agape, speechless at the deal. A war? What kind of war fought by the dead? Truth be told, he was tired and he wanted out of this dark place. To be sent to war though, like a backup army, was an entirely different matter.
Shinjiro noticed not far from where the white rider stood was another figure with Egyptian silver clothing. The grey hair, a small cloud with the shape of a crown, and pale skin made him looked so inhuman. The creature he presumed to be servant Shu noticed his stares and locked his white pupil gaze on him. Shinjiro looked away in panic. The creature's face was unmoving, as though the skin itself was a suit and mask.
"What happened if we die again at Valhalla, in the upcoming war?" Baofu spoke.
"Thou will fall, but the sea will summon thee, cleansing as thou art newborn. But beware! Lose the war, all world fall."
The silence of the realm broke into a cluster of noise; arguing, crying, debating. Freedom with a heavy cost. A thought to simply reject the offer and continued forth crossed his mind.
'But we've been here for so damn long,' Shinjiro thought. The servant god stood behind the white rider and awaited them, hinting at the obvious answer they will give. They knew, didn't they?
"I will not fight!" One of the elder men spoke out, "I have fought for decades against shadow for the Velvet Room. I will not summon another persona!"
"Is there no other way out but to risk our very own soul against another adversary?" A young woman spoke out, wearing an ancient dress from another century.
"Where is Philemon, or Igor?! I will not heed the word of a strange entity other than them!" One young man said.
The argument became so deafening, Shinjiro could feel his ear drumming. Baofu stepped forward among the crowd and raised his voice.
"There is one reason I cannot trust you, Conquest," Baofu's face was stern, "You, one of the Four Horsemen, are the reason why the prophecy happened in the first place! Why help us now? What's your motive? Answer us this, or Valhalla is just a ruse you made."
Conquest, as what Baofu called him, lifted an Ankh in his hand and lifted it high. A bright light shone from it, blinding all of them in ray. It dimmed a few seconds later, and Shinjiro was shocked to see a path made of light spread out before them. The god Shu stood at the starting line of the path, watching the white rider with attentive eyes.
Conquest pulled his horse away to the path, and he began trailing on it. The wanderers watched the scene with awe and interest. The lesser god Shu stood before them, faced unreadable.
"This path leads to Valhalla," Shu said with an almost too human voice, "You were meant to be there before the Nuclear Chaos locked you in Celephais. Zeus had waited long enough for you. But none of you went."
"Why should we trust you?" Shinjiro asked.
"You do not. You will listen because you have no choice," Shu growled with an unmoving face, "You are free to remain in this cold, dark realm. But Valhalla is warm and organized, even a glimpse into the real world. A chance for an old face, perhaps?"
He knew the smaller god was looking at him when he spoke his last sentence. The pull towards the visible light path became dangerous. Without he noticed it, Baofu had already begun walking first behind the moving Shu, though his eyes locked on the creature. He turned aside and saw Chidori trailing after him. The hesitated few eventually relent and followed the entity.
Shinjiro rubbed his head and quickened his pace. If Valhalla wasn't as good as promised, he rather be stranded here.
Tatsuya Suou
Early Morning - 1/12/2012(Saturday) - Velvet Room
(6 days before Strife's arrival)
He didn't expect to find an ashtray in the first place. Tatsuya didn't notice when he had started taking cigarettes from his long training. Still, he resisted the urge and stood up from his seat.
The absent Jun brought worrying news about his persona's condition and wasn't seen since last night. Judging from their faces, he knew Igor would be close-mouthed regarding the issue. Was he to be blamed?
"If creating the paradox for me stretched his power too much, he could have pick another alternative," Tatsuya commented, ramming the unlit cigarette into his pocket. "Using his body like that seems... improper."
Igor was watching him with careful eyes when he answered. "He cannot risk the power of bond. We all await a new host for my master, but it won't be long," Igor said, "I am more curious about your decision to abandon your search for Naoya Toudou."
"I won't take long with the Collector," Tatsuya answered, "And I'm not worried about Naoya. As long as he not in the spotlight, he's safe as Prime Anima. We had a bigger problem."
Igor widened his eyes as Tatsuya glanced at the residents of the room, pointing at the things around their wrists. "Why the cuff?"
Except for Igor, everyone else was wearing a large velvet-colored handcuff. Demon Painter unusually had two sets around his wrists, though it didn't hinder his painting skill as he continued drawing something on the canvas stand. Margaret seemed calm at first glance, but she attempted to hide it beneath her cool demeanor. The rest of them were adequate to the set of devices. Not to him, though.
"Not my will, though it is necessary," Igor said, "Interfering with the physical world is an utmost taboo of the Velvet Room. These attendants broke the rules, and now will be restricted."
He didn't deny it. Tatsuya, however, still owned Demon Painter much for adopting Mia for a year. The best he could give him was a reassurance of his next mission.
Although they weren't adamant about hiding the cuff, he knew nobody in the Velvet Room enjoyed command of King of Gods.
"Anything else?" Tatsuya finally said.
"We're seeking new persona users," Igor said.
He nodded.
"With the Emperor's absence, we need a leader, a headquarter."
"Not me, Igor. You know my role," Tatsuya shook his head, "You need to pick someone in meantime. Until then, each to their own."
"We await your return," Igor nodded, but he realized the master was not pleased with the answer.
That was his cue. Whatever their plans with the sky god must be too private to involve him. He had to save his questions for another time. There's too much to discuss with Yukino.
From the glance of his eyes, he saw it. That creature again, lying in the corner. He hurried his pace and left the room.
It cried as he walked out.
Shut up. Shut the hell up.
Velvet Room
Belladonna, Nameless, Demon Painter, and Margaret turned their attentions towards the master of the room after Tatsuya's leave. He couldn't have known. However, he was the last human to interact with the master. Margaret was the first to break the silence.
"Nyarlathotep had ascended. Our master Philemon has fallen."
A few let out a grumpy voice, trying to suppress the insane fear within their emotions. The fragmented soul of master Philemon within them was filled with fear instead of hope, the consequence they willingly accepted, but came to regret.
"Someone needs to track down the 'emperor'," Nameless spoke, "And fast. The Crawling Chaos has spread his influence beyond Sumaru City."
"The best choice would be his lover," Belladonna suggested.
"No. Narukami need us," Margaret rejected, "Our focus must be in Inaba."
"I believe Master Igor would love a word," Demon Painter interrupted, finishing his touch on his canvas.
All eyes were on Igor. The master of the room remained silent, and his hands unconsciously began shuffling the cards on the table. The best course of action would be retaliating against the force of False Messiah. However-
"Ignorant fools."
Everyone was immediately alerted by the voice.
From the hollow part of the tall ceiling, one creature fled into the room and landed on the top of one of the seven guest's chairs. The mechanical bird, painted in blue and red short beak, observed every attendant of the room. Its eyes were pulsing with electricity, plus some of the light within it could be seen glowing from the crease of the metal around it. When it opened its mouth to speak, there was a bright glow in its beak.
"One taint on thee's master and all creed burned to dust! Dwellers of in-between forbid interference in the human's realm! Thou art fools, blend life with thy own chosen! Punishment is decreed! Thy seal forbid thee from out of thou's domain!"
They all recoiled timidly at the scold, for nobody foolish enough to talk back against him.
"I understand, Lord Zeus," Igor nodded.
Zeus, one of the selected few who could challenge Philemon, represents life itself. Though he was no enemy of their master, their domains rarely interact. He is the last guardian between death and humanity before their lives were taken from the real world. To call him simply one of the pillars of Sea of Souls was undermining it. He is before Death. Elizabeth was the only one who attempted research about him, but the result was a failure.
"We will follow your guidance during the absence of Chronos and Master Philemon until our new master will be selected," Margaret said.
"Chronos..." The bird growled at the name, "Scheme and scheme, art thee under his command. The time god rushed thy prophecy using thee but bore no solution. Chronos must be brought to me for thy actions."
"Which is unfortunate, since Chronos needs a recovery," Demon Painter said, "We have a greater problem than this, Lord Zeus."
Demon Painter tore out the page of the canvas and revealed the painting of Takaya Sakaki, standing on top of mountains of unconscious bodies. Standing beside him was another man, seemed to be wearing an earring as he pointed the bloody sword on the False Messiah.
"Takaya Sakaki must be brought down, but we cannot risk more life," Nameless said, "We need more hands to help the men of prophecy."
"Please lent us your guidance, Lord Zeus," Igor said.
The bird remained quiet for a while until it flew towards Igor's table and suddenly screech.
"Toll the Velvet Bell!" Zeus's voice echoed louder into the room, "Summon thee all spartan to the battlefield! The war must be won! Valhalla awaits spartan who answer thy call!"
Their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at the absurd exclamation. Velvet Bell had remained untouched for centuries until today.
"Lord Zeus, this is a heavy decision," Igor finally said, wiping his non-existent sweat on his head, "Is there no way-"
The bird suddenly began shaking violently before it flew again, this time aiming at the large window at the back of the room. It crashed on the invisible window panel and exploded into a mass of smoke.
No one said anything as the window cracked and shattered, swaying the walls around it. What came after seemed almost comical, as the four walls fell outward like cardboard. Exposed to them was the endless foggy space, connected by stairs with no end, intersected but no symmetry.
"I supposed... we must begin," Igor took out something from beneath his table. A black box with a Velvet emblem on the top was a moderate size, but Igor seemed to carry it with difficulty. Nameless joined to help them despite the cuff on him.
A large key with sapphire gemstone sat inside. Igor took out the key, and he made another survey to the residents. The procedure was simple. The time period, however, was frustratingly long. Of course, Igor as the master of the room must make the final decision. A leader must be chosen.
"We cannot pick the Sage," Belladonna said.
"The Emperor is missing," Demon Painter added.
"The Messiah is unavailable," Nameless, commented.
"The Sun refused," Margaret finalized, "Who should we pick?"
"I believe Lord Zeus already made his pick," Igor exclaimed. They all focused on him, curious. Igor closed his eyes, pondering something. He nodded to himself and eyed the rest in the room. He said only one name.
"Which of you will approach Mitsuru Kirijo?"
Sunny - Early Morning - 1/12/2012(Saturday)
(6 days before Strife's arrival)
"Greetings, Japan. My name is Takaya Sakaki, your messiah."
The young prophet wandered the small stage, garnished in a pure white robe, hands clasped behind him as he eyed the screen, faced composed like a man whose plan bore fruit every step he took. And his grin-that stupid grin- was infuriating.
"As you all know, there was a strange pandemic plaguing the country at the moment called Limbo Recall. I have heard words of its spread all over Asia, soon over the world. It breaks my heart to hear the news. If I can cut my own hands to save these people, I would do it in a heartbeat. Atlas, I'm too impotent at the moment, and my reach is limited. But rest assure. Your messiah will extend his hand to you.
"The best offer I can give you is to come to me yourself. I will be waiting here, at the heart of Tokyo, to bring salvation. My followers will organize your lines, your needs, and your condition. All transportation will be used to harbor patients into this city."
The 'messiah' paused, looking away from the screen to something beyond the frame. He added, almost too sudden, as he returned his eyes to his audience.
"Some of you may have seen the blasphemous leaked video questioning the legitimacy of my power. I assure you, this is nothing but envy from the people who oppose me. But I do not fault them. Instead, I offered solace to anyone for a change of heart in this trying time. We are close to end-time. My only hope to you is unification."
The scene changed to a mass of people trying to enter the border of Tokyo city. The news reporter's voice-over began to narrate the scenery.
"That is the speech given by Takaya Sakaki, the 'savior', this early morning. As you can see, thousands of citizens from around the country are heading for the capital city. A ceremony will be commenced-"
He switched off the TV with a click. Another line from that guy would chip down his brain cell. Kei Nanjo lived his life seeking power in status, money, and influence. Becoming the number one man in Japan took more than just inheritance and name. But what truly drove him to push further for every step was only one: competition. Be it Kirijo or the prime minister, a 'healthy' rivalry sparked his desire to reach the peak.
Watching Takaya climbing to the top of Japan in mere days failed to give him the same spark. Basking in the power given by the Crawling Chaos made him nothing more than a senile cult preacher. An unfortunately successful one.
Nanjo felt all eyes were on him as he sat weakly on his wooden chair, holding the remote to the small TV. By looking at the mirror this morning, he realized his spectacles failed to hide the dark spot beneath his eyes and his haggard face. It felt good to abandon the patient's robe. Perhaps he should choose another shirt, but this dark blue vest was not expensive enough to attract attention and not dirty enough to be mistaken as a pauper. A good sacrifice, since nobody from his company, except his butler, noticed him sneaking into this tent to join his friends.
"That's enough news," Nanjo said, throwing the remote at the baffled Reiji who was standing near the TV, ignoring the worried eyes pasted on him. "No need to look at me like that. I'm not angry. Not because he dirtied my names all over the news when I'm in a coma, or when Kirijo made a huge scandal over my name the last few days, or that Naoya supposedly 'died' when I was away."
"It's okay to be stressed out. You recently recovered," Maki said in her chair. "Not that we shouldn't dismiss your statement of the flying city."
"I sounded mad, don't I?"
"Nanjo, the moment you sounded mad is the time we should trust you," Reiji quickly added, "Not being sarcastic, by the way."
Maki, Reiji, Hidehiko, Yukino, and Eikichi formed a circle around Hidehiko's tent. It seemed the owner already regretting the invitations to them, judging by his grumpy face, slumping his back on his chair like a monkey denied food. The standing Reiji, already cast the remote on top of the TV, was avoiding eye contact with everyone, sharing those restless eyes with Maki.
"Meh, we've seen worse," Hidehiko intercepted, scratching his head, "But it does coincide with Tatsu's story on the other side. Still, a city full of persona users? Was the Nuclear Chaos a little hungry?"
"Or trapping them for a greater purpose, which was fulfilled when the Second Seal is broken," Yukino said without lifting her eyes from her phone, committedly checking the news, "Or... those dead spirits might be our allies, like the one you called Shinjiro."
"So it's true," Nanjo raised an eyebrow.
"Shinjiro Aragaki passed away three years ago in Tatsumi Port Island," Yukino repeated those words from memory, "Former member of SEES, Shadow Operative's founding squad. His description fit everything you told us of his time of death."
"Should we not tell them?" Maki asked.
"Kirijo will hear of this, but soon." Nanjo nodded. His eyes returned to Yukino, whose attention was still glued to the screen of her phone. "Is there something else, Yukino?"
The reporter finally glanced up at the rest of them. She returned her eyes to the screen a moment later, searching for something. "You guys watched the leaked video last night?"
They all nodded. The video detailed the obscure evidence of Takaya's power, linking it with the origin of the strange drug. Many cults had begun calling out to the 'messiah', accusing him of spreading the sickness in the first place. The silent actions trailing it proved enough how much power he had over the government and the rumors.
"Must be Ulala," Eikichi, who remained quiet at the far right, spoke out. Another silence trapped them for a while, pondering the reality of Ulala's affliction.
Everyone lost contact with Ulala since she revealed the antidote to Shiori yesterday. Lisa Silverman, after surrendering herself to the cop, provided nothing much to track down the hidden agent of Revelation.
"How was Lisa?" Reiji asked, facing Eikichi, knowing him to be the last to see her in Shiori's custody. Wrong question. Reiji should have known better.
Eikichi began to shuffle uncomfortably in his chair. Reiji seemed to regret asking it, and Maki almost stopped him before he began. "She shouldn't be in there," Eikichi said, "But then I'll be lying to myself if I said she's no part of it. She wanted this. Denying it is only going to hurt her. And I..." Eikichi rummaged his hair in frustration, "It's funny. Why recovering my personas somehow made me feel pretty damn useless these days?"
"Hey, hey, chill," Hidehiko leaned forward and waved him down, "She is going to be okay. Shiori will protect her."
"No, she can't. Not for long," Nanjo decided to be honest. Hidehiko and Eikichi turned to him in shock. But they needed the little honesty. Replacing Katsuya as the new police chief of Sumaru City won't allow her to avoid restriction under the grip of Sumaru's governor. Couldn't they realize what it means?
"Miyashiro can't move much with the higher-ups controlling her movement," Maki explained, "With this position, she is as much prisoner as Lisa is."
Silence, another thing Nanjo love, but only in the right mood. He quickly broke the atmosphere and directed his question to everyone, "Tell me about the rest of us."
Maki coughed lightly, stumbling her word to begin, "Maya is being held in a hospital not far from Sumaru for now. Her condition is... hard to grasp. Partial memory loss, the doctor claimed. Tatsuya obviously knows better."
"She remembered all of us, except her own family. I supposed it's a blessing for her having not to wait for her husband's return." Yukino said, then returned to her phone.
"Eriko is still with her sister, huh?" Reiji was genuinely worried.
"Erio's trauma is the problem. One glance at Naoya's picture and she screamed," Hidehiko shook his head, "Poor guy, getting hated by your own twin's action."
Eikichi shrugged, "Eriko did not comment on him. Did she hate the guy, or miss him?"
"I think Eriko needs a little time off, she's been through a lot..." Maki trailed off. Something was going on with her and Reiji. "I'm more worried about Kirijo returning to the island last night. She seems to be in a rush."
"Of course she is," Nanjo answered, "With the technology of Pegasus exposed, Kirijo knew her company will be a threat to Takaya. I'm not surprised if the False Messiah already issued an arrest for the company. Fortunately, I will be visiting her for partnership as according to the rumors made days ago. Hopefully, our influence will be enough to resist the government."
Did he say something wrong? Somehow, their eyes budged at his statement.
"You want to fight the government?" Reiji gasped, "Did I heard that right?"
"You're not number one man in Japan, Nanjo," Yukino stated, "If he sees you and Kirijo resisting him, he will bite back twice as hard."
"Let me repeated myself, idiots," Nanjo said. As much as he adored his friends, sometimes they think too small. "I didn't say I fight the government, only resist them long enough until the prophecy fulfilled. Listen, I know what I'm doing. She and I had a big plan, and I won't be joining you."
"You're leaving?" Eikichi asked, alerted.
"I am not supposed to be here in the first place."
"But who will protect these people?" Maki asked.
"I don't see the problem."
"But Eriko wants a break, Maya is in hospital, Lisa's in prison, and... You're short many persona users." Reiji said.
Curious. "What do you mean, Reiji?"
Everyone's eyes were on the tall man, except for Maki.
"Maki, speak for him too, if you like. I'm not blind," Nanjo said, almost like a command. They both looked down.
All eyes turned to the two of them now. Maki breathed deeply, but Reiji stopped her with a hand gesture. Maki said nothing but shied in her seat. Finally, Reiji confessed.
"I want out."
It came so sudden, Nanjo almost missed it. "You want what?" Hidehiko said.
"I said I want out, like, actually out of... this," Reiji said, speaking as if it was the hardest thing he could say. "I know this world is at stake, but Maki and I had a family. So..."
"The youngsters will handle the war," Maki said, "And we as the adults will protect what's left."
"You did not just say that," Hidehiko shook his head, faced horrified, "Are you serious about leaving the jobs to those kids? We are adults! We're supposed to bear this responsibility!"
Maki glared at the clown as though she wanted to strangle him, "Do you know about responsibility, Hidehiko? Have you seen the people outside this tent?"
With a quick motion, the doctor left her seat and flipped open the tent's cape for them to see where they were. Where they truly were.
A mass of camps outside the border of Tokyo city, on the broad green park next to the highway leading to the capital city.
Grand Park outside border of Tokyo City
The broad highway that was supposed to lead into the capital city was at the side of the large park originally intended for camping. Thousands of people were seeking sanctuary within the makeshift bed built from the spoils from Sumaru on the green, curvy grass park, overviewed by some officers from the capital city. Many buses were placed at the edge of the park, waiting for the next batch. The fortunate few who took the train were able to land successfully in the great city, but the rest of the desperate victims?
Nanjo shouldn't even be here at all, but it was worth seeing the effect of Takaya's gesture into the city upfront. His butler was as capable as he expected, bribing informants to hide his presence here at the heart of the camp. The antidote Ulala gave them was not enough. Replicating the cure will take days, but even if they do manage to cure someone, what's stopping Takaya from taking credits? Ulala's antidote was a single bullet, but finding the right firearm to shoot that bullet was the true problem. It was a step, but what the men of prophecy need was a huge leap forwards.
By the time the three rumormongers Yukino employed had noticed the sudden range of rumors power, they were too late. Nyarlathotep's apparent ascension expanded the power of rumors to the entire country, perhaps on global scales. This was the war Nanjo intent to win with status; seizing the rumors of Japan before Takaya does. Doing it while protecting the people here, however, was impossible. There much be a way to hold these people at bay until the true cure was reproduced.
Maki was correct on one thing. This isn't something simple. He had no spouse of his own to understand it. But he understood family, and who was he to stop them?
"Look at them. How many of them desperate enough to ignore Shiori's word of another cure instead of Takaya? A few infected passed away last night, prompting them to almost force through the guards. And my family is among them! Tatsuya left his son once, and look what happened? I won't let the same thing happened to my children. Please understand, Hide."
Hidehiko paled. "Maki, I didn't mean it that way."
Maki sighed. "Sorry for lashing," She closed the cape of the tend and turned to the rest of them. "Yes, I want out as well."
It was too sudden when Eikichi stood up too. "Urgh, can I..." Eikichi trailed off, circling in the same spot frantically.
"You too?" Yukino asked.
"No! I made a promise, but..." Eikichi rubbed his forehead in frustration. He almost wanted to cry. "I just found out this morning when the doctor checked Miyabi's wound from days ago. And the doctor told me that I..." Eikichi bit his lips hard, "I'm finally a father."
They all turned to each other in shock, then understood. It made him curious what took Eikichi so long to have one after marriage. The only two he knew unmarried Hidehiko and Eriko. Naoya doesn't count, that's man an odd one.
"After years!" Hidehiko jumped in joy, but Eikichi nodded weakly, forcing Hidehiko to quill down, "Oh, right."
"I can't laugh, knowing I'll leave her with a child," Eikichi clenched his head, "After I promised Tatsuya..."
"He would prefer seeing you with your family," Maki laid a hand on his shoulder, "And that's worrying. He's been quiet ever since what happened to Maya."
The atmosphere was growing so tense, Hidehiko nearly reached for the TV remote again, only to be stopped by Reiji. Naoya was an obnoxious bastard, but he was a leader, and he knew what to speak in this situation. What would he say if he saw this? Who could replicate such leadership, even when beaten and absent?
"Very well," Nanjo sighed loudly. It usually gained attention. "Seeing as our old leader is still missing, I'll be acting as a temporary leader of this circle. Any objection?"
They all went quiet.
"Good. Now, I bear witness, any who wants to remove themselves from this battle, raise a hand. I will speak with Eriko soon. Jun can't escape this. The Suou brothers... well, they can take care of themselves."
It truly pained him to see Reiji and Maki raised their hands slightly. Nanjo nodded but noticed Eikichi still hesitating.
"Maki-san," Eikichi's voice was soft, almost like pleading, "Can you watch over Miyabi when I'm away? I'll talk to her."
Maki said nothing but slowly approached the new father. The doctor patted him on his shoulder, "I swear I won't let anything happened to her."
"Thank you," Nanjo knew Eikichi didn't notice his own tears leaking. "I can't back down. I can't leave him again."
Reiji almost looked ashamed when Hidehiko approached the man with an extended hand.
"They have my show, Reiji," Hidehiko smiled, "I'm not quitting until they fixed my damn banner."
"Me neither," Yukino said, "The rumormongers works for me now. We're going to dig out everything we can about the events in Tokyo."
"That settles it." Nanjo nodded. Two fighters quitted the front line. Even counting the original members of the team, their numbers stretched too thin to cover every catastrophe happening around the country. With their current members, Nanjo couldn't hope for a frontal attack with personas alone.
Fresh crew. They need new members.
"So... Can we start?" Hidehiko stood up, then walked up towards a hidden stack of boxes outside the tent. He entered with a few bottles of alcohols with a small round table. He handed the bottles to each of them, then returned to his seat. Eikichi stood up, taking out the small object from his pocket, and placed it on the small table.
Baofu's glasses.
The main event of this meeting finally began. The popping sound of bottlecaps opened resounded in the tent. Eikichi lifted his drinks.
"No drinks for me," Nanjo left the bottle on the floor next to his feet.
"Only a sip for me," Yukino said, "I need to be away soon."
"Suit yourself," Hidehiko shrugged. "Eikichi?"
Eikichi stood up. "For Baofu," Eikichi said, "Who helped us more than just becoming an adult. He taught us how to be good adults because he is a goddamn gem. He fought by our sides despite his illness, he believed in us even there's no hope, he fought bravely to the very end. We don't have burials for him, but we remember him. Rest in Peace, sir. You're a hero."
"For Baofu!" They all cheered. The drink must have tasted horrible. After being poisoned the last time, he stayed away from any beverages. Besides, the country needed Kei Nanjo the leader of the Nanjo Group. Once he walked out of this tent, he knew his burden will tenfold when he began his battle against Takaya.
Although he was busy wondering Katsuya's status, his eyes didn't miss Yukino's phone message.
Whatever reason Tatsuya finally contacted her was a great mystery.
Foggy - Morning - Raku's Hotel, Tatsumi Port Island
Mitsuru Kirijo hated the day she was reminded of her father. Not out of hatred, but a reminder of the painful memories. Waking up this late morning, however, convinced her the imposter frequently visiting her dream was not her father.
And yet, she trusted the imposter, despite leading her to be trapped in Sumaru City. And today, she again trusted the imposter, despite the near-impossible task.
"Gather who, though?" Mitsuru muttered as she left her room and walked down the stairs to the lobby.
The second thing she hated in the morning was waking up late on schedule. As the last person to greet her before she fell asleep, Fuuka must have done something to her alarm. Akihiko, the early worm, didn't need any of those to jump out of bed.
She went downstairs after a quick meal and saw the man in question waiting. The boxer was as stern as ever as he leaned on the wall overlooking the small lobby, unconvinced by the new security. It was nothing too lavish, but as the one monitored the system, it was still equipped with advanced security to fight off another attack from a persona user.
"Have they arrived yet?" She asked weakly, still strained from yesterday's battle.
Akihiko faced her and shook his head, "Said they have a small problem on the way. Should be here in about ten minutes."
"What did Iori and Labrys say?"
"They're excited."
Mitsuru furrowed her eyebrows.
"I'm serious," Akihiko chuckled, "Koromaru wants to follow, but he's still recovering. You need Fuuka and me. But Yukari-"
"No."
"...Which one?" Akihiko was either being sarcastic, or he was too straightforward.
She sighed. "Both of them."
Two Yukari. She almost thought she was hallucinating when she saw two of them when they arrived last night. Only when they spoke that the difference became obvious. It took them a long while to decide how to solve this issue, which earned scorn from one, pleasure from another.
"Since you got time, how about I show you something in the basement?" Akihiko gestured.
"What happened?"
The basement of Raku's Hotel
The last time Mitsuru was down the storeroom for quick surveillance, it was hauntingly quiet. She abandoned the idea of creating a hidden exit after hearing the commotions when she reached the storeroom. The room was small but large enough for Ken, Black Yukari, and Fuuka to watch the opened panel on the floor. Lights burst from within, and Mitsuru resisted the urge to descend and look at Minato's face. She understood better, however.
"Oh, you're up!" Fuuka smirked lightly, "Did you have a good sleep?"
"Stay away from my room next time," She scolded, but Fuuka's smile only broadened.
"Everyone only noticed it after you went to bed," Black Yukari, dressed in black dress and long blouse, uncomfortably gestured her long black sleeve towards the floor.
Mitsuru understood when she saw the entrance. Good. No need to waste guards at their old dormitory. However, this presented another problem.
"When you say everyone, who else?" She asked, watching the stairs.
"The Hotel's manager, janitor, and... us," Yukari replied.
"That's certainly a problem," She folded her arms distressfully, but not allowing her voice to betray her, "Don't worry, I'll deal with the staff. How was Pink Yukari?"
Akihiko hurriedly suppressed a laugh, but Ken and Fuuka didn't hide their giggles. Black Yukari narrowed her eyes dangerously at them.
"Did I mentioned how much I hate black?" Black Yukari said.
"You never did it," Ken said.
"Of course, because I hate it now!" She tugged her blouse angrily, "Almost like I'm mourning! I'm gonna change to white. No, I'm not arguing anymore! And don't call me White Yukari later!"
This time, she slipped out a small chuckle as the girl strode away upstairs. "How was Pink Yukari, truly?"
"Hold up in her room, watched by Kikuno-san," Fuuka answered, "Itching to go out, but our enemies expanded in ranks outdoor. We're not sure what to do with her."
"C'est Magnifique. She's not demanding, is she?"
"She is Yukari, alright," Akihiko said, "Thing is, the pink one is the only one with a persona, not the black one- Oh."
Labrys emerged from the door, holding an opened baggage with an overhang vest. It's unfortunate Aigis had to go through long maintenance for the day and missed her farewell with her sister.
"They're here," Labrys said with one hand leaning on the door frame, "The brothers are here."
Lobby
She had no idea what to make of Katsuya Suou, now a fugitive of Sumaru, as he stood by the entrance door, puffing a cigar with his dark sunglasses. The first casual wear she saw -Maroon vest with a dark shirt and tanned trousers- of the former police chief didn't undersize his regal stance and commanding gazes. Menacing, as though studying every available member of the team like an eagle. He shaved clean his sideburns, cut his hair shorter, and he seemed to favor his right pocket, where he usually holster his gun. Odd, he didn't need one to be feared.
"You are well," Mitsuru began. Their last conversation wasn't exactly sweet.
"Considering I got a long vacation thanks to Takaya, I supposed I live." Katsuya removed his cigarette butt and searched around. Akihiko gestured to the rubbish bin with astray on top not far from them. Katsuya puffed the smoke and threw it in the bin before finally noticed, "I don't see that android."
"A little maintenance at my lab."
"And Death?"
"Pardon?"
"Death in young man's form, with a long scarf."
"Oh. You mean Ryoji," Mitsuru exclaimed, "He left last night. We don't even notice."
"I doubt you're that careless."
"I don't see your point. He's no prisoner."
Katsuya remained silent, walking around the lobby with his arms in his pocket, pondering something she said. A moment, the main entrance opened again.
She almost didn't recognize Tatsuya Suou when he entered. Adorned in white attire and black gloves, his presence stole the audience's attention. Katsuya mentioned nothing of his sudden new form, but she noticed the man of prophecy aged slightly around the eyes and height. When he entered, his attention was locked to a certain part at the corner of the lobby before hurriedly focused on Mitsuru. She followed his trails but found nothing noteworthy.
"Good day, Kirijo-san," Tatsuya bowed slightly.
"Tatsuya-san," She bowed.
"Have you thought of our proposal?" Tatsuya said.
"This isn't a simple matter. You gave me not enough time."
"Unfortunately, nothing is simple. We have lacked behind Takaya immensely," He flicked open his lighter and made a few spins. Junpei nearly jumped in case he dropped it, "The power of rumors has spread all over the country. Some rumors were unbecoming of my brother."
"Death is one," Katsuya added, "Missing, joining the messiah, or killed in Sumaru's attack from the submarine."
"Those can't be that bad," Akihiko comment.
"Really?" Katsuya removed his sunglasses.
Ken cringed as he backed away. Black Yukari and Fuuka gasped. Junpei, Labrys, and Akihiko jaws dropped.
Katsuya's eyes were hollowed, like a doll forgotten to be put eyeballs into it. "How about 'Katsuya Suou is a 'blinded' fool who resisted the messiah?' Better?"
"There is no way rumor can affect you this much!" Akihiko said.
"Rumors were not that potent, not specifically, until now," He re-worn his sunglasses, "Persona users had a small resistance against the rumors, but given time... My reputation is my undoing."
"We need your influence," Tatsuya added.
Mitsuru felt both of their eyes on her.
"I'm not sure it's appropriate for me to-"
"Kirijo-san! Dear me! Fine," Katsuya exclaimed with a mix of laughs and groans, "Try to think of the last time we conversed and use that grudge against me," He glanced at Akihiko, "Especially that one."
"What?" Akihiko curved his eyes, "Don't involve me!"
"I'm not," Mitsuru said, turning to Katsuya, "I have no time to waste on petty vengeance. We have a world to save."
"Then don't lose another like me," Katsuya approached her and paused close to where she stood. "The time is now, Kirijo."
All eyes were on her as Katsuya held out both hands towards her. From the corner of her eyes, Mitsuru caught sight of Kurosawa standing by the outside door, glancing inside. She was frustrated, and she had no idea where to direct it.
She exhaled loudly, "Katsuya Suou, I officially put you under my custody. Kurosawa, take him. Spread the rumors of this immediately."
The old detective didn't bother with a cuff, and there was a sign of respect as he led the older Suou Devil away to the upper floor. The sudden silence was unnerving, forcing most of them to mutter quietly. It didn't happen long enough for them to comprehend it.
"You want a drink?" Black Yukari asked the remaining younger brother. He didn't answer Black Yukari as he glanced outside, though he did give a small nod to her.
Most of the team return to their room to help prepare Labrys and Junpei's expedition, except for her and Fuuka. Black Yukari was rushing to the kitchen for a drink.
"There's one more problem, which I know will be extremely demanding of me," If he was frustrated, then he hid it well, "Can you spare another room?"
"You want me to take another one?" Mitsuru asked, "Since when did my company become a daycare?"
"For a few days." His abrupt honesty threw them off.
"Who?" Fuuka asked.
Mitsuru and Fuuka looked at each other, comprehending his answer. Finally, Tatsuya left the lobby and returned with someone a while later.
She recognized the boy.
"No! I'm not leaving you!"
"Only for a few days, but you can't follow me."
"I can help! Just let me follow you!"
"No more argument. I will come back and retrieve you, so behave yourself."
Matsuya Suou, dressed in a simple black outfit (was that a small scissor jotting out of his back pocket?), was being dragged by his father into the lobby.
"Matsuya, meet Mitsuru Kirijo and Fuuka Yamagishi," He introduced, still holding the boy with one hand, "Kirijo, my son, Matsuya Suou."
"I was only joking about the daycare," Mitsuru commented.
"Perhaps bringing a car was a mistake. Only when we crossed the bridge into the island did we notice a voice in the bunker," Tatsuya said, "I can't bring him to Tokyo, nor the time to return him to Sumaru."
"If you're going to Tokyo, I'm coming with you!" Matsuya shouted, thrashing about as he tried to remove his hand from his father, "Just trust me!"
Tatsuya ignored his son's scream and continued, "I will return shortly once my business is due-"
A small persona emerged from above the boy and forcefully ripped apart the hands. The former vice chief gave no reaction as his hands were ripped away. Matsuya rubbed his arms tightly, although no bruise was seen. The boy however did remind her of his father's fierce look.
"I'm not a child anymore! I have power now!" Matsuya showcased his persona encased in eggshell armor before letting it dissipated. "Mom wasn't here to help you, so let me replace her!"
"What can you possibly do in lion's den?" Tatsuya said with a hint of scold, "Who's going to save you when you're in a pinch?"
"I don't need to fight directly!" Matsuya replied, "I'm a support type. Surely you need me!" Matsuya insisted, "Dad! I'm not weak anymore!"
"Yes, you still are," Tatsuya responded coldly.
Mitsuru and Fuuka could only watch from the side in silence as Matsuya froze, taken aback by his father's honesty. Matsuya bit his lips, and his eyes turned glassy. It was then Mitsuru caught sight of Black Yukari standing at the corner, still hesitated to interrupt the scene with a tray of tea with her. She shook her head in sign, forcing the girl to hide for now. Tatsuya's next word surprised them.
"Although... there is something you can do here. You can train," Tatsuya added, glancing at their side, "Under that girl."
The boy widened his eyes, looking at Fuuka. Her navigator looked around, baffled. And Tatsuya's intention became clear.
"NO." Mitsuru rejected with a strong tone, "I will not spare her for this. Taking your brother is troubling me enough. Yamagishi is too precious for us to commit this task."
"We can negotiate," Tatsuya crossed his arms, "Your navigator train my son for a few days, and I will reward you."
"Since when an ex-police from another city had an authority over my place?!" Mitsuru snapped, "You overstep your boundary, Tatsuya-san!"
Tatsuya said nothing, and she began to feel guilty when she saw the boy looked down, afraid of her gaze. But it needed to be said. Shadow Operative ran thin. With Aigis out of service and Labrys and Junpei away, her own force weakened drastically. True, she had her own army, but what value is an army against a persona user? The rumors in Tokyo terrified her. Takaya built a curious connection within the city, and a few times the words 'Shadowmen' and 'lab' appeared in the report.
If Karu Juugo, an associate of her grandfather, was among them, then perhaps he could build an army surpassing her company's technology. If he appeared personally to her, a massacre will occur.
"...Very well," Tatsuya replied, "I supposed I'm asking too much. Come on, Matsuya. I'm taking you home."
Tatsuya began heading to the door, leading his son who continued nagging.
"Stay safe, Tatsuya-san," She bid them farewell. Black Yukari finally found it safe to enter the lobby with the tray, only to be disappointed to found them leaving. Fuuka, however, treated herself for a cup.
"It is a shame, though."
Tatsuya suddenly spoke at the glass door without turning back, "Here I thought to give a few persona users to you, but since you don't agree, I guess I just keep the information for myself."
Did she hear it right?
"Wait!" Mitsuru shouted. The pair of father-son paused and turned around. "You found a few persona users?"
"Start with two, but more will come, if you agree," Tatsuya tilted his head towards Fuuka again, "Recruiting them will be your job, but I have a few names prepared you might be interested in."
Mitsuru gestured to them again to return into the lobby. Despite keeping a cold expression, Mitsuru couldn't help sensing Tatsuya's smirk of victory.
"Gather them..."
Those words from her dream echoed. What has she gotten herself into?
It was then, the boy screamed.
"AHHHH!"
They all entered battle stance. Only then did she notice a small dagger with red hilt yanked from behind Tatsuya's back, surveying the area with sharp eyes. Holding it in a reverse grip, he grabbed Matsuya by the collar and hold him. All of it happened in mere seconds. How did he look so dangerously tense, more so than his previous version?
"What's wrong?" Mitsuru asked. Kurosawa, who should be a floor above, was already at the bottom of the stairs, panting. Fuuka and Black Yukari, non-armed, watched the lobby in panic.
"Matsuya, what did you see?" Tatsuya asked.
Matsuya with a face white as chalk with small dots of redness on his cheeks, slowly raised his arm, forming a finger in one direction.
"P-Pink Argus from Featherman Victory!"
...All eyes turned to Black Yukari, the color drained from her skin at the realization.
Border of Tokyo City
There's a strange thought that made him believe everyone will dismiss his claim when he saw Matsuya sneaking into the bunker of a black car this morning. Takashi Kido felt left behind by everyone in this boring camp, even by his mother. His father went off celebrating with his friends, while he played with a small kite he found in his parents' bundle by himself due to his friends busy staying with their parents.
So. Boring. Sometimes he wished the school would continue.
Another walk and he'll be too far from his camp. He finally turned around but stopped when his eyes darted to someone on one of the trees in the thin forest.
The man whose back was to him was crouching dangerously on one of the branches, overlooking the camps and abandoned vehicles to his right. It was his large black backpack that drew Takashi's attention. A few masks of various size and color was danging outside the backpack, hung by a long dark string coming from inside the bag. The man in a brown coat was jotting something on his half-filled leather book.
Well, he was bored.
"What you are doing, mister?" Takashi called out.
The man was wearing a strange full-faced mask with a letter 'V' on the forehead. He regarded Takashi curiously as he stopped writing.
"Recording," He answered with a husky voice.
"Recording what?"
"Face."
"...Huh?"
"People have faces, what else am I recording?"
"Don't you mean draw faces?"
"I said I RECORD them."
"You're being a weirdo, mister."
Curious, Takashi glanced at the old book from afar, but only a moment. The man suddenly leaped from the branch. He didn't break both his legs when he landed from several feet high!
"Stay there, kid," The man approached the stunned him at a quick pace as he opened his book, "I need to see your mask."
"How are you even fine with jumping that high? And..." Takashi paused when he realized he was being 'recorded' by the man. It took only seconds, but he finished with a groan, disappointed by the result.
"You'll probably be Devil," He commented lazily. "You're too young to have a mask, kid."
He shook his head slightly, "You're creeping me out. And I don't need a mask."
The man laughed, "Everyone needs a mask. I simply gave the right 'measurement' for the right mask, for the right people, at the right time. That's what being the Mask Collector is all about."
Why did adults always know how to make everything confusing?
"I need to be away," The Mask Collector said, packing away his book and fumbled for something inside his bag. "This... is for you."
He received a card with an image of the Devil and the letter 'XV' on it. Were those numerals number? "You want me to throw it for you?"
The Mask Collector sighed loudly. "How did you come to that conclusion?" The man said, "Keep it. It's important."
Takashi could only stare at the card dumbfounded, "Why me though- mister?"
The man was gone. He peeked for a while and saw the mysterious Mask Collector leaving the scene among the dense tent.
He chased after him, but accidentally slammed his face into the legs of a figure.
"Ouch! Watch where you standing!" He ranted angrily, but froze when he saw the woman towering above him, "Yoshizaka-sensei?"
"What are you doing here?" His gym teacher, still looking fierce in her blue jogging attire, scolded, "You should stay in your tent, just like your classmate."
"I was just on my way back!" He replied, but regretted it when the teacher glared at him, "I will return to my tent nicely."
"Did your parents told you why you need to be inside?" Yoshizaka-sensei asked, "You're not infected like most of your classmates."
"I heard we were supposed to head further east, but we had to wait for a small allowance from one of dad's friends to travel there." He grumped, "Dad isn't rich enough for a long trip."
"I'm sure your dad had his reason," She chuckled faintly as she patted his head, a rare expression from her. It took him a while to notice something in her other hand.
"Where did you get that mask?" Takashi asked, pointing at the blue mask that reminded him of Featherman's costume.
"Oh? I got it from someone..." She answered. Yoshizaka-sensei didn't seem to like the mask, as she grew grumpy when examined it, "I was actually looking for him. I swear that guy was here..."
The Mask Collector? "I think he's already gone."
"Really?" Then her eyes locked on the card dangling in his hand, "Did you get that from him?"
Takashi slowly nodded, "Yeah."
"Go to your parents," Yoshizaka-sensei warned, "Hurry. And tell your father about what happened, only him. Now go."
Raku's Hotel
"When I was in hiding for a year, I searched out for a few strong allies and monitored them," Tatsuya stirred the cup as he spoke, "Most of these people will be summoned by the Velvet Room in a year and more. I didn't approach them since their potential was not unlocked. Some, however, had long awakened their persona ability."
"You mean the two mentioned?" Mitsuru asked, but sneaked a peek at the eager boy waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
"Trust me, you will enjoy their company," The former vice chief handed out a small piece of paper on the table and slid it to her, "Their email ID. Tell them you heard from me, and the rest is on you."
"Surely you have more than two?" She raised an eyebrow.
"There's a young man near the Sea of Japan who awakened his persona two years ago. I rather not involved him for a while, seeing as his parents died too soon, and he was rather skeptical of the outsiders.
"There was another boy, who should receive a Wild Card a few years from now. Considering the danger against the Crawling Chaos, do you seriously intent on recruiting a bunch of youngsters?" Tatsuya leaned forward, "You have heard of Masquerade?"
"Those are rumors."
"Precisely, those are your fishes," Tatsuya sank back to his seat, "You have to contact them yourself as usual. You had a start. Now-"
"Pink Argus is here!"
They both turned to the stairs. Just as she expected, Pink Yukari leaped from the top of the staircase, dressed in a pink coat and with a few makeups. Matsuya jumped up and down in hype.
"Never fear! I will protect the weak and defeat the shadow!" Pink Yukari posed.
"Yay!" Matsuya cheered, "I'm a huge fan of you!"
"And I am yours!" She posed again.
"I guess I don't have to worry about that one," Tatsuya commented, standing up, "We'll talk about Masquerade later. Tell 'both' of Takeba-san to monitor their health." He nudged his chin at Pink Yukari, "That one is a ticking clock."
"You will be back," Mitsuru warned.
"Not for a while. Inaba needs me," Tatsuya nodded, "Thank you."
With a short farewell to his son, the vice chief left the motel with Kurosawa, demanding him to drop off somewhere nearby. Matsuya was given a room near Fuuka's own. The navigator was not happy, but she layered the disdain with strong intrigue at Matsuya's persona.
When Junpei and Labrys were at the front door with their baggage, Mitsuru took a glance at the names Tatsuya recommended to her.
Strange. Why give her an officer's name from a distant city?
"That was odd..." Fuuka, after briefing Labrys about her schedule, spoke when she saw the name on the note.
"You recognized him?" She asked.
"I might be wrong, but..." Fuuka said, "I'm pretty sure I saw his name listed as one of the scientists working for Kirijo long ago."
Tokyo Scientific Research Facility, Tokyo
She didn't realize her life was about to change in just a few minutes. Researching for years for a cognitive test that never bore fruit, the strange professor known as Karu Juugo had proved himself her intellectual superior. The goal of Cognitive Psience will finally be in her lifetime.
It was just a normal morning as the head of the research lab with her co-workers. The world outside regarding the strange disease and the appearance of a messiah meant nothing to her. This lifework was too important to her. No one, not even her daughter, was allowed access to this lab. She was not done with her morning coffee when her underling rushed into the lab in panic.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"It's them, Isshiki-san," The young man said, "They were sent by the Messiah, who arrived at Tokyo last night. They insist on meeting with you."
Resting her coffee on the small table of her office, she stood up, trying to suppress a frown, "I don't understand, what do you-"
A group of four barged into the room. Two of them at the back, a man and a woman, were clearly bodyguards. It was the two men at the front that stood out. The man on the left was an old man in his early forties with long dark blonde hair and a thin mustache, dressed in fancy clothes in the style of western classic. He eyed her with a curious study as if he found her more fascinating than the piles of paper on her desk. She dismissed the man and focused on the man at the front most.
Even her ignorance of the outside world didn't extend to being a hermit. She recognized this man well enough to be surprised by his presence. The face of Karu Juugo rose momentously on the news regarding the man who claimed to be the messiah. His true profile shrouded in mystery, but there were rumors of his appearance during the assault on Sumaru City yesterday. He looked much older than she assumed on the screen, especially the greyness of his hair and the wrinkles on his cheeks. The oversize black spectacle on him, however, was terrible.
After gesturing the young underling to leave the room. Professor Juugo spoke, "Wakaba Isshiki?"
"I don't have an appointment with you," She countered.
The professor took out something from his white lab coat. She let out a gasp. The letter had the governor's seal. He handed it to the older man next to him. "Read it, Kujou-san."
Clearing his throat, the man called Kujou began reading.
She spilled the coffee on the table in shock after the letter was read. The group said nothing and stood quietly, waiting for her answer, an answer that might change her research forever. She removed her glasses and wiped her forehead, feeling sweats covering her face. Only a fool would be tempted by this offer.
"B-But I was funded by-"
"No need to worry," Professor Juugo said, "Your benefactor, Masayoshi Shido, will consent to it. By the will of the Messiah, he must."
Did they just admit to blackmail? "I'm not joining your cult."
"Why would it be a cult, Isshiki-san?" Kujou said, "Call it social study if you insisted. You have what we want, and you do too. Names, media, funding; All that you required will be given in our lab. We truly need a brilliant mind like yours."
"I..." She bit her lips, "Working on these Shadowmen just seems ambitious."
"But if we succeed, you may dive into the world that you fascinate with," Professor Juugo paced forwards. In reflex, she backed away, bumping her desk, and accidentally pressed a hand on the spilled coffee. Embarrassed, she reached for a tissue and wiped clean the desk. She didn't notice the professor dropped a file on her stack of papers.
"What's this?"
"I read your research. It is impressive," He commented, "But there is always a flaw."
Inside the file was her lifetime work, marked with red pens for nearly all the failed experiments she conducted. Her jaws dropped. All of it revised to perfection by Professor Juugo.
Excitement overwrote her instinct, an act that will make her regret it for life. She smiled at the team and nodded. "When do I start?"
East of Sumaru City
Yukino checked her watch again, wondering if she had arrived too early. She didn't see Tatsuya among the downtown walkers. The people here were so nonchalant about the event happening around the world, they didn't bother evacuating the place. Twice she asked the passing by walkers about Takaya Sakaki, and they insisted they know nothing of politics.
Was this one of Nyarlathotep's influences? She shuddered, remembering her visit to Maya before dawn today. The friend she saw in Yukino was almost like an entirely different person in the description. Was she disappointed? No. Jealous? Saying no would be a lie. Afraid? Definitely. Curiosity, however, dominated her mind and heart. She was glad Tatsuya saw value in her profession in this difficult time. The three rumormongers will certainly be helpful.
She had no idea how Tatsuya spotted her under the bus stand on his bike. The man in white attire stopped in front of her, pulling up his helmet visor as he examined her.
"You took your time," She complained.
"Problem at the island. You got what I asked for?" He asked.
"Papers, voice recorder, and a few things... Look, Am I really getting the scoop?"
"Be patient," Tatsuya closed his visor and left her. He parked his bike not far from the T junction street. That motorcycle's model was a guarantee customized. The white color with a red palette shimmered brightly under the sun. Nobody will wonder if the bike with such beauty was stolen in a blink of an eye, and nobody was sane enough to use it outside, except for him.
"Where?" She said after joining him at the sidewalk.
"Walk with me," He gestured with a finger. They began to mesh with the crowds, bumping shoulders, and moved with the flow to the north before taking the right turn at the junction. They walked for a while until suddenly, Tatsuya pulled her into the back alley where only a few people walked past them.
One particular shop, painted with the blue letter 'V' on its wooden framed glass door, caught her attention. Years of journalism taught her to 'smell' a certain place. This place reeks of criminal's hideout. However, the most curious of them was the signboard on the top that said "Velvet Mask Shop".
He opened the door with her trailing behind. Three neon lights revealed a collection of masks hanging on the brown walls, with rows of more masks on rectangular stands lining beneath it. It was a small and packed shop, though the arrangements deserved credits.
Behind the small counter at the corner was a strange man (should be a man, judging by his body anatomy) in brown clothes and a blue mask with numeral number five on it. He was busy jotting something on a book when he looked up to see them. Folding the book away, the strange man stood up and watched them, though his eyes lingered long on Tatsuya.
"How can I help you?" The owner asked with a moderately high pitch.
"I want a mask to wear at a masquerade," Tatsuya approached the man and said.
"What kind of masquerade?" He asked.
"The one where you greet strangers, ignore friends, and welcome you into a glass of wine."
Yukino watched the strange conversation with an exchange that ended abruptly. After a long pause, the masked man began to burst into a laugh.
"Tatsuya-san! It's really you!" The masked man cheered and proceeded to stretch his arms around him, but Tatsuya pushed him away with one hand. "Ouch!"
"Where Zula?" Tatsuya asked.
"Backdoor," The owner answered, "It's good to see you again, Tatsuya-san. Oh!" He noticed her and extended an arm, "Yukino-san, is it?"
"Yukino Mayuzumi, a reporter of Sumaru at your service," She took the arm and shook it, "Are you the one..."
"Yes, the Mask Collector," He answered. In a flash, the man switched off the sign to 'CLOSED', locking the door, and gestured her deeper into the shop. "Jack! Where are you? The Destroyer is here with a friend!"
Yukino raised an eyebrow at Tatsuya. He fake coughed, "It's a long story."
"Tatsuya the destroyer! Hee Hunter of Shadows! Monsters hate him! Demons hate him! Hee Hoo!"
Yukino glanced upward upon the strange voice and widened her eyes. Hanging on the small lamp was a small white creature. She knew this creature well.
"Jack Frost?" Yukino pointed. She subconsciously grabbed her camera for a photo.
"There you are, Jack!" The Mask Collector called, "Yukino-san, my friend, Jack Frost. Jack, meet Yukino-san."
"Nice to meet Hee Hoo!" He waved, then jumped down and landed on the counter table, "New friend! New friend!"
"Jack, go tell Lieutenant Zula about Tatsuya-san and his friend." The Mask Collector ordered. Jack Frost jumped excitedly into the backdoor before he shouted again, "Remember Mask Shop rules: No breaking my property again, you hear me?!"
"Hee Hoo!"
"Sorry about that," The owner sat back on his chair and pushed out two wooden chairs, "Want a drink?"
He shook his head, "I need to talk to Zula."
The Mask Collector pointed at the back, "Backdoor. I think that little girl's down there too."
"Good," Tatsuya answered, and she noticed the relief in his tone. "Yukino-san, you may talk to him. I'll be waiting at the back."
The moment Tatsuya disappeared behind the back door, Yukino's job began. She took out the voice recorder and her note pack from her purse and gestured for the chair to sit. The Mask Collector, growing tense, straightened his back and awaited her questions.
"You are the leader of Masquerade?" Yukino began writing her notes, "The one who invokes rebellion around the country against Takaya Sakaki?"
"Don't call it rebellion. It's a protest, which... kinda escalated to violence," He confessed. "On behalf of Philemon, of course. I assured you, Yukino-san, those cults are not my doing."
"You know Tatsuya for how long?"
"Heard about him almost a year ago, but meet him for the first time three months ago at Kyoto. Crazy serious. Are all men of prophecy like that, or is it just him?"
Yukino switched on the voice recorder, but paused and set it aside. She stopped her notes and examined the Mask Collector.
"Just want to know. Who are you?"
"The man who collects people's expressions and-"
"Who are you, truly?" She folded her arms, "Were you from the Sea, like Igor?"
"Must I answer that?"
"You can refuse. If you were only a stranger, you need that privacy. However, I usually tend to know my associates' details carefully before helping them. Tatsuya trust you, why not me?"
"Curiosity of a reporter," He chuckled, "You won't expose me if I do?"
"I nearly lost a good friend yesterday. Exposing you is not benefiting me at all."
He seemed to consider it, folding his arms together, mimicking her. "I'm human, but also an agent of Philemon. I was tasked to detect any potential threats to future Persona users." He reached for the bottom of his mask, "Well, seeing as you'll be writing our stories, I supposed I owe you my true face."
He removed his mask. It was a slightly anticlimatic reveal; a man in his thirties, perhaps almost Tatsuya's age. The faint mustache and beard on his face made him appeared older than his age, but there was certain playfulness on his grin as he revealed his face to her. His shoulder-length hair was tied in a small ponytail. She was not attracted, but the man was good-looking.
"Mask Shop rule: Always call me the Collector," He said, "But... I allow the privilege of breaking this one rule. Kazumi Kiba, at your service. I'm Sumaru born too, a student at Seven Sister once. Call me Kiba-san. Don't speak of it outside, okay?"
She smiled, "Please to meet you, Kiba-san."
"Pleasure's all mine," Kazumi Kiba (Initial Persona: Yama) nodded, "So, what part of beating up the False Messiah would you like to ask?"
Sunny - Afternoon - Edogawa, Tokyo
The crowds around them were not happy being forced to wait in front of the hospital door again. He lost count of how many hospitals and clinics they visited in day to received the supposed cure from the messiah.
Not that he believed in god, but this moment made him wanted to pray nonstop for a chance that never came. Who's going to help his brother now?
"The Messiah is a liar!"
"Fall the False Lord!"
"We denounce you, fool!"
He searched for among the waiting crowds for the sudden rally. Dozens of people on the street were parading something against the cure. How can these people deny the vaccine against the strange disease? People were cured!
Not good. A ten years old boy like him was guaranteed to get crushed by the crowds soon. He hurried away and left as the rally became fierce enough to attract police.
Half an hour later, he reached the third floor of his apartment and froze at the front door. Oh no... His older brother's shoes were there.
When he turned the key at the gate, the door flung open. His older brother stood at the door, breathing hard to suppress his anger.
"You really don't listen to me at all!" He screamed, "How many times do I tell you to stay at home, Shin?!"
"I-I was trying to help-"
"Inside!"
He obeyed and entered when his brother screamed again.
"Take off your clothes and bath! Clean it in the washing machine! Sanitize you-"
"I get it, okay?!" He retaliated, "Can I at least see Jun?"
His brother glared. "Bath first."
He didn't argue further and did as told. Ryo, after all, is still his legal guardian.
"Stay inside today. I'm going to check the other state," He heard his older brother said after he entered the bathroom.
"No luck around here?" He asked as he turned on the water heater.
"Soon, there must be somewhere that will accept Jun. I heard the Messiah is further west. If we take him there, perhaps there's a chance."
"We're moving, then?"
"What is there for us here?"
"What about school?"
"School? The same school where Jun got infected, and you only survive because you're sick that day?"
He didn't argue further, and Ryo ceased his argument. Arguing with his older brother was like talking to a wall. He left the bathroom afterward and entered his younger brother's room.
His younger brother, pale skin and short white hair was still asleep, which had frequented since he got infected with the sickness plaguing the country. The boy was white as ash, redness visible on his eyelids, plus his breathing was uneven. He didn't dare to wake him up.
He's not ready to lose another family member. He gripped Jun's hand as he prayed.
Why can't his persona do anything?
He left his brother Jun Kanzato (Persona: Seth) and greeted his brother, who was dressing up again.
"There must be something I can do." He said.
"No, Shin. I'm afraid not," Ryo Kanzato (Persona: Cain) shook his head, "Stay at home. I'll find one soon enough. Maybe we can meet Takaya Sakaki, the messiah himself in a few days."
Gritting his teeth in frustration, Shin Kanzato (Persona: Abel) nodded reluctantly.
Evening - Tatsumi Port Island
"Did they reply?" Mitsuru asked in her office as she paced around in distress.
"Not yet," Fuuka was sitting by the desk, making some quick maintenance on her laptop.
"Was it my words? It's been hours."
"Tatsuya-san did say it will be hard. Be patient," Fuuka turned to her, "Junpei-san and Labrys arrived there an hour ago."
"Good," She kept pacing around the room. She bit her lips in disgruntlement, "How could I be so blind, Yamagishi? He was working for my grandfather long ago, and Tatsuya-san knew about it before me?"
"There's a lot of things about Ergo labs we don't know about," Fuuka answered grumpily.
Mitsuru paused and stared at her navigator, "You are... in a bad mood. Is it the kid?"
"Oh. Am I?" She sighed, "All of these things happening around the world... I just think maybe I need a little break once in a while. I've been working on Pegasus for too long."
"I apologize for that."
She shook her head. "I supposed he is interesting, one of the most unique skill trees I've seen for now. I'm not sure how to teach him, but he does look eager to learn."
"I promise you a rest afterward."
Fuuka nodded without glancing at her, "It's still a brief analysis. I need to..." She widened her eyes, "Mitsuru-san, here! He responds!"
Mitsuru dashed to her laptop, where the email long-awaited from Yagakoro City was shown on the screen. She smiled victoriously and read the email:
"To Mitsuru Kirijo,
I am extremely happy to receive words from you! When Suou-san mentioned your name, I was worried the Kirijo would hunt me after I left the company long ago. The story Suou-san told me of you, however, made me doubt. You're not mad at me, are you, for hiding from you?
He promised me the sins of old will not be repeated. I didn't trust him at first (That guy creep me out!). But he showed me photos of the 5th Generation Weapon Aigis. Never thought she could be so happy, almost too human. Were Labrys like that too?
I can tell your email to me were genuine. I like your father, he's a good man. But to see a Kirijo truly attempted the change? Well, I legit almost cried. The city here can be very lonely for us. Maybe I can forgive Kirijo in my solitude for all their misdeed.
Now, about what you said. After pondering for a while, I accept your invitation. But there's a slight problem with one of the persona users here. Maybe you could send someone to solve the issue? She will accept if you explain to her in person.
Happy to be of service to Kirijo again.
Yours truly,
Tetsuma Tsuge, Head of Yagakoro Police Department's science division
P.S: Please bring Aigis to the city if you could. Genesis is dying to hug his long-lost sister."
She and Fuuka shared a long look.
"Who do we send?" Fuuka asked.
"We need Aigis against the new Arcana Shadow, and she's still of service," Mitsuru smiled, "Don't worry. The union between them will happen."
Yes, this will be a good start.
A/N: We're finally into a new arc. Sorry for not updating for months. I was insanely busy with life. This chapter revealed the 'new' cast joining the story. If you didn't recognize most of the new characters, it's fine. There's no need to read their stories to understand their role in this story. If you do want to know though:
Kazumi Kiba is a character from Persona: Tsuba to Batsu (Persona 2 spin-off manga). The three Kanzato brothers were from Persona: Trinity Soul (Persona 3 soft reboot anime). Tetsuma Tsuge and 'Genesis' were from Persona x Detective Naoto (Persona 4 spin-off). I'm sure you recognized who Wakaba Isshiki from Tokyo is.
I'm making a hard shift in perspective change in this arc. Several characters will be focused, but Yu Narukami will ultimately be at the center. Hope you be patient and wait for my next update.