I do not own the Persona series or High School DxD. Everything belongs to their respected owners.
Makoto Nijima took a small breath as she stared at the church at the edge of the city they lived in at the moment. Honestly, it looked like any other church one would see in a picture book or TV show. But there was something very peculiar about this building… there was large greenery along both sides of the walkway and building.
She knew that it was a small risk exposing herself near the entrance right now. If she told the others where she was at the moment. They would be extremely persistent on her leaving immediately. But it would be a good idea to at least have a good idea of what the grounds are like so they could explore with a bit less on their minds.
Brining up a piece of paper, she looked at a rough blueprint of the church from what she had discovered so far. The church itself actually wasn't that big. There was just the main sanctuary while the living quarters were behind it. It was mostly surrounded by bushes and trees on its sides as well. There probably was a low chance that Asia was in the living quarters, so the sanctuary had to be the place.
But the main building was a bit suspicious to her. Why would the Fallen Angels choose this place besides the fact that they may still have ties with the Biblical God? There had to be more to the building that she couldn't see due to the inside.
Checking her phone, the time was between an hour to half-an-hour since school ended and when she began her own investigations. There was a huge chance that everyone should be arriving soon.
Not a single sound could be heard around the old church at the outskirts of the city. Actually… now that she got a look at the church, it seemed to be a little worn down. Was this place not visited as much? Or was it abandoned for a different place of gathering.
But it seemed like had not been noticed yet. Makoto wondered if there was even anyone standing guard. But as many times as she glanced at the gate, there was nobody. Still with caution, she opened the metal barrier and proceeded to step in carefully.
"And who are you?" A high pitched, feminine voice asked.
At that moment, Makoto looked up from her small map. Moving her head, she saw a girl with blonde hair in twin, short side ponytails and blue eyes standing up on one of the branches of a nearby tree. She wore a small black lolita dress with white frills, a large black bow on the front and a greed jewel embedded into her collar. Covering much of her legs were thigh high, white socks and black shoes. She was also wearing a bow on top of her hair.
"Umm… Hello." Makoto said slowly, blinking to make sure that she wasn't seeing things. Taking a step closer, the blonde still didn't move despite the brunette's action to get a better look.
"Welcome to our humble little part of the forest and church." The blonde girl mockingly bowed in a formal manner. "My name is Mittelt, and I will have to kill you for entering our territory."
Silent for a second due to looking over the small girl that had just appeared in her vision, it took the brunette a couple of seconds to reply. "I'm sorry, what was that?" Makoto then took a step back at the nonchalant attitude and wording that girl had displayed. "You're going to have to kill me? Plus you're saying our… does that mean there are more?"
"Correct."
Looking at the other side of the pathway, Makoto saw two people with black Angel wings descend from the air. The first one Makoto noticed was another woman, this one a buxom female with long, navy blue hair that obscured the right part of her pair of brown eyes. Her clothing was a violet, trench coat-like top with a wide collar, a matching miniskirt and black heeled shoes. The trench coat was open at her chest, giving an ample view of her cleavage. The only item of interest was the necklace that hung around her neck.
The other Fallen Angel that had showed up was one who looked very familiar due to a description.
"Can I assume that you are Dohnaseek-san?" Makoto found her eyes drifting over to the male out of all of the surrounding females. She made sure that she kept a visual on them altogether as she backed-up a bit more just to make sure that none of them would attack.
"Oh? Just how do you know my title, human?" Dohnaseek asked, cupping his chin with a hand while leaning forward.
Makoto kept his position at the ready to run if needed. "Futaba mentioned you." She commented slowly, trying to be cool about the situation. "Said how you were a pretty decent person. Although… I'm not sure if I can say the same for your… companions." The girl attempted to choose her words wisely.
"Hmm, yes…" Dohnaseek hummed in thought, looking up towards the sky. Looking back down, he stared at Makoto's red eyes. "So Futaba Sakura talks or has talked about me. Does she know where you currently are at the moment?"
"Stop holding a conversation with human, Dohnaseek." The female Fallen of the group chided with a fold of her arms. "She's going to be dead soon and you don't want to give a corpse your sympathy."
This made the male Fallen Angel silent for a couple of seconds, taking in the words of the other Fallen. "Let me see something, Kalawarner." He stated before addressing Makoto. "…I actually do not know your name."
"Makoto… Nijima." The brunette said slowly, puzzled at their rather relaxed reactions. Then again, they probably thought she was just a normal human and didn't see her as a threat. Although they did say that they were going to kill her for a reason she had yet to comprehend.
"Makoto Nijima, I advise that you leave the premise of the church immediately." Dohnaseek stated, almost in a formal manner. He coughed slightly, clearing his throat. "You are trespassing on private grounds without authorization. Due to your status as an acquaintance with Futaba Sakura, this is your one and only warning."
"One and only warning?" Makoto asked, tilting her head as she slightly frowned a bit in thought. Well, they were supposed to be holding Asia somewhere in the church. But with something like that coming out of Dohnaseek's mouth… "What is going on in there?"
"We don't have to tell you anything!" Mittelt stuck her tongue out as she hopped down from the tree and stepped over towards the other Fallen Angels.
Makoto however continued to stand her ground. "Futaba and the others are on their way here right now to save Asia-san from whatever it is you guys are doing." She stated. "We don't have to fight. This issue can be sorted out if you just let us enter and talk to Asia-san about the issue. If she wants to stay, we will go away without a fuss. If she says she wants to leave, we will escort her off the premise."
"…Others are coming." Kalawarner narrowed her eyes. "So that means that you are simply scouting this place out. It seems that we cannot let you leave here alive for certain."
"Why?" Makoto asked carefully, already taking a step back. It was well noticed though as a spear of light whizzed right past her face and landed in the ground behind her. Beads of sweat began to fall down Makoto's face and she craned her head over to see the weapon that had nearly struck her head.
"After hearing about those beings from that boy and cat Raynare mentioned to us, along with the construct this Futaba character that spared Dohnaseek, and now that blonde girl when she fought Freed… There is an easy conclusion that you are all one group… and you are all going to attempt to save Asia." Kalawarner assumed.
"You still didn't answer my question really." Makoto pointed out, not caring that they may have been found out. "Why do you have to kill me? Why can't you just let us walk in and talk to Asia?"
"You're really eager to save the girl, you know that?" Mittelt commented, rolling her eyes with an almost annoyed expression. "We're going to have to kill you because we don't want anyone interrupting the ceremony. It still needs to take time to prepare before it can start."
That made Makoto's eyes shot up with surprise. "What do you mean by that?" She asked.
The blonde smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Yes, I would in fact." The brunette stated, taking a step forward. None of the Fallen Angels reacted but were surprised at the sudden brave front Makoto had put up. "This is the life of a gentle, kind soul we are talking about here. Yet what you are doing sounds like you are going to kill her just for your own sakes! What's the point? What kind of gain are you getting from this? Is it even worth it?"
"I suggest you hold your tongue, human." Kalawarner now held up her hands and a blade made of light formed while a spear of the same element appeared in the other. "Otherwise it will be the first thing I remove before severing limb after limb."
"Ohh… I haven't seen Kalawarner annoyed in a long time." Mittelt commented. "But I want in on the fun as well."
Makoto frowned while narrowing her eyes. They weren't answering her questions. It just… made her a bit mad. Did they just fight for no reason? Did they even have a reason at all? Were they willing to just end Asia-san's life for a cause they didn't understand or know of? Or were they just not telling her?
But that didn't really matter at the moment. Because it made them so nonchalant about ending human lives. IT didn't matter whether she could fight back or not, she was going to stop them somehow!
"So… Are You Prepared to Fight Back Once Again?"
"Yeah… Come!" Makoto spoke out, immediately having the three Fallen Angels in front of her look around just in case there were other people actually surrounding them.
"If That Is the Case, Let's Revisit Our Contract."
It then struck her head. If was as if the tires on a vehicle were grinding the inside of her skull. With a blink of her eyes, they turned yellow as the throbbing was intense. Grinding her teeth, she continuously groaned and grunted in pain at the intensity within herself. She attempted to clutch her head to contain it… but it didn't work.
"I Am Thou, Thou Art I..."
"What is up with her?" Mittelt asked, looking over towards her companions. "Here she was all fine and now she's in pain. Not that there's anything wrong with that… but still makes me wonder what's happening."
"Wait…" Dohnaseek leaned a bit closer to the thrashing Makoto. "Her eyes… They're yellow… Just like that other Futaba Sakura I saw before it turned into Necronomicon!"
"So… I was right." Kalawarner murmured, slapping her two weapons of light together. As they fused, they simply made a larger spear. "She can bring out a summon just like those other people." She then brought her arm back to aim at Makoto.
"The Justice You Pursue…"
"What do you think you're going?!" Dohnaseek suddenly questioned, grabbing the taller, female Fallen Angel's wrist. "These summons of their can be extremely powerful or even valuable beings! If the Necronomicon is among their ranks, who know what else there is!"
"Never Lose Sight of It."
Stomping on the ground, Makoto let out a cry of pain as she smashed the concrete under her foot. She didn't care that all eyes were back on her. All the brunette could do was pant heavily. Raising her second foot, she stomped once again to created a small web of cracks.
Suddenly, there was a flash of blue.
"Now Celebrate This Reunion with Your True Self."
On her upper half of her face was an iron mask. One could still see her yellow eyes though as it looked like she was glaring.
Taking advantage of the stupor, Kalawarner yanked her armed hand free from Dohnaseek's grasp. With quick aim, she ignored the male's protest as she hurled the light towards the brunette of the Phantom Thieves.
It was too late though. As Makoto screamed, she had torn off the mask and a blue pillar of flames acted like a barrier to her.
Soon, there was a loud sound. The roaring engine of a vehicle. As the fire disappeared, the three Fallen Angels blinked rapidly to recover and found themselves looking at some kind of motorbike. The frame of the bike was white while shining brightly like silver. Two thrusters were at the back and covered by a silver shield so that nothing would be able to damage such valuable parts. The front was the most unique part of it however as it presented a silver face being covered by a light-blue transparent shield.
Positioned right in the seat of the motorcycle was Makoto but in a different set of clothing. Her black suit fit her tightly, as if it were a second layer of skin. She also wore a long black scarf that seemed to flap in the air as if there were a wind blowing it back. There were shoulder and knee pads on her… and they were lined with spikes which helped give her the look of a biker while finishing the look with white gloves.
Looking down for a couple of seconds, it looked like Makoto were unconscious while sitting on top of the motorcycle. But she immediately looked up, a fire burning in her eyes as she revved the engine violently.
"…A… bike… What kind of summon is that?" Dohnaseek muttered loudly.
Mittelt meanwhile gave him a flat stare. "So much for something like that being valuable, huh?" She deadpanned.
"It's come…" Makoto said to herself, remembering the freedom whenever she rode her Persona. "I've finally arrived…" Looking over towards the three Fallen, her eyes slightly narrowed into a glare. "Gun it!"
With the squealing of tires, Makoto started up her bike and began to accelerate towards the ones blocking her way. Charing forward without fear, she got closer to the Fallen Angels within seconds. They seemed to be snapped out of their stupor though as she immediately took to the sky just before Makoto hit them all with the back of the motorbike wheel.
Pulling the brakes, Makoto brought herself to a stop. "This spirit…" She said slowly, looking up towards the three in the air. "I can feel it. I can feel it flowing through me!" Second after seconds, she revved the engine menacingly. Glaring up towards the Fallen, she seemed to make the bike roar with superiority. "Let's go, Johanna!
With a screeching wheel, Makoto spun her bike in a circle. Launching dust into the air at the same time, she partially blinded the Fallen Angles' vision and hid herself for a small window. But using that opportunity, she rode back near the entrance of the gates to the church to get distance.
Pulling the brakes harshly, she skidded to a halt while the back of the exhaust pipes spat out some kind of blue energy. Such an aura was pumped out and careened towards the three that were her current enemies. Dohnaseek, Mittelt, and Kalawarner all quickly saw this coming and flew out of the way. Watching the blue projectiles collide with the church walls, three crystal-clear blue domes appeared and only grew for a bit until they suddenly disappeared.
The destruction they had left behind was impressive, each of them leaving holes the size of medium to large sized windows. There was no material really crumbling from it either, almost as it the energy had eaten an loose debris away with ease.
But one of the three Fallen Angels did not pay attention to the damage that had been done to the church. Kalawarner kept her gaze locked on Makoto who was riding Johanna and kept her own gaze up. Eyes of the female, Fallen Angel narrowed. "That thing…" She breathed out quietly. "That thing is named Johanna?" Kalawarner's chin was lifted up higher just by a fraction. "Such a holy name is used on an inanimate object?"
"That is the name of my Persona, yes." Makoto answered back straightly, keeping herself at the ready for a fight due to Kalawarner seeming to act a bit more hostile than before. "Is Johanna that important of a name?" Did that mean the stories of the woman-in-disguise existed?
Ignoring the fact the bike was dubbed a Persona, Kalawarner took a small breath. "Johanna is a legend among the history of the Fallen. I myself have never met her, but tales of her make me look up to such a person." She turned to look at Dohnaseek. "You say that constructs such of those are strong, correct? Then why not extract them from their owners like how we're going to take the nun's Sacred Gear?"
"I'm sorry, what?!" Makoto exclaimed.
"Because the process works only on Sacred Gears!" Dohnaseek growled out before gesturing towards the brunette. "Right over there is someone with the Johanna that you idolize! This must mean her spirit and ideals live within that human!"
"No other human to this day is like the stories I've heard." Kalawarner scoffed, turning her body to come face to face with Dohnaseek. With fast handwork, she created a spear of light and stabbed Dohnaseek right through his chest. "No human will ever be able to show anything remotely close to her. And if you're not going to help me kill her, then I'll just ask Raynare to help. Mittelt, back inside!"
"Damn you!" Dohnaseek growled as he attempted to retaliate but then Kalawarner twisted her weapon to force the male to fall to his knees while coughing up blood.
As the taller, female Fallen Angel ran inside, Mittelt took a couple of steps into the building. But then she stopped to stare at Dohnaseek for just a second before running in after her fellow race.
Makoto however didn't follow, choosing to instead immediately rush towards Dohnaseek's fallen form. "Just hold on a second, I'll heal you!" Coming to a sudden halt in front of him, the face-shield of the motorbike shined a bit as Makoto yanked the spear right out of the Fallen's stomach.
The male coughed a bit, but no blood came out as a green light tickled his body and his wounds disappeared. "This light… Just like Futaba Sakura's…" Dohnaseek whispered, slowly patting himself down a bit to feel that there was no hole in his body.
"Makoto?! What are you doing here?!"
Hearing voices, Makoto turned around and saw Akira, Morgana, Futaba, and Ann all running towards her with their Phantom Thief clothing on. Akira was also holding a briefcase, but that was easily overlooked. "You're all here." She stated.
"Yeah, we are." Ann confirmed while nodding her head. "But you still have to answer my question. What are you doing here?"
Makoto seemed to have a small combination between ashamed and sheepishness on her expression. "I… may have been going around scouting out the place for you guys." She found them staring at her. "But I didn't just want you guys to-"
"Makoto," Akira cut her off while taking a step forward. "You don't have to explain yourself. You were just doing what you thought would help us. Although it's not good that you put your own being at risk, I'm glad to see that you are safe."
"And with your Persona as well to boot." Futaba commented, taking a look at Johanna. Peering over, she then noticed someone she recognized. "Oh, it's Dohnaseek-san!"
"Guys, shouldn't we be focusing on the task at hand!" Morgana exclaimed from the ground, grabbing their attention. "We don't want to be distracted due to the limited time we have to have to save Asia-san!"
"Wait…" Dohnaseek grunted, slowly getting off of the ground. He didn't show it, but he was impressed with the ability of their healing since he was already able to get back up on his feet without any pain. "If you're going to try and save the nun, please let me help you."
Akira stayed silent, wondering what he should say next. However, Morgana beat him to the punch. "And just why should we let you do that?" The cat asked. "You're a Fallen Angel as well."
"To put if bluntly, going against one of you alone would perhaps be suicidal." The Fallen Angel responded. "But with a small squad such as yourselves right in front of me all ready for a fight, there is no way that I am willing to fight a battle that I've already lost. If there was a remote chance of me winning, I would fight. There is no result that I see though." He then looked over towards Futaba. "Besides, I prefer not to anger the user of the great Necronomicon. Besides, I know the ins and outs of this place and you need to know what is happening. Not only that, but I have a score to settle and I was hoping for your help."
Akira thought about it. Only for a second though. The time they had was precious and they were wasting too much of it right now. "Alright, you're in. But don't think about stabbing us in the back. Now let's get going."
Nodding their heads, all of the Phantom Thieves and the Fallen Angel began to walk into the church. But then something made its way into Futaba's mind.
"So are we going to have to call each other by our code names again?"
TakeABreak
"…"
Sona Sitri found herself thinking about something.
Yes, she did have faith in Akira and the others saving the nun without any of them dying. But still, it didn't keep her from worrying about them. The feeling kept her features set in a small frown as she stood next to the window and was staring out beyond the school grounds.
She knew fully well about the strength of the leader of the Phantom Thieves though. Or at least, from what Rias had told her about Akira. But there was also the amount of cunning and strategy the boy would display. From what was his first game of chess, from what she could tell, he had already taken out a few of her important pieces while his own line of defence was strong.
Sona still won the match with a few more pieces on her side, but was impressed with the adaptation Akira had displayed.
He was an interesting soul. A person she never would have expected to enter the supernatural world from her perspective. It was a bit surprising as well that it was a high-school student who was the leader of the Phantom Thieves that were so known all over the world. Although… it did seem like the fandom died a bit and nobody really talked about them.
But the boy seemed to be okay with that, not caring about the little fame people recognized him with. Perhaps that was another appealing trait of Akira, he didn't let and want the people get to him. But she felt like that wouldn't stop him from doing many things.
Shaking her head, she thought once again to why she found herself so concerned. Maybe it was just because he was another student at Kuoh Academy and she was concerned with every well being of those that attend the school. Or… was she developing a different kind of bond?
"…" Sona was silent for a few more seconds. Turning her head, she saw Tsubaki just finishing up her own bit of work that needed to be done. "Tsubaki," She waited for her Queen to look up. "Save that for later. We're gathering everyone and going to the church to help Akira-san and his group."
Blinking, Tsubaki slightly found herself frowning in concern. "This is sudden, Kaichou." The girl commented, getting up to her feet however. "Are you sure this is a good idea though? Wouldn't this be a possible declaration of war."
"There is the chance." Sona nodded her head. "But I can say that the Fallen had started aggressions first. Not only did they kill a human within Rias' and my territory, but also attempted to kill Akira-san, Futaba-san, and Koneko-san. With advances of violence on the table, we could possibly press charges if we don't kill anyone."
"Possibly?" Tsubaki asked.
Sona didn't say anything, choosing to stare in the direction of the church as Tsubaki left silently to gather the rest of her King's Peerage.
TakeABreak
"That's right, use those legs."
Akira and Makoto both grunted as their hands were upon the alter that stood at the very backside of the church. Pumping strength into their legs as Morgana said, the two of them pushed with some power and felt the large object move a little bit. With more strength put in soon, they managed to keep the alter moving until it revealed a set of stairs down to what appeared to be under the church.
"Wow… You weren't kidding when you said that there was a secret underground passage." Ann said to Dohnaseek as she peeked down to the dark corridor where the black color swallowed the stairs. "Although I shouldn't really be surprised about this kind of stuff."
"Do you think they heard us?" Makoto slightly panted, done pushing the alter. "We did cause a bit of noise just by moving this alone."
"If the other stray exorcists are down there and not slacking off, then yes." Dohnaseek nodded his head as he took a cautious step down and peeked into the darkness and saw nothing due to the lighting.
Following the Fallen Angel, the dark began to light up as torches could be seen lined along the walls. "Huh, torches… Can't say that I would have expected that." Makoto commented as they all carefully walked through a massive hallway that was connected to the stairs.
"This place is massive." Futaba added, looking around to the other wall which was a few of meters away from their positioning. "Seriously, what kind of church has an underground passage? It's not like the building contractors would be on something like this or something… Unless this is all illegal. Wouldn't really be surprised if that were the case."
"Right," Dohnaseek said. "We should be almost there soon."
Reaching a door, Dohnaseek pushed it open to reveal a massive room that looked a lot like a dungeon, or some kind of technologically-advanced torture chamber. At the other end of the room however was Asia hanging from a cross as if she were being crucified. With a combination of lights and designs, there were even wires connected behind the cross that led to the ground.
Right in front of them all of a sudden was a small army of what could be assumed as stray exorcists, judging by their priestly clothing. They all looked like they were ready to kill them. Armed with light swords, each and everyone was armed and equipped like how Freed was back when Ann first fought the psychotic priest.
"Asia-chan!" Ann exclaimed, seeing the blonde nun just seeming to float/hang on the massive cross.
The nun looked tired, nearly exhausted. But her head raised up when she heard a familiar voice. "Ann-san…" She whispered in recognition.
But the voice was loud enough for Ann to head. "Just hold on tight! We're going to get you out of here!"
"This is a heartwarming moment, but you're all too late."
Turning their heads, they all spotted Raynare accompanied by Kalawarner, Mittelt, and even Freed as they all stood right next to the cross that Asia was connected to.
However, there were strange marks right between Raynare's cleavage and throat. The same symbols were also drawn onto Asia's skin in the same area. "The ceremony has begun, and there is nothing you can do to stop me."
"…Can't you see what you are doing?" Akira stepped forward without hesitation. Only the stray exorcists reacted though as their weapons were raised up higher. But his hands were raised, as if in a peaceful gesture. "This is a girl, a girl who had done nothing wrong. That girl is one who probably never even looked at any of you in terror or judgement. Look at her. Look at her and think what you are doing."
Raynare indeed did pause for a moment, slowly looking over towards Asia who looked so sad when before she was such a happy girl.
Bringing her hand out, Raynare touched the odd signs.
Asia's soon began to scream, the marking lighting up as if on fire. Her cries were heard for a few seconds, but then the voice died out as she slumped down and didn't move.
"Asia-chan!" Ann cried out.
"Don't worry, Panther!" Futaba exclaimed, raising her hands as a few screens popped up in front of her. One of them showed an x-ray of Asia's body. In that picture showed a beating heart with a heart-rate monitor at the corner. "She's still breathing! But… it's slowly losing its beats per minute…"
"Of course that would be the case." Dohnaseek stated, placing a hand on his fedora. "That cross there is what is separating the nun from her Sacred Gear."
"Does that mean that the Sacred Gear is being taken away?" Morgana asked, looking around. "Then where is it going?"
"That should be a bit obvious." Raynare stated, stepping forward and tapping the symbols on her skin. "With this ritual, I will soon be the new owner of the Twilight Healing granted by our Heavenly Father."
"Hey, you're that bitch from before!" Freed pointed out rather crudely and out of the blue as he glared towards Ann. "Yeah, that bitchy Devil slut who shot me! I am going to enjoy my time raping you before killing you!" He pulled out his light sword while drawing a gun.
Ann growled out while drawing the Naraka Whip out, the presence of her weapon being revealed to her surroundings.
"When I'm done with you… I am going to separate you from Johanna…" Kalawarner stated dangerously, spreading her wings widely. "Your race's ideals and morals are what killed her in the first place."
"Humanity has grown since then." Makoto responded back, raising her fists to show that she was holding some kind of strange batons. "While I can't exactly say that everyone has changed, some of us have at least."
They were colored gold and shined in the light that was under the light provided by the room. The brunette held the weapons in the middle of their body as that's where the grip was. Small cones were on both ends of the middle, with the point connecting to the middle. Groove within the cone were small to make it look like it was a grand design. After that first cone was a second one. But then that's when the design one changed, showing six gold, folded talons pinching down on sharp points that were the ends of the weapons.
Vajra was extremely valuable since it came from Asura after all.
"Well, I guess it's just me and you then, cat." Mittelt shrugged her shoulders. "Not going to be much of a fight though."
"That what you think." Morgana commented as he rested Claiomh Solais on his shoulder.
"You embarrassed me back in the park… humiliated me…" Raynare growled out while looking at Akira. With hands prepared, two light spears for in her palms. "Now it's time that I return the favor. No matter how much you beg for mercy, I am going to enjoy your cries of pain."
Akira however cracked his knuckles. Rolling his head at the same time, he felt his weapon on his person. He remembered his own words. No holding back. From his side, he presented it. His black blade which contained Satanael, the ultimate rebel of history.
All of the Fallen Angels snapped their heads towards the weapon, as if mesmerized by the presence it showed. It was as if… it was one of theirs. But that feeling was thrown out of the window as Raynare shook her head. "Who cares about that!? It's just a weapon, go kill them!"
"With pleasure!" Freed exclaimed as he ran forward.
"I'll be sure to take care of the other brats!" Dohnaseek presented his own wings. "Make sure you at least injure them properly for me."
The Fallen Angel didn't wait for a reply as he went straight for the stray exorcists.
As Makoto, Morgana, and Ann all went to their separate opponents, Akiraa and Raynare glared at each other as they both charged forward to one another. Leaping into the air, Akira attempted to kick the female but she held her arms up to block and pushed him away. Attempted to close the distance right away, she soon came face to face with Arsene and found herself blocking against while being brought back to the ground.
Watching Raynare go for his airborne form, Akira used Arsene to flip him around and disappear at the same time to flip over an incoming stab. Taking out a card from his pocket, there was just a drawing of a giant cut (Giant Slash). Slashing the card, a large horizontal mark popped out of the card. Coming into contact with Raynare, the Fallen was sent careening towards the ground with a large slash mark on her back while bringing up some dust.
Landing on the ground, Akira heard noise and looked over to see that everyone else had began fighting. Futaba meanwhile had been attempting to sneak over to the cross, but it had been very difficult with many stray exorcists coming towards her. Fortunately, Dohnaseek managed to protect her at the same time.
Eyeing Raynare again, he blinked and saw that she was gone from her spot. "Behind you." He heard her voice. Quickly turning his head, he saw Raynare preparing a slashing motion with a spear of light. But due to her arched back, he noticed that the cut he had left on her backside had just vanished before being knocked away towards one of the walls.
With a large cut on his own back, he skidded along the ground. Remembering which pocket held which cards, he pulled out a card that had a small amount of green sparkles on it (Dia). Getting back to his feet, he ducked while stabbing the card to avoid a light spear to his face thanks to a charging Raynare.
"Persona!" Feeling a small warm tingling on his back, he summoned Arsene again and the Persona launched the Fallen Angel into the air with a punch. With his back hurting a bit while stepping back, Akira took a deep breath as he flipped the grip in his knife. As Raynare fell back down, Arsene grabbed her and pushed her against the wall. With a small combo of punches and kicks, Akira landed a few hard blows all over her body. His Persona soon released its grip as it landed a blow of its own onto her face.
Raynare's face and body was covered in cuts and bruises when Akira ran off to attempted to help the others. But then he saw a green light out of the corner of his eyes. Turning around, he found himself guarding against a pissed off Raynare who didn't even look like she had been injured in the slightest.
"Just how are you…?" Akira gritted out as he struggled against Raynare.
"Twilight Healing." Raynare answered, doing her best to push against Akira as well. "Thanks to your early interference, the ritual is taking much longer than expected it seems. But slowly, Asia's life is being drained away... her Sacred Gear coming into my body for my own uses. It's nice, don't you agree?"
"It's disgusting." Akira stated. "What are you even doing this for?"
"Myself. Isn't that the obvious answer?" Raynare hopped back to gain distance before launching herself forward with nice speed.
While Makoto was fighting Kalawarner and Morgana against Mittelt, Ann and Freed stood against one another. Stretching her whip, Ann watched as Freed ran straight towards her. Lashing back and forth, the bastard seemed to be much swifter than before somehow and managed to avoid more than blocking.
"Carmen!" Ann shouted as the Persona showed itself and a black orb surrounded by red formed right in front of Freed and dropped down while being absorbed into his body. What was now going to be a powerful strike was now a normal slash as Ann lifted her whip and pulled the tip so that the tether blocked the incoming sword of light.
"Hah! Are you just a small-trick bitch, you slutty Devil lover?" Freed sneered, pressing down harder on his weapon but couldn't' make Ann budge. "All I see you doing it try to whip me into submission. Who knows, maybe I'll eventually rip that damn thing out of your hands and start using it on you."
"Fat chance!" Ann exclaimed as Carmen swung the man attracted the vine it held right at Freed and the male had to jump back to avoid a hit to the face. But Ann immediately followed up with a snap of her weapon. Striking Freed's leg, the one limb soon began to be covered in ice.
"The fuck?!" The crazed exorcist growled out, looking down at the ice before feeling another sting of the whip hit his arm. Looking un, it was also encased in the transparent, cold rock. Before he could say anything else though, his body began to be solidified in ice every time Ann struck him.
With a final lash, the tip of the whip got stuck in the ice. But Ann didn't mind that. Spinning around, she caused the block to also soar through the air like a mace on a chain. Heaving it over her shoulder, she smashed the block onto the ground and broke Freed free as he cried out in pain.
"Hold still!" Mittelt called out, chasing Morgana who was running pretty fast despite his short legs near the downed Freed. With light spear in hand, she raised her hand up to try and aim for the cat. But running at the same time proved to be difficult.
But Morgana soon bent his knees as he stopped running and pushed himself off the floor yet still remained close to it. Going right under a rushing Mittelt's legs, the cat shoved his hands against her back before pushing himself off the floor again with his hands. Flipping around a couple, he soon produced his Sudarshna slingshot and aimed. "Take aim, and fire!"
As he aimed, he made sure that the Megido Bomb he put on his was still attatched. Releasing a small ball-bearing, it hit the charge as a combination of the shot, explosion, and her running caused Mittelt to crash into a wall. Leaving several cracks, the blonde Fallen Angel got back up. But her eyes seemed to spin as she was walking around without any sense of direction for a couple of seconds.
"Haha! How do you like me n-Ahh!" Morgana exclaimed with pride but then grunted as Freed got up from his beating and kicked Morgana hard. As Freed went after the cat, Ann chased him to support her friend.
Kalawarner landed on the ground with Makoto at the same time. Before the Fallen Angel could close the distance though, the brunette produced a red revolver. The barrel was long and pretty much all of it but the handle was coat in a crimson red. The handle of the gun through was dark black. The size was perfect for Makoto's hand, the body being not too small or too large.
Despite its devil-like colors, the Judge of the Dead was made from the angel Michael.
Shooting Kalawarner in the arm, the Fallen Angel recoiled in pain. Raynare however was nearby and put her hand on her fellow Fallen Angel before being driven away by Akira. But the wound had been healed during that moment of contact before Makoto could get close.
About to fly up, Kalawarner was stopped by Makoto roaring up to her with Johanna. Landing a solid blow with her weapon, she quickly sped up to get right behind the Fallen Angel before knocking her up to the air.
Slamming against a wall, Kalawarner growled in irritation. But it was cut short when Akira came flying right towards her and brought the both of them against the wall. Akira was quick to recover though as he dodged an incoming light spear from Raynare. The Fallen Angel wasn't lucky though as she stabbed Kalawarner.
"What was that for?!" Kalawarner growled out, ripping the spear from her chest.
"Oh shut up!" Raynare growled back as she healed her fellow Fallen Angel.
While in the middle of their bickering, Akira quickly searched himself. He didn't want to waste anymore cards, she had thought about using something he made. Pulling out Flame Bottles, he tossed them both at Raynare and Kalawarner.
"Joker, duck!" Turning around, he saw Makoto raising her gun and aiming for the two bottles. Slightly taken back how she caught on so quickly, Akira dived out of the way as Makoto shot the two bottles. Flames burst out and burned both Fallen Angels. But that was short lived as Raynare quickly healed them against and they both went for both Persona users.
As Morgana rolled on the ground, Freed caught up and kicked the cat further away. But Mittelt followed up fast as she kicked Morgana into the air herself. Freed jumped up and slammed the feline back to the floor with the handle of his gun. Taking aim with a sick smile, Ann quickly interfered by using her gun to spray bullets and hit Freed to prevent him from shooting. With a pillar of fire forming under the male, the flames shot up and Freed screamed in agony.
Mittelt flew right towards Ann but Morgana recovered quickly and kicked the Fallen Angel right in her face. "Persona!" Both Morgana and Ann shouted. Carmen was the first to show itself and gestured to the cat.
Feeling himself be healed, Morgana made sure his blade was ready as Zoro created a large cloud of whirling winds around the cat. Spinning like a top thanks to the mini-tornado, he became deadly as his blade was out at the same time and continuously attacked Mittelt who had to both block and be cut by the cat's fury.
With the flat side of his weapon, he knocked Mittelt high into the air and stopped spinning around. With both Morgana's and Ann's Personas out, Zoro was first as it slashed Mittelt. Watching the Fallen Angel being sent its was, Carmen smashed one of the male-figures against the small-blonde. Coming back right to Zoro, Morgana was ready as he aimed a ball-bearing and shot the girl straight on the head.
Raynare and Kalawarner were separated when Akira commanded Arsene to throw Makoto towards the latter Fallen Angel while the brunette was on Johanna. As Akria ran while Raynare flew, the male jumped to try and slash the female. Raynare flew low to avoid the attack and knocked Akira up into the air.
Makoto came in from Raynare's side immediately and nailed the Fallen Angel in the face. Seeing Kalawarner soaring towards her, Makoto got back on Johanna and swerved just in the nick of time to avoid the woman and slam her back with the back of her Persona. Raynare got her revenge though as she came flying up behind Makoto and landed a double-footed kick against her back.
Akira was quick to follow up however as he came falling from the air and both feet stomped onto Raynare's stomach. The Trickster had to leave the fight temporarily once again through as Makoto came crashing into him. Before Raynare could get back up, Makoto pressed her feet onto the former's body to avoid Kalawarner coming at her again.
Landing a solid blow to Kalawarner's gut, Makoto soon was sent away by a very pissed-off Raynare who stabbed Makoto's stomach and flung her away. But Akira followed up with Arsene planting two feet against her face. Kalwarner appeared from the sky soon and slammed the boy to the ground. Makoto's body shined green a bit and she went back into the fray and crashed into Kalawarner with Johanna once more.
Raynare charged forward in fury and landed a punch on Makoto's face. Left open with that attack, Akira ran up and slashed Raynare's back. Holding his hand up, Arsene suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled up to avoid a spear to through his chest from Kalawarner. The Fallen Angel immediately came face-to-wheel with Johanna as Makoto came riding in once again.
Seeing Raynare go for him once more, he pushed against her head at the right time to avoid her spear and commanded Arsene to punch her again.
Soaring towards one another, Raynare slammed into Freed while Kalawarner crashed into Mittelt before all of them hit the ground in a pile of bodies. "God damn it!" Raynare roared in anger as she was the first back to her feet. "What the hell is wrong with all of you!? Why aren't you even killing these humans?!" Clenching her fists, she tried to use the power of Twilight Healing to repair her body.
But nothing happened.
"What?!" Raynare exclaimed, looking around to what the Hell was happening. "Why isn't the Sacred Gear working?!"
"And... done!"
Futaba let out a cry of victory as she was standing right next to the cross where Asia still hung on. The orange-haired girl had her attention set onto the blonde though as she had a screen up with the symbols that were on Asia and Raynare's body. "Alright, no more healing power for that Ray… nar… e…!" Slowly turning her head to see everyone staring at her. "…I'm in trouble, aren't I?"
Nobody bothered to notice all of the stray exorcists on the ground and out cold.
"Uh oh," Freed soon sang out, standing up. "Is this what's called a precarious situation?"
"Freed," Raynare growled out, standing right in front of the stray exorcist. "Don't you fucking dare try to escape. You're going to see this to the end, or I'm going to kill you myself."
"Hmm…" Freed twisted his face into a thoughtful frown. But that was gone within seconds as he cracked a grin. "Nah."
Releasing the magazine on his gun, the object clattered to the floor. An eruption of light blinded everyone in the area, causing them all to shout with surprise and cover their eyes due to the sudden shine. "That damn freed, I'm going to murder that bastard when I'm done here!" Raynare roared as Freed escaped through the door. "But first, take care of that bitch that stopped the ceremony!"
"Oracle, run!" Akira shouted as he rubbed his eyes to recover faster.
"But what about Asia-san? We can't just leave her here!" Futaba exclaimed, looking around to try and find something that could help them. Raynare glared at the girl and lunged for the hacker.
"Did you forget about me?!" Dohnaseek responded as he blocked her spear.
"Thanks, Dohnaseek-san!" Futaba nodded her head despite the Fallen Angel not being able to see it. Attempting to pry the girl off, it was almost as if her arm were magnetized to the cross. "I can't! Move! Her!"
"Like we're going to let you!" Kalawarner and Mittelt both flew towards Futaba once again but then Arsene grabbed them both by their ankles and pulled them back down.
"All of you, help Oracle! Get Asia-san out of here!" Akira ordered as he tossed a card with several large snowflakes (Mabufudyne) to the group of Fallen Angels and shot it with his gun.
As jagged trees of ice grew from the floor, the rest of the Phantom Thieves were all at the cross. "Come on!" Morgana growled, pulling on one of Asia's arms. "Move!"
"It's working!" Ann exclaimed, prying the other arm off with Futaba's help. "We're separating Asia-chan from the cross!"
"Save your breath for this!" Makoto gritted out, putting a lot of strength into pulling. "Almost…. There…" With a cry, all of them pulled Asia off of the crucifix and landed on the floor. "Come on, we have to go! Now!"
"What about Joker?!" Futaba exclaimed.
"I'll be fine! Just go!" The leader of the Phantom Thieves managed before having to avoid a spear to the head then a spear to his leg. With Arsene and him fighting, it was enough time for Morgana, Futaba, Ann, and Makoto to run out of the room and up the stairs.
"So what are we supposed to do now? Just sit around and wait!?" Ann asked, setting Asia down onto a wooden bench as they made it up to the upper level of the church.
"Well, we weren't really told that we weren't allowed to go back down." Morgana answered.
But then Makoto raised her hand to stop them. "Wait…" She slowly said, looking at the alter and the hidden passage. "I actually have an idea. Morgana, do you have anymore bombs that Akira's made?"
TakeABreak
"You damn traitor!" Raynare growled and she faced off against Dohnaseek. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"That is my question, Raynare!" The male Fallen Angel replied back. "You know that this was not supposed to happen, yet I still followed you! Not only killing that owner of the Sacred Gear, but also taking one from the nun! Both of those actions go completely against Azazel-sama's orders! I am at least minimizing the punishment I will receive when he finds out about this entire ordeal!"
"Not unless I kill you first!" The black-haired female Fallen stated.
[Joker, can you hear me?!] Futaba's voice roared in Akira's ear as he winced at the volume for a second which earned him a fist to his jaw.
"Crystal." He stated, rolling his mouth before leaping back to avoid more attacks from the duo of Fallen Angels.
[Alright, Queen has a plan and its already put in action. All we need you to do is get back up the stair just a couple of seconds before the Fallen reach the top.]
"Easier said than done." Akira commented as he retaliated with a slash from his weapon but then it was avoided.
[But can you do it?] Futaba asked.
A smirk formed on his face at the question. "Who do you think I am?" He asked.
Running towards a wall, he looked back for a second to see Kalawarner and Mittelt chasing him still. Looking forward once again, he jumped up and kicked himself off of the wall. Landing on the ground, he began to run again. Raising his gun, he shot Raynare's arm as she was pinning Dohnaseek on the ground.
"Come on, we're getting out of here!" Akira rushed past Dohnaseek as Arsene grabbed the Fallen Angel by the arm and dragged him along until it was near Akira.
"They're going to follow us though!" The male pointed out as he jaggedly gestured to the three Fallen Angels that were chasing them.
"We just need to be ahead of them at all times." Akira stated as he began to pick up speed.
Spear by spear, they passed him and Dohnaseek. Grazed, they did their best not to stumble as the stinging pain as that would lose them precious distance. It then hit Dohnaseek during their run. "What am I doing? I have wings!"
Akira soon found himself lifted by the back of his jacket as Dohnaseek began to fly them through the hall. Flailing his arms a bit, the Phantom Thief looked back to see that the ones chasing them had also spread their wings. "Guy, we're coming up to the exit. What ever you have ready better be good!"
[You catch that, Queen?] Futaba asked. [What about you, Mona?]
There was the small sound of shifting. [Ready!] Morgana responded.
[Just let us know when you're coming out] Makoto added.
He could see Dohnaseek approaching the light that led to the main floor. "…Three…" He swung himself around to avoid a light spear which almost made the Fallen Angel drop him.
"…Two…" He heard the sound of the hammer of a gun clicking back.
"…One…" They were almost there.
Bursting out of the hidden passage, Dohnaseek and Akira both soon fell to the ground in a bit of exhaustion as they were right in the middle of the church. Rolling onto his back, he could see the three Fallen Angels about to fly right out of the opening after them.
Akira saw a couple of bombs he had made sticking on the alter before the three appeared.
Taking aim, Makoto pulled the trigger while Morgana released a shot.
TakeABreak
The church was quiet, but sounds could be heard inside the building and outside the doors.
A bright, blue light emanated within the surroundings of the church just outside the front door. But at the same time, a red light of a similar shade appeared. Just a moment later, Sona was standing in front of the church with her Peerage at the ready.
Looking over to her side, Sona blinked. "You're here as well, Rias?" She asked with a hint of surprise. "I thought you wouldn't show up."
"Originally, I wouldn't." Rias sighed, placing her hand to her forehead. "But a couple of my Peerage members are concerned about those that are involved." She looked over to Issei and Koneko. "But still, I am concerned for Akira-kun and the others which is why I organized this raiding party. Although what is your reasoning for you to be here."
"The same as you. Concern." Sona answered, staring at the doors while narrowing her eyes a bit in suspicion. "Even though I did say I have faith in Akira-san and his group, I still am worried about them as Kuoh students." She stayed silent for a couple of seconds. "Is it just me or is it a little too quiet."
At those words, everyone put their guards up with the possibility of having to fight in mind. As the leaders of the student council and the Occult Research club both at the doors, they carefully opened up the wooden barriers.
The sigh before them… it was something they did not exactly expect.
The Phantom Thieves were scattered around the church. Near the now destroyed alter, Futaba seemed to be having some kind of conversation with Dohnaseek with the latter seeming to have a interested face on his features. Ann was sitting on a wooden bench on the left, slowly and gently brushing her hand against a sleeping Asia. Makoto was on the right on a bench of her own with Morgana. Akira however was leaning on a pillar near the entrance as he turned his head over to see Sona and Rias with their peerages. All of them were still in their Phantom Thief clothing.
But what truly caught the Devils' attention was what was at the very center of the church. Three bodies were laid out on the ground. Severe burns could be seen on their skin as even their hair was a bit singed. There was another thing the three held in common. All were knocked out cold.
"Sitri-san and Gremory-san." Akira nodded his head in a small greeting. "…I thought the both of you weren't going to step foot within the grounds of the church."
"We weren't." Sona answered his question. "But then we had the card that they started the acts of aggression first against Rias' Pawn, her Rook, and even Futaba-san and Ann-san. We could have pressed charges if we wanted to but then we have decided to send the Fallen back to Azazel. Well… I thought about it. I do not know what Rias thought of."
Watching Rias slowly walk towards the Fallen, Issei slowly looked over towards Ann. Walking over carefully, he peeked over to the two blondes. "Is…" He gulped, almost afraid for his answer. "Ann-senpai, is she…"
Ann looked up, slightly surprised to see Issei. But then she smiled. "No, she's alive." Ann said with a nod of her head. "She's just resting."
It was a surprise to the both of them when Issei hugged Ann. "Thank you…" He whispered, a couple of tears running down his cheeks over her shoulder. "Thank you so much…"
Ann didn't say anything as she simply patted his back softly.
Koneko meanwhile walked over to where Futaba was sitting with Dohnaseek. "…You're that Fallen Angel." The smaller girl stated.
"It's okay, Koneko-chan." Futaba grinned, patting Koneko on the head before poking Dohnaseek's shoulder. "Dohnaseek-san is a nice Fallen Angel. He even help us save Asia-san."
Dohnaseek meanwhile stared into Koneko's eyes. Quietly, he studied her gaze. Humming in observation, he looked over to Futaba. "I don't think she likes me." He commented.
Rias meanwhile stared at the unmoving forms of Raynare, Kalawarner, and Mittelt. Studying the injuries on their backs, she wondered what could have been the cause. Her gaze looked over towards Issei who looked a bit excited as Ann chuckled in amusement. Turning her head, she saw Koneko and Futaba with Dohnaseek.
The red-head then remembered the pain that the Fallen had caused for her Pawn. She remembered the attack that happened to her Rook. Raising her hand, she began to gather power. She could feel the aura of magic rise within her. It pulsated. Her palm slowly began to descend and point at the three Fallen Angels.
A hand soon snatched her arm and she turned to see Akira's grey eyes. "And just what do you think you're doing?" He asked, but Rias didn't need to say anything. It was easy to see what she was going to do.
"They are my enemies." She said. "They hurt my friends." Rias nodded towards Issei and Koneko. "I won't show them any mercy."
Akira only tightened his grip. "Hyoudou-san is still alive. Toujou-san is still alive. And the decision is not for you to decide."
Rias glared defiantly. "This has nothing to do with you. This is my territory, not yours."
Akira was unaffected by her looks. "This has nothing to do with you." He countered back. "This was our job, not yours."
"I could have done something about it."
"But you didn't."
Once more, Sona interfered before the debate could escalate any further. "Both of you, stand down now." She said coldly as she tore them apart. Holding their arms separate from one another, she dropped them later. "So, none of you seemed to have died." She said to Akira.
"I did say that." He nodded.
Sona didn't avert her gaze away from him. "It seems I was worried about nothing."
"Thank you for your concern though." Akira thanked.
Rias meanwhile had a frown of her features. Looking all over the church, she eyed each and everyone of the Phantom Thieves. "Just who are you all?" Rias asked.
Hearing moaning, everyone saw the Fallen Angels on the ground stir. "You'll know soon enough." Akira said before looking over to the other Phantom Thieves and nodded his head. Everyone got up to their feet as they walked closer to the Fallen while drawing their ranged weapons. Morgana went over to Futaba's end and stood his ground.
Everyone watched as the females began to push themselves off the ground shakily. Looking up, Raynare's vision presented Rias, Sona, and Akira. "You!" She exclaimed, attempting to pounce but then froze as a bullet shot right past her face and onto the ground.
Pointing his gun, Akira ignored the surprised and shocked looks from Sona and Rias as they were staring at his firearm. "Isn't this enough already?" Akira asked while still holding his pistol up. "I mean, haven't you had enough? What is the point of fighting anymore for you? We beat you. Can't you just accept that?"
"Why should I?!" Raynare screamed. "Lesser beings like you are supposed to scutter and scape before us like insects! We are your superiors! We are your betters! We are Gods compared to you, and we will judge you for your crime of existing!"
"Such big talk coming from someone who looks like they can't even fight back right now." Sona said, putting a hand to her chin. Looking over to Akira to see his reaction, she slightly frowned. "Akira-san, is everything all right?"
Akira buried his face into one of his hands in what seemed to be a small emotion of frustration. He took a deep breath. "I tried to talk - I want you to remember that. I tried to reach out. I tried to understand you - and now I understand you perfectly. I understand that you just don't care! Now, I don't know if you were all here to invade… infiltrate… or just kill all Sacred Gear users in the city. I don't suppose it really matters now! You are a threat to the people who live here! That is the role you seem determined to play! So, it seems that we!"
Ann pulled the cocked the handle back to prep Wild Hunt .
"Must play!"
Morgana pulled back the chains of Sudarshana.
"Ours!"
Makaoto clicked the hammer on Judge of the Dead.
"The ones who protect whoever we can."
Futaba stood her ground but then Necornomicon hovered over the three Fallen Angels and flashed a spotlight on them.
Akira narrowed his eyes as he primed his own gun while all of the fighting Phantom Thieves pointed their firearms at them. "When we're finished with you, Dohnaseek will take you back to your leader and explain everything! Who knows?! Some of you may even have a change of heart when you get back! And even if you don't, remember this! You are not welcome here until we see it fit! This city is protected! We, are the Phantom Thieves!"
Akira, Morgana, Ann, and Makoto immediately all flipped backwards before jumping into the air. Necronomicon in turn shined a light so bright that it nearly blinded everyone but the Phantom Thieves who were watching. Within the bright setting, all the Devils and Dohnaseek could make out four silhouettes charging back and forth around the three Fallen Angels who seemed to be being knocked back and forth.
Sona and Rias all stepped back when they saw the five Phantom Thieves appear right in front of them. Akira adjusted his gloves with a smirk. Morgana folded his legs while sitting on Akira's should with a cocky grin. Ann made a V with her fingers with a mischievous smirk. Makoto had her back facing the two Devils with a serious look. Futaba had a manic smile as she had her hands on her glasses.
"And we have stolen your victory!"
Yes, I know that the Persona Cybele creates Sabazios is technically Makoto's ultimate weapon. But let me explain.
While yes, it does have more damage than Vajra, Sabazios is only stronger by 8 attack points (seriously, 280 compared to 272 only for melee attacks and no use of a Persona). Critical hit rate isn't going to be much of a useful thing in this story, so I allowed Makoto to have the power of random ailments.
There I'm already digging myself into a grave so let's get the crane shovel already.
Kalawarner talking about Johanna will be explained later… much… much… later. It wasn't that good of an intro (Heck, Makoto's intro was maybe passable at best) but it's the best I could come up with. I have a feeling several of you will say that it was forced.
Boy did I have a time with that fight scene.
There is the fact about Makoto just regaining her Persona and already fighting like a bit of a pro. But you know what I say? She knows martial arts. Back in Tokyo she focused on her studies mainly and yet was one of the stronger characters stat-wise in the game and knew proper fighting.
So damn continuity. Damn it to hell!
This chapter took so long, I'm satisfied with how it went. If not, I hope you will still read this story anyways.
No flames please.