War Arc:
Chapter 43: Psychological Treatment
Aigis
Cloudy – Morning – 25/11/2012(Sunday) – Kirijo headquarter, Tatsumi Port Island
(5 days until War's awakening)
Originally, Aigis was willing to stay in the dorm tonight to oversee Yukari's habit for today. After all, she wasn't sure whether or not to trust the 'cure' that Theodore gave her last night. Even Yukari, upon viewing the small bottle, gave a curious and distrust look at her this early morning.
"Can you trust this guy?"
She remembered Yukari's words to her this morning. However, desperate to return to the team, she drank it nonetheless and her temperature seemed to have lower significantly based on Aigis thermal sensor. There seemed to be no change, yet.
But that wasn't the reason for her to wait out here today. Mitsuru gave her a quick, but the strong order for the day, and hope that he won't make a run for it. With nothing to lose, Aigis agreed.
From afar, she could already see Akihiko marching out of the headquarter, dressed in a refined suit, something that considered rare other than his usual topless attire. Upon seeing Aigis, Akihiko let out a huge growl.
"Akihiko-san, good morning."
"So, you're the one Mitsuru picked to be my guide," Akihiko said, scratching the back of his head, "I guess even Mitsuru doesn't trust me, huh?"
"Worries not, Mitsuru-san merely asked me to watch over you, not to observe your behavior," Aigis responded.
"Meh, it's just in another town, what's the worst that can happen? Another bomb? Come on, we got a train to catch."
Sukima University, near Tatsumi Port Island
Aigis and Akihiko stared in awe over the university chosen by Mitsuru. It was massive, almost noble-like structure surrounding the building. Akihiko found it hard that Mitsuru had to chose this place as his seminar for his future.
"Ugh, almost feel like an outsider here," Akihiko commended.
"Are you nervous?" Aigis asked, but he denied.
"No way! I mean, even the Investigation Teams has to graduate next year. But it's too sudden! Wake up in the morning, Mitsuru called me, then said 'You need to rethink your future.' What the hell?"
"Perhaps because of the Investigation Team's dilemma of facing their final exams made Mitsuru-san rethink about your education too?"
"Well, that might be one of the reason."
The seminar appeared to be huge, for countless students crowded the hall outside. Akihiko and Aigis quickly filled in the spots for them and entered the huge lecture room, where rows of chairs were aligned like a staircase, with all chairs directed at the single table and chair in front of the whiteboard. Seemed like an ordinary lecture room, but to Akihiko and Aigis who were sitting at the back most seats, the room was massive, made them felt tiny for being there.
"Damn, I don't think I wore the right clothes!" Akihiko whispered to Aigis after observing the students wearing odd outfits in her eyes. Yet, Akihiko didn't seem out of place. In fact, it appeared that he gained new fans from the other side of the table.
"Your clothes are well done, Akihiko-san," Aigis praised, "I'm sure you won't be left out. Ah, quiet down, the lecturer is coming."
"He doesn't look like a lecturer."
Akihiko and Aigis observed the front table and saw an old man who was in a rush over something.
"Good morning, everyone. As the president of this university, I would like to apologize for the slight delay in today's seminar. Our original lecturer seemed to be absent, so we have invited a replacement for him shortly."
A loud murmur was heard among the students, including Aigis and Akihiko, who were both equally baffled at the absence of the original lecturer. Not like they knew the original anyway…
"Hope it's a good lecturer," Akihiko commented.
"Would you hope for young and beautiful female lecturer?" Aigis asked, stunning Akihiko.
"Why would you think that?"
"According to my analysis, the majority of male students preferred a young and beautiful woman to be their lecturer because it is believed to be more efficient."
"Why would you do that kind of analysis?" Akihiko said as he palmed his face, "Look, I don't care what kind of lecturer I get, but it has to be a good one; the kind that doesn't shout like Mitsuru. I just hope for someone who is not weird… like that."
Aigis turned her eyes to where Akihiko and the rest of the students was. The lecturer had arrived it seemed. But Aigis, for some reason, loathed his presence.
At the lecturer table, a middle-aged man was standing next to the lecturer's table. His appearance was difficult to describe. His short, blackish hair was unkempt but strangely natural to be left alone than to be combed. His face was clean shaved, but there were small wrinkles under his small lips, making him older than his probable age. Aigis couldn't see clearly from afar, but his eyes were probably greyish or white, for it glowed briefly under the lamps. His dressing was atrociously mixed; a pair of old jeans, black sandals, a thin black t-shirt underneath his white coat, and a strange squared traveling bag next to him. He almost looked like a professor than a lecturer.
"Good morning… I'm… your replacement… lecture," He said with a voice so low, you couldn't even hear him up close. The students in the hall appeared confused and surprised to hear his voice. The man began to panic for a while and he quickly unzipped his bag. Finally, he took out something that appeared to be a black hat and equipped it. He gave a quick cough and his attitude began to shift.
"*fake cough*… Forgive me, it appears that I forgot to equip my hat," The lecturer said in a serious tone, picking up his marker pen and began to write something, "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Karu Juugo, the temporary lecturer for you. In case you haven't noticed, I was named after the psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung, the founder of Jungian psychology. Which means, for today, the subject I'll be lecturing you is Jungian Archetypes. Any questions?"
Archetypes? Didn't Igor mention it before?
Then, one of the students raised his hand, "Are you sure you're a lecturer? You look homeless."
The entire room laughed, except for Akihiko and Aigis, who felt the rudeness of the students. The lecturer Juugo, however, remained serious before he reached for something in his bag, which turned out to be another hat colored in red.
"Insolence child!"
The entire room turned silent by his scream. His manner changed again, this time to as angry as one could see. He continued, "I have you know I had a bachelor degree in psychology and cognitive study! If you feel that you're superior to me, then step forward!"
The voicing student cowered in fright, just as the rest of the students. Lecturer Juugo turned quiet before he changed another hat from his bag, this time a top hat in yellow.
"Well then, I sincerely hope we won't encounter any student like that, don't we~?" He said as he revealed an odd smile, almost sinister-like. He began to mark down a few words and began his lesson.
"What's with the hats?" She heard Akihiko muttered. Regardless, they both paid attention to the front as he was teaching.
"Now, our main subject for today is Jungian Archetypes, or simply put, a set of behavior pattern in human's consciousness; an archetypal images or motif of something shared among people. You may say that Archetype is the universal pattern or original form of humanity's emotions or unconsciousness. All there is to be known about humanity's emotion and personality are amalgamated as Archetype images; like merging all colors of light to make it white.
"We have many archetypes, majorly known were trickster, mother, sage, ruler, orphan, even destroyer. Now, as we can see from the young man calling me a homeless just now…" Lecturer Juugo glared with a smile at the student who insulted him a while ago, making him embarrassed, "…is a 'Rebel' type, like kids that don't listen to their parents or teachers, like punk acting tough against the cops, or thieves going against the government for self-proclaimed justice. But our focus today is on one particular Archetype, the polar opposite of Archetype of Destroyer."
He wrote those words on the whiteboard.
"The Archetype of Creator."
Aigis' heart ached oddly upon those words. For some reason, the lesson attracted her attention, while Akihiko himself couldn't take his eyes off the man.
"What makes you under this category? What kind of behavior puts you under this archetype? The first would be to dream, then to achieve that dream. "Whatever you imagined can be created". Simple! Some may think this is merely one of the Archetypes that people know of. But do you know how potent the mind of those with this archetype?"
He changed back to his 'serious' hat, "The primordial gods of mythologies across the world belonged to this category. The author of these mythologies belonged to this category. Dreamers that shaped dreams belonged to this category. Even if the world turns to nothing, creators shall stand at the beginning. That's the power of the creator; except Dr. Frankenstein, don't take that example. Now, any question?"
Seeing that Lecturer Juugo was holding the red hat in his hand, only silence filled the room. Some of them understood while some of them refused to lift their heads. Akihiko himself only half understood the words, feeling it was too 'deep' to him. Still, there was something amiss about his statement and the archetype.
"Yes, the blonde girl at the back?" Lecturer Juugo pointed. The rest turned to Aigis who raised her hand.
"Yes, I have a question," Aigis said, standing up, "Does people belonged to one Archetype have one similar Archetypal images?"
Lecturer Juugo changed his hat, this time to a purple beanie hat and became strangely interested in Aigis question, "Hmmm, very intriguing and interesting question! Please, elaborate for us!"
"I merely curious if people from shared archetype sees different images as their motif, like gods that created the world in a different culture."
"Tch, tch, tch…" He clicked his tongue a few times after changing his hat to a brown cap, "Why, of course! Not all dreamers dreamt the same thing! Ultimately, everyone is different. But…"
He glared dagger at Aigis, "Here's the unique thing about Archetype of Creator. Most Archetype figures have a god, heroes, lovers as their archetypal images, but Creator…? Anyone can be the figure of a creator as powerful as the creator god. And, there is nothing that surpasses the creator, nothing, for even the destroyer is a mere creation."
Finally, he returned to his original hat, the 'serious' hat, before concluding his lecture, "That is all, students. You may wait for the real lecturer soon, but if you have any questions, you can come and see me in my temporary office at the second floor, room 5, desk number 4. Stand up and bow."
Yu Narukami
Afternoon – Rainy – 25/11/2017(Sunday) – Dojima Residence, Inaba
"Now, can you all understand me?"
"Zzzzz…"
"I'm hungry…"
"Uh, senpai? What's a 'pi'? Is that the one you buy at the bakery?"
"Senpai, can you slow down? Please~."
"Yu-senpai, you can take a break now. Amagi and I can handle the rest."
"Naoto's right. You can take a break now. It's been hours, after all. Come on, Tengu, get off my legs."
"Ahhhh, Yuki-nee's legs are special alright~."
Yu could only sweat-drop at his team, who appeared to be exhausted from the revision they made for the final exam. Tomorrow will be the first day, but clearly, nothing will get inside their mind by studying for hours straight. Even Yu realized that they need something to do, but the rain outside was not permitting them for outdoor activities.
"We should stop, let's get something from the fridge. Any of you hungry for some omelette?"
"Oh, great! Make me extras!" Yosuke said as he rose himself from his sleep under the kotatsu. It was so chilling in the living room that the kotatsu had to be heated for the team, particularly Tengu who sneak his big head into the kotatsu to rest near Yukiko's legs.
"Chop some beef on top of it," Chie said before reconsidered her words, "Actually, do you need my help?"
"Oh, I can help too," Yukiko rose from her seat before Yosuke and Kanji stopped them.
"No, no, you two stays away from the kitchen! I don't eat poison!" Yosuke complained, "Yu, let ME help!"
"What about Mr. Dojima and Nanako-chan? Shouldn't we make something for them too?" Chie asked.
"Oooo, I know! Let's make one for them!" Rise said, "I'm sure they would love to eat some omelette when they leave the room!"
"Oh, I want some too! I want extra-large, with Yuki-nee's face on it!" Tengu said as he raised his short hand high.
"So, we'll be making for… 1… 2… 3… Wait a second, where's Teddie?" Yukiko asked.
"Hmmm? Him? He said he has something to do alone in my house. Not sure why he doesn't want to come. Usually, he just jumped around when he heard about coming here…" Yosuke answered, at the same time glancing at his watch in wonder, "Seriously, where is that idiot?"
"Let's cook first. Maybe he'll come by," Yu said, but slightly worried when he remembered Teddie's words from yesterday. Still, they prepared for their dishes, and so Yu and Yosuke, assisted by Kanji, began to crack eggs.
"So, what's with the 'Yuki-nee' thing with you two? Just yesterday you worshipped Yukiko like a goddess, and now you call her like your sister or something. There must be something…" Chie asked, switching her eyes between Yukiko and Tengu.
"Yuki-nee has given me an ascension to be her sworn guardian, and not as a humble servant of her," Tengu answered proudly, "I have now become the guardian of the goddess, the follower of the sun. Oh, if only I could be so grossly incandescent next to her!"
"Well, I guessed you don't need to call me Lord Susanoo now, huh?" Yosuke said, cracking another egg into the bowl before he realized he left a few shell's piece inside it, "Oh, crap… A-Anyway, you know, I really am worried about Teddie. That guy's been missing all morning…"
Yosuke left the kitchen and reached his phone, "Rise, can you go and help Yu? I need to call Junes."
"He can't be that busy? I think he must be trying to buy something for you for your exam, like good luck charm!" Rise said.
"Meh, I don't think so…" Yosuke said before finally connecting the call, "Yes, Teddie, it's me. Where are you- I'm sorry, manager? Did he leave his phone? Where the hell is he- Wait, what do you mean dozens of letters at my house? Uh, uh…"
The quiet living room was shocked by Yosuke's scream. Yu had to remake his eggs again. Idiot Yosuke…
"WHAT?! WHAT THE HELL?!"
Aigis
Morning – Sukima University
"Wow, I never thought you're interested in that subject," Akihiko said as they both walking through the hallway.
"I had to. That man, when he gave those speeches, I felt as if he was referring to something, something that I know of. This isn't normal matter, this concerns the prophecy and Minato too."
"So, we just went straight to his desk? Look, if he really was referring to something to the prophecy, are you saying that he's related to Takaya and his gang? He might be enemy, but considering that this is our first time here…"
"Then, let's just ask as curious new students," Aigis said as they ascended the stairs to the second floor. They checked the number on the room, before realizing that there was no room 5, only an unlocked storeroom pasted with a paper with number '5' in marker pen on it. Aigis and Akihiko turned to each other, and Akihiko immediately reached for his gloves in his pocket, while Aigis clicked her wrists for machinegun standby.
"Mr. Juugo?" Aigis called as they entered the room. It was slightly dark but quite empty with only a few desks near the wall. The room itself wasn't spacious, so the presence in the room was immediately seen. Karu Juugo sat on one of the desks with a few books by his side, while equipping his 'curious' purple hat. His eyes locked on the book he read despite Aigis and Akihiko had closed the door behind them.
"Hmmm, I had a feeling it has to be you that comes first," Mr. Juugo said, "But the reason for your presence here? Might not what I thought it is. Can you be brief and tell me which part of my lecture that you wish to ask?"
"There must be a huge hangover party here, otherwise room '5' can't be a storeroom," Akihiko commented, "First time seeing lecturer's desk in a pile of the dumpster. Must be the new fashion."
Upon those words, Mr. Juugo reached for the drawer under him and took out a yellow hat and a red hat. Akihiko wasted no time to speak.
"Why can't you just laugh at my joke or get pissed off without those hats?" Akihiko said as he pointed at the hats he's holding. Mr. Juugo turned quiet, before placing aside his hats and focused on him.
"You lacked manners towards your lecturer and your elder," Mr. Juugo said, "But I believed this young woman has a question."
"Ah, yes," Aigis nodded, trying to prevent hostility towards him, "About Archetypal Images, is…"
Aigis paused, turning to Akihiko who was staring at her. What was it she really wanted to ask? Was it not Metis, her 'sister'? Renewing her question, she turned again to Mr. Juugo.
"Can a human be an archetype figure?"
"Like Jesus? Then yes."
He responded almost immediately, surprising her. Aigis wasted no time on the next question.
"But even archetype figures have many… 'self'?"
"Just as many gods, there are many 'versions' of oneself. Just like how Zeus has roman equivalent named Jupiter, or a Norse god called Odin. Oh, it doesn't matter, for only one 'version' remains the true self."
"So, another 'you' inside yourself can't merely leave your side?"
"There's no such thing as 'leave' your side. A will is connected to all, no matter how deep they lost."
"I'm finally relieved," Aigis said, thinking of Metis and wondered if she would truly be used for the prophecy.
"…" Mr. Juugo paused, before he reached for another hat, a wide blue one, and permitted himself to express new expression: sadness. Aigis and Akihiko stared in shock over his action.
"How pitiful, how pitiful… *sob*" Mr. Juugo wept, but no tears flew down his cheeks or the hand that covered his eyes, "So naïve…"
"Are you seriously crying?" Akihiko asked. Mr. Juugo's cries faded to more disturbing snicker. He removed his hat, but this time, he wore none.
"Still wondering about your inner self? I'm disappointed. I expected Chronos to fill in everything, yet your guards were completely down all the time."
"!" Akihiko and Aigis immediately changed into their battle stance.
"Did you know? In the book of Revelation, where the Four Horsemen originated, there are four 'villains' that opposed the Messiah at the end time. And yet, you have the bravery to nonchalantly take a stroll in a daylight."
"Are you with them?!" Akihiko shouted, "Are you spying on us?!"
"Akihiko-san, we cannot fight here! This college is people's property!" Aigis warned, "We must take this fight somewhere else!"
She forced Akihiko backward. Mr. Juugo yawned as he packed away his hats.
"At least the girl is smart. Make way for me. I'll take you to somewhere 'safe'."
Yu Narukami
Rainy - Afternoon – Junes
"50 letters!" Yosuke screamed angrily as he dumped down stacks of letters on the table at the Junes food court, watched shockingly by the rest of the team. After a quick visit to Yosuke's house, they found the bundles of letters being sent to his house by his 'loyal' customers at Junes.
"50 damn letters sent to my house because you made that fake promotion! What am I going to do if I failed?!" Yosuke screamed, turning to the bear in front of him. Teddie, who wouldn't dare to lift his face at the mad Yosuke, gazed downward with an utmost silence that even the team pitied him. The rest of the girls, of course, tried to tame Yosuke's anger.
"Yosuke, he just wanted to help!" Rise defended Teddie, but Yosuke wasn't satisfied.
"Wanted to help?" Yosuke reached for something under the table and revealed a white banner, "I want you guys to read this banner that he showcased at the front entrance of Junes. Read it!"
Yu, who was watching from afar, read it quietly:
"Yosuke Hanamura, son of the owner of Junes, will be taking the final exam. Please give him supports and kind words. If he passed, Junes will give 50% discount!"
"And my dad thought I did it! I had to make an announcement and embarrassed myself to apologize to each one of them! Teddie, what do you have to say for yourself?! I'm already stressed out because of the prophecy and finals! Why would you do this?!"
"I'm sorry…" Teddie muttered.
"C-Come on, a discount wasn't so bad! He's sorry!" Chie said.
"Despite his wrongdoing, he deserved to be forgiven. His intention is good," Naoto said.
"But making a fake banner is way out of Teddie's thing," Kanji said, "Come on, let's get back to the omelette already."
"Stop thinking about food," Yukiko said, "We shouldn't be here under this rain. Poor Tengu will get wet."
"No, Yuki-nee is the one that needs to escape this rain!" Tengu spoke, which immediately supported by Yosuke.
"See, why can't you just be more like that?"
Yu felt like he should interfere sooner to stop Yosuke's words.
"Why can't you be good like Tengu for once?"
But he had no idea that it would strike that deep within the bear.
"…Good?"
"Huh?" Yosuke focused on Teddie's hum.
"So, I wasn't good enough?" Teddie's aura was brimming, where it was noticed immediately by Rise and Yu who was watching.
"Teddie, he didn't mean it like that," Yu finally spoke, "Yosuke was just angry-"
"Not fair… Not fair…" Teddie grabbed the table filled with letters, "NOT FAIR!"
With his extended arm, Teddie flipped the table, much to the team's surprise who dodged it at the last moment. Luckily the rain had begun to lessen, and the food court had only a few guys to witness the shocking scene.
"T-Teddie?" Yosuke jerked away from him. Teddie was breathing heavily, clenching his fists tight as he rambled angrily.
"It's not fair! Tengu made mistake too yesterday! But why am I the bad guy?! Why do you think Tengu is better than me?! We were bear-y fine before he came along!"
Teddie turned to Tengu with intense eyes, with Tengu returned his stares quietly behind Yukiko's dress.
"Tengu, we have a score to settle!" Teddie pointed his fingers at the bird, "One week from now, after the exam, I challenged you to a fight! I'll show you who's the better mascot of this town!"
"What?!" The entire team shouted in confusion. The most unexpected thing was that Teddie wasn't kidding when he said it.
"A fight? You mean, like brawl fight?" Kanji said.
"Why would you want to fight him? That was sudden," Chie commented.
"Please, don't fight. We have enough trouble with the prophecy," Yukiko said. But it only made Teddie's rage increasing.
"Grrrr! Yuki-chan, if I win, I'll be dolly-dolly with you!"
"How dare you raise your voice against Yuki-nee!" Tengu returned fire, "Fine, I accepted! Whoever wins, get Yuki-nee!"
"I'm not your prize!" Yukiko screamed.
"Just you wait! I'll win! Don't you run away, got it?!"
Just like that, Teddie bolted off to somewhere, leaving all the letters scattered on the ground with the team remained in absolute silence, minus the sound of the rain slowly fading.
"Yosuke, maybe you're a bit too harsh," Yu finally said. Yosuke didn't argue.
"Maybe you're right," Yosuke responded, "I'll apologize to him later."
"And we need to clean up this mess," Naoto observed the fallen letters.
The Investigation Team stacked the letters together. But as Yu gathered it, a figure approached the group and took one letter from the ground.
"Sir, we need to clear that up," Yu said. But the man appeared to ignore him.
"What's this? "Good Luck, Hanamura… and discount…" A very good letter," The man said.
He was a tall built, greyish short hair, very small beard, and a distinctive white pupil on his left eyes. It seemed convincing to say that that very eye was blind. His first impression was that of a highly authorial figure, matched with his white suit and yellowish tie, despite that he was probably in his 30s.
"Please excuse me," The half-blinded man said with a small smile, "But we are curious about the activities here. We were wondering about it."
"Sorry, that's a fake one," Yosuke approached Yu and the man and bowed before noticing another presence sitting on the chair not far from them.
"Thar's a shame," Another man, suited in black, said as he slurped his iced drink. This man was brown hair with a thin mustache, but no impair visible on his face, "Please forgive my brother's curiosity. We were outsiders."
"Oh, I see," Yu responded, "What brings you to this town?"
"Perhaps the color of nature within this place attracted us?" The grey-haired man said, "Almost blended too well with nature. What can you tell me about this place?"
"To be perfectly honest, we're not sure either," Chie intercepted the conversation while carrying the stacks of letters she collected.
"Those trees just came out of nowhere. We don't know how it got here," Kanji said.
"Hoh? Still, I believe that it should not bother a mere Inaba's residents," The brown-haired man said before turning to a direction where a familiar face approached them. The team knew that he will be in town, but nobody expected to see him, dressed in a modest outfit, so early.
"Taro Namatame, you took your time," The brown-haired man said as he stood from his seat and lent his hand, which Namatame shook it respectfully.
"Forgive me. I was taking a moment to greet the residents and the victims here after the tragedy at the police station," Namatame said humbly before noticing the Investigation Team's presences, "Oh, it's you! I've been wanting to meet you and Mr. Dojima!"
"It's good to see you, Namatame-san," Yu bowed, "I saw your election speech on TV yesterday. I never expect you to arrive so soon."
"Oh, please. You're flattering me," Namatame brushed it off and turned to the two strangers at his side.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce to you these fine gentlemen. This is Ame (pointing to the grey-haired man) and his younger brother Umashi (pointing to the brown-haired man). They're our main funders for recovering the tragedy that happened at the police station. All supplies, foods, or hospital bills, they funded it all."
"Well, I'm just a psychologist, accompanied my brother," The man known as Umashi said, "Direct all that gratitude to him."
The team bowed their head in extreme gratitude.
"Thank you so much for helping the residents here," Naoto expressed her thankfulness, "We are grateful for your assistance."
"I say these people deserved it. In fact, maybe they do need a change of environment," The man known as Ame said, but it seemed like the two were preparing to leave.
Umashi said, "Well, it's good knowing you. Namatame-san, we'll be leaving for the day, but please expect us on your election day soon."
"It's too early to decide that," Namatame said nervously before turning to Yu, "By the way, I hope that Mr. Dojima is present at his home. These gentlemen and I wished to visit him."
"You may join for dinner," Yu answered.
The three of them left the food court, leaving the Investigation Team to watch silently from afar. Soon after, they resumed their cleaning and made their way home. Yosuke had to run off to chase Teddie in case he caused trouble again. They returned to Dojima's house by feet, but not before Yukiko had something to say as she and Yu alone behind everyone.
"Yu, you are researching something regarding the old gods before Izanagi, didn't you?"
"Oh? That was sudden… Well, lots of names came out, but we don't exactly know which one."
"My family knows a lot about Shinto gods, but we can't rule out Kotoamatsukami and Amatsu-Mikaboshi as the Horsemen Strife. And…"
Yukiko paused, however, and shook her head.
"Never mind, it's not that important."
It was a bit too late to reply, for Yukiko had rushed off towards Chie.
Aigis
Cloudy - Afternoon – Swimming Pool, Sukima college
"How about we move on to the next subject?" Mr. Juugo said as he stood by the side of the swimming pool for the club while clenching tightly his bag full of hats. Aigis and Akihiko were keeping their guards up the whole time as they were led to this room.
"Not in the mood for another lecture," Akihiko said, "We're here to kick your ass!"
But Aigis stopped him.
"Mr. Juugo, I don't suppose we can avoid this fight? We need to know more about the prophecy because we have a friend waiting to return."
"That little messiah?" Mr. Juugo said, "It's not him you should worry about. It's you, him (glanced at Akihiko) and the rest of you people that will suffer if anything were to be botched. I'm sure any answer will come to you personally. I will not provide a single answer to you unless… you force me."
"I see," Aigis nodded, before revving her gears, "Then I shall force you to talk."
"That's what I like to hear!" Akihiko removed his suit and exposed his upper torso for a fight. Mr. Juugo, however, wasn't fazed.
"Don't bother with that. Just summon your persona and we're good to go-"
"HAAA!"
Before he could finish his sentence, Akihiko performed a huge right hook to his left ribs, sending him down to the swimming pool. Hats with many colors were scattered across the pool. Aigis and Akihiko focused on the water to see his face emerging from the water. A while later, a man's head with a blank face resurfaced from the water, with his hand reaching for the red hat floating on the water.
"You two…" Mr. Juugo seemly stood on the water as he wore his hat. His eyes were dark and terrifying, "What do Persona users do but to summon his persona?!"
All of a sudden, the reading on Aigis' radar drastically increased. It was no ordinary shadow scaling, this was MASSIVE. Her legs began to tremble by the abnormal fear. Only a few had reached this level of reading, but he stood above them, below only the reading of Nyx.
Most importantly, the surrounding place was covered in alternate colors, almost the same view as the Dark Hour. It was as if they were in another realm.
"W-What's happening?" Akihiko observed the place.
"A-Akihiko-san," Aigis stuttered, "We should run…"
"Huh?" Akihiko turned to her. But it was too late, for Mr. Juugo's aura had exposed itself. Mr. Juugo tilted his hat, blocking the view of his eyes as he summoned.
"Poseidon."
Crash!
Aigis & Akihiko VS Karu Juugo
Poseidon
Known as: God of Sea, Earth-Shaker
Arcana: Strength
The Greek god of sea, earthquake, and horse. He is one of the Olympian gods and brother of Zeus and Hades, who ruled the seven seas and was symbolized with horse and his Trident. The lost kingdom Atlantis was his domain. His Roman equivalent is Neptune.
The Greek god of the sea was clothed in thick robes that were marked with Greeks symbols and emblemed with deep sapphire gems across the wrists and leggings. He wore a helm with three horns, and in his right hand was the famous trident in myth. He appeared to ride a water wave shaped of front-half of a horse.
"Do you know that Poseidon and Athena fought for the privilege of Athens city and Athena emerged victoriously? Despite ruling one-third of the world in mythology, Athena was known for her wisdom! Therefore, I hope you did not disappoint!"
Juugo held his red hat and directed Poseidon to the two. Akihiko immediately reached for his Evoker.
"Caesar!"
Akihiko summoned his persona to block Poseidon's attack. In his defense mode, it was unlikely that any persona could break through his guard.
But he learned something new today when he saw Poseidon's Trident pierced through Caesar's arms like a sand. Sensing this, Caesar nudged to the side to avoid the pierce through his chest, but the horse of the sea god rammed straight through his lower part, sending him flying to the wall behind him. Akihiko clenched his chest in pain upon the damage his persona suffered. Aigis, after failing to inflict any damage on Poseidon, choose to summon her own.
"Athena!"
With her lance, Athena lunged towards Poseidon. But Juugo was fast.
"Trident Volt." A watery splash forcefully pushed away Athena and the surrounding things, including Akihiko, who was trying to maintain his stance. Poseidon held the Trident that was fueled by lightning like a massive harpoon, aiming for Athena. Athena shielded herself, but it appeared that Poseidon's water power was enhanced by the source of the swimming pool. Knowing the breakthrough, she forced herself to the back.
It was wise for Athena to dodge the Trident instead of tanking it, but the insane speed, added with his hordes of watery burst, punished her harshly. Aigis flighted from the spot and jumped to the other side of the pool while avoiding the water as much as possible. Juugo, who was magically walking on the water, finally reached the shore of the pool with a gentle pace.
"Pathetic! Stand up, young man, you'll face me!" Juugo walked along the shore towards the defending Akihiko, while shoving his hands towards Poseidon, commanding him to attack Aigis. Athena blocked another attack, but the god of sea was on a whole other level.
"You got guts exposing yourself like that," Akihiko said, walking towards Juugo, "Fight me then!"
Akihiko went into boxing frenzy mode, with each hit aiming for a different part of the body. However, to his shock, Juugo seemly dodged his attacks with ease, as if he's too predictable. Akihiko tried a kick to his right side, but Juugo somehow saw it coming. He ran to the wall on the opposite side, kicked it, and flipped his body while tightly holding on to his red hat, avoiding the kick from Akihiko.
'This guy isn't some lecturer!' Akihiko thought, 'He's freaking good! But…'
Just as Juugo landed on his feet, Akihiko charged a fist straight to his opponent's face. Juugo easily dodged backward… just as he wanted it. He reached for his Evoker and aimed the barrel under his chin.
"Caesar!"
With the globe in his hand, Caesar pulled Juugo's gravity towards the fist, surprising him. Juugo palmed the fist with his eyes finally fully opened, but Akihiko didn't stop there. He revealed a new move set, despite the amateurish technique, and lunged in with his new boxing style.
"Argh!" Every move he could think of, he launched, almost to the point of instinct. Caesar, as the supporter, motioned his moves as well as Juugo's.
"Fist Master! Sukunda!"
Increasing his own speeds and lowering Juugo's evasiveness, Akihiko performed a swipe kick to Juugo's legs, which he jumped to dodge. It was his golden opportunity. As he was in mid-air, Akihiko spun upward, lifting his body with Caesar's power and prepared a leg drop.
"Maziodyne!" Caesar released a burst of electrical energy throughout the surrounding, temporary stunning Juugo with the strong electric attack.
"Have a taste of my kick, bastard!"
A huge kick to his chest was successfully performed by Akihiko, sending him to tumble down on the floor. But Juugo slowly stood up, while reaching for the 'sad' blue hat lying on the wet floor. His manner spoke as if he felt not a single pain from the attack, and he had already swapped his hat to blue.
"I'm satisfied… *sob*," His 'sad' emotion kicked in as he stared at Akihiko with tears rolling down his cheeks, "Forgive me for underestimating you… I promised that I won't hold back now…"
He grabbed his hat hard before he chanted those words. Akihiko at the front and Aigis who glanced from the side widened their eyes in fear and shock to his next words. It was something that only one entity in their lives had ever uttered.
Nyx herself.
"Arcana Change: Justice."
Crash!
Poseidon's aura had changed, with the Trident changing from gold to deep red shell-like surface and the marks on his robe changed and glowed in bluish. But Juugo wasn't done.
"Ymir…"
Crash!
Poseidon was still vividly visible when he summoned the second persona, something that they never saw Minato or Yu did before. This man is on a whole new level…
Ymir
Known as: The first Giant
Arcana: Fool
The first giant in Norse mythology, living in the primordial void Ginnungagap. His death by the brothers Vili, Ve, and the king of Asgard Odin marked the end of rules of giants at the beginning of time. His body parts, slain by the brothers, were used to fashion earth, heaven, and Midgard.
The height of the giant of Norse mythology was reaching the ceiling of the small swimming pool. His skull-like head was shaped by darkened ice, dark blood visibly streamed around his arms and legs, soiled flesh covered most of his skin, with only a purpled garb to cover his lower half. His eyes were almost starry as he gazed down upon the dwarfed Akihiko.
It was at this moment, the thought of 'losing' came to his mind. Another Wild Card…
"You got to be kidding me…"
He summoned Caesar to block the incoming punch from the first giant, but he knew he couldn't avoid the damage. Caesar was obliterated like a ragdoll, while Akihiko got his first bruise on his arm.
Aigis, on the other hand, managed to land a few hits at Poseidon but received thrice the damages in return. Athena had dispersed, leaving her by the wall, gazed by the now two personas of the mysterious man. Poseidon by his side, Ymir at his back.
"I guess I have to do this…" Aigis said, knowing that it was the last chance she had to even escape from him. She stood on her foots and posed, unleashing the last of her power.
"Extreme Orgia Mode!"
Juugo changed his hat to 'happy' yellow upon the glowing figure of the machinery girl.
"Oooo… Nice!" Juugo applauded, "I'm waiting! Come on, my 'watery abyss' duo, Suit Burst: Ace of Cup!"
Ymir's body glowed for a second as he seemly changed his stance as if all his move set had changed as well. Aigis, as well, began to despair.
"Athena!"
Afternoon – Kirijo Headquarter
"There, you're done," Fuuka said after finished inspecting Labrys in her lab, "You're good to go."
"I wonder if I'm allowed to go out and take a walk around the city," Labrys nagged childishly, albeit faking, "I heard Aigis was tagging Akihiko along to the university."
"Well, I don't have a suggestion for that. Mitsuru seemed stricter than before, so I doubt if going against her would make her consider it," Fuuka commented, preparing to pack her tools and papers. One page caught Labrys's attention when Fuuka was packing her stuff.
"Project… 'Pegasus'?" Labrys said, gaining Fuuka's attention.
"Oh, it's actually a gift to Aigis," Fuuka smiled. Labrys' eyes widened.
"A new modification?"
"Only for Aigis, sorry," Fuuka answered guiltily, "I've been working on this for years. But I'll promise I'll make one for you too-"
Beep! Beep!
Fuuka monitor seemed to beep noisily at her side. She checked the status and her face told of confusion. Labrys had to worry.
"What's wrong?"
She turned to Labrys, "Aigis' just send some signal to me, based on my reading. Yet I can't encrypt it. I wonder what happened?"
"Is she okay?" Labrys asked.
"This is worrying. Labrys, would it be possible for you-"
"I'll go!" Labrys raised her hand excitedly. Fuuka regretted she mentioned it.
Aigis
Dark Realm – Back Garden, Sukima University (Darkened Realm)
Aigis landed on the ground surrounded by blood painted flowers and plants at the garden, carrying the injured Akihiko by his side. Akihiko was desperately trying to muster enough strength to raise his built. Aigis herself realized the gear inside her had begun to overheat from the extreme form, but her adversary was far from defeat.
"Don't bother… carrying me… Get… the rest…" Akihiko muttered as Aigis laid him on one of the stone benches.
"I tried, but the connection was lost. I do hope they at least received my frequency," Aigis said, "Maybe if we escape from his range, we can escape from this spell he did and get signal. But…"
"But you can't if I don't let you," Juugo with his purple hat said as he approached them with his two deadly personas, "Shall we bet if you can escape my realm? If you escape, I'll consider it your victory. Does that sound interesting? Besides, there's no savior for you now."
She knew he was mocking them, for Aigis glazed at her legs and saw wires and electricity spilling out of her knee. It was a challenge she knew won't be easy. The purpled hat Juugo glared at her like a lab rat and he didn't seem satisfied. The last desperate mode she used was more than half done. Although Athena's Aegis Shield succeeded in nullifying the streams of ice from the enemies, and a few bullets landed on Juugo lab-like coat, none of it seemed to make him twitched. The excitement in his eyes proved that he already knew of his victory.
Alas, interrogating him seemed impossible now, but Aigis still possessed the willpower.
"I don't need a savior!" Aigis stood. Juugo's smile faded completely, "My mind is made up!"
Juugo muttered something inaudible…
"Charge!" Aigis released every inch of her power for the final blow. But Juugo took out a strange device with a microphone on top of it. His lips were worriedly close to the mic.
"CODE: RED."
BEEP!
Aigis felt as if her power had just 'shut down'. Her body and limbs crumbled to the ground. All her energy seemed to have left her body. A device capable of disabling an Anti-Shadow Weapon reminded her of Labrys taken over by the 'eerie voice'.
"W-What's happening to me?" Aigis said, trying to lift herself but failed.
"Aigis, what's wrong?" Akihiko asked.
"I don't know…"
Juugo seemed to ignore them.
"Hmmm…" He muttered as if reading her mind. He finally reached for another hat, the 'serious' black hat, and quoted.
"And so, the world return to the watery abyss."
He continued after seemly reciting it.
"I change my mind. I think we've met our quota for the day," Juugo said. The two personas behind him dispersed into fogs, "After all, you are needed, extremely."
"Am I so important only for bearing Minato Arisato's power?" Aigis asked as if begging even if she was half-expecting an answer. But Juugo quoted instead as if using it as an answer.
"Psyche is the personification of Souls, figurative as a butterfly… And so 'psyche' is totality itself. 'The death of everyone is drawing near'…"
He raised his fingers and flipped. The world, dark and red, regained its true color. Aigis saw that she had escaped the temporary nightmare like there never was a battle there. Juugo himself slowly removed his hat, leaving it bare, and made his way out of the university for faster travel.
Just when it all seemed done, another footstep entered the scene. Aigis and Akihiko were surprised to see Labrys, who was shocked to see her sister's fallen states.
"Aigis, Sanada-san! Hey, what have you done to them-"
She froze paralyze when she saw Juugo as he walked passed her. From the scene alone, she knew her sister had detected that massive shadow power within him. Juugo was mute now that he's hatless, walking straight ahead with a mind so calm he could feel nothing if a vehicle were to ram into him. Afterward, his presence was no more. Aigis limbs had finally begun to function well.
"Aigis, who was that man? He's so terrifying…" Labrys asked upon approaching. But Aigis merely shook her head.
Windy – Late Evening – Amagi Inn, Inaba
She returned home with Tengu, exhausted from the study today. There was a lot she wanted to ask Tengu regarding the old hitorigami before Izanagi and Izanami. But then again, the finals are tomorrow. She needed to prepare for the worst and cleared her mind of the prophecy.
"Tengu, I need to sleep early today. You know tomorrow is a big day for me," Yukiko said. Tengu, as expected, became the loyal servant as he was.
"Oh, dear Amatsukami of Takamagahara, blesses this symbol of sun and world. I pray for your success, for this humble servant know Yuki-nee is absolute and attain all wisdom to achieve success in life and afterlife. I have prepared a throne for tonight, for you to slumber peacefully without disturbance."
"Ah, thank you-"
"Yukiko-chan, we need your help for a bit!"
A voice called out to her from the reception hall.
"What is it?"
"There's an emergency booking for one room. We hope you can help us."
"Oh, I'll be right there," Yukiko replied before turning to Tengu, "I'm sorry, but I'll be sure to check on your 'throne' later."
"A new customer? *sniff**sniff*…"
"Don't wait for me. Returned to your room, not mine. Okay?"
Yukiko left the front hall and retired to her work. But Tengu, after sniffing a couple of time, began to curved his eyebrows.
"This scent… it's unsettling! It's familiar, yet unsettling!"
Meanwhile, Yukiko was ready to send the tray set with towels and soap to the new guest, which was located at the far end of the left wing. She reached the door but hesitated to call due to the guest's silence. Instead, she chose to knock first.
"I'm here to deliver the towel and soap."
There was no response, but she swore she saw a figure of a man moving inside.
"Excuse me, but I'm here to deliver the towel-"
"Yeah! Yeah! I heard you! Just leave it at the front door! I'll take it myself!"
Such rudeness! Yukiko was startled at the backlash she received from the new guest. His voice sounded young and bratty as well. However, she had to respect her guest.
Yukiko left the place, but clearly bitter about his manners. She eventually exited to her bed, where she sweat-dropped upon the makeshift yellow bed with feather-filled head pillows. There was a big banner read as "Dear goddess Yuki-nee, Good Luck!" hanging from her ceiling. She had to ignore that, for it was late. She should be in bed after a few last revisions on tomorrow's subject.
Until she heard a knock on her door with a loud panting of a familiar voice.
"Yuki-nee! Yuki-nee!"
Yukiko reached for the door to see Tengu in panic.
"What's wrong, Tengu?"
"T-This scent! I-It's-"
But then, Tengu suddenly paused before sniffing a few times, before he turned to her with a disappointed expression, "Eh? I don't sense him anymore… Never mind."
What's with him? Who did he sense?
Yu Narukami
Foggy – Night – Dojima Residence
Yu watched in satisfaction upon his uncle's smile upon the dinner table with his three guests. Nanako served their needs with politeness and careful care. According to the Hitoshi brothers, their ancestors were residents of this place a long time ago but soon branched away from the town. They returned upon the news of the tragedy. Namatame was the first to be approached by them.
"And we were honored to be here," Ame said, "Unfortunately, we won't be here long. We hope you won't be lonely."
"Hahaha! Nonsense!" Dojima said, "I got my daughter and my nephew here. There's no way I'm lonely."
"For how long?" Umashi said, "Soon, your daughter will have a lover and will build their own lives."
"That's not funny," Dojima immediately became serious.
"It's just a joke," Umashi responded, glancing at Yu standing by the stairs, "What about him?"
"Well, I don't know. Don't want to pry into his business."
"Well, Yu Narukami, do you have a girl in your life?" Umashi said.
"Technically, no," Yu answered, while the faces of Yukiko, Chie, Rise, Naoto, and Marie came to mind, which he began to laugh nervously. Then, Marie's face appeared much clearer in his mind, wondering her safety and her condition.
And now he began to worry.
"I need some fresh air," Yu said, leaving the living hall and proceeded outdoor, trying not to bring down the good mood with his worriedness. He leaned his back on the wall opposite his house and silently stared at the foggy sky.
Marie, Izanami in disguise, was missing from the town for more than two weeks now. Will she be okay? Is Adachi doing harm to her? Will Strife be as gentle as his words during their confrontation at Tatsumi Port Island? Izanagi spoke too little about her during the Contact Card session. He wondered if he ever felt this worried about someone since Nanako's incident last year. Then, Father Time's words came to mind, where he was teased about Marie being his wife.
'Wife, huh?' Yu caught himself laughing, 'Not that it matters…'
"Thinking of a woman?"
Yu was startled by the voice of the stranger. It was Umashi, the so-called psychologist, staring at him with cautious observation.
"No, not that way."
"So, it is a woman; and you miss her. Must have been far away."
Yu widened his eyes in shock at the accuracy of his reading.
"You're really good."
"No need for praise. Just helping a young man in need. Do you wish to share?"
"I don't know how to share with you. Let's say that I'm not the only friends of her that missed her."
"But did she love you? If so, then she would want the man she loves to find her. She would want you to talk to her. But if you both love each other, then the mind will connect, a sign of love."
Yu listened diligently.
"Don't talk. Try to let your inner personality communicate. Telepathy won't be a myth any longer."
Umashi took out a card and lent it to him with the name 'Umashi Hitoshi' written on it, "Here's my number. Call me if you need any mind treatment.
Yu expressed his distaste for the word 'Hypnotize', to which Umashi laughed.
"Hypnotism is good, despite the negative outlook."
He returned inside, with Yu reading the card twice. Just then, he felt as if he was watched by someone. But the moment he shifted his attention to the rooftop on the next house, only a glimpse of a young figure was seen behind the thick fog, and then there was none. Must be his imagination…
Late Night - ?
Takaya meticulously reassembled his revolver, polishing it as he slowly inserting the bullet one by one into the slots. He caressed the firearm like a child before suddenly clicking the barrel in, aiming for the noise behind him. Upon the figure, he smiled.
"Hello, Karu Juugo," Takaya said, lowering the gun before the slender figure of the man in a white coat with black hat. Juugo appeared unafraid as he capped on his 'serious' hat.
"Missing your gun?"
"Tomorrow is a big day, after all," He answered before returning the question, "How was that young man?"
"Tooru Adachi is handling the matter that you screwed up."
"It was he who screwed up, not us," Takaya said but fiercer, "We can't have any more mistake. Where were you today?"
"Checking the subject. The result was outstanding."
"And why are you here?"
"Checking another subject."
He didn't realize that it was an insult to Takaya. Yet despite the intense stares, Juugo paid no heed to it.
"I'll return when suits. Goodnight, Takaya Sasaki."
Juugo turned to the door, but Takaya wasn't done.
"We don't know you yet," Takaya said, walking towards him, "Just because you bring us Takahisa Kandori from some desert out of nowhere, doesn't mean we can trust you."
Takaya's hand reached for something in Juugo's chest pocket and forcefully pulled it out along with Juugo's collar. It appeared to be a cross-shaped necklace, made of ruby crystal.
"You know, you reminded me of someone I hated so much in past. His name is Shuji Ikutsuki. He's a bastard, bastard enough to throw his 'children' like thrash. As much as I hate that red-haired idiot, we really do are similar. Let this necklace be a reminder of that."
"Is that your view on me?" Juugo grabbed his hand as he said, "I believed that is extremely irrelevant to our mission."
"This is personal."
Takaya and Juugo glared at each other with opposite will; one with extreme distaste, one with calmness too inhuman to be described.
"Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son."
"…What?" Takaya voiced his confusion upon the quote.
"New Testament, 1 John, by Apostle John. Antichrist denies the god and his children," Juugo said, "Do you deny gods because of the suffering upon you?"
"You're sick."
Takaya eventually removed his hand in disgust before returning to his desk. Not a word was exchanged afterward. Juugo merely left the room, at the same time dangling the necklace in his hand for a detailing observation.
"I wondered how is Mia?"
A/N: That's the end of the chapter. Sorry for the late update and the bad grammatical error. You've seen a few new faces in this chapter; we have Karu Juugo, the Hitoshi brothers, and the 'guest' in Amagi Inn which you probably recognized. The battle between Teddie and Tengu will be important to Yu's story later on. It's hard for me to give proper images of Poseidon and Ymir, but I hope you like it with the short battle.