AN: Hope everyone's doing okay. I'm going to try to get one more chapter done before the end of the year, and next year I may just start some new projects. For now, please read, review, follow, and favourite. Enjoy!

Chapter 53: To Battle One's Destiny

|Celestine and Shintaro's Hallway|

Having walked on for quite some time, Shintaro wondered exactly where in the castle he was now. This wasn't like anything he had ever imagined. The opponents were still the dark copies of himself and all his allies. Together with Celestine, he destroyed them all with ease. Alas, there seemed to be no end in sight. Just a long hallway, with floating lights to illuminate the dark stone walls and floors.

No doubt the other hallways looked similar. Everyone else was no doubt going through the same monotony. He had to tell himself – there would be an end to this. There wasn't any turning back at this stage. From the moment the team had been spirited to this castle, their destiny was set.

He tried to check his phone, to determine how much time had passed. Yet the clock function on his Gnosis didn't seem to be working correctly. It still read 7:00 am, the same time Shintaro had met up with Kei. Perhaps the passage of time had been altered here, he wondered. It wouldn't surprise him – the Theio Kosmos was a world that took the ordinary one and distorted it, in many different ways.

When they got to a wide round room between long corridors, however, there was a sudden shaking – the entire castle seemed to be beset by an earthquake, judging from the violent vibration. Shintaro had to stop himself from falling, by clinging to the wall. Celestine fell to her knees, gasping with fright.

Where is that coming from?!

As he said this however, he realised that this had to be coming from the lowest floor, where Shigeru was. Had their battle already ended? Or had it gone horribly wrong? Pale with horror, he took out his Gnosis. How he managed to stay standing with the constant tremors, he didn't know. But when he tried to call Michiko, nothing happened. There wasn't even a ring.

Perhaps there was just no signal, Shintaro told himself. Then he realised – this wasn't a regular cellphone. He had known that since the very beginning. In the Theio Kosmos, there should have been no problems finding a signal. The entire realm was itself the signal. If the call wasn't going through, then the receiving device must no longer be active -

"No!" He cried. He didn't want to entertain that thought any longer. His teacher couldn't have perished. Netuno, Reia, Hiroyuki, Novalie, and Shigeru were strong people, as were their Personas. The adults that had guided him when he was new to his power. Whatever they faced couldn't have caused such a powerful earthquake. Yet from the sounds of that shaking, something truly disastrous had happened done there.

"Shintaro..." Celestine said, as the ground finally stabilised. "What just happened?"

"I don't know..." He said. "Suzuki-sensei…she has to still be alive!"

Celestine didn't answer. She looked away, unsure of what to say.

"You think so too, right?! She wouldn't just leave us behind! We have to go back and -"

"No. We can't." Celestine said, shaking her head. "There's no turning back. Nisa Liat is waiting for us."

Shintaro shook his head. "No! We have to find them! They're our comrades, and -"

Celestine grabbed Shintaro's shaking hands, staring directly into his eyes. Stammering, he looked back at her, frantic.

"Shintaro. Shigeru and the others knew what they were doing when they went down there. Whatever Shadow they fought, they knew they couldn't lose. And they needed to win while we made our way to Nisa Liat. If we don't seize this chance, the seals could regenerate, and we'd never be able to get to her."

She was right, he finally realised. Shigeru and the others surely knew the risks. After all, coming to the Citadel, there was always going to be a chance that something like this might happen. The city was in danger – they had to proceed, and fast. Once they defeated Nisa Liat, they could look for Michiko and the others.

"Yeah. She's not dead. They're just stuck. We'll save them after we save the rest of the city."

Celestine, although hesistant, nodded.

"Are you okay to move on?"

Shintaro took a deep breath. "Yes. I think so."

"That's good..."

They continued to walk, trying to focus on the task at hand.

"I never thought I'd have to tell my parents about this double life in the Theio Kosmos. I don't suppose you've told any family, right?" Shintaro asked, desperate to focus on something else.

"Of course not. My sister doesn't know anything. Of course, she's still terrified of me staying in Shinshuto, with everything that's happened. If she knew the full story, she'd probably get the first flight to Japan and rush in to 'save' me. Luther, on the other hand, wouldn't care. He never was interested in my career..."

Luther, huh? She really hates her brother-in-law. But where have I heard that name before? It's like I know it, but don't at the same time.

"So...fighting Shadows with a Persona wouldn't make him even slightly interested?"

Celestine laughed. "Hardly. He only cares about his oh-so-fascinating scientific fields. The arts don't matter to him at all. Which considering he lives in Vienna is a disgrace. To be so artless in a city full of it. I can't say I'm looking forward to being in his company, but I suppose I'll have to see him if I'm to visit Anna later this year."

"Huh..." Shintaro said. "Well, at least you'll know you helped save this world. I bet he's never done anything nearly as grand as that."

"Exactly! He should put his intelligence to something meaningful, not just soul-crushing academia. But enough about that man. Look ahead..."

|Sphere of Confrontation|

The two had ended up in a large, round room, with a single red door on the far side. The walls and floor had a strange look to it, almost 'organic', with veins pulsing beneath the surface. Above them was a large blue window, shining brightly onto the room.

"...You don't remember this, do you?" Shintaro asked.

"No, not at all..." Celestine replied, disturbed by her surroundings. Anxiously, she looked around. "Let's get out of here. The longer we stay in this place, the more unsettled we'll be."

Some of the locations in your books are unsettling as it is. Could this place really be worse than any of the haunted mansions or tombs you've come up with?

Shintaro immediately walked to the door, but the minute he touched the handle, he felt a surge of pain, as if he was being shocked and burned at the same time. He tore his hand away, wincing in agony.

"Oh my goodness! S-Shintaro, are you alright?!" Celestine cried.

"Y-Yeah..." The young man said, soothing his sore hand. "But this handle...don't touch it."

"After that, I'd be a fool too. But what are we going to do?" The author looked around, dismayed. The path they had taken had already been blocked off, by a similar door. "There's no turning back, either."

"Just what is this room?" Shintaro asked, concerned. "Is Nisa Liat going to send out a Shadow for us to fight? If so, bring it!"

"Excellent. You're all in your designated arenas. Earlier than expected, too."

Shintaro flinched. A holographic image of Nisa Liat appeared in the centre, smug as ever. She didn't seem to be looking directly at Shintaro or Celestine – perhaps not able to determine where they were.

"Several of you may have noticed already, but you won't be able to leave this room. At least, not yet. There are eight 'Spheres of Confrontation', that all of you – except the Wild Card – are located in. In each of these arenas, two fearsome warriors must clash in a ferocious battle. Holding nothing back, they unleash their full strength. Only the victor shall proceed."

The two in this 'sphere' gasped. Shintaro couldn't believe it. He'd have to fight to be allowed to rejoin Kei. And here, he'd have to battle Celestine.

"No!" Shintaro cried. "There has to be another way!"

"One of us can surrender, can't we? So we can avoid a needless battle?"

"There will be no exceptions, no loopholes. You are in my citadel, so must follow my rules. Only until one of each pair is thoroughly defeated shall you be allowed to advance. And only until all eight battles are concluded will the third and final seal be unlocked. Wild Card, you'll have to wait until then."

So only Kei can escape having to fight a comrade. Does she have to wait wherever she is? What is she thinking right now? She realises how crazy this is too, doesn't she?!

"If you somehow both defeat each other at the same time...well, then you will have failed completely. The path to me will never open. And Shinshuto as you know it will never be seen again."

"You're...evil." Shintaro said, bitterly. "Pure evil..."

"You all hate me, don't you? Well, then show me just how much. Fight each other to your heart's content! No holding back now – it must be a true battle, as if to kill! Then I will be able to fight the greatest champions of Shinshuto!"

Cackling madly, Nisa Liat's image vanished. Shintaro gulped – this was not what he had planned at all. Fighting Celestine, after all that had happened between them. He had only fought her once, when he had Kei, Kohaku, Masato and Natsumi by his side. This time, he was all alone.

"We don't have a choice, Shintaro. One way or another, we must get to Nisa Liat. Even if one of us must lose. Draw your sword."

"But...I don't want to hurt you like this! Why is this the only way?!"

Celestine, sadly, looked away. Then, her weapon manifested, as did her Persona.

"Think of this as proving yourself. If you can defeat me, then Nisa Liat shouldn't be any problem. If you're not strong enough, then I'll take your place."

What?! But then I won't be able to help Kei! I won't be able to see -

"Well? What's your decision, Shintaro? Are you going to fight, or will you simply allow yourself to be destroyed? I've come too far to just give up. Even if it is you, I won't have any mercy!"

"Fine...then me either!" Shintaro cried, sword finally in hand. "I have to fight by Kei's side, no matter what happens! Whoever else makes it, I don't care! But I have to be there. Even if it means fighting you!"

Celestine, silently, darted at him with her dagger. The battle had commenced, and sparks were already flying as their blades clashed. Her agility had heightened since they last fought each other, but this time, there were no allies for either of them. He had only his own strength to guide him, and likewise, she only no one to rely on but herself.

"Ogma!"

In an instant, the Persona had enchanted the human with the Winds of Wisdom. Shintaro had truly become a master of the winds via his Persona, and with this, he felt even more power was within reach. Not only that, he felt faster, lighter on his feet. Celestine could barely keep up with his footwork, nimble herself. However, she remained composed, managing to summon Egeria.

"I've been waiting for a chance to use this one, Shintaro. Behold! The Invoked Deluge!"

There was a flash of lightning, as dark storm clouds appeared overhead. They burst open, with rain lashing out all over. And it was a heavy, relentless rain.

"What the hell? This little shower won't stop me, even if I did forget my umbrella!"

"Oh, believe me, I know exactly what I'm doing..."

Shintaro grinned, and he stepped backward, sword in hand.

"Good. If you or I were still having doubts, Nisa Liat will slaughter us. So I can't hold back any more. Persona!"

With Ogma's force, a great Garudyne was formed. Faster and stronger than ever, it blasted Celestine far across the Sphere of Confrontation. The already fearsome wind attack had been bolstered by Shintaro's earlier move, much to his pride. He must make use of that for Nisa Liat, he decided.

However, his moment of triumph was fleeting. Celestine had quickly regained her feet, and immediately had Egeria staring Shintaro down. Soon, an Aquadyne had consumed him, and the sapphire water was full of strength, the pressure even stronger than before. It was a storm at sea no ship could ever hope to sail through, and he was stuck within. Shintaro was helpless before it, and he crashed down, yelling in agony.

So she's found a way to make her water that powerful. If only we could have fought Nisa Liat together. But only one of us can make it to her. I have to be there with Kei. If I'm not, then -

"So, is that it?" Celestine asked.

"Like hell!" Shintaro shouted, back on both feet. Their blades clashed yet again. Had their swords been regular weapons, they would have broken long ago. Their wills were ironclad, their determination resolute. He could never return to being the studious boy he once was. She couldn't go back to her regular life as an author. To earn the right to fight their greatest enemy, they had to put everything on the line.

Even their lives.

|Kohaku VS Aika|

The other Spheres had battles already underway, and in one not too far from Shintaro and Celestine, two young women were fiercely clashing with each other. Kohaku had endured many battles up until this point, but she didn't imagine having to take on Aika again – especially not all on her own.

I can't worry about Shintaro and the others right now. I have to worry about this fight! Come on, Kohaku, pull it together! Attack!

She swung her blade, but it failed to reach its target.

"You'll have to do better than that, Kohaku!" Aika cried, as her staff blocked the naginata that was thrust her way. "Didn't you do any training with that weapon until now?!"

"S-Shut up!" Kohaku, angry, swung again. Having upgraded weapons many times, she had adopted a powerful new one with a long purple handle, and a bright shining blade, named the Dream Slayer. Were she fortunate enough to have an enemy before her that had fallen asleep, it would be even more deadly. Alas, Kohaku herself lacked any such ability, and Kei wasn't on hand to try Dormina.

Aika parried the strike, and stepped back, Concordia right behind her. Their song was the Crystal Philharmonics, a glacial blast that chilled Kohaku right to the bone. Shivering, and in pain, she almost collapsed. Her naginata helped her stay on balance, but if this kept up, she would be in major trouble.

"You're not doing too well, Kohaku. How much energy do you have left to heal yourself? Or to attack me? Can you do both in your state?"

"Of course I can! I'm not going down yet! Airmid!"

Magnadyne tore up the ground near the singer, who screamed in pain as it struck her. Surprised, she gazed upon her fan with great shock.

"So you're finally taking me seriously? Good. But remember, you've been fighting for your life this entire time. That won't end until Nisa Liat is defeated! Don't hesitate to hurt me – that is a weakness Nisa Liat won't hesitate to exploit!"

Aika and Concordia began their next duet, the Radiant Souls. As they sung, blue and white 'souls' of constantly shifting shapes pulsated throughout the Sphere, barraging Kohaku with their severe psychic power. She felt something vanish as they hit her – perhaps her own reserves of spiritual energy were being attacked. This onslaught was brutal.

"That's not going to be on your next album, is it?" Kohaku said, playfully. Her smirk hid the immense pain currently flowing through her veins.

"Probably not. It'll be the last thing Nisa Liat hears before she dies..."

I never knew Aika could be so vicious. Even so, I can't just let her win! I'll have to be stronger. But her power is -

"What, are you giving in? That's not going to work, Kohaku. You know that already. The only way either of us will move on is if the other is defeated. No surrendering."

"...I know. But I'm not going to just let you defeat me, either! Airmid! Heed my prayer! I need your full strength, all of your heart, your faith!"

There was a glowing pale pink light, as Airmid soared high above the battlefield. The herbs in her basket were brighter, more lustrous than ever. Gracefully, the Persona scattered these herbs around Kohaku, and they burst open, blooming with intense vitality.

"Healing Memory!"

The herbs were absorbed into Kohaku's body, one by one. In an instant, she had all her strength back, and it felt like she was even stronger than when she began. How long this feeling of euphoria would last, she didn't know. But it would have to do.

"Come and get me, Aika! Just try and keep up with me! If you can!"

The two continued their struggle, yet Kohaku could tell her opponent was getting more sluggish. If she could just keep this up, she might just pull through.

Shintaro, you'd better be there when I get through!

|Masato VS Keiya|

Once more, Masato would have to fight Keiya. For whatever reason, their paths kept crossing. All they saw each other as, while enemies, was a nuisance. Even as allies, they weren't exactly friends. Fate kept putting them together, though, and thus, they were here again.

Do I remind him of that bastard actor that killed his girlfriend? Is that it? No, there's no time to ask him about that now. I've got to keep going. Natsumi's probably waiting for me. Shintaro, too. I can't let them down.

Summoning his Persona, he prepared his assault.

"Camulus! You gotta get him good! Now!"

Keiya was stunned, having just withstood a powerful Ziodyne. The electrical power Camulus could wield had dramatically increased, and Masato knew it. Swiftly, Keiya began his flurry of kicks, throwing his cards in between. They may have looked like ordinary playing cards, but they were as sharp as steel. And they never seemed to run out, either.

"Ow!" Masato winced. He then began smacking the projectiles out of the way with his bat, rushing forward, trying to get closer. However, Sin took advantage of this, and sent him high above with a Kougaon.

Shit!

He then quickly crashed onto the ground with a heavy thud, and it felt like the Sphere of Confrontation itself was shaking. Masato groaned, aching all over.

"Fool. You can't just rush in and overwhelm me with brute force. Think, boy. Pay attention to what I do." The magician said, stoic. "Don't you read up on what the opposing team in baseball is doing in every single match? When you're on the field, you're focused on every single thing, aren't you?"

"Argh..." Masato got up, reeling from the pain. "Of course I am! My teammates, the ball, everything! I focus on everything!"

"So, why don't you apply that here? You can't just swing a bat wildly and expect a perfect game!"

"Ugh...you're right! I'm going to bring you down...no matter what it takes!"

Keiya chuckled, Sin appearing before him. In seconds, the Moonlit Reflection had created identical copies of the card magician. Masato frowned, having seen this move already.

"What's the matter? Is the prospect of fighting four of me that daunting? Were you already afraid trying to deal with just one of me? That makes this much easier -"

"Scary? You? Get serious. You're even wimpier than my dad. As if I couldn't tell which one is the real you by now! Camulus! Destroy the real one – and all his phony copies!"

The Persona manifested, and just as Keiya's illusions began their advance, an even stronger one appeared. The warriors were now on what looked like a baseball stadium, with bright red lights all over. Camulus' entire body was glowing with electric power, his weapon with a deadly sheen. A huge sphere of blue lightning manifested in the distance, and immediately flung itself at the Persona.

"Champion's Stronghold!"

Camulus' bat-like weapon hit the ball, sending it straight to the ground. It blitzed through the fake Keiyas as if they were empty air, dissipating them immediately. The real Keiya and Sin stared at it, paralysed with fear, as it reached them.

The resulting burst of light was indeed bright, yet Masato never looked away. This was his apex, the home run to end all home runs.

Eiji. That was for you, bro.

|Natsumi VS Asami|

The two had been forced to fight again, after having restored their friendship. Just another example of Nisa Liat's overwhelming cruelty. Yet if they didn't fight, then there was no chance of moving forward at all. One of them would have to become victorious.

Natsumi, holding her staff, stared at her opponent. As she did, she thought of what Asami had been through up until this very moment.

"This...this isn't fair! You've already lost your friends! Twice! Why must we fight now! I -"

"Don't hesitate, Natsumi-chan." Asami said, spear ready. "I know it's not fair. That's why I have to drive this spear right into that evil woman's heart. You want the same, right? Only one of us will be able to do it. Even if it does mean I have to hurt you."

"So there really is no other way, huh? Nisa Liat's one cruel bitch. All the more reason to fight..."

Natsumi thought back on her previous battles. That time in Kaleidoscope, where she had first discovered Brigid. EX-NIHILO had targeted her, just as it had done her brother not so long before. All of this madness truly was due to Nisa Liat, orchestrating the chaos, so that her plans of merging the Kosmos could succeed.

But Kei had stood in her way, every single chance she got. And she would continue to do so, for as long as it took. In Natsumi's mind, no one was stronger than her. And so, Nisa Liat would have no chance to prevail.

"Fine! I'll give you my very best, Asami-chan! If you want to beat Nisa Liat, you'll have to get through me first! Whatever happens, the loser has to cheer the winner on!"

And that guy that called Masato and I before – I have to find out who that was. And who 'Ichika' is. If I want to find out, I have a feeling I'll have to proceed.

"Deal!" Asami said, happily. "Kaihime, take her down!"

Nodding, the devout soldier changed her spear with thunder and lighting, and struck at Asami with a tremendous Thunder Drive. It was indeed a force to be reckoned with, and Natsumi couldn't help but scream. Yet her Persona wasn't done just yet. Not by a long shot.

"You really think...that's enough to get rid of me!?" Natsumi asked, smirking. "Ha! Not happening! Brigid! We're going all out! You better not fail me now!"

The Persona smiled, and clasped her hands together. The bladed ring centred around her, shining brighter than it had ever done. Its blade looked sharper than before, too. Soon, an intense lurid energy flowed into the ring, and it became a blood-red wheel of destruction, enough to render even steel to ribbons.

"Exalted Orbit!"

Brigid flew up, as the ring began spinning around the room, faster and faster. The sound of the blade drowned out anything else, and the entire Sphere seemed to be spinning right before her eyes. Natsumi couldn't see anything but the flashing blade in front of her. Still, she had to stay the course.

|Noboru VS Toki|

It had been a long time since father and son had fought. That day, in the harbour, Noboru and his friends fought against Toki and Katashi. Even though his father was a traitor by then, it didn't make it any easier. A lot of negative emotions flared up in the young actor, and he said some hurtful things – and he wasn't sure he was faking it.

So much had changed since then. That harbour was in ruins, completely destroyed by Tanjoshima's collapse. And neither Akari nor Kaii were still alive. And just yesterday, his mother nearly lost her life. Had Toki not arrived, he may have lost yet another person he loved.

Even if he did save my mother, I've got no choice. This battle is inevitable. If only we could have reached Nisa Liat together, with Shigeru. But it just wasn't meant to be.

The 'earthquake', for lack of a better word, had greatly alarmed Noboru. After all, Shigeru was down in the lower regions of the castle. If anything had happened to him, then Noboru would never stop grieving.

"Dad, I'm going to fight Nisa Liat! I have to! Aengus, now!"

A Kougaon flashed, blasting Toki back with divine light. Although in pain, the man's expression was not one of anguish. Rather, it was one of pride.

"Good one, kid…but you oughta know that's not enough to bring me down! Shuten Doji, go!"

Soon, Noboru was subjected to the brutally fast swordplay of Kusanagi – two slashes in a cross, followed by a thrust. He screamed in terror as his body was sent tumbling to the floor.

Dad's Persona sure doesn't play around. It took a whole team to fight him when he captured Shintaro-senpai. But we're a lot stronger than that now. And senpai is waiting for me, isn't he? I have to be the one from this Sphere to reach him. Kohaku, too. She'll be there. Kei, Manami, everyone from Kansei and Chieki. But if I'm the only one who doesn't make it, then -

"...Argh!" Noboru he, tears streaming down his face. He swung both swords, as if they were extensions of his arms. The sheer speed he was attacking at, and the immense force – Toki was shocked at this display. He was only barely able to defend against these strikes.

"Noboru...you're really coming into your own." The father said. "I know, you don't want to fight me. And the last thing I wanted was to have to fight my boy again. Kaii's probably crying right now, watching us."

"I know. And I hate that. Even so, I still have to fight Nisa Liat! I have to let her know just how much she's taken from us. Friends...family...dreams...everything!" Noboru shouted. "That earthquake earlier..."

"Shigeru's not going down because of that, little guy. You think a little tremor's stopping him? He'll be fine."

The two were silent, panting for breath. Their swordsmanship had finally reached an apex, and their Personas had never been stronger.

Toki, staring at his strong child, smiled.

"Whatever happens, Noboru, I'll always be proud of you. Come on, it's not over yet! You think me and Shuten Doji were gonna make this easy for ya? Show me what Aengus is really capable of! But if it can't beat this..."

Toki's Persona appeared, and the environment turned pitch black, with only a blood-red silhouette of a mountain far in the distance. Shuten Doji leaped on top of it, and seemed to grow gigantic, at least fifty feet. Raising his two swords high above, they shined bright, bearing red cursed power with every inch of steel. With a wicked smile the oni jumped off, and rushed at Noboru and Agenus.

Yet they were undaunted. This demon was nothing before them any more.

Aengus stretched out his arms, releasing beams of light rapidly growing nearer, and as they did, voices could be heard singing together in harmony. The beams finally stopped, having accumulated into a gigantic orb of golden radiance. Its harsh light shone over the fearsome oni and it actually started to tremble.

"...Son, is this -"

"Song of Wanderers!"

The orb exploded, finally breaking through the darkness and leaving nothing but brilliant golden light. Noboru couldn't see through it, but he stood still, as the strength of his Persona raged on.

Dad, from now on, I'm leading the way.

|Evelina VS Rinaka|

"Damn!" Evelina cried, as one of Rinaka's shots grazed her.

The fight had become a shoot-out, bullets spraying everywhere. Evelina had no cover in this Sphere of Confrontation, and only had her own agility to rely on. Rinaka was in the same position, skilfully dodging while firing.

"So, it's come to this..." She said, as Breksta appeared. The Persona had a blank expression, while it prepared the atomic force of Freidyne. The blast was strong, incredibly strong. Yet Evelina was not about to give in, no matter how many explosions were sent her way.

"My father...I loved him. I know, what he did was terrible. But if you hadn't joined Bythos, if you hadn't done whatever Nisa Liat told you do, then maybe, just maybe, he'd still be here!" She cried. Aoife emerged indignantly, and immediately fired both her laser pistols. The resulting beams were huge, full of red and purple light, and exploded in a dark blast of Midnight Miasma.

Despite this sheer power, Rinaka did not falter. She stared down her adversary, and looked her right in the eyes.

"You're right, Evelina. I approached Svante, following orders, and because of that, he ended up the way he did. Nisa Liat must have sensed that she could use him. It's too late now, I know. But even so, we have to fight. One of us will put a bullet in Nisa Liat's head. If you think you have the right to do that, then give me everything you have!"

Breksta appeared again, clutching her rocket launcher. It shined a very radiant blue, and Evelina knew exactly what it was capable of.

"I wish...I wish I could have met you and your father under different circumstances. But it's too late now. I'll end this here and now! Forbidden Calamity!"

Many missiles were fired, each soaring high into the sky, then homing in on Evelina. They crashed down and exploded, each blast making the room glow a bright blue. Rinaka watched in silence, as Evelina cried out in absolute agony. It was a struggle to get herself up from the floor.

Any more hits like that, and I'm dead!

Dead. Just as she thought that, her father's face came into her head. Svante, the man whose loving face she had known both in her homeland and Japan. The day she was told her family were moving to Japan, she was astonished. She'd never see her old school again. All the friends she'd made would miss her dearly. And while she'd have her parents and her grandmother, her many other relatives would be so far away. They'd never be able to visit often.

"I know it's going to be hard, Evelina. But we can make a new home for ourselves in Shinshuto. There will be so many new friends you and I can make. I'll be with you in Sweden or Japan. Remember that, always."

Evelina stared at her foe, determined.

"So, you're not going down just yet? Fine then. I didn't want this to be easy, anyway. Breksta, time for -"

"Aoife! We have to make it! I have to reach Toshiaki! And Manami, too!"

Those two were fighting their hardest, not far away. She had to make it, and she hoped dearly that both of them would be there too. Aoife, using her rifles, 'fired' a laser circle on the ground, a bright red one. It expanded, filling the entire Sphere. Rinaka tried to move, but she was trapped.

"Dammit! Why can't I move! What have you done, Evelina -"

"Beauty's End!"

Aoife, not content with the laser trap she had created, began to fire a countless barrage of purple lasers, each one causing the circle to erupt with power. Rinaka was completely helpless, screaming in absolute terror. Then, just as she tried to fire her guns, the gylph exploded, its light consuming the entire Sphere.

Rinaka, I'll put an end to Nisa Liat myself. I'll make my father proud of me, some way, somehow.

|Toshiaki VS Shiro|

So, it had come to this. The teacher and the student, at each other's throats once again. Yet this wasn't another Maths class. This was a duel, one where neither was allowed to hold back. Therefore, Toshiaki hurled grenade after grenade, while Shiro slashed his sword with all the strength he could muster.

"Bufudyne!"

Temporarily restraining his penchant for hurling explosives, he summoned Conchobar, conjuring immense ice. Seemingly frozen on the spot, Toshiaki looked furious.

"I'll get you, Koyanagi!" The young man roared, leaping forward with his claw. Just then, however, Shiro broke free.

"Think again, boy! Mergen!"

A Magnadyne halted Toshiaki's advance, almost sending him hurtling to the ground.

"You're...one strong teacher." Toshiaki said, amused. "But today, the student surpasses the master!"

Shiro laughed out loud, tapping the ground with his sword.

"Your grades in my class say otherwise, Yukimora. As for your Persona ability, that is at least somewhat formidable. But do you really think it's enough to beat me?"

He struck at his student, who managed to duck under it, and throw another grenade, one charged with ice.

"And to think, all along, you were the guy my mother really loved..."

Shiro's face turned dark, and his sword briefly faltered. Narrowly, he escaped the detonation of the frosty grenade.

"I kept wondering, what if I was your father. And I was still friends with Tetsuo and Michiko. Maybe they'd have gotten together, and I with your mother. That was the future I used to daydream about. But that never came to pass. And now, look where we are."

"Yeah. Trying to kill each other, just like school. Guess you didn't dream about that back then..."

Shiro shook his head, as Mergen appeared. The Persona set up a Boulder Bastion, ready to shield his master.

"A lot has changed since graduation. I may not have been able to achieve the life I wanted, and...the one person I loved is no longer around. I was promised a way to make that fantasy a reality, but...Nisa Liat had no intention of making that happen all along."

"Life doesn't always work out the way you want it to. I...I wish my mother was still with us too. But there's no way to really bring her back. I understand that now."

"Well then, Toshiaki Yukimora. Tell me, what is the future you dream of? It's not just being a track champion, is it?"

The boy stared at his teacher, as Conchobar appeared before him.

"I'll be honest with you, sensei. I don't know what my 'ideal' future is. Running professionally, like Katashi wants to do? Or more electronics with Evelina? What I do know is, I want to be with everyone in peace. And we don't have to worry about another world erasing the one we live in."

"A simple dream...but not a bad one, either. Come, then. If you can defeat me, you'll pass the final test. Then you can deal with Nisa Liat ahead!"

Mergen leapt high above, ready to bring down his sword. Toshiaki smirked, however, and stood still. Conchobar was charged with ice already, glowing white, and began firing via the machine guns. Each bullet seemed to be made of pure ice itself, and forced Mergen away – and began to cover the entire Sphere in ice.

"Winter's End!"

Ceasing the machine guns, the Persona grabbed the controls for the laser canon, and with a huge burst of blue light, fired it at Shiro. The resulting blast of ice was so immense, Toshiaki couldn't see a thing. He had to shield his eyes.

Koyanagi-sensei, that was my best shot. That's a passing grade, right?

|Manami VS Katashi|

To have to fight him again was an ordeal. Yet, Manami had no choice. These Spheres of Confrontation were nightmarish, yet another means of torturing anyone who dared to get in Nisa Liat's way.

This whole castle is one wretched place. Once we get rid of Nisa Liat, then it'll be gone forever.

"Li Ban! Aquadyne, now!"

A flood of blue water hit Katashi, sending him crashing. At the same time, however, Derzelas' Garudyne consumed Manami, and she felt its full turbulence.

"Ha!" Katashi's knives just narrowly avoided Manami's body, as she span out of the way. "Even now, you're dancing. I always liked that about you."

"Katashi-kun..."

"...But it's too late for that now, isn't it?"

The athlete rushed, stabbing at her again. She dodged, and then kicked at him, tripping him up. Rather than fall to the ground, he twisted mid-air and landed back on his feet.

"We were so close," Manami said, nimbly evading her foe's short blades. "But we can't be together any more. It was never going to last. I think I see that now."

"Ha...even if we were still a couple, we're fighting to the death now. Pretty hard to go back to normal after that." Katashi said. Then, he looked away, as if he was reflecting on their past. "Honestly...I think we only ended up together because people thought we should. Our friends at school, and our parents. We were the most popular students in our year, after all."

"Maybe you're right. All my friends kept saying I should ask you out. As if I was the only one who'd have a chance. Like you'd turn down anyone else. Not exactly true love, is it?"

Katashi chuckled. "Guess not. But still, I hate having to do this. Nisa Liat keeps finding new ways to screw us over. But that's just how she lives. Trying to tear us apart before we even get to her. And I still have to find out what she did to my brother."

Manami was silent for a moment, as she dodged his blades. Derzelas then emerged, and let loose with a Rapid Ripper. Ichiro, the man who inexplicably murdered his girlfriend Houko. The young, charming nursing student, who had been forgotten by most, even his own parents. He remained in prison, alone, denying he had ever done the gruesome deed.

Could Nisa Liat have done the deed herself? Using Ichiro? All so she could get Katashi to join her?

It certainly seemed like the despicable tactic she'd employ. After all, she had Asami join the Aeon Admins under similar circumstances. If this was true, then Nisa Liat truly had been insane right from the start. And leaving her to enact her plans was out of the question.

"...We'll find out the truth. No matter who wins here. But I will still fight you with everything I have! Li Ban, now is the time to dance, with all our grace!"

The two dancers, human and Persona, made their moves in perfect sync, with mysteriously serene harp music that echoed throughout the Sphere. Every twirl, every pirouette, was masterfully done. Just as she had practised at dancing school. As they danced, the floor became a pool of pristine water, and rain began to fall. The air seemed to turn purple as well, and Katashi looked on with fright.

"Paragon's Cascade!"

Above Katashi, a huge waterfall gushed, flooding the Sphere. The water was lurid, and hard to see through. Yet it was fierce and relentless, a torrent like no other. Manami stood strong, as the water swirled around her.

Katashi. Don't hate me for this. Both of us want the same thing, don't we? I have to go on. She's waiting for me right now, I bet. I have to see her. She better be safe.

|Shintaro VS Celestine|

The two had fought relentlessly, and their blades could not be seen. To anyone who would have witnessed this duel, these swords would appear as mere flashes before their eyes. Neither warrior had any words left to say to each other. For each exchange of blades was worth a thousand words.

Yet their mastery of the blade would not be enough to claim victory, and earn the right to face the greatest evil that Shinshuto City would ever face. The power of their psyche, the Persona, was flowing vividly through, each one illuminating the room with a vibrant blue hue.

From Shintaro, the sagely winds of Garudyne continuously tore through the air. This cyclone had only destruction as its guide, and as Celestine was struck by it, she screamed. Her body flew high above, and quickly was sent back down with a heavy thud. Yet this was not the end.

The author got up quickly, despite the sheer pain she had endured already. Motioning to the sky with her dagger, Egeria manifested. The Persona's eyes locked onto Shintaro's, and soon, the circular room began to darken, as black 'tears' of water began to rain from the sky. These soon formed the Lacrimosa Lagoon, a body of water filled with the despair of countless tormented souls.

"Drown! Just as Nisa Liat soon will!"

No, Shintaro. This isn't like the actual Lagoon the Blue Veil Society were plotting. That was just a book. But this despair is real. I can't let myself give in to it! If I do, there's no one here to save me! I have to prove myself, here and now!

"Celestine...do you remember the last line of Chapter 24 in Blue Veil Society?"

"Of course. 'Despair may be infinite, but it is not eternal.' But..."

"Even after all we've been through, I still remember every single word you wrote. Those words...mean a lot to me. That's why I won't lose here! Ogma, I need all your power! Now, come!"

A giant tornado swept through the room and sent Celestine soaring into the air. Then, came another vortex, that fused with the previous one, bearing a green glow. A third one came, resonating with the others. The author trapped within was powerless to escape. This was only the second time Shintaro had felt such power within himself. And now, with it, he could carve the way forward to victory.

"Savant Cyclone!"

Shintaro's final gale collided with the others, and there was a transcendent array of green winds. Egeria tried to push forward, but was dissipated.

"Argh! No! Egeria...please…!"

Celestine cried out loud, her body crashing to the ground. Shintaro, exhausted, dropped his sword, which vanished back into his Gnosis. Their battle had truly been a 'ferocious' one, and now, there was a victor.

"...It's over." Shintaro said, desperately trying to hide his pain. "I've won."

Celestine could barely move. Yet, she was still able to look up at him, and give him a smile. Despite the sheer power he had thrown at her, she seemed happy. Without any strength to talk, she closed her eyes.

Wait. I haven't killed her, have I? Please, tell me I haven't -

Just then, a voice spoke, one that Shintaro didn't recognise. It sounded artificial, as if it was generated by a computer.

"The winner of this Sphere of Confrontation is Shintaro Nakahara. Proceed immediately."

The door opened, and without being able to move, Shintaro was pushed through it. He landed to the ground outside in a heap, and then the door slammed.

"W-Wait! What about Celestine! You can't just leave her there..."

He tried to open the door again, but it wouldn't budge. It was locked yet again. And nothing was going to open it. The battle was over. The loser's fate, he realised, wouldn't be up to him.

There was no way but forward now. He had to reach the others. While he didn't know who else would be there, Kei would be waiting for him. He had to reach her, no matter what.

|Final Foyer|

Shintaro ran forward, into the dark corridor before him. The walls were black, with scarce lighting around, and the floor had a royal blue carpet. There were no doors, no other paths to take. Only one road, straight ahead.

Eventually, however, it reached an end. A small circular room, with a glowing white circle on the stone floor. Shintaro knew he had to try this – and he stepped on it, dauntless.

The second he did, there was a flash of light, and he found himself in a different place. A much grander, circular room, similar to the hallway he had been before, with a moat of water around the perimeter. And there was someone in the centre, waiting for him.

"Shintaro! I knew you'd make it..." Kei said, wiping tears from her eyes. She ran towards him, and hugged him close. "I've been waiting here for so long, for anyone to end up here…! I'm so glad it's you..."

"Me too. I wanted to be with you no matter what. After all, we're going to find out the truth about Junko together. Right?"

"...Yes, we are. And it won't just be us. In a few moments – look! Here they all are!"

Almost immediately, others appeared in the foyer. Kohaku. Masato. Natsumi. Noboru. Evelina. Toshiaki. Manami. All of them had conquered their foes, and reached the same destination. Upon seeing each other, they cheered, and huddled together.

"I'm so glad to see you guys!" Shintaro said, smiling.

"Same here!" Kohaku said, hugging him out of sheer relief. Somehow, he had a feeling she'd be here. And the others, too. This group, these nine from Kansei and Chieki, would be the ones to go forward.

"Hold on. What's going to happen to the people we defeated?" Manami asked, concerned. "Once Katashi lost, I had to leave the Sphere. He was unconscious, and I never got to say bye..."

"...Same with Dad. Once Aengus defeated him, that was it. I was sent forward. No time to talk to him at all." Noboru said, anxiously.

"Once we defeat Nisa Liat, we can go back for everyone. Right?" Shintaro said, forcing a smile. "They'll be waiting for us somewhere. The castle will probably disappear, and we'll be right back at Kansei."

"I...I really hope you're right. But we don't exactly have a lot of time to waste here, do we?" Evelina asked.

"No, Evelina-chan." Manami said, moving closer to her friend. "We can't stop here. That door over there, the huge blue one. That's the only way we can go now."

Shintaro looked over to the door she was talking about, and nodded. It was indeed tremendous, perhaps even larger than the one that lead into the castle in the first place. It was mostly blue, with swirls of purple and red at the sides and base. No windows were in it, either. Yet there was no doubt about it.

"Nisa Liat's there." Noboru said, clenching his fists. "There's nothing else standing in our way. No more Shadows or Aeon Admins to take down. Even EX-NIHILO isn't there any more. This has to be last time we'll ever need our Personas..."

"I sure hope you're right, Noboru-kun. I never want to go through this again." Natsumi said. "...Everyone's ready, aren't they? If not, then -"

"Don't worry about that, sis!" Masato said, swelling with pride, "You've got the greatest baseball star of Chieki on your side! I've never been more ready."

Toshiaki nodded, hand on the red head's shoulder. "Don't forget the track star of Shinshuto. We're gonna win this, and go home, and put an end to this Theio Kosmos stuff once and for all."

"Right. This is our last chance to save the ones we love." Shintaro said, earnestly. "Kei. Are you going to tell everyone what you told me? About, you know..."

Kei looked at him, on edge. The two stared at each other for what felt like an eternity.

"What's he talking about, Kei?" Kohaku asked, nervously. "What did you tell him?"

"...Not now, Shintaro-kun. But once we open those doors, and we fight Nisa Liat, I'll finally have all the answers I've been looking for." Kei said. "No more talk, everyone. This...is it."

She walked on, as did her comrades. Before she could touch the door, it slowly opened, revealing a grand throne room. The black and red throne, twisted and gnarled, was affixed to the wall behind them, as if it had 'roots' growing. There was no roof, with the eerie red light of the Theio Kosmos casting an ominous glow over the dark stone floor.

Sitting on the throne, clapping slowly, was Nisa Liat herself. Her wicked smile was even more wide than before.

"Welcome, everyone. I hope you've enjoyed exploring my magnificent castle. After all, this is the place where you will die together."