Akane no Mai

by Kanius

A man from the world of Vein drops into a world of Thieves. He meets a pragmatic woman. She greets him with a calm smile. "My name is Togo Hifumi." Following the fateful encounter, a host of monsters arrive, disrupting the peace. The Thieves return to confront these entities outside their realm and ultimately cross paths with the Revenant man.

39. Ballroom Brawls

Chapter XVII: Ballroom Brawls

---

Roppongi Hills (六本木ヒルズ)/Roppongi Hills Mori Tower/Roppongi (六本木)/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/9:15 PM (JST)

As the Vamkyries and the Black Heralds crashed the party, the Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants quickly engaged them and kept them away from civilians. While the intense fighting commenced, the Spiritual Gamblers, the Elven Princesses, Sae, Emily, and Davis gathered and escorted many guests out of the ballroom.

It wasn't long until the Advent Eight helped the Thieves and Revenants against the party crashers. Panther, Skull, Fox, Oracle, Violet, and Crow left to help other innocent bystanders escape the party. Only a few bystanders were left, including the Consortium, Sasha & her family, Ayana, and Kara.

Having split off from Sion, who joined Joker in another battle, Tennyo and Moonlight raced toward Cammy doppelganger wielding the black flames. As the doppelgangers tossed black flames toward them, the real Cammy intercepted her clone's attack with a yellow and orange flaming blast. Having transformed into her Hōō state, Cammy cast enough power to match her dark doppelganger's black flame.

"Thank you for the save, Cammy," Moonlight said.

"I don't know who you are but I won't have you impersonate me and attack my allies!" Hōō called out as the flame users nullified each other's blasts.

Giggling evilly, the Cammy clone rebuked. "I am you, you are me, Hino Cammy. Or, perhaps I am your sister."

"That's impossible! I'm an only child!"

"Is that what you were led to believe," the dark clone cackled as a black flamed veil enveloped her, which converted her black kimono into a black bodysuit with purple & black shoulder armor, purple elbow-length gloves, and shin-length boots. A large blazing purple bird emblazoned her center bosom. "My name is the Black Hōō, the head of the Black Heralds, and I'm here to take your place, Cammy!"

"Impossible! Your powers are like mine!" Hōō cried out as Black Hōō's Nine-headed bird aura formed outward and attempted to swallow Hōō, but Tennyo and Moonlight combined their powers to repel Black Hōō's black cloak.

"You two are proving to be nuisances," Black Hōō scoffed, compressing some black fire into her hands, which she then tossed out toward Tennyo and Moonlight. Launching her Black Hōō Helix, Black Hōō intended to engulf Tennyo and Moonlight with black flames.

"I don't think so!" Hōō countered, throwing her Hōō Helix to counter and nullify Black Hōō's attack. She then forged a flaming sword in her right hand. Clashing head-on with her dark counterpart, Hōō fiercely swung her Hōō Blade, attempting to slay Black Hōō.

However, in response, Black Hōō already formed her Black Hōō Blade to block Hōō's strikes. As the two collided, their light and dark flamed auras expanded, which caused some fires to spread. Ensuring the safety of the remaining bystanders, Tennyo and Moonlight put out the fires with their divine light.

"These two can't fight too intensely here or they'll burn the place down," Moonlight informed Tennyo.

"Cammy, don't go too wild or your flames will cause collateral damage!" Tennyo called out to Hōō.

"That's easy for you to say, you're not the ones fighting her!" Hōō retorted as she and Black Hōō flew around each other.

"Why don't I send all of you into hell?" Black Hōō evilly cackled as she raised her black flamed sword and forged black flames to burn the ballroom with.

Readying her Dammerung polearm, Moonlight cast her Elemental Wall Gift, which formed all around the ballroom, nullifying the black flames. As a result, the Persona Vein saved everyone from being burned. Growing irritated with the constant intervention, Black Hōō targeted Moonlight and swung her flaming blade at her. Tennyo then summoned a giant Shogi piece, which stopped Black Hōō's attack. Having summoned her Shogi Shield, Tennyo cast a lightning barrier that neutralized Black Hōō. Then, Tennyo summoned a powerful lightning bolt from her ko-naginata and blasted Black Hōō with it.

Having blasted Black Hōō down, Tennyo and Moonlight regrouped with Hōō, who steadied herself for whenever the Black Hōō recovered.

"I suppose I'm glad I have you two around," Hōō smiled at them.

"Keep your guards up," Moonlight warned them.

Suddenly, a pillar of black flames blasted from the floor where Black Hōō was laying. As she rose and wearing her Nine-Headed bird fiery aura, Black Hōō turned to face her three adversaries. With a maniacal smile, Black Hōō's face contorted with an unhinged expression.

"Heheh, I'm not going to stop until I burn this place and all of you up!" Black Hōō declared. With that, she flew across, reigniting her fight with Tennyo, Moonlight, and Hōō in a second attempt to burn her victims alive. Try as Black Hōō might, her three adversaries adamantly fought her to prevent an unmitigated disaster.

After sending Tennyo and Moonlight into hiding, Hōō fended off her Black counterpart's fiery blasts. As both formed their phoenix-like cloaks, Hōō and Black Hōō collided, creating a shockwave that shook the ballroom. During their collision, Black Hōō's nine-headed bird aura attempted to swallow Hōō, but Hōō produced a strong enough cloak to protect her.

"Why don't we have us a hug, sister?!" Black Hōō taunted Hōō.

"Because I don't have a sister! I already said I'm an only child!"

"Ah, but what if I said I'm your unborn twin sister, Cammy? Your parents were meant to have twins, but you ended up being born and I was left a stillborn."

"What?! No, that can't be true."

"It is, but that stillborn embryo became corrupted by the Yami Matter and created me! I was selected by the Yami Matter to kill you and take your place!"

"I won't let that happen!" Hōō repelled Black Hōō with her fiery cloak.

When Tennyo and Moonlight finally came out of hiding, the former blasted Black Hōō with her Divine Thorn. Casting a defensive Elemental Wall, Moonlight neutralized Black Hōō's dark flames. With Black Hōō weakened by Moonlight's power, Hōō slammed Black Hōō into a wall.

---

While the heated battle against Black Hōō took place, Joker and Sion aided Lance against the Egyptian-themed Black Herald. Having donned his Horus form, the Advent Eight member shot his Neith's Arrows toward the Black Herald.

"Good try," the Black Herald responded by summoning a golden, multi-armed dragon-faced warrior that blocked Horus' arrows. While holding off Joker, Sion, and Horus' attacks, a dark golden aura engulfed the Black Herald, which repelled his three adversaries back. "My name is Set, and I vow you will be seeing your resting place in a tomb soon." With that, he unleashed a barrage of mummy bandages.

Quickly drawing out his dagger, Joker cut through the bandages. Likewise, Sion cut Set's bandages with his Queenslayer Blade and Hanemukuro. Taking out his Tyrant Pistol, Joker shot Set with a powerful shot, which knocked him back. Amassing power from his Frenzied Fire Gift, Sion blasted Set away with a fiery projectile. After burning Set, Sion flew at the Black Herald and delivered a barrage of strikes. Having delivered powerful strikes with his Queenslayer Blade, Sion dealt Set considerable damage with his Circulating Pulse Gift.

In response to his enemies' assault, Set invoked the three cobras on his crown. Three dark golden rays of light seeped from the three cobras and converged into a giant golden snake that reared its head and hissed.

"Let's see you try and overcome this," Set declared, sending his Apep's Eternity toward his three adversaries.

Joker took a gamble and lunged forward, shooting the snake, which barely grazed it. Sion tried for his Circulating Pulse with little effect. When faced with Set's giant snake, Horus cusped his hands together and formed a glowing yellow sphere, which resembled the sun. Once amassing his sun-like sphere, a falcon's visage appeared in it. He quickly tossed his counterattack toward Set's Apep's Eternity: Ra's Eternity. As the forces collided, Joker and Sion took cover behind a flipped table.

"We've got the forces of Egyptian gods at work here!" Sion called out.

"It's best we not get caught in their crossfire!" Joker suggested, glancing toward Horus and Set's clashing attacks. "But, who says we can't lend a helping hand?" With that, the Phantom Thief summoned his Seth Persona and cast Agidyne, inflicting burns on Set, which neutralized the Black Herald.

As a result of Joker's intervention, Horus' Ra overcame Set's Apep. As the Black Herald was knocked away, a dark golden aura formed over him, transforming him into a 15-foot high yellow-scaled beast with brown giraffe spots. A dull gray aardvark nose protruded where his nose used to be and made up most of his facial features. The three reddish-brown Egyptian cobras on his crown grew in proportion with his head's large size. Adorning his back are black Egyptian vulture wings coupled with red claws at the front of these wings. Tufts of brown fur are seen at the tail tip.

"And he can turn into an Akhekh. This is just great," sardonically muttered Sion, who immediately shifted into his Envoy of Vein form.

Before Horus could get a chance to attack, Set stomped his front legs, creating an earthquake that knocked him back. The beast quickly shifted its attack on Joker and Sion, forcing them to go on the defense. The Akhekh tried to crush them with his body's weight, but Joker cast Masukukaja to increase his and Sion's agility, enabling them to swiftly roll away and evade Set's body falling on them.

"Ready?!" Joker called out to Sion as they both attacked Set together.

As he equipped white light through his Queenslayer Blade, Sion slashed and pushed Akhekh back with his Will of d'Artagnan.

Upon recovering, Horus rejoined the Phantom Thief and the Revenant in the battle.

---

Meanwhile, Hunter, Stronghold, and Psyclone lured the silver-masked, electrical-powered Black Herald toward a balcony. The Black Herald readily charged electricity through his suit.

"Nice to meet your acquaintances. You can call me Neurobuzz," the electrically-charged man addressed in a laid-back tone. "Say, care to guess what attack I'm going to use?"

"Shoot us with electricity?" Stronghold guessed the obvious answer.

"You win the prize! Have a spark on me!" Neurobuzz smashed the ground, unleashing green and blue electrically-powered sparks that headed for the trio.

"Move!" Hunter called out as he and the Advent Eight duo jumped high into the air, evading Neurobuzz's electric sparks.

"Watch it, he's using Scintillakinesis!" Psyclone warned while landing on a platform.

"And what the hell is that?" Hunter queried.

"Um, well, the ability to shoot electric sparks."

"An obvious answer, forget I asked an ignorant question," the Revenant remarked as Neurobuzz unleashed his Psylence Wave again, throwing electric sparks into the air around Hunter, Stronghold, and Psyclone.

As an electrical spark targeted him, Hunter wrapped his whole body with a cloak of fog-like blood, allowing him to teleport and bypass Neurobuzz's Psylence Wave. After using his Night Fog Veil Gift, Hunter teleported behind Neurobuzz and slashed him with his Executioner sword. However, Neurobuzz neutralized the Revenant and shot him with an electrical bolt shaped like a wasp's stinger.

"Nice try, but I don't always come in a fight empty-handed!" Neurobuzz declared, stunning Hunter with his Wasp Stinger.

Suddenly, Neurobuzz found himself surrounded by four Psyclones, who jumped him for an ambush. Unleashing an electrified field, Neurobuzz wiped out the four clones, enabling the real Psyclone to push away and save Hunter from Neurobuzz's attack. Stronghold briefly cast his nullification barrier, which stopped Neurobuzz's electrical wave.

"Are you ok? Can you still fight?" Psyclone asked Hunter.

"I'll be fine thanks to my self-regeneration," Hunter muttered, using his Regeneration Shift Gift to heal his wounds inflicted by Neurobuzz's Wasp Stinger.

"Damn, just when I was this close to burning him into a chicken tender. Then, you two had to ruin the fun. So annoying," Neurobuzz scoffed at Stronghold and Psyclone.

Steadying himself, Hunter intently faced Neurobuzz. "The only annoying one here is you."

"Ow, that stings, but that's fine. After I'm done with the vampy boy here, you two are next," the Black Herald fired another Psylence Wave, which Hunter, Stronghold, and Psyclone dodged.

---

As they relocated toward another side of the ballroom, Songstress, Valkyria, and Norse-knight confronted Erinye.

"Just you three?" Erinye asked.

"What do you mean just us three? Do you think that you can take us all on?!" Valkyria rebuked.

"Perhaps but I wish to assess your strengths first. You will face me. For I am Erinye!" The Black Herald boastfully declared as she flew head-on with her three adversaries. Forging a garnet energy blade, she attacked Songstress with it first.

Songstress fired back with her Libertador bayonet. Using her Blade of Mordred, Erinye parried and stopped Songstress' bayonet shots. Swinging her energy blade, the Black Herald attempted to behead Songstress, but the Revenant formed blades of sand that converged and exploded on Erinye. After blasting her away with her Volatile Storm Gift, the Revenant converted some broken glass on the floor into sand and created a blade from the highly pressurized sand. Targeting Erinye, Songstress blasted her with Sand Edge.

However, Erinye, who recovered from Songstress' Volatile Storm, evaded and flew high into the ceiling. She tossed more Blades of Mordred, causing Songstress to defend herself with her sand blades.

"You won't be able to keep this up!" Erinye taunted Songstress, who was draining herself of Ichor to continuously create sand blades.

"Heads up!" Valkyria roared as she flew into Erinye and slammed her into a wall.

"We'll handle it here. There's no need to tax yourself!" Norse-knight said, allowing Songstress to replenish herself with her Max Ichor Boost Gift.

After removing herself from Erinye, Valkyria landed and watched her enemy floating off the wall. Valkyria readied her sword and flew up, clashing head-on with Erinye. Having drawn out her garnet energy blade, Erinye stopped Valkyria's sword.

"So, you're Erinye, huh? You can call me Valkyria!"

"Nice to meet you, Valkyria, but why tell me your name?"

"Because it's going to be the last name you'll hear before you're dead!" Valkyria jerked her sword away and kicked Erinye's abdomen. After kicking Erinye away, Valkyria swung her sword and unleashed her Exalt Asgardian Wave.

Narrowly evading Valkyria's powerful attack, Erinye prepared to ward off the Valkyrie maiden's next offense. However, Norse-knight hastily ran toward the Black Herald and swung his broadsword at her. She quickly intercepted his strike and held her ground against the warrior.

"And you are?"

"Norse-knight."

"You have remarkable strength. I hope you and Valkyria provide me with a battle frenzied challenge!" Erinye boasted as she swung around behind Norse-knight. As she went for a stabbing blow to his head, Norse-knight instinctively turned and knocked her back with Gaea's Blast. After stunning Erinye, he charged and slashed her with a barrage of quick sword strikes.

As Norse-knight kicked Erinye back, Valkyria flew above her and threw a spear toward the Black Herald. Quickly tossing an energy blade, Erinye vaporized Valkyria's spear. Valkyria hastily dove toward Erinye and attacked. Swinging their weapons mightily, the Valkyrie and the Black Herald matched each other's strikes.

"Yes, our power and speed are on par with each other!" Erinye yelled.

"I'm not giving up!" Valkyria screamed.

While the warrior maidens continued their clash, Norse-knight manifested golden light from his broadsword. Once again taking the form of a golden dragon, Norse-knight sent his Scalebound toward Erinye. After knocking Valkyria back with an energy blade, Erinye manifested dark gray light that turned into a giant lindworm. Using her Lindworm Ignition, Erinye was able to match Norse-knight's Scalebound.

As the two warriors tried overpowering the other, Norse-knight flew through his dragon and went for a flying sidekick. Erinye saw his attack coming and jumped through her lindworm. Erinye landed a spinning heel kick, which collided with Norse-knight's kick. The powerful force of their kicks sent both warriors flying back. The dragon and lindworm collided and nullified each other.

While Erinye recovered, Valkyria swung her mighty sword, unleashing Exalt X-Slash. Barely able to dodge the Valkyrie's attack, Erinye flew near the ceiling and scoffed at her three enemies.

"Thanks for stalling her, you two. I've replenished my power," Songstress said.

"Hey, we're not done yet! Come on down and take your licking!" Valkyria goaded the Black Herald to fight them again.

"She might take up on that, Tori," Norse-knight warned her.

Wearing an intense grin, Erinye chortled. "Oh, I intend to defeat you. No one else will take that away from me. Valkyria, you and your Norse-knight have my deepest respects as warriors." Before planning her assault, Erinye overheard and sighted Mist mockingly taunting her enemies. She shuddered with disgust and muttered. "At least, I have more dignity than that irksome and petty brat."

---

Leading their fight toward a hallway, Nephilim and Sudsakorn lured the peridot-armored Zapotec woman away from the other Black Heralds. Having cornered them, the Black Herald summoned a sword to combat her two foes.

"I'm Cambion, one of the Black Heralds, and I have selected you two as my targets. Why?" Cambion shifted her view from Nephilim and directly on Sudsakorn. "Because I really want him."

"You want to fight him?!" Nephilim angrily shouted, coming in defense of Sudsakorn.

"No, you misunderstand. I.." Cambion paused as she rubbed the left side of her flushing face. Her eyes became full of lust. "I want to make love with your man."

"EXCUSE ME?!" Nephilim screamed with shock.

"Look, but I'm already taken…" Before Sudsakorn could finish his sentence, Cambion summoned a staff and fired a magical beam toward a wall, barely hitting Sudsakorn.

"I don't care. I want you, boy," Cambion licked her lips, dead set on capturing Sudsakorn for herself.

"Not when I'm here! Leave my boyfriend alone!" Nephilim screamed as she summoned and fired her Asteroid Rays at Cambion.

However, Cambion instinctively mimicked Nephilim's ability to create magic circles from her hands. The dark angelic maiden used her Antimatter Mandalas and nullified Npehilim's destructive golden rays. Taken aback by her adversary mimicking her attack, Nephilim went for a close-ranged attack, but Cambion blocked her attacks with her magic circles. When Sudsakorn joined in, he attacked the dark angelic maiden with his sword and staff. Cambion managed to parry his attacks. When he went for a roundhouse kick, she pushed Sudsakorn back with a magic circle.

"Huey, no!" Nephilim screamed as she summoned her owl partner Cassiel.

"Oh, you have an owl familiar, too?"

"What?"

With that, a spectacled owl appeared on Cambion's left shoulder. Upon seeing the rival owl, Cassiel barked and hissed.

"It's you! Stolas!" Cassiel loudly barked.

"Heheh, it's been a while, hasn't it, Cassiel, you fool. I see you were lucky to have been partnered with someone like her," Stolas chuckled, taunting the snowy owl.

"You two know each other?" Nephilim asked her owl familiar.

"Enough. Let's finish this and take what I want," Cambion stated. Following her command, Stolas flew off the dark Archvalkyrie's shoulder and went straight for Nephilim, but Cassiel quickly intercepted his rival.

As Nephilim and Cambion briefly dueled, the owl familiars attacked one another. Flapping their feathered wings, the owls circled and attacked one another. The owls then fired eye beams toward each other, leading into a brief beam struggle that knocked them both away and ended their duel in a draw.

As Sudsakorn stood ready to fight, Cambion saw the Thai man with lustful eyes and smirked. When Nephilim summoned her sword, she swung and narrowly missed cutting Cambion in half, but still managed to cut the dark Archvalkyrie's left cheek. Irked by her cut, Cambion blasted Nephilim's sword away with her staff. Then, as her guard was dropped, Nephilim saw Cambion knocking Sudsakorn out with her magic and effortlessly carrying him.

"Oh, too bad. I've got your man now!" Cambion taunted the Archvalkyrie.

"Let him go, you harlot!" Nephilim screamed as she blindly rushed in to save Sudsakorn. As she came closer, Cambion already summoned a reflective mirror, which was being held by a Hopkinsville Goblin familiar that pushed Nephilim into a wall. "Come, Stolas! I've got what I wanted!"

As Cambion fled with Sudsakorn, Stolas followed his summoner and vanished into black mystic dust.

"You won't get far!" Nephilim cried out, prying herself off the wall as Cassiel healed her with his magic.

---

Upon finding themselves a private room, Cambion tossed Sudsakorn on a bed. When the Thai man awoke in the unfamiliar setting, he expected Nephilim to be with him. Much to his dismay, he saw Cambion sitting on the bedside as her lustful eyes stared into him.

"Mmm, I have you all to myself," Cambion muttered, letting out deep sensual pants as she reached for his hand. When he withdrew his hands, she scoffed. "What? You still like that other woman over me?"

"This is wrong. Besides, I'm already taken by Samantha!"

"Nonsense, I, Nayeli, would make a fitting lover for you."

"Lover? I doubt you have time for love when you're involved with those Black Heralds!"

Cambion quickly snatched Sudsakorn's mouth, silencing him. "The Dark Heralds don't matter to me. All I care about is us now!" She then started undoing her chest and shoulder peridot armor, shamelessly exposing and shaking her breasts in front of him. "Go on, touch them."

"Please, stop!"

"C'mon, don't be such a simp for that other woman! Expand your tastes and live more!" Cambion leaned over, forcefully smothering his face with her breasts. She then mounted Sudsakorn's body, holding down his arms with powerful restraint. The dark Archvalkyrie forcefully shoved her crotch into his, causing him to yell out for help. "Oh don't be such a baby. Unlike that woman, I'm going to make a real man out of you!"

When she leaned in for a kiss, Nephilim quickly blasted through the door with her magic staff. Upon finding Cambion forcing herself on Sudsakorn, the Archvalkyrie fumed with anger.

"Do you mind?!" Cambion spat out.

"Samantha, help!"

"You harlot! GET OFF HIM!" Nephilim screamed furiously as she lunged into Cambion and pushed her off Sudsakorn. As they tussled within the private room, Nephilim blasted Cambion into a wall. She didn't stop there and fired an Asteroid Ray that blasted her through a wall, sending the dark Archvalkyrie stumbling into another private room.

"Thanks, Samantha," Sudsakorn said.

"Are you ok, Huey? She didn't hurt you that badly, did she?"

"Besides violating me, no. Damn it, I'm so ashamed I let her overpower me like that."

"Don't be," Nephilim said as they kissed. "I'm here now."

As she stood and received healing from Stolas, Cambion put her upper armor back on, concealing her breasts. With her focus dead set on killing her love rival, Cambion summoned her sword and staff.

"I hope you're at least ready to fight her now," Nephilim said.

"Damn right I am. She's not getting away with what she did to me," Sudsakorn said, readying his sword and staff and taking on a martial arts stance.

Once again summoning her Hopkinsville Barrier, Cambion prepared to defend herself from their attacks. Nephilim and Sudsakorn proceeded to attack, utilizing powerful offense attacks to take down the reflective mirror. When Nephilim sent Cassiel to target the Hopkinsville Goblin, Stolas appeared again to intercept the snowy owl.

"Unlike those two Vamkyrie lesbian whores whom I detest and view each other as possessive items, I genuinely want Huey's heart! He's better off with me!" Cambion screamed out her confessions for Sudsakorn.

"Don't delude yourself! You're just as bad as these Vamkyries that you disparage! Your need for Huey is just as possessive! He and I are meant to be together!"

Dismissively ignoring Nephilim's retorts, Cambion denied. "No, you're wrong! YOU'RE WRONG!" She screamed while guarding herself against Nephilim and Sudsakorn's attacks.

---

Back inside the main ballroom, the remaining Thieves and Vein Remnants confronted the three Vamkyries. Mircalla and Mona lured Mist into one of the balconies. Sekiken, Queen, Noir, Omusubi, Leto, and Medic stayed behind to fight Göndul and Skögul.

"Did you two get every bystander out?" Sekiken asked Medic and Leto.

"I'm afraid not. A few are still here but it appears they're finding their own ways out," Medic said, noting Sasha and her family desperately trying to leave. Ayana and Kara are also seen pushing away debris to help them escape.

"It's best we keep these two Vamkyries away from them," Omusubi stated.

"Of course," Queen nodded.

Before engaging the Thieves and Revenants, Göndul and Skögul lovingly embraced each other and passionately lip-locked. The Thieves and Revenants were taken aback by their affectionate display.

Skögul smiled at Göndul. "We shalt destroy them, my love. The sooner we do, the quicker we can finish our passionate evening."

Göndul grinned, licking her vampiric fangs. "Mmm, why of course. These Draugar and their human allies cannot defeat us."

Observing the Feminine and Masculine Valkyries' intimate scene, Queen and Noir exchanged looks and nodded.

"We can take those two," Queen noted.

"Right," Noir replied.

"Don't worry. You have me and Karen to assist you," Leto reassured them.

"Heads up!" Sekiken called out as Göndul rushed toward them.

"You two with me!" Queen shouted toward Omusubi and Leto

When Skögul walked toward them, Sekiken called for Noir and Medic.

"I can depend on you two against her."

"You can count on us," Noir replied.

Like a charging and enraged bull, Göndul rushed toward Queen, Omusubi, and Leto. The Phantom Thief and the Revenants hopped over the Vamkyrie. Göndul crashed through a wall barrier in an infrastructure. Clenching her fists, Queen readied a fighting stance and watched Göndul walk out of the hole wall. Omusubi postured and readied his Oni Bane.

"Thou art quite nimble on thy feet," Göndul remarked on Queen, Omusubi, and Leto's superhuman agility.

"We have to be when fighting brutes like you," Queen replied, intensely glaring at the Masculine Vamkyrie.

"Bring it!" Omusubi goaded the beast woman.

Grinning evilly, Göndul firmly planted her feet into the ground. Her foot stomped caused earthquakes that knocked Queen, Omusubi, and Leto around. Queen quickly sprang on the side of a wall. The two Revenants hopped on the opposite side from Queen. The Masculine Vamkyrie executed her earth technique, Jörð's Earthshaker, causing more earthquakes around the vicinity. Queen held onto the wall and climbed up to escape Göndul's attack.

Leaping toward the Masculine Vamkyrie, Omusubi slashed her twice with his Oni Blade. After delivering his Tormenting Blast Gift, he invoked his Flashing Fang to increase his next attack, which had him use his Hound-Type Blood Veil. The two hound heads materialized from Omusubi's back and attempted to crush the Masculine Vamkyrie with their jaws. However, Göndul was able to effortlessly fight them off with earth-shattering punches, breaking one of the hound's jaws and disorienting the other with powerful blows.

"Oh man, she's able to fight off my hounds?!" Omusubi was dismayed at Göndul's impressive albeit brutal display of physical power.

"Thou beasts art not a match for me!" Göndul boasted. As Omusubi withdrew his hounds, the Masculine Vamkyrie charged toward him. Preparing to defend himself with his Oni Blade, Leto interrupted the charging woman with a surge of electricity.

As she briefly neutralized Göndul with Plasma Roar, Leto held the Vamkyrie back.

"Conjure your next attack, Yakumo! I'll hold her off but I'm not sure how long I can!" Leto suggested.

"Thanks for giving me time, Aurora."

As Omusubi set up his next attack, Leto discharged electricity toward Göndul's feet. After zapping and pushing Göndul back with Indra's Coil, the Revenant unleashed an unrelenting barrage of lightning bullets that temporarily held back Göndul. As the Masculine Vamkyrie powered through Leto's Fourfold Verdict, Göndul dove forward and grabbed her, preparing to bearhug and crush the Revenant in her powerful arms.

Then, much to Göndul's surprise, Leto transformed into her Successor of the Ribcage form and broke loose from the muscular woman's hold. Now facing a giant multi-armed wolf, Göndul dodged a lightning bolt mixed with purple mist. She then dodged an arc-shaped fire beam thrown by Leto.

"What manner of beast hast thee become?!" Göndul exclaimed as Leto drove her back with an ice shard barrage.

Once Leto drove Göndul back, Omusubi, now in his Envoy of Vein form, attacked his Oni Blade, unleashing his Two-Handed Sword Mastery to stun her. After stunning her, Omusubi knocked her back into a wall where Queen climbed.

"Thou cannot stay off the ground forever!" Göndul shouted. With a hand wave, she gathered random debris from the wall she destroyed and amassed the debris into a giant boulder.

Upon seeing Göndul's crafted boulder, Queen was flabbergasted.

"Impressed? Dost not worry, I can make it bigger than this!" The Masculine Vamkyrie tossed the boulder up. She then jumped up and kicked it toward Queen.

"Crap!" Queen cried as she hopped off one wall and landed another. The boulder crashed into the spot where Queen would've been crushed had she not evaded. "That was a close one!"

"Thou dropped thy guard!" Göndul roared as she flew at Queen and punched the wall Queen landed on. Upon punching through the wall, Göndul knocked Queen off.

As Queen landed on her feet, Göndul descended opposite her. The Masculine Vamkyrie ran at Queen and threw a right-handed punch. Queen readied her Sabazois knuckles, which she used to punch Göndul's fist.

The two warrior's fists collided, unleashing enough physical force that knocked both women back. Göndul fell back into the nearest wall. Queen was sent flying off and tumbling down a flight of steps.

"Hah, thou hast quite the power to match mine!" Göndul chortled. As she pulled herself off the wall, she slowly walked over to where Queen fell. "Surely thou art not dead from that?"

As she came to, Queen stirred and picked herself off the ground. Adjusting her armored knuckles, the Phantom Thief looked up and saw Göndul walking down to finish her.

Then, Omusubi intervened and used his Jaws of Porthos to stop Göndul. While holding off the Masculine Vamkyrie with his canine's jaw projectile, Omusubi gave Queen time to recover.

"Irksome Draugr!" Göndul angrily growled toward Omusubi.

"Queen, are you still able to fight?!" Omusubi called out while holding off the powerful Vamkyrie.

"Of course, I'm not injured!" Queen called back, standing up as she raised and readied her fists.

"Good. We can continue our duel," Göndul smirked, glaring toward the battle-ready Phantom Thief. She punched the ground and amassed more debris to create another, albeit a smaller, boulder, which she kicked at Omusubi and Queen.

Dodging the incoming boulder, Queen and Omusubi barrel-rolled toward opposite sides.

"Come forth! Agnes!" Queen summoned her Third-Tier Persona. She hopped on Agnes and drove head-on with Göndul. "Let's see you take this!" She rammed Agnes into Göndul and nearly pushed her forward, but the Masculine Vamkyrie showed off her brute strength and effortlessly lifted Agnes off the ground. "What the hell?!"

Having lifted Agnes, Göndul's face twisted with a demonic visage. "Heheheh, surely that is not all thee can do?!"

Queen revved Agnes and tried to overpower Göndul, but the Amazonian-like beast lifted Queen and her Persona motorcycle off the ground.

"Agnes!" Queen cried out.

Agnes conjured and blasted Göndul with a Vajra Blast. Sending the Masculine Vamkyrie flying back, Queen charged at Göndul and landed a direct blow to the Vamkyrie's abdominals. Göndul doubled over.

Seizing the opportunity against his foe, Omusubi consecutively slashed Göndul with his Oni Blade. Then, by combining a shockwave effect with his Oni Blade, the Revenant overwhelmed the Vamkyrie with his Impact Wave. After knocking the Masculine Vamkyrie, Queen primed her next attack.

"Thanks, Yakumo! I'll take it from here!" Queen called out while charging at Göndul. The Phantom Thief swiftly landed consecutive body shots and then an uppercut to the Vamkyrie's jaw. After the jaw-crushing blow, Queen sent the Vamkyrie sailing into the air and crashing hard on the ground.

Taking a few deep breaths, Queen grunted. "Get up. I know that wasn't enough to beat you!"

Hearing this, Göndul rose with a dislocated jaw. She disgustingly popped it back into place.

"Good eye, warrior. Now, let us see if thou can take my crushing blows?" Göndul dashed right at Queen with quick speed. She then unleashed a barrage of punches, some Queen was able to dodge and parry, but others managed to hit her.

Queen felt the few punishing blows hit her like weights being rammed into her body. Göndul's Rocky Beat Rush had enough power to cripple her foes. Assessing Göndul's punches, Queen astutely noted Vamkyrie's hardened gloves were like steel. The faster she punched, the more devastating her blows would be for Queen.

This was the exact moment Agnes interceded and used its body to protect Queen from further injury. Queen watched Göndul pummel Agnes. Agnes returned the favor by dazing Göndul with a Flash Bomb. Taking advantage, Queen ran up and jabbed Göndul's face twice with her Nuclear Fists, sending her flying back.

"Ugh!" Queen dropped to a knee and favored her sore left abdominal and ribs where Göndul punched her. "Oh shit, she got me good. Ugh, but I can't let this nagging pain get the better of me!" She looked up as Göndul slowly rose to her feet. "C'mon." She channeled energy into her fists.

"Hold on, Queen. Stand down," Omusubi said as he and Leto guarded the injured Phantom Thief.

"I can still go," Queen insisted.

"With that damage you took? You're better off leaving this to someone who can self-regenerate faster," Omusubi. "Louis and Haru would get pissed at me if anything happened to you."

"Thou hast given me a good fight, mortal woman. I shalt enjoy killing thee," the Masculine Vamkyrie popped her neck. "Now, Draugr. I shalt gladly break thee into pieces." Then, she clenched her hands so tightly every finger gave audible pops and cracking sounds.

Beckoning Agnes by her side, Queen prepared for another round with the Masculine Vamkyrie. "Just my damn luck. Take her, Yakumo."

With that, Omusubi and Göndul engaged in a heated battle while Queen cast Mediarahan to herself and her two allies. This boost allowed Omusubi to fight harder against the Vamkyrie. Amid the battle, Queen blasted Göndul with Flash Bomb, which not just hurt but disoriented Göndul enough for Omusubi to slash her with his Oni Blade.

"How do you like that, you jacked-up freak!" Omusubi yelled out. Looking over behind him, Göndul stood while sporting her new battle wounds, which were already starting to self heal. "Damn it, what's it going to take?"

---

Elsewhere, Skögul scoured the area near the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. Unbeknownst to her, Noir hid behind a wall with her Fleurs du Mal axe. She heard the Feminine Vamkyrie's footsteps draw ever closer.

"Thou has to come out anytime, feeble mortal," Skögul chuckled evilly as she passed by some glass door windows. Halting to glance over herself, the Feminine Vamkyrie stared and smiled despite seeing no reflection of herself. "Well now. Dost thou have quite the refined beauty? An elegant beauty unmatched in all the Nine Realms?" She primed her curls and struck a pose, with one hand over her head and the other firmly on her left hip.

Hearing the vain Vamkyrie giving self-praise, Noir shuddered. "Of all Nine Realms? Wow, talk about ego."

Also hiding from Skögul's sight, Sekiken and Medic lay waiting to make their next move.

Just then, Skögul's nose twitched as she smelled their scent. She turned to her right as her beautiful face twisted with a demonic visage. She let out a lion-like roar and lunged at the wall. Raising both hands in the air, Skögul magically amassed a globe of water and tossed it at the wall. The water globe exploded into a tidal wave and crashed through the water, breaking it open like a dam. The Waves of Rán did its trick. Noir was immediately exposed, prompting the Phantom Thief to come out of hiding. This also prompted Sekiken and Medic to save Noir.

"Found thee!" Skögul roared as she flew at Noir, who swung and attacked with her Buster Axe. The Feminine Vamkyrie quickly dodged Noir's consecutive axe slashes.

Abruptly shifting into his Envoy of Vein form, Sekiken readied his Enduring Crimson and attacked Skögul with his Blade of Athos. Having sensed his killing intent, Skögul jumped out of Sekiken's way. As they clashed again, Sekiken swung his blade again, sending a powerful wave that knocked Skögul away.

"Karen, don't get too close to the fighting," Sekiken insisted as his sister took cover and waited to heal her colleagues.

"Back off!" Noir shouted as she and Skögul circled one another. "You claim you have unmatched beauty? I hate to break it to you, but I can easily contest my own elegant beauty against yours."

"Hah, a commoner such as thee? Dost not make me laugh!"

Sekiken interjected. "Oh, my dear Haru-chan is anything but a commoner. She has wealth and power."

"Heh, thou dost not sayeth?" The Feminine Vamkyrie chortled. "Well, I hast more than money and power. All I need is my love Göndul."

"And I have someone I love. No," Noir corrected herself as she lay eyes on Sekiken. "Make that two lovers. The one fighting your Göndul is my Mako-chan and the other is the man standing beside."

"That's right. You tell this arrogant woman too caught up in her own self-worth," Sekiken added while he and Noir cautiously stalked around the Feminine Vamkyrie.

"Thy love will not last against my Göndul. And thou two will die by my hand! How dare thou contest thy beauty against mine!" Skögul fired more Waves of Rán at Sekiken and Noir's way.

"Come forth, Lucy!" Noir summoned her Third-Tier Persona. Lucy conjured Tetrakarn to nullify Skögul's tidal wave attack. "Your attack reminds me of an anime character with similar power, but nothing my Persona can't handle."

Sekiken asserted. "This character wouldn't happen to be named after an outer planet?"

Skögul chortled haughtily. "Ohoho, I am not done yet. Can thy guardian withstand an ice breath?" With that, she blew a freezing breath at Sekiken, Noir, and Lucy. Skögul's Breath of the Sea attempted to turn all three into solid ice, but Lucy conjured a Makarakan to stop Skögul's attack. Sekiken used his Blade of Athos to shatter the ice.

Noir sidestepped and fired a quick shot from her Yagrush gun. Skögul casually conjured a water whip and knocked away the bullet projectile. Lucy unleashed a Triple Down shot. This time, Skögul was a step ahead and summoned bubbles from her hands, surrounding herself and creating a barrier for herself. Lucy's attack collided with the Feminine Vamkyrie's Aqua Protection barrier.

After another haughty laugh, Skögul coolly smiled at Noir's expense. "What is wrong? Hast thou lost thy confidence?! Here, allow me to wash thy fears away!" She unleashed a tidal wave attack that pushed Lucy and Noir back.

"Noir!" Sekiken cried out as he took the tidal wave crashing into him head-on. As the wave slammed him against a wall, Sekiken fell completely drenched. However, it didn't end there as Skögul ran forward and drove her claws straight through his torso, causing him to bleed out and collapse.

"LOUIS!" Noir and Medic cried out in horror as Skögul removed her claws and left Sekiken to collapse in a heap of his own blood.

"NO, LOUIS!" Medic screamed as she tended to her brother, whose body violently twitched as he continued bleeding out from his torso. As she gripped her brother's hand, Medic started to heal him but sensed his life leaving him. "Louis, stay with me! Please!"

"Oh dear, didst he die? Oh well, he is just a mere Draugr. No tears shalt be sh-!" The Feminine Vamkyrie was immediately interrupted when Noir blasted her with a Psiodyne and followed up with a devastating One-shot Kill that knocked the Vamkyrie far back.

"Do not ever disparage our Louis!" Noir menacingly snarled toward the Feminine Vamkyrie. With a fierce look on her face, Noir went on a warpath and repeatedly blasted Skögul with Psiodyne. "Karen, try and revive Louis!"

As Noir and Lucy kept Skögul occupied, Medic checked for her brother's pulse. Much to her dismay, she felt no pulse and her brother's life went cold. Then, in an instant, a loud beat pulsated from Sekiken, prompting him to rise. More loud heartbeats came out of Sekiken as Medic watched in shock over her brother's sudden revival.

"Louis!" Medic cried out, witnessing Sekiken standing on his own.

As the B.O.R. Parasite inside his chest twitched on its own, Sekiken felt his life energies return to him.

"I'm alive?" Sekiken blinked in disbelief. "Yes, that's right. I suppose I should thank the parasitic bug inside my chest for resuscitating me."

"Louis, thank god!" Medic cried out, hugging Sekiken.

"Karen?"

"I thought you were dead!"

"Um, did you forget about our B.O.R. Parasites in our chests? Nothing can kill us unless those are destroyed."

As she realized this, Medic blushed. "Oh, yes, how could I forget? I'm such a dummy."

"It's ok. You were shocked over my apparent death and we still haven't faced a near-death situation since regaining our memories. Oh, Noir! Where is Noir?" Sekiken looked around for the Beauty Thief.

"She lured that Vamkyrie that way!" Medic pointed down the hall toward the ballroom.

"Great, I'm going that way."

"Please be careful, Louis! I don't want to lose you for real this time!"

As Noir blasted the Feminine Vamkyrie into the ballroom, Skögul blew another freezing breath. While Noir managed to evade, the freezing breath turned her left leg into solid ice.

"Oh no!" Noir gasped as she fell and tried moving her frozen leg.

"Now thou fate hath been sealed!" Skögul prepared to freeze her, but Lucy intervened and shielded Noir from the Vamkyrie's attack. Skögul flew into the air and snarled like a feral beast.

"Thank you, Lucy," Noir said as Lucy cured her with Amrita Drop, undoing the Vamkyrie's ice magic.

"Haru-chan!" Sekiken called out as he rushed into the ballroom.

"Louis?! Oh, thank god you're ok!" Noir happily cried out.

"Thou art still alive, Draugr?! How?!" Skögul was aghast by Sekiken's appearance.

"You should know better. Us Revenants can self-regenerate. Bleeding out is no big deal to me. As long as our B.O.R. Parasites remain intact, we'll keep ticking," Sekiken said, pointing his Enduring Crimson sword at the seething Vamkyrie.

"Thou art growing bothersome. I shalt destroy thee both!" The Feminine Vamkyrie declared.

"With that demonic face, I hardly think you're in any position to say your beauty is unmatched," Noir scoffed. "Come!"

"Let's take this witch down, Noir," Sekiken said.

As Skögul dove toward Sekiken and Noir, the Beauty Thief attacked first with her axe. Narrowly dodging Noir's Buster Axe, Skögul was taken down by Sekiken's sword. As she fell, Skögul noticed a cut on her face, inflicted by the Revenant's blade.

"Thou shalt pay for ruining my beautiful face!" Skögul screamed furiously as she threw another tidal wave at Sekiken and Noir.

Sekiken and Noir dodged the tidal wave, which crashed into a wall instead.

---

Taking their fight on top of one of the tower's infrastructures, Mircalla and Mona engaged Mist. The Shroud Vamkyrie jumped up, evading Mircalla's metal tail. Whipping out his Claiomh Solais scimitar, Mona sprang up and slashed Mist with it. Mist quickly crossed her arms, blocking Mona's consecutive strikes.

"Away with thee two! My mist will poison thee both!" Mist shouted, spreading a jade green cloud that surrounded the topside of the roof.

"Lady Mia, hold your breath!" Mona cried out as he covered his mouth.

"No problem," Mircalla smirked as a metal mask formed over her mouth, also covering her nose. As she invoked her Envoy of Vein form and readied her bayonet, she ran through Mist's Njörðr's Tempest and fired her Bullets of Aramis at the Vamkyrie.

Several blasts collided with the Shroud Vamkyrie, causing her to fall on a balcony. After landing hard, Mist sprang on all fours. Her face twisted with a demonic visage. A panther-like roar escaped her lips. She lunged at Mircalla and pushed her down. Mircalla then grabbed and kicked Mist off. Mircalla then turned and uncoiled her metal tail, sending it toward Mist. Mist barely evaded the metal tail. Mona then slipped behind Mist and blasted her with his slingshot.

"Ugh! Curse thee, feline!" Mist snarled. As she whirled around, another slingshot ball exploded in her face, causing her to screech and hiss.

"Heheh! Eat that!" Mona snickered with a sneaky grin. "Maybe I should've loaded up with some garlic. What do you think, Lady Mia?"

"Garlic doesn't bother me, so go for it," Mircalla added. Veering over, she scoffed at Mist. "And please, that scary face routine doesn't even frighten me. I can make spooky faces, too. Boo!" She responded with her glowing red eyes and a sadistic grin. "See? It's so easy. An infant vamp can do it."

"Shut up! I will not stand for this mockery!" Mist fumed as she unleashed a wind-like mist. Her Celadon Wind kept Mona at bay, but Mircalla ran at Mist, who vanished behind the smokescreen.

"Come out!" Mircalla shouted, her keen eyes instinctively turned red, allowing her to see through the green mist. She then sensed a malevolent force coming up behind her. She turned and blocked a flying metal projectile with her tail.

Then, a pair of seax-like projectiles flew at Mircalla. Uncoiling her metal tail, she swatted the seax away and rushed forward, grabbing a hand out from the mist. Mircalla seized Mist and yanked her forward, delivering a punch to the Vamkyrie, who then exploded and dispersed into green mist.

"A fake?!" Mircalla shouted as Mist quickly came up behind her with a seax like a ninja.

Preparing to slit Mircalla's neck, Mist readied her seax until a wind attack knocked away the green clouds and Mist herself. Flying into the air, Mist distanced herself from Mona's Third-Tier Persona, Diego.

"Thanks, Mona," Mircalla stood up with her metal tail ready to skewer the Shroud Vamkyrie.

"You keep away from Lady Mia, you jerk!" Mona scowled at Mist.

"Annoying feline! I shalt hast thee head along with that Draugr bikkje!" Mist hissed and pointed at them both.

"Bikkje? Huh?" Mona blinked in confusion.

"I don't know what language she's using here, but that sounds awfully like 'bitch' to me, which I don't take kindly to," Mircalla disproved Mist's slanderous remark. "You want some more?!"

"Just thou wait. I will kill thee both." The Shroud Vamkyrie stayed afloat in mid-air, bidding her time to get past her enemies' defenses. Then, she saw her Vamkyrie colleagues inside the ballroom. "Better yet." She ran back into the ballroom and regrouped with Göndul and Skögul.

"Feh, thou dost not hast any luck, pint-size?" Göndul scoffed at Mist.

"Thou art one to talk, musclehead!" Mist retorted.

"Calm thyselves down. We can still rebound from this setback," Skögul said as Sekiken, Noir, Queen, Omusubi, Mircalla, and Mona headed them off.

"Thou want to create an Abnormality? Here?" Göndul queried.

"But, what person or thing we can turn into an Abnormality?" Mist wondered.

"How about a human subject?" The Feminine Vamkyrie suggested, shifting her gaze toward the remaining bystanders, but more specifically Sasha and her family. "Mist, I hast found one!"

"Then, it shalt be done! Yami Matter, we call upon thee!" Mist declared as the three Vamkyries raised their hands and summoned black bolts from their hands. They quickly directed the black bolts toward Sasha, who was ensnared and pulled away from her family. When her parents tried saving her, the Yami Matter's power knocked them away.

"Mom, dad!" Sasha cried out as she was pulled toward Mist.

"There, there, young one. Thou shalt be bestowed a privilege of becoming our pawn!" Mist declared, placing a curse on Sasha.

After planting the Yami Matter piece into the French girl, Sasha's body became shrouded with black light. Her innocent and vibrant eyes turned dull and gray. A red scythe symbol then appeared on Sasha's forehead as the Yami Matter's power coursed inside her.

"Now, awaken Reapress!" Mist called out as Sasha transformed.

Sasha's beautiful gown turned into a black armored, sleeveless dress. She also gained a black helmet with a blood ruby gem situated on the front, shin-length gray boots, and her arms became encased in dark red & silver metal armored claws. Sticking out from her back are a pair of black devil-like tails. Her well-groomed and straight long hair turned wild, shaggy, and gained red streaks through her white locks, which reflected her new unpredictable and sadistic demeanor. Her innocent blue eyes turned sadistic and red. In her right hand is a red and black-bladed scythe, which was fitting for her devil-like appearance.

"Heheheh, I am Reapress! I am at your command, Vamkyries!" The transformed French woman bowed.

"Good because I want thee to kill those two there," Mist directed Reapress toward Mircalla and Mona.

"As you command! Now, how about you have a taste of my Enfereap scythe?!" Reapress charged and swung her scythe at Mircalla, who blocked the attack with her Stinger-Type Blood Veil.

"Mia!" Mona called out as he tried to save her.

"Don't even think about it, kitty cat," Reapress scoffed as she formed a black cloud. "Why don't I bring out my partner? He'll be glad to play with you. Come forth, my Beast of Gévaudan!"

With that, a beast-like creature with full-bodied dark gray fur and red glowing eyes. The creature stood 6.3 feet in height, roughly the size of a rhinoceros. As it arched its head and revealed an elongated snout, it opened its mouth and expelled black smoke from it. The Beast of Gévaudan set its sights on Mona and charged toward him.

"Bring it!" Mona called out the Beast of Gévaudan. As the beast came within inches of crushing him, Mona jumped up and summoned Diego again. Then, he blasted the beast with Garudyne. After knocking it down with his strong wind attack, the beast stood back up and bellowed. "Yeah? I'm not done yet either!"

"Hang in there, Mona!" Mircalla called out while fending off both Mist and Reapress.

When the other Thieves and Revenants tried to help Mircalla and Mona, the Vamkyrie lesbians combined their Jörð's Earthshaker and Waves of Rán attacks to knock them away.

"Oh no, guys!" Mircalla cried out.

"Lady Mia, look out!" Mona shouted but it was too late.

One swing from Reapress' scythe beheaded Mircalla. As Reapress lopped off Mircalla's head, the Revenant's body collapsed in a bloody heap.

"NO! LADY MIA! OH NO! OH NO!" Mona screamed in horror. "Why you! I'm going to kill you!" However, before he could try to avenge the fallen, the Beast of Gévaudan headbutted him away.

Walking over to Mircalla's head, Mist put her boot on it. "Pfft, thou gave me this much trouble? No, look at thee! Thou art dead! DEAD!"

The other Thieves, Revenants, and members of the Advent Eight watched in horror. However, Sekiken remained calm.

"Louis, why aren't you afraid? You just saw Mia lose her freaking head!" Queen shouted.

"Yes, you're being unreasonably calm, it's scaring me," Noir added.

"Now, to finish thee…!" Mist prepared to stab Mircalla's head with her seax. When she looked down, the female Revenant's head was missing. "What the fukka?! Where did it go?!"

"Ah, over there!" Reapress turned around as she saw Mircalla's head reattaching itself onto the body.

As the Thieves, Revenants, and Advent Eight witnessed Mircalla self-regenerate, Mircalla stood on her own feet. The cut made from Reapress' scythe was gone. Mircalla's head was firmly back in place like nothing happened. As she opened her eyes, Mircalla regained her bearings and popped her neck.

"Oh, wow that was freaky. Thank god my head was ok. But then, I probably could've regrown a whole new head, right?" Mircalla remarked.

"LADY MIA! YOU'RE ALIVE!" Mona cried out enthusiastically.

"Yeah, sorry for scaring you like that, Mona!"

"See? Us Revenants can survive and self-regenerate as long as our B.O.R. parasites remain intact," Sekiken reminded the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Advent Eight.

"Right, I'll have to remind myself that if my head gets lopped off like Mia's," Omusubi remarked.

"Well, thank goodness for that," Noir sighed with relief.

"Remind me what B.O.R. stands for?" Queen asked Sekiken.

"Biological Organ Regenerative and it looks less like an insect and more like a black organ with spikes. It functions like a heart, but we like to call them parasites since they were implanted inside us before we revive and become Revenants."

"As much as I don't like having parasites inside me, this bug sure comes in handy," Mircalla said, patting her chest, feeling the B.O.R. Parasite twitching inside. "Heheh, it does kinda tickle now getting used to it."

Swinging her Enfereap scythe around, Reapress scoffed. "Fine, I'll just cut you down until I take out that parasite organ of yours."

"You're welcome to try!" Mircalla declared as she and Reapress charged into each other. After dodging a few scythe swings, Mircalla fired several Bullets of Aramis at Reapress.

"Thou art not playing fair at all! Ugh!" Mist whined. During her temper tantrum, Mona shot a smoke bomb that exploded in her face again.

"Ah, pipe down! Your whining is annoying!" Mona cried. When he turned and faced the Beast of Gévaudan, he and Diego fought it to a standstill.

During the heated battles, the remaining bystanders, Ayana and Kara, stood cheering on the Thieves and Revenants. When Nephilim and Sudsakorn arrived with Cambion following them, they came to help the others. As Cambion dove into Nephilim and Sudsakorn, she pushed back the former and attacked the latter. Then, Valkyria fell right next to Nephilim.

"Damn. That Erinye bitch packs a hell of a kick. Oh, Sam, are you ok?" Valkyria asked Nephilim.

"Oh, Huey! Is he ok?" Nephilim looked around as she saw him fighting off Cambion on his own.

"I think he'll be ok."

"Not for long. I need to help him."

"Hey, you two friends of the Phantom Thieves?" Ayana asked Valkyria and Nephilim.

"Please, we need to save that girl over there!" Kara pointed toward Reapress, who was still fighting Mircalla. "Those bad guys used some weird dark magic and turned her into that thing."

"Wait, isn't that the daughter of that French couple I saw during the party? Man, what a complete makeover," Valkyria eyed Reapress.

"Her parents are over here but the bad guys knocked them out," Ayana said. "Please, you two need to bring that girl to normal."

"Yeah, but what can we do? This is the first time we've dealt with a person being turned into an Abnormality," Valkyria said.

"It's worth a try, Valkyria," Nephilim stated.

"Ok, let's do this."

"We want to help, too," Kara asked. "Please, let us help."

"Despite how we may appear, we're capable combat fighters outside our usual athletics," Ayana added.

"Yeah, but this is way above your paygrade. These aren't average joes you fight on the streets," Valkyria tried to talk them out of it.

"Please, let us help. We want to make a difference," Kara asked as she grabbed Valkyria's hand.

At the same time, Ayana grabbed Nephilim's hand.

Then, when Reapress saw this, she flew toward Valkyria, Nephilim, Ayana, and Kara. Before she could slice them with her scythe, Mircalla intercepted the devilish warrior. In that instance, during Reapress' intended attack, Valkyria and Nephilim felt a portion of their powers instinctively being transferred into Kara and Ayana. The two athletes sensed new energies filling them from within. Much like the Advent Eight members, Ayana and Kara gained not just superpowers but standard hero appearances.

Ayana's evening dress was replaced with white upper-bodied slender armor, sans the arms and sleeves, and a black tribal dress with golden spider embellished designs. Her hands are now covered in black gloves. Reflecting the new power she's now received, her black hair turned white. In her left hand an assegai, which resembles more of a light spear and javelin than a basic spear, appeared.

Kara's evening dress and heels turned into lavender bikini armor and knee-length armored high-heel sandals. Her blonde hair turned process magenta. Adorning her head is a light purple helmet with long kangaroo-like ears sticking outward. Centered on her chest armor is a green gem. A long yellow scarf adorns her neck and a small kangaroo-like tail is seen sticking out of her buttocks.

"Whoa, what the hell?! This is a very revealing outfit I have on!" Kara glanced over her new appearance, blushing in embarrassment. "I've got ears and a tail?!" She then paused and giggled. "Oh well, at least I look adorable."

"Hmm, and I see my battle attire is a reflection of my culture. Interesting," Ayana analyzed her new superpowered appearance.

"But, don't you two feel any stronger?" Valkyria asked the duo.

"Oh yes! I do feel new power within me!" Kara boasted.

"Yes, me as well. If we're going by codenames, perhaps I should call myself Marozi, which means 'spotted lion', and is named after the rare natural hybrid of a lion and a leopard," Ayana entailed.

"And I think I'll call myself Matilda!" Kara announced.

"Why Matilda?" Nephilim asked the Australian.

"Because Matilda was the kangaroo mascot of the 1982 Commonwealth Games!"

"Hmm, that works I guess," Valkyria nodded. "Ok, you two. Show us what you got."

With that, as Valkyria and Nephilim returned into their battles, Marozi and Matilda aided Mircalla and Mona against Mist, Reapress, and the Beast of Gévaudan. Thanks to the newcomers' help, Mircalla and Mona were able to turn the tables on their three enemies.

During the skirmish, Reapress swung her scythe and formed dark green flames, which formed a circle and surrounded her, Mist, the Beast of Gévaudan, and their adversaries. Mircalla, Mona, Marozi, and Matilda tried to put out Reapress' Baphomet's Flames, but the flames effectively confined them. When the other Thieves, Revenants, and Advent Eight attempted to save them, the flames kept them away.

As Reapress charged toward her enemies, Marozi headed off and clashed with the scythe wielder. Marozi efficiently used her assegai and countered Reapress' scythe strikes. When Reapress expelled more green flames, Marozi charged light energy through her spear and nullified Reapress' flames with Luminous Spear. While putting out the flames, Reapress swiftly lunged forward and swung her scythe for Marozi's head.

At that moment, Marozi utilized another new technique, Anansi's Will, which granted her abilities and attributes of animals. In response to Reapress' scythe attack, Marozi willfully materialized the image of a gorilla behind her, granting herself super strength that surpassed the mightiest of all gorillas. She used this enhanced strength to effortlessly grab and throw Reapress. When the Beast of Gévaudan headed off Marozi, she seized the Beast's face and delivered punches to its face that dazed it.

Lending support to Marozi, Matilda's armored sandals helped her bounce across like a kangaroo. She landed a dropkick to the Beast of Gévaudan's face, disorienting the fearsome beast. Then, after delivering fast kicks, Matilda conjured a lightning bolt that struck and surged through her body like a lightning rod. She then blasted both the Beast and Reapress with her Bolt of Mamaragan.

"No! Thou shalt not ruin our fun!" Mist threw a temper tantrum. When she charged toward Marozi and Matilda, Mircalla and Mona intercepted her from going forward.

"Going somewhere, vampy?!" Mona swung his blade at Mist, who nimbly dodged.

Mircalla quickly shot and neutralized Mist with her Bullets of Aramis.

Upon recovering, Reapress saw her Beast of Gévaudan laying beaten. Growling with anger, Reapress hastily headed off both Marozi and Matilda. When Reapress swung her scythe at them, an image of a cheetah materialized behind Marozi, granting her the speed that surpasses the fastest land animal. Using her cheetah-like speed, Marozi grabbed Matilda and dodged Reapress' attack.

"You won't get away with hurting My beast! I'll kill you both…!" Reapress furiously cried until she froze and felt something, or rather someone within her, restraining her. Upon dropping her scythe, Reapress screamed frantically. "Leave me alone! I was going to kill them, you spoiled French brat!"

At that moment, Sasha's voice escaped Reapress' mouth and pleaded to the heroes. "Please kill me and you'll stop her!"

"You're crazy! We can't do that!" Mircalla cried out.

"There has to be another way, right?!" Matilda said.

"There is. The Advent Eight have been able to purify solid objects when the Vamkyries turned inanimate objects into Abnormalities. We've even been able to help them fix Abnormalities. Moreover, we Phantom Thieves have been able to repair corrupted hearts," Mona stated.

"My power seems to be based on light. Perhaps I could give you my power to heal her? I don't wish to kill this girl and let her family mourn their daughter's death," Marozi said.

"Why not transfer your light into one of my bullets?" Mircalla suggested.

"Hurry! She's coming back!" Sasha pleaded as Reapress surfaced. "FUCKING FRENCH WHORE! YOUR BODY IS MINE! I'LL KEEP YOU ASLEEP FOREVER!"

After transferring her light power into Mircalla's bayonet, the Revenant aimed and shot Reapress with it. As the light-infused bullet entered her, Reapress felt her insides being ripped apart and purified. Marozi's light and Mircalla's bullet quickly purged the Yami Matter piece out of Reapress' body. Having been purified, Reapress' form weakened and regressed, changing her back to Sasha. With Reapress gone, the Beast of Gévaudan dissolved into black dust.

Upon seeing her Abnormality creation purified, Mist growled. Before she could get her revenge, the Vamkyrie lesbians took her glory away, knocking away Mircalla, Mona, Marozi, and Matilda with a rocky tidal wave.

"Mia! Mona!" Sion called out as he, Joker, Tennyo, and Moonlight headed off Göndul and Skögul.

"Thou art annoyances!" Skögul cried as she and Göndul unleashed another rocky tidal wave to knock away Sion, Joker, Tennyo, and Moonlight.

"Curse thee! Thou took away my Abnormality!" Mist whined.

"Pipe down, pipsqueak brat. We art about to retreat anyway," Göndul scoffed, slapping the back of Mist's head.

"But, we couldst not leave without getting the last laugh. Yes, because I shouldst be laughing now! Ohohoho!" Skögul chortled while flipping her princess curl-like hair back. As she nodded to Göndul, she readily formed a water glove over her head while Göndul amassed debris from her surroundings into earth matter.

However, once the other Thieves, Revenants, and Advent Eight reconvened to aid their fallen members, the Vamkyries beckoned the Black Heralds. Everyone, sans Black Hōō, reconvened with the Vamkyries. When Black Hōō found herself caught by Hōō's powerful Hōō Nova, which formed into a fiery cloak that would've surrounded and obliterated Black Hōō. Black Hōō instinctively countered and used her Black Hōō Nova to nullify Hōō's attack.

"Sorry, sis, but I can't die now. I'll come back and torment you later. Bye!" Black Hōō cackled as she retreated with the Vamkyries and the Black Heralds.

"This battle belongs to thee but we hast left our impression. Dost not forget this!" The Vamkyries declared as they and their cohorts escaped through a black portal.

As the villains escaped, the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and the Advent Eight were left to pick up the pieces and lick their wounds. Upon returning into the ballroom, the Consortium observed the heroes closely without saying a word. Sasha's parents awoke and recovered their daughter, who had now been purified.

"That was a hell of a fight, but the Yami Matter and the Vamkyries aren't playing around anymore, everyone," Sekiken addressed the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Advent Eight.

"No kidding," Sion nodded while Tennyo and Moonlight tended to him.

"But, we did gain two new allies," Valkyria said, pointing to Marozi and Matilda.

"We can rebound from this, everyone. They haven't taken us out just yet," Joker rallied his friends. With that, everyone else nodded in unison.

---

Later once everyone was cleared out of the tower, the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Advent Eight walked out back in their civilian forms. Ann, Ryuji, Yusuke, Futaba, Sumire, the Spiritual Gamblers, Anastasia, and Nadia ran over to check with their friends. Conspicuous by his absence is Akechi, which the Thieves knew why he left once they saw Sae talking with local police. Makoto suspected he left to avoid Sae and the police at all costs.

"Thank god you're all ok, especially you two dorks!" Ann said, hugging Ren and Morgana.

"Dudes, that must've been one hell of a fight in there. Y'all look beat," Ryuji remarked.

"Beat, he says," Jack muttered.

"You really should've let us help! We could've done something!" Yumeko chimed.

"I'm not quite sure, these new Vamkyries sound tough and these Black Heralds sound like bad news," Mary said.

"Those three Vamkyries were tough, but the Black Heralds were something else," Louis said.

"We should be better after a goodnight's rest, everyone," Hifumi suggested.

"Yes, that's a good idea," concurred Io.

"And that's a doctor's order, kids," Karen chimed in, eliciting some laughs from the Thieves and Revenants.

"Makoto, I'm so glad you and the others are ok," Sae checked in with her sister, whose injuries were treated thanks to Haru's Persona's healing her.

"We're fine now, sis. Still, we did get our asses handed to us," Makoto openly admitted.

"Those two Vamkyries' teamwork was exemplary, to say the least," Haru added.

"But, we'll be ready for those Vamkyries next time," Louis reassured them.

"Hey, cheer up, Louis. This should make you feel better!" Skyler hollered, quickly putting an over-dramatic pose. While leaning back, he held his hand in front of his face while trying to maintain an overly straight expression.

Nearly everyone, including Louis, had deadpan expressions and stared in confusion.

"Oh! That's a motherfucking JoJo's pose!" Futaba called out

"Oh, so that's what it is!" Yumeko nodded.

"You've got to be kidding us, right?" Makoto, Mary, Mia, and a few others muttered in a deadpan manner.

"I don't see you trying anything, Mako-kins," Skyler scoffed.

"Now, now, you two," Haru tried to calm them.

"I don't quite understand this pose?" Io said, trying to mimic Skyler, prompting Hifumi to stop her.

"Let's not, Io," Hifumi muttered.

"Is this your attempt to make me feel better?" Louis sighed, shaking his head.

"I guess it didn't work?" Skyler blinked, undoing his pose. "Eh, it was worth a shot."

Shaking his head, Louis wore a small grin. "Nah, I needed that. Thanks, man."

"Sure," Skyler smiled as he walked by Makoto and whispered. "Try and top that, Mako-kins. I made my best bro smile."

Scoffing and put off by Skyler's teasing, Makoto muttered. "The night's still young, Skyler Jones."

Elsewhere, as Sasha and her family were questioned, Sasha briefly walked around to clear her mind. On her way toward the front of the tower, she saw Tori, Samantha, Ayana, and Kara approach her.

"Hey, we just wanted to check in with you. Are you ok?" Tori queried the French girl.

"Yes, thank you so much for saving me and my family."

"Tori and I can't take the credit. It's Ayana here you should thank," Samantha added.

Ayana confronted Sasha and smiled. "For someone so small, you showed an intense power. Do you remember anything?"

Sasha nodded and sighed. "I only remember something taking over me and a newer, darker personality surface within my mind. She wanted to take over and then we had our internal struggle. It was scary."

Kara added with an uplifting demeanor. "Well, don't worry that dark personality is gone now, right?"

"I don't know. I hope so," Sasha said, glancing over to Ayana. "You and that other woman with the bayonet purged that dark spirit from me, yes?"

"It appeared we did. If that power does ever resurface, don't hesitate to contact us," Ayana said as she turned toward Tori and Samantha. "Kara and I will work closely as associates with your Advent Eight."

"We appreciate it," Samantha approved.

"I'm getting good vibes from this alliance," Tori said with an enthused smile with the prospect of working closely with Ayana and Kara.

Just then, the Consortium approached the Thieves, the Revenants, and Gamblers.

"Well, that was quite a rough night. We're relieved you're all ok and those mavericks are gone now," Gregorio addressed the groups.

"We didn't mean for that to happen," Skyler spoke up.

"Yes, well it can't be helped. It was a pleasure to meet you, Phantom Thieves and company. Whether you wish to view us as your enemies or allies, it's up to your own perception, but we will make contact again," Gregorio stated. "And it was good to see you, Louis. Now, I know you've been involved with the Phantom Thieves."

"So, does that mean you've lost respect for me?"

"Quite the contrary, young man. I'm most interested in where your relationship goes further down the rabbit hole you go. Tread carefully," Gregorio warned as he, Cruz, Mido, Kirari, Ririka, Sayaka, Miki, Joselyn, and Carolyn left them.

"Farewell, Miss Hifumi. I hope to see you and Skyler again," Miki waved to the aforementioned, leaving them befuddled about her role with the Consortium.

"Louis, take care," Cruz muttered as she passed by him, Makoto, and Haru.

"We'll be seeing each other again, friends. Jabami Yumeko, we especially will run into each other again," Kirari said before turning to leave with her two associates.

The Phantom Thieves, the Revenants, and the Spiritual Gamblers watched the Consortium leave. They questioned whether they were to be trusted or not. The Revenants didn't seem keen on giving them the benefit of the doubt. The Thieves and the Gamblers were on the fence but mostly leaned on supporting their Revenant friends.

"Skyler, whatever happens with them, we'll be ready. Though, I am concerned why Miki is even involved with them," Hifumi said, pressing a hand on her chest. "Io's telling me they can't be trusted."

"Yeah, I'm not about to take my chances, even if one of them was Louis's ex," Skyler said, turning toward Louis.

"You needn't worry, Skyler. I'm over Gregorio and his dealings. I've moved on with these two as my support."

Makoto and Haru both smiled hearing this from their partner.

"Well, that sure soured my mood," Futaba groaned. "Are you guys ready to blow this stand?"

"I'm just about done. Besides meeting the Consortium, I only ever came to view the exquisite art museum, but now guess those plans are canceled," Yusuke nodded.

"Then, let's call it a night. Anyone else who wants to stick around can do so," Ren said, turning to Ann.

"We could walk around this place a teeny bit before we leave," Ann said, putting an arm over Ren.

"I'll keep you two company then," Morgana said.

"Goodnight, senpai. Same to you, Ann," Sumire bowed.

"Why not come with us, Sumire? We wouldn't want you to walk by yourself?" Ann suggested.

"We'll walk you to your place," Ren asked.

"Thank you. I can also call Eugene and Rin to pick me up when we're halfway there," Sumire said.

"Want to keep looking around, Hifumi?" Skyler asked her.

"Just a bit wouldn't hurt," Hifumi nodded. "Are you up for a night walk, Io?"

"Of course, and then we can rest," Io nodded.

"Well, I'm ready to leave," Mia shrugged.

"Same here," Yakumo added. "Emily, you want to come to my place?"

"Sure. I've had enough of being around here after what just happened."

Hearing all his friends electing to stay or leave, Louis pivoted over to Makoto and Haru. He clasped his hands together and wore an innocent smile.

"So, how about we do something a little different, you two?"

"What do you have in mind, Louis?" Haru queried.

"Yeah, spill," Makoto folded her arms.

"Well, why don't we book a hotel for us three?"

Makoto and Haru exchanged looks before looking back at their partner. "Tonight?"

"Unless you two have any other suggestions? I want to take our minds off tonight. I've even tried looking into hotels near your place. Any suggestions?"

Then, Makoto and Haru had similar devious thoughts in mind. They turned and placed their hands on his shoulders.

"We'd love to come! And we know just the place, too!"

Louis stared nervously at the two ladies, feeling a tad bit concerned.

---

Hotel IROHA/Roppongi (六本木)/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/11:30 PM (JST)

Following the meeting with the Consortium and an intense battle against the party crashers, the Phantom Thieves, the Revenants, and their cohorts went home for the rest of the evening. However, Louis, Makoto, and Haru decided to book a room at the local Hotel IROHA. The impression of their room was filled with a romantic vibe. The furnished room had a large queen-sized bed with room for three, a dressing room, a bathroom with a spacious bathtub, and chandeliers based on Japanese paper.

However, the only source of light Louis had on was a lamp sitting beside their queen-sized bed.

After meeting with Cruz and her father Gregorio, Louis needed some time to decompress and he didn't feel like taking the long route to his place. Since Makoto and Haru lived locally in Roppongi, he suggested for them to relax at Hotel IROHA since the rooms have space for more than three. The services were said to be exceptionally great. They also needed a place to relax their bodies after a grueling fight against the Vamkyries.

Wearing nothing but his dress pants and a robe, Louis sat on a reclining chair and leaned back on it. A glass of red wine sat on a small table beside him. He took a sip from his wine, which stained his mouth as if he were drinking blood. He licked the sides of his lips and swallowed the remnants of the still fresh wine. The taste of the wine relaxed him.

"Man, what a night that was…" Louis let out a deep breath and sighed. "I never thought I'd see Cruz and her old man again. That was just an awkward exchange for me." He also couldn't wrap his head around Cruz and Gregorio being involved with the Consortium. "I don't believe it, but why am I not surprised? I had this strange feeling Gregorio would have connections with such an organization."

"Talking to yourself in there, Louis?" Haru could be heard giggling in the dressing room.

"Go easy on him, Haru. He's been through a rough night. I'd be just as upset after what happened tonight," Makoto lightly chided her girlfriend as she got dressed along with her.

"To be fair, we've all had a rough night, Mako-chan."

Drinking another sip, Louis sighed. "I'm not upset, Makoto. I'm just trying to get over the idea of Cruz and her dad involved with a secret organization."

"Don't worry, Louis. We'll help get your mind off tonight's events," Haru assured him. "Hey does this look good on me?"

Makoto chuckled from inside the dressing room. "Of course. C'mon, let's show Louis our surprise for him."

Listening to their conversation, Louis smirked. "Now, what surprise do you have planned for me, ladies?"

"Close your eyes first," the couple insisted, to which he respectfully complied and closed his eyes.

As a small chuckle escaped his lips, Louis tried to think about what this surprise could be. The atmosphere of the entire hotel was romantic-themed. He wondered if there'd be some erotica involved. He heard the dressing room door open and the clicking of heels from the ladies.

Keeping his eyes shut, a sly grin adorned Louis's face.

"Can I open them now?"

The ladies further teased him by simply not responding. Makoto and Haru got together, pressing their chests against the other and deviously smiling together.

"You can open them now," Haru giggled.

When Louis finally opened his eyes, he saw the ladies wore nearly identical outfits. Both ladies wore black caps trimmed with two horizontal red lines. They wore similar tube tops, but Haru's was black and white pinstriped and Makoto's was a solid red. Two black bra straps on Makoto's tube top connected to a spiked collar adorning her neck. Haru wore a black collar not connected to anything. The girls also wore similar black forearm-length leather gloves and short black leather skirts.

Staring seductively in each other's eyes, the couple pivoted over to Louis, who was speechless by their choice outfits. He never expected to see this side of Makoto of all people.

"Well, what do you think, Louis?" Haru asked him with a purr.

"Now, this is a pleasant surprise, ladies."

Makoto replied with a sneaky grin. "Pleasant surprise you say?" She glanced over at Haru and put a hand under her chin. "What do you say we give him the time of his life, Haru-chan?"

Haru caressed Makoto's left cheek and smiled. "Let's not disappoint him, Mako-chan."

With that, the ladies set their seductive gazes on Louis and approached him. Makoto pulled Louis off his chair and pushed him onto their queen bed. Makoto then grabbed the wine glass they were drinking and sipped some.

"Hmm, not bad, but don't you think champagne would work better?" Makoto asked.

"Don't worry, they brought us some," Haru picked up the champagne bottle on a cart. She got a cork opener and popped the champagne bottle's cork off. As bubbly champagne came pouring out, she poured some over Louis's bare chest. Haru got down and licked some of the champagne off his chest. Louis felt her tongue rubbing off his body and let out a small chuckle, revealing his ticklish side. "Ah, see that, Mako-chan? Louie is ticklish."

"Seems our manly partner has a soft side," Makoto deviously smirked as Haru handed the bottle to her. She got on top of Louis and poured more champagne over his body.

While being drenched in champagne, Makoto lapped up some of the champagne off Louis's body. Resisting the urge to chuckle, Louis failed to keep Makoto from making him laugh. Makoto placed the bottle aside and got off of the Revenant.

"Ok, that was weird…" Louis wiped the champagne off his chest and drenched robe.

"Oh, you think this is over?" The officer openly teased him.

"This is just the beginning, Louie," Haru addressed him with a pet name specifically for him.

"Just the beginning?" He asked as the couple pulled him up.

Makoto pulled Louis over to her and kissed him. Once they locked lips, Makoto slipped a tongue into Louis's mouth and kissed the sides of his face. She then lightly pushed him toward Haru. Haru similarly kissed Louis, but Haru slipped a hand behind Louis and squeezed his left buttock. Makoto walked over and slapped Louis's right buttock, which made a whiplash-like sound. The slap felt like a jolt to his butt.

Makoto beckoned Haru over. The lesbian couple then kissed and placed their arms around each other's waists. Mesmerized, Louis watched the young women feeling each other out. When Makoto and Haru were locking lips for a sensual kiss, Louis wanted in and walked up to join them. His lips were caught in a three-way struggle trying to kiss Makoto and Haru. The three competed over who'd kiss who first. Louis's lips met Makoto's first. Then, Haru went in to sneak a kiss on Louis. Makoto lightly snarled and kissed Haru. The three lovers settled on an erotic three-way kiss. Their tongues slipped into each other's mouths and vyed over sexual dominance.

After pulling away from each other, they started to take off each other's clothing. After throwing off their hats, Makoto and Haru took off their tube tops, revealing their breasts. Louis removed his robe and invited them to take off his pants. The couple complied with his wishes. Haru crouched over and opened up his pant zipper. Makoto pulled down Louis's pants. Louis was now standing in nothing but black boxers. The ladies removed the rest of their clothing. Now fully nude, Makoto and Haru openly invited Louis to pleasure them. Not one to turn down an invite from his favorite ladies, Louis approached them.

When Makoto turned, she got on their bed and flashed her butt. He got behind Makoto and with one hand grabbed her buttocks. He squeezed Haru's right breast. Makoto turned her head and gave him a handjob.

"Yeah, that's the way, Mako-chan. Grab it hard."

Holding Louis' hardened member in her hand, Makoto added with a grin. "Yeah, I see you're getting hard down there."

The three got on the bed. Makoto was still giving him a handjob. Louis sucked on their breasts. Louis let out a moan as Makoto made him ejaculate on the girls' faces. After licking the seminal fluids off their cheeks, they licked and sucked on Louis's hard member and testicles. Makoto and Haru placed and fondled their breasts over Louis's midsection, massaging their man's member. They shared another three-way kiss.

"I'm impressed with how big your penis can get, Louie," giggled Haru.

"What? You're not implying I have a small dick because I'm a vampire-like being?"

"No, I wasn't thinking that."

Makoto got off the bed and turned around, bending over in front of Louis and giving him a full moon coverage.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Give me all you got, vampboy!" Makoto turned her head, giving him an intense sensual look.

Louis humored Makoto as his crotch rubbed against Makoto's butthole, causing her to blush and moan. His teasing miffed her a little. As Louis was about to insert his member into her, Makoto turned and shot him an intense glare with her cheeks blushing bright red. She had the sternest but cutest look Louis had ever seen.

"God, you are such a tsundere, Mako-chan," Louis playfully teased her.

"Shut up. What are you stalling for?! Just get inside me already!"

Ordered by his 'Queen', Louis shoved his member firmly inside Makoto and thrust into her in a doggy style fashion. Haru got under Louis and sucked on his testicles. During Makoto's threesome with Louis and Haru, Makoto managed to smile during their intercourse.

"Oh god, yes! That's more like it! Fuck me hard, vampboy!" Makoto screamed with delight. "Now, tell me who's the best girl? Who's the best girl?!"

Louis gritted his teeth while thrusting his member inside her. "...you are…"

"Who am I?! Say my name!"

"Makoto!"

"That's not good enough! What's my name?!"

"Q-Queen! Queen Makoto!"

Wearing a satisfied smile, Makoto moaned loud and hard after each thrust from her man. Makoto knew she'd be competing with Skyler over who'd make love to their lover first. While Skyler has already made love with Hifumi and Io, she couldn't allow herself to be outdone by him. In her mind, Makoto feels like she'd beaten Skyler by having two lovers she can control.

After that, Haru and Makoto lay on top of each other. Placing their faces into each other's crotches. Haru was lying on the bottom. Louis continued thrusting into Makoto while both licking Haru's vaginal area. Makoto was on the left side and Louis was on the right. Makoto's right arm wrapped around Louis's neck. As they licked her midsection, Haru let out a sensual gasp and blushed. Haru licked Makoto's vaginal area and Louis's member.

Haru then fondled Louis's buttcheeks with her right hand and fingered him with her index finger before she playfully spanked him. Louis felt his hardening member inside Makoto as he climaxed. Haru felt her midsection get wet.

Louis lied down between Makoto's breasts only for her to embrace him from behind. Makoto felt her breast nipples harden. Louis had intercourse with Haru with her on top of him. Makoto rewarded Louis with a passionate kiss and wrapped his upper body with her right arm. Makoto caressed her boyfriend's chest with her right hand.

Louis's right hand held Haru's back. He slid that same hand and fingered Haru's buttocks. At the same time, Louis's left hand held Makoto's left hand. Haru wrapped her left arm around Louis's neck while her right hand firmly held Louis's and Makoto's left hands. Finally, Haru climaxed as her fluids splattered over Makoto and Louis. The three shared a three-way kiss before falling asleep in each other's arms out of exhaustion.

A couple of hours later before the crack of dawn, Louis awoke finding himself asleep with Makoto and Haru next to him. Before he got up from his bed, he felt two hands grab him. He turned as Makoto and Haru held his hands.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Makoto sternly asked.

"We're not done yet, Louie," Haru teased him with a playful and sensual smirk.

The three entered the bathroom. Louis, Makoto, and Haru jumped inside the hot bathtub. The hot water relaxed and cleaned their bodies. Louis reached for a bottle of body oil and placed some in his right hand. He rubbed oil on Makoto and Haru's backs.

"Right there," Makoto exposed her left shoulder to Louis.

The Revenant massaged some oil on Makoto's shoulder. Haru lifted her left leg and rubbed some oil on it. Makoto leaned back with Louis and Haru sitting beside her. The couple was able to help lift Louis's spirits after tonight's events and this erotic night exemplified their trust in each other. Their bodies were also fully healed from the intense battles. Louis was never more happy than before with their enriched friendship.

"Mako-chan, Haru-chan. Thank you. After tonight, I deeply value our bonds," Louis expressed gratitude to his two girlfriends.

Makoto and Haru genuinely smiled and nodded.

Haru asked her lover. "So, how often do you want to do this, Mako-chan?"

The policewoman tapped Haru's chin. "As long as we want and if Louis is available."

Louis raised a wine glass. "Anytime." As he said this, Makoto and Louis raised their champagne glasses and tapped them against Louis's wine glass. "Let our new relationship enrich a beautiful bond between us."

Before sipping their glasses, Makoto and Haru chimed in. "To an enriching new bond!"

---

Chapter Soundtrack

Lacuna Coil - I Won't Tell You - vs. the Black Heralds.
Code Vein OST - Return of the Knight -Danse Macabre- - vs. Erinye and Mist.
Kill la Kill - Kill wa ill - Valkyria vs. Erinye.
Mai Otome OST 2 - 24 Holy Otome's Prayer - vs. Skögul and Göndul.
Bloodborne OST - Hail the Nightmare - Sasha becomes the Reapress.
Bloodborne OST - Darkbeast- vs. Reapress.
Code Vein OST - Return of the Knight - Driving off their enemies.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night OST - 29 - The Executioners- Driving off their enemies.
CRISIS OST - Hiroyuki Sawano - Ignore the Nation... Awake My Identity - The aftermath of the Consortium party battles.
Thomas Bergersen - Autumn Love - Louis/Makoto/Haru's threesome.
Memory of the Lost (Happy) - Code Vein - Louis/Makoto/Haru waking up from their threesome and having their moment in the bath.

---

A/N: That was a lot of fighting in that first half. From the three Vamkyries and the Black Heralds wreaking havoc toward two members of our heroes nearly dying (thank goodness for those B.O.R. Parasites!).

So, a small rundown for the Black Heralds, they're the primary enemies for the Advent Eight, but can and will be adversaries for the Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants, too.

As for the Black Heralds:

Black Hōō: Yes, it's revealed she's the stillborn sister of Cammy and revived by the Yami Matter. Like a phoenix, she has been reborn to destroy and take over Cammy's life. Since Cammy is already a light Hōō, it makes sense that the twin sister becomes the Black Hōō. Inspiration: Dark Phoenix (Marvel), Dark Shrine Maiden/Miko.

Rishid/Set: Created to be the 'The Dragon' to Black Hōō and as Lance's rival. He can slide change into an Akhekh with the appearance of the Set beast from Egyptian Mythology. Inspiration: Rishid and Rafael (Yu-Gi-Oh!) and Egyptian Mythology.

Dirk/Neurobuzz: Serves as Marty and Andrea's rival. He utilizes neutron electric powers and expands on them using Scintillakinesis (the ability to shoot energy sparks). Inspiration: X-Men, My Hero Academia, Big Hero 6.

Cheryl/Erinye: Serves as primary rival to Tori and Hiroshi. Despite her allegiance with the Black Heralds and Yami Matter, she is one of the least evil ones. She has shown respect for her two rivals, looking to bring the best out of them. She doesn't get along with Brynhildr and Mist. Inspirations: Greek Mythology (mostly for the Erinye name), Kill la Kill (for Satsuki's traits and personality), Dark Magical Girl.

Nayeli/Cambion: Is Samantha and Huey's main rival. While not pure evil like Erinye, she is very possessive and wants Huey purely for self-indulgence and make him her sex slave (that attempted rape scene should be evident enough). Her powers are similar to Samantha's as she, too, is an Archvalkyrie-type (but of the demonkind based on her name, also making her a succubus) and also has her own owl partner. To contrast Cassiel being a male snowy owl, Stolas is a male spectacled owl. The nature of Cambion's magic powers is based on antimatter. Inspirations: Biblical demigod, Demoness/Succubus, Valkyrie.

And how can we forget the newcomers? Yes, Reapress was this chapter's MOTW/Abnormality and she was quite a handful. She and the Beast of Gévaudan made quite a perilous duo. Of course, we also have newcomers Ayana and Kara 'inherit' new powers through Valkyria and Nephilim, turning them into Marozi and Matilda. So, now the Advent Eight have two new allies, and possibly Sasha if she's still willing to support them with or without powers.

As for the Vamkyries, Göndul, Skögul, and Mist made things even harder for our heroes. Just the lesbian duo was enough to push Queen, Noir, and Sekiken's limits, even nearly killing Sekiken/Louis. Thankfully Louis had his B.O.R. Parasite to revive him. And then we had Mircalla/Mia getting her head chopped off, but again, her B.O.R. and self-regeneration prevented her death. I felt for poor Mona when he saw his friend losing her head.

Incidentally, I saw some fan comic that showed what would happen if a Revenant would lose their head. The Code Vein game never explained how a Revenant's biology fully works beyond their self-regeneration of injuries, their blood intake, and how their B.O.R. function. So, going by this fan comic, it showed a Revenant's head (in the comic, it was Yakumo) returning and reattaching itself to its body. That would count as self-regeneration since the B.O.R. heart was never destroyed.

And so, while our heroes won this battle, they were left on the verge of defeat and licking their wounds. And going forward, quite frankly the next events aren't going to be pleasant for our heroes. You'll see what I mean in the chapter after the next one.

On the subject of Göndul, Skögul, and Mist, I look at these three being evil Valkyrie versions of Sailor Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn. Sekiken/Louis already made the Sailor Neptune connection on Skögul, who is not only a lesbian partner but utilizes the same oceanic element. However, Neptune is far classier than Skögul. The obvious difference between Sailor Uranus and Göndul is their elements; the former uses sky-based attacks and the latter uses earth-based ones. And Uranus is still more thinly framed than the overly muscular Vamkyrie. And Mist, unlike Saturn, is a pettier brat and far weaker than the planet busting Sailor Saturn. Funnily enough, Mist's Abnormality creation, Reapress, could also be a Sailor Saturn nod being a dark warrior wielding a destructive bladed instrument. Ah, just throwing out some interesting but useless tidbits here. Don't mind me.

Yes, Skyler did try a JoJo pose to lighten the mood. He succeeded but also got some groans from some of his friends. Lol, and Makoto did live up to her promise of one-upping Skyler, which brings to me the next tidbit.

Yeah, the lovemaking scene. Makoto outdid Skyler by making love with Haru and Louis. I know some don't care for that stuff and so far there have been several of these spread out across Book II. I understand. It's not my forte either, but Ford has helped me to overcome my hesitation to write erotica scenes for the past few years. I'm still learning to write erotica. Maybe it'll grow on me, but I don't expect to write much of them in my own professional novels. If I was writing a purely erotic novel, then maybe.

This was some dense commentary and a lot went on in this chapter. So, I'll leave it here. The next one will be a slight breather.

As always, leave a comment and review. Take care.