XXX. The Eight
November 2035
Twilight
The sun was still near the horizon when they entered the twilight. All of them wondered if they would be back before their families or the school noticed they were gone. In silence, they walked to the rift. Before they have even reached the rift, Hinokagutsuchi appeared again. The sight of him still turned all of their stomachs. Himeko clutched the gourd tighten. The cool wood still felt unpleasant.
Hinokagutsuchi's massive eyes landed on Himeko and she felt dread creep up her spine. A horrid grin spread across his face.
"That is all? That little lackey surely doesn't think that would work. You have all been sent here to die." He tilted his head. "I know more than anyone one's father cannot be chosen but what side of this you are on can. You children have chosen…WRONG!"
The last word made everything around them tremble but they remained standing.
"Go on now, oh mighty warriors, use that little water." He spread his arms wide flames dripping off like segments of flesh. "Start your doom."
Himeko tried not to tremble. She felt hands on both of her shoulders. She turned to see Akira on her right, turning the other way she saw Sakura. Beyond them she all the others, each with their hands on the other's shoulder. They were all connected, they would do this together. Even beyond them, she saw faint shapes of people she might have known, of people and bonds she would want to keep safe. No matter what happened she wanted to say that they had done absolutely everything they could. With a deep breath, she uncorked the gourd.
Nothing happened. Himeko's heart sank. Hinokagutsuchi laughter was harsh and fulled her head. She knew it would be useless to cover her ears. Even if to would help she was shaking too much to left her arms. The gourd slipped through her fingers. The sharp tug of the cord around her wrist did nothing to snap her out of the moment. She could feel the other shaking as well.
That's when she noticed that it wasn't them shaking, it was the ground. It was bubbling, turning molten. Lava seeped out of the cracks. She saw the lava swirl around Kotori. It started to spread up her legs. Before she even think Kotori was gone, sunken into the lava-like she never was. She felt the heat lick at her shoes. For the second she thought of calling her persona and the next she was shoved to roll a few feet again, taking Sakura with her. She looked up just in time to see Akira standing where she had been. None of the others reminded. She heard Sakura cry out Akira's name beside but she didn't turn from him. She watched as Akira calmly closed his eyes before he disappeared into the lava.
"No! No! This is not how it ends!" shouted Sakura. Her shouted just spurred Hinokagutsuchi into another round of laughter.
"Sakura," Himeko tugged on her.
"No!" Sakura when she turned her tear-stained face to her. "We did everything right this time. He can NOT win. It will not be like last time."
Himeko could feel the lava gathering around them. She knew Sakura could feel it too when she started to tremble. "We did do everything right, I'm sure that counts for something. Maybe we can't win but I'm sure the next ones will."
"Please," whispered Sakura. "Please."
"I'm sorry." Himeko pulled her close, just like she had done before when they had been the only ones left.
Himeko wasn't sure what she had expected but where she was certainly wasn't it. She wasn't even sure where they were. The darkness the spots of light made her think of space but she could hear what sounded like waves. If she could remember correctly there wasn't any sound in space.
One thing she was sure of what that Sakura was still with her. Their hands were still clasped together tight.
"Welcome."
Himeko turned to see Igor. It struck her as odd that after everything that had happened she was still stocked to see him outside of the Velvet Room. Ann was with him along with a woman who looked a lot like her.
Ann gestured to the other woman, "This is my sister Elizabeth. She will be assisting you momentarily."
"As predicted none of you were able to use the gourd. As such all of you feel to Hinokagutsuchi. Luckily," Igor ignored the disbelieving sound both of the girls made, "my master was able to keep you all from succumbing to his power. Unfortunately, that still leaves Hinokagutsuchi free to carry his plans."
"If we were all saved, where are the others?" asked Himeko.
"The others are waiting, wondering….elsewhere. There is something only one of the two of you can help us with."
"Like how we could help with the gourd?" Sakura shook her head. "That didn't work last time."
"This time what we are asking of you is rather different."
Dread started to creep up Himeko's spine. She didn't know what they could possibly be able to do but she doubted it would be good of them.
"The wild card is under what you would know as a "curse" that cannot be broken by the likes of us. It has to be done by human persona user, by their would-be teammates."
"But we have run out of time, so while we cannot lift the curse The Velvet Room can exchange it."
"Exchange it?" Sakura sounded confused but as soon the words had left Igor's mouth Himeko knew what he was hinting at. She knew what he was going to ask them to do. All she wanted to do was scream and scream till she had no voice left.
"He wants to trade places." Himeko kept her eyes on Igor but she could sense that Sakura was staring at her.
"No way. That can't be true."
"Amagi is correct. The two of you have a strong connection to the world realm beyond your own. The exchange shouldn't harm you. You will be in no more danger than the wild card is currently in." He paused.
"What else is there? What aren't you saying?"
"If all this goes according to plan, with the wild card free and Hinokagutsuchi defeated, there may be no reason for the other to thing to look for you. They may not even know that one of you is missing."
"Forever?"
"I do not know, we are unsure even now just how the wild card is trapped in your realm."
"But you know how he is trapped in your realm?"
"It is a recent discovery and still there is very little we can do about it. We certainly cannot tell you."
"Why not?" asked Sakura through gritted teeth.
Her hand tightened on Himeko's. She didn't say anything even when it started to sting. This could be the last time she had human contact in a very long time. She wondered if there would a markable passage of time. While she knew Sakura would volunteer to go she knew that she would be the one to go. She could feel it in her very soul. She supposed that why she had been so nervous yesterday, why she had clung to Akira so hard. The only comfort she took was that no one would seem to remember her. It would hurt her but at least all those she loved wouldn't suffer.
The conversation had continued around her but she couldn't make out the words. Only the righteous indignation of Sakura's sentiments seeped though. Himeko pulled her close for a hug.
"No." Sakura knew her well enough to understand why she was being hugged. "Don't just follow what they say. We must find another way."
"Sakura…" She pulled back to looked at the younger girl. "We have tried so many ways already."
"Then let's try something else. All my life I have been so passive, just accepting things that happen, even all this persona stuff I haven't thought to question it but I cannot accept this." She took a shaky breath. "I cannot lose you. We have been through so much together. We went through the worse timeline together. I cannot leave you now, it wouldn't be right."
"It's okay. You wouldn't remember me."
Sakura shook her head. "I don't see how that could be possible. I love you as my sister, I could never forget my sister." Tears started to spring to her eyes.
"I feel the same, which is why I have to do this. It's an older sibling's job to look after the younger ones. And who knows, maybe my father's blood can give me an extra advantage."
Sakura stared at her for a long moment, trying to figure out if she believed that. "I will remember you, I promise. I will look for you and I will find you no matter what." She pulled her in close, squeezing her tight as if that could make her stay.
"Thank you."
Elizabeth came up to them while they were still embraced. "Come, I will show you the way."
Himeko felt Sakura shutter in her arms. They stepped away from each other but kept their hands fasted.
"I will remember," vowed Sakura.
Her words echoed in Himeko's ears as everything shifted and changed.
Elsewhere
There is sickly looking fog everywhere. For a moment Himeko is terrified to breathe. Elizabeth still stands beside her but Sakura is gone. She wonders if she will ever see her again.
"You will find all of them here in the fog. First, you will find your wild card. After that, you will encounter the rest of your teammates one by one. With each new encounter, you will be less and less. I do not know how long they will be able to see you."
"I understand."
"This where I must leave, I have my own journey to continue."
Himeko nodded, "Thank you for letting me save my friends, everyone."
Elizabeth doesn't say anything to that but she looked impossible sad. Before Himeko can question it she blinked and found herself alone. A deep ache settles in her stomach. She hoped this isn't the place she is to wonder, it's far too unsettling. Without any clear markings of anything, she was unsure of how to start. Standing still wasn't going to help so she just started walked forward. Her footsteps echoed dully around her.
Soon she saw someone in the fog, she didn't recognize anything about them. She hurried closed. It became appeared that they were wearing the Yasoinaba high school uniform.
"Hello!" She called out.
The figure turned and she was hit was the wave of memories. Before her stood Kei Naraoka. He was one of her father's students. A senior and captain of the Kendo club. She even remembered she used to have a crush on him.
"You are Sensei's daughter, right? The younger one, Himeko?"
"Yes, I am. I'm sorry but we are pressed for time." She looped the gourd from her wrist and tied it around his. He made no moves to stop her.
"Do you know where we are?"
"Not really but I know what we have to do. I will try to explain the best that I can."
Kei didn't stop her once during her very conduced rundown of events.
"I think I was aware of some of this. I remember hearing people, you and the others, and wanting….no needing to get to you."
Himeko nodded. "Do you remember anything else?"
"Some of the names you mentioned sound familiar. I'm in class with Ebihara and I have supervised your little brother's kendo class before. You I remember as well but the others are less clear. Maybe I will remember more when we come across them."
"Hopefully." Himeko wanted to see everyone again, even more so than usual since it could be the last time. She wondered if it would be better or worse to be like Kei, only half remember and sometimes hearing their voices. Though on the other hand, it might drive her mad to remember everything and hear little parts of the other's lives from time to time.
Kotori was the first one they came across. She shouted them she saw them. She ran and slammed Himeko into a hug. Himeko was never happier to have the breath knocked out of her. They rocked back and forth a little till she couldn't help but laugh.
Kotori turned her attention to Kei, eyeing him suspiciously "Who are you?"
"He's Kei Naraoka."
"Oh! Oh! I remember."
Himeko explained things to Kotori quickly before the three of them continued on. It was long before they came across another member. Akira had his back to with his hands on his hips. She could tell from his body language that he was frustrated beyond belief.
"Akira," she said, her voice low but still he turned. The relief spread across his face at the sight of her. He jogged up to them but didn't pull her into a hug as Kotori had done. Instead, his eyes darted around all around her face and body. She knew he was checking to make sure she was uninjured and it warmed her so much. She was going to miss his devotion. Not caring that there were other people with them she cupped his face before she stretched onto her toes. Automatically he lowered himself a bit so that they could kiss comfortably. She kept it light, only slotting his lip between her but she poured all of her own love and devotion into the kiss.
When she pulled back he looked even more concerned than he had before. "Himeko?"
"I was just worried about you." She turned to look at Kotori who also looked concerned. "About all of you. We should find the others."
She dreaded what would happen to her when they found everyone but she knew she couldn't delay it.
"Right, let's go." She could tell by the tone of his voice he didn't believe her. However, he still took her hand before they continued on their way.
They hadn't gone very far when Kei stumbled. Akira let go of her hand to steady him.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yes, I just felt dizzy for a moment."
Akira nodded, "Yeah, that would make sense. You've been out of it for a while. We can go a bit slower if you want."
Kei shook his head. "No, that's okay."
The four of them started to walk again. This time Akira didn't reach out of her hand. She told herself it was because he wanted to make sure he could catch Kei if need be but she was terrified that it had already started. Thankfully less than a minute later Akira did look around and smiled when his gaze landed on her. She tried to smile back. It must have worked because Akira didn't ask her if anything was the matter.
They came across Takahito next. He was focused on his persona but looked up when they came into view. He ran over to them.
"Have you guys heard from the others?" asked Takahito when he reached them. Himeko noticed that he didn't pause when he glanced to where she was.
Akira resounded but Himeko didn't focus on what he said. Kotori had stopped next to her; they were almost standing shoulder to shoulder but Kotori didn't seem to notice.
"Kotori," said Himeko.
"Did you say something?"
Kei turned to the girl close to him. If he remembered correctly her name was Ayase Kotori. "Pardon?"
"Did you say my name?"
Kei shook his head. "No, I didn't. Maybe it was…" He trailed off, unable to remember who he was going to suggest. He held his head, a sharp pain going through it.
"Hey, hey." Kotori stepped closer to him. "Don't try too hard. Daisuke is our main healer, when we find him he can have a look at you."
The last three teammates are found quickly. He remembered Ebihara Reika well enough but had no recollection of Takigawa Daisuke. Daisuke checked him over. A warm glow filled him and his head felt much better. Onishi Sakura came up to him. He did know her from before since he was friends with her brother. However, she didn't seem as shy as before since she was having no issues speaking to him.
"I know this is a lot to take in so fast but do you think you will be able to use the gourd?" asked Sakura.
"I think so." Kei nodded. "Oddly enough, I don't feel put out by any of this. I keep having short memories of my time here. I think at some level I was aware of what was happening."
"Great, that saves us a lot of time." Reika clapped her hands. "Let's go kick a stupid god's butt."
Twilight
Kei had said he was ready but coming face to face with Hinokagutsuchi made him think he might have overestimated himself. Hinokagutsuchi seemed unconcerned to face them.
"Silly little things, no matter what tricks you pull they will not work. You can try and try again. Each of you can take a turn and nothing will change." His arms slammed into the ground. "You. Are. NOTHING!"
Kei had never felt such raw power before, or such raw hated. He nearly staggered but those around him kept him steady. For a brief moment, he wondered what it would have been like to truly spend the previous months with them, to grow and bond they all of them obviously had. He hoped he would be able to join their ranks and not feel like an outsider. For their part, they had already seemed to have accepted him and for that he was glad.
Akira and Sakura were standing closest to him. They both placed a hand on his shoulder. Beyond them he saw all the others, each with their hands on the other's shoulder. They were all connected, they would do this together. Beyond them, he saw faint shapes of people. Somehow he knew that those people and bonds that all of his teammates had and shared. He even sensed a few of his own. They weren't as strong but they were there and that was enough.
He looked back to Hinokagutsuchi. The god still was, and looked, powerful and Kei knew that all of them could be crushed. Even if they failed today he was sure that someone else would be able to continue what they had started. He believed in his people, in people in general. When it really mattered someone would always stand up. This time it was them and he would do everything in his power to make sure they succeeded. With a deep breath, he uncorked the gourd.
Hinokagutsuchi's disconcerting eyes focused on the pale blue light that came from the gourd. Kei felt it wash over him and the others. The nerves he had been feeling before faded away.
Hinokagutsuchi started to screech but Kei wasn't worried. That was when he saw something else come out of the rift. The massive skeleton's charred bones were covered in bloody sinew. The fire god turned to the skeleton.
"Mother! I have almost finished what you started! Help me stop them, help me punish Father for what he did you!"
Izanami folded her arms around her son. "No."
"Why?! After everything, why?"
Izanami didn't answer him. Instead, she took him deeper into her arms. The flames licked at her. With a panicked shout, Hinokagutsuchi tried to pull away but his mother held tight.
"I am at peace. I have no desire to interfere with humanity. Come my son. We shall leave them be."
The flames stopped trying to reach the goddess as Hinokagutsuchi relaxed in her arms. A bright blue light blinded them all.
Early Morning
By the time the spots have faded from their eyes, they find themselves back at Tatsuhime Shrine. All of them stood there unsure of what to do or say; least of all Kei.
"I, um...I am new at this but was that it?" asked Kei looking around at the others.
"I think so? I guess the true test would be seeing if twilight out here lasts the proper amount of time," answered Kotori.
"Do we even know how long that is supposed to be anymore?" asked Reika.
"Well, it's not over an hour like it has been lately so I think we will know soon enough."
Kotori rubbed her face. "Not if we sleep for two days which is what I feel like doing."
"Guys," Akira looked around at all of them. "We can just go to the Velvet Room."
At his suggested Kit appeared next to Kei with a chirp.
"Oh!" surprised he looked down but Kit was already making her way but his shoulder. "How odd, I think I know you…"
Kit chirped again and rubbed against his cheek making him laugh.
Sakura smiled, "I think that means you are officially part of the team."
Kei smiled, "I'm glad to hear it."
"But really Kei." The serious tone of Kotori's voice made him look up. "I know you haven't been with us since the beginning but I don't want you to feel odd or left out. You are part of the team, even if we didn't know you."
"Exactly," added Reika. "It's also kind of our fault that you weren't part of the team sooner since we weren't able to find you."
Kei shook his head. "Don't think like that, we are all together now and that's what matters."
Velvet Room
Kei was in awe the moment he stepped into the Velvet Room. The song washed over him and it felt eerily familiar, like a half-forgotten dream. He figured a lot of his life was going to be like that for a while.
When he sat down Kit hopped down from his shoulder. She went off to greet the three attendants which Kei felt like was a regular thing she did.
"Congratulations on your victory," said Ann.
It was what they had all excepted to hear but it still lifted the last of the weight off of their shoulders.
"You have all sacrificed much to get to this point. Others may not remember but we will not forget." Igor leaned forward. "Now go, enjoy your youth and remember your bonds."
Sakura paused; she didn't know why but the wording stuck with her. She didn't move till Daisuke rested a hand on her forearm.
"Come on Sakura, we deserve a celebration, all together this time."
"I vote for a nap and then a celebration," suggested Kotori.
"Good idea. We can rest at the inn. I'm sure father will want to know what's happened," said Takahito.
Afternoon
Sakura hurried to the bakery after school let out. It was just her job to pick up the Christmas cakes since Suou was holding some just of her. Thankfully the bakery worked on a pre-order cake system only for the holiday so she didn't feel bad for not working. Besides Suou was one of the few outsiders of SOTA who knew everything she and her friends had done in the past year so Sakura felt like she had truly earned the day off.
It was nice to walk through the shopping distinct, especially given how barren it had been just over a month ago. With all the Sleepers waking up everyone was in the decorating mood and everyone had something to celebrate. She ducked into the back employee door of the bakery. Unexpectedly Suou was in the back.
"Oh!"
He smiled at her. "Onishi, here for the cakes?"
"Yes, please. I can get them through. Don't trouble yourself."
"It's not a bother since they are right here." Suou pulled out the boxes. Sakura didn't know to look inside to know that they look beautiful and taste even better. She did note that they were slightly bigger than the rest of the Christmas cakes. That just made her smile.
"Thank you so much. The eight of us will greatly enjoy them."
"Did you invite a guest? I thought it was just for you and your teammates."
"It is."
"But there are only seven of you."
Sakura frowned, she was sure there were eight. When she pictured them she was sure she saw eight people. Before she could start to count them all by name she felt Suou rest his hand on her shoulder. That surprised her; Suou rarely touched anyone.
"Sakura, many strange things can happen when one gets involved with personas and that world. Sometimes…" He takes a slow deep breath, Sakura had never seen him so discomposed before. "Sometimes things are better left alone, we don't want to mess with things even larger than what we have before. I am sure Igor and the others have it handled. Enjoy your cake and your victory. It is well deserved."
"Yes, I will. Thank you." Sakura was unsure of what else to say. She took the cakes with a bow and hurried off. She turned just before the door to look back. Suou hasn't moved. Instead, he has his hand against the counter and his shoulders were slouched. For a moment he looked sad and incredulity older. She felt like she was intruding on something deeply private. When she went through the door she made sure to close in so that it wouldn't make a sound.
Suou didn't talk much about his time as a persona user. Their conversation just now makes her think that maybe things didn't end well for Suou's time. That thought made her hurry to her teammates, extremely grateful that they all made it out and could celebrate together.
Velvet Room
The singer's hypnotic voice continues long after the persona users left. Kit had moved onto the piano, its vibrations lulling her to sleep.
Igor's hands were steepled in front of him. "I have done this far too long, my master. This outcome is not right. It is not the results of their own folly, this is the result of Its meddling.
His master didn't speak so Igor continued.
"The collective has changed the paths before, perhaps if enough seeds, enough half-formed thoughts of her are recalled it will be enough to rebalance the scales. Perhaps in that way, the wrongs can be right. All I suggest is giving them a chance, a true chance."
Again the master doesn't speak but Igor feels the air in the Velvet Room change. Igor hoped that signaled the beginning of rebalancing.
—
A/N: Wow, it's been ten years since I started this. I abandoned it for a while (YEARS). I found it super hard to continue, especially since it was so long and involved and didn't seem to be popular. None of that had changed but I mainly wanted to prove to myself that I could finish this. I had always planned on a sequel, I even have an outline but I don't know if that will happen. If that is something that anyone is interested in. Please let me know, even if it's a long time from now. Thank you to everyone who has read this far.