War Arc:
Chapter 44: The False Messiah
Celephais
"What can you tell me about this place?" Nanjo said, leaning himself against the wall of a certain building after walking for a while in the dark city with his two accompanies, Yamaoka and the man named Shinjiro Aragaki. Nanjo glanced around the streets and saw that there were many others like him. Some of them were old, some of them young, but most of them appeared pale skin and seemed lifeless.
Shinjiro at first didn't bother answering him. But the place they rested on, the 5th floor of the building, allowed him to see most of the city from above.
"I don't know," Shinjiro said, "I guess this is the afterlife people's been talking about. The rest of the residents here is the same. Though you can't meet everyone here. Must be hell."
"Limbo, maybe," Nanjo responded, "Place between heaven and hell where our souls got stuck, Limbo isn't the place we want to end up in. How long have you been here?"
"I stop counting ages ago."
"How did someone as young as you died? Accident?"
"…" Shinjiro remained silent, while at the same time clutching his left chest tightly as if remembering something awful. This did not escape Nanjo's eyes.
"Got any regrets?"
"Don't think so."
Nanjo, despite annoyed by the young man's coldness, curved a smile to know that the man had fulfilled his share of life, unlike him who failed his duty in the direst time.
"Well, I do," Nanjo said.
He peered into the outside of the frameless window and gazed into the endless dark horizon. Yamaoka, who was listening from the side, tried to hide his anxiety upon those words.
"I wished I could have told her sooner about him," Nanjo said, "And I just had to die at the most crucial moment…"
"What can be more crucial that someone's life?" Shinjiro asked. Nanjo glanced slightly at him with a short answer.
"To tell a friend of mine that she had a dangerous man for a lover."
Naoya Toudou
Sunny – Early Morning - 26/11/2012(Monday) – Clair De Lune, Narumi, Sumaru City
(4 days before War's arrival)
Naoya knew something wasn't right when Baofu decided to call out for him for a drink. Their interaction was almost zero, but they were not strangers enough for Naoya to ignore his sudden approach.
The moment he entered the restaurant, Baofu had already waved his arm at him as he covered his mouth with a small handkerchief. He wasn't looking well, and yet he's willing to invite him this far. There must be something he had in mind. Naoya complied and approached him slowly.
"Baofu, how can I help you?" Naoya said as he seated himself, but observed around in case there was a hidden camera watching him from afar, as he was reminded of Baofu's previous profession.
"Want something to *cough* drink?" Baofu pushed the menu to him, but he pushed it back.
"I rather not stuffs myself before I heard what I need," Naoya said, "You said you wanted to talk to me."
Baofu stopped the drink in his hand and rested it on the table. He coughed a few times, trying to sound as serious as possible to tense the mood.
"You were in Egypt."
Naoya's smile faded.
"Eriko told you that," Naoya said.
"Yes, but you never specified why were you there *cough*."
"What are you trying to say?"
Baofu reached for something under the table and placed an old newspaper on the table, dated back to 2009.
"I'm not fooling around when I started my investigation, *cough*" Baofu placed his finger on one article on the news.
XX-XX-2009
Missing residents!
Yesterday, at 5:30 p.m., a group of people were found missing from their residence in the Ulthar inn in El Giza, Egypt. The incident took place roughly around 5 in the morning. It is estimated that around 15 people, including two Japanese, were mysteriously missing in their room. Traces of their location was never specified…
Naoya remained silent as he waited for him to continued.
"You were missing. Three years ago, you and a few other people in a certain inn went missing one day. Went completely off the grid ever since. *cough* You… Where have you been?"
He couldn't believe his eyes. A secret that he kept for so long, how did he know?
"What do you mean?"
"Denying it, huh? *cough* We had a mission to track someone before he died in the explosion a few weeks after you went missing. *cough* It's not right to call it a coincidence that we found out about you because of our previous *cough* case. I don't know what's the connection between you two, but this man was important enough that I can't ignore."
He placed a file from under the table and revealed a biography of someone. But the moment he touched the files, he knew the face under the cover and proceeded to touch his face. After all, he met him before.
The cover was flipped open, revealing a biography of a man with the name Karu Juugo, along with a small photo of him taken hiddenly.
"It is fine if you truly do not know, Toudou," Baofu pressed his index finger on the photo of the man, "But do you know this man?"
Should he tell him now? Should he reveal his relationship with him?
Should he, when he himself wondered if it's all a dream?
Just then, the cashier aimed the remote at the TV hanging from the ceiling. There was a loud murmur among the customers here. Baofu, curious, checked his phone to see the latest news. An immediately after, his face became pale. He could see those eyes beneath the black glasses, but Baofu was certainly staring at him. What just happened?
In a certain house, Sumaru City
A young boy in his school uniform let out a huge growl at the screen as he switched the channels while waiting for his father. His curly hair was left untouched as he buttoned his shirt lazily, at the same time glancing at the clock, wondering about the news.
Then, his eyes glued to the screen upon the images of the infamous duo, the Suou Devils, on the news. It appeared that the commissioner of the police department was the one who did the speech in front of the reporters. No news from them for a while, but how long had he waited to hear about his idols!
"The Suou will do everything in his power to stop the spread of this drugs. We hope that all of you will be patient."
"Takashi, go eat your breakfast."
He heard his father called out to him. It was too soon! He still wanted to listen more.
"Give me a minute, dad."
"Where are the Suou Brothers currently?" One of the reporters asked.
"That's classified, but we assured you that they're here to help."
"Takashi!"
"Just a bit moment! I want to hear them talking about the Suou Devils!"
It was then he was reminded of his father's insane voice.
"TAKASHI KIDO!"
The ground trembled along with him as he hurriedly switched off the TV. Behind the couch, glaring with his murderous aura, was Reiji Kido, suited in his usual, salaryman outfit.
"Do you want to be late for school?!" Reiji screamed.
"Okay, fine! I'll go and eat now!" Takashi responded, dashing away from the couch and ran to the table for breakfast. Reiji sighed, wondering himself if he's truly blessed for having only a single child at this small home of his. Sure, he may not be rich like the rest of his friends, but his life was modest. If only his son had the same thought…
"So, I heard you have a theater this Friday," Reiji said, sitting in front of Takashi, "I saw your name."
"Right?" Takashi proudly stood on his chair as he gulped down the beans, "I'm glad my friends know how to pick the right man to be THE Prince Charming!"
"Of course, but don't you go around and make troubles until then," Reiji advised, "Being the top dog at the school doesn't mean anything if everyone hates you."
"What? My classmates like me!"
"Then how come everyone avoided you within 5 meters range when I dropped you at school?"
Takashi paused, trying to find the right words.
"W-Well screw them! I'm happy like this. Look at the Suou Devils; people afraid of them, but they respected them too. You should know them better."
"People feared them for the right reason. You never know them like I do. We're friends, but that doesn't put us on different status."
Takashi growled.
"If only you're as cool as them…"
"What was that?" Reiji intercepted the little boy's muse.
"Nothing. Hey, the house phone."
Reiji realized the house phone was ringing. Seeing that his son pretended to ignore the phone, Reiji sighed and answered instead.
"Hello?"
He was surprised to hear his voice of all people.
"Reiji-kun! The TV! Open the TV!"
"Hidehiko?! Aren't you laying in the hospital right now?"
Nanjo Memorial Hospital
"I am, and I checking the show that I was supposed to host this morning! Remembered what I said about another media taking over my show? Well, holy crap!"
Hidehiko was screaming on the phone at the reception counter as he watched the TV where his show was supposed to commence. It was a grave situation. He would never expect anyone to use his show for that purpose, especially the enemies.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Reiji-kun, it's them! They're using my show, Monday with Hide, for some crazy things about Christian stuff, and I-" Hidehiko paused to regain his breath, "Just open my show and you'll see!"
Maya Amano
Suou residence, Konan
Mia Kaneda was a very quiet girl. For one-night sleep in, she didn't fuss about a single thing that she and Tatsuya did. She merely bowed in gratitude when a new school uniform was given, or when the breakfast was cooked for her. It didn't seem that she hated it, but not once had Maya seen her smiled.
This morning, too, was no different. Her body was frail like glass; too slim that she appeared sick if her bare skin was exposed. Strangely, she reminded her of herself when she was young and lonely when her father passed away long ago.
"Are you fine with me here?" Mia said after refusing to touch the spoon on the table. Maya, who was sitting opposite her, was stunned by her question. It was understandable if she felt not at home in stranger's house, but the main problem was that she's wondering if she's a bother to them, which Maya never showed any sign of distress of her presence here.
"I have only one son, never had a daughter. So, I find the different atmosphere refreshing. As the matter of fact, we like you here," Maya answered, almost forgot about her husband in the room, still dressing up.
He usually wasn't this late for work, so the breakfast was always left uneaten if she ever made one. This morning, it seemed, Tatsuya was able to join her and the new guest. Secretly, she knew Tatsuya purposely delayed his departure to spend more time with her.
Mia, on the other hand, seemed to force her lips to curve in response to her statement. Nodded, she reached for the spoon but paused again.
"What's wrong?" Maya asked.
"Nobody ever cooks anything for me," Mia said. Maya's heart sank upon those words. Sympathy wasn't enough for her and the loss of her house. She heard the story from Tatsuya and was reminded of the fortunate life she had compared to her.
"Then, appreciate it while you can," Maya said, turning to Tatsuya who was leaving the room and remembered her own demise. If only there was another way…
"Tatsuya, would you like to join us?" Maya called out to him as he entered the living room. Her husband, however, seemed tense, with a phone stuck to his ear as he rushed to the TV that he failed to listen to her.
"What? …Monday with Hide? Hidehiko's show?" Tatsuya said on the phone, immediately pressed the remote, "Give me a moment, I'm watching…"
Maya and Tatsuya couldn't believe their eyes.
"As request by the man himself, we're broadcasting this to the entire Japan and Asia to see."
The host in charge said with a new setting in their studio. The band 'Monday with Hide' was removed at the back, leaving an empty whiteboard as a background.
"There were many rumors of Mayan prophecy closing into our world, the end is nigh, and many cultures began to pray for salvation. At the same time, we were hit by the spread of a mysterious lethal drug that had spread among youngsters and adults, where the cure is far from reach.
"Today, however, we were given miracles. I am truly blessed to be granted an audience with the man who will save us from this dreadful situation. We would like to welcome the man we all waiting for."
Aigis
Iwatodai New Dorm, Tatsumi Port Island
"Are you sure we don't need to go to the hospital?" Kikuno said, while slowly changing the bandage on Akihiko's sleeves in his room.
"I'm fine! I just… need a rest," Akihiko rejected, but strangely embarrassed to see himself treated in front of Aigis and Yukari as well, "What are you doing in my room? Get out, I'm okay."
"Was he that strong?" Yukari asked, facing both Akihiko and Aigis. Aigis merely nodded, but she knew Akihiko hated himself for losing more.
"He's insanely strong. Stronger than any persona users I've seen in my life. I may even say that he's stronger than our leader and Narukami. It's not a fight, it's a game to him! The thing is, I know he's holding back. If not for Aigis, I would have lost my life."
"I barely escaped as well," Aigis confessed, "It was foolish of me to force my way on him. His gadget is a mystery too."
"Mitsuru is doing everything she can to track the man," Yukari said, "Darn it… If only I was there…"
Just then, a loud rumbling sound was heard. All three turned to Akihiko, who tried to hide his embarrassment by flipping out.
"Argh! Let's go downstairs! I'm hungry!"
The moment all four of them reached downstairs, they were curious to see Junpei, Ken, and Koromaru gluing their eyes on the TV screen. It wasn't an excitement on their face. It was a terror.
"Quick, quick! Make it louder!" Junpei screamed at Ken who was holding the remote.
"Quiet down, I'm doing it!" Ken said, finally jumped back to the couch when he saw the four of them descending the stairs, "Guys, you have to see this! Mitsuru-san said they're talking about the prophecy!"
Turning to each other, Aigis and the rest rushed to the TV to see the host talking.
"The man we've been dreading to wait for centuries. Please give him a round of applause!"
The small crowd inside the studio screamed in excitement. The camera panned and zoomed at the side of the studio.
A man walked in, dressed in a pure clean white outfit. The color was so white, it seemed like a cosplay than an attire to wear anywhere at all.
From the weak resolution of the camera, the man seemed holily like a saint. From the first impression, this man appeared to be a devoted man of religion. To what religion is not clear, but it was obvious enough that he had a charisma to gain followers if it was a new religion altogether.
However, to the Shadow Operative, they could only leave their mouth ajar upon the appearance of the man.
It was him.
What in a world just happened? How is he standing on the screen so casually?
It was Takaya Sasaki.
"Greetings, world. I am the Christ. I am here to give salvation."
Silverman's Residence, Rengedai, Sumaru City
"I know your cries; I heard your pleads. I have been listening, for a very, very long time."
Takaya Sasaki said while the host rested on one of the two chairs on the stage. Takaya continued.
"There are many who will deny me. There will be more to oppose me, but faith is all you need to believe that I am the messenger of god."
"Messenger?" Lisa muttered as she watched the TV. Matsuya was dressing for school, unaware of the situation around the world.
"What's wrong, Aunt Lisa?" Matsuya asked as he buttoned his shirt.
"Nothing. Just… pack your things. I'll be there shortly," Lisa said without averting her eyes off the screen.
"Oh, my children! So long that my body still here, I only wish that a chance is given to yourself to be saved! Do not bear your suffering alone, do not bear the misery upon you! You all deserve to be held and caressed like a child, for I will give you the peace you all need within your heart!"
He descended the stairs and approached the crowd as he revealed his right hand. Almost like an illusion, a thick bluish smoke appeared in his hand, watched as the audience gasped in surprise. To convinced them further, he allowed them to touch the smoke and play with it. Some of the audience even stared in shock at the display of his power.
"You're not seeing an illusion, or deception, or things you called effects! Feel the power of the cloud that will rain prosper onto the devoted, but scorch hell onto the ignorant! Ah, you, the one at the back, come forward."
A young, sickly man approached the front and towards the stage, guided by Takaya.
"Young man, tell me, what troubles you?" Takaya asked.
Tatsuya Suou
Suou Residence
"I am sick," The sick man said, "Yesterday, my family and I were walking down the Yamazaki street, but a heavy mist poisoned us! My children are sick, and the doctors cannot help us!"
"I know that man!" He heard his wife said.
"He was there yesterday! I saw him being trolled into the ambulance!"
"Something's not right…" Tatsuya mused, focusing on the screen again after hanging up the phone with Katsuya. It was as if they had fallen into another trap laid by the Revelation.
"What you need is not a doctor, young man," Takaya said, "What you need is a blessing. Are you a devoted follower of me?"
The young man nodded weakly. Takaya smiled, which appeared gentle to the world, but sinister to those who knew his true face. He placed his thumb gently on the man's forehead, gushing a poof of bluish smoke.
That's when Tatsuya finally realized the purpose of the show and the true purpose of the spreading of Limbo Recall.
The young man became well. Colors began to exhibit on the man's skin. His pupils began to grow clean with blackness.
"I… I am cured. I am cured!"
Police Department
"Goddammit!" Katsuya screamed in his office, startling Shiori and a few other polices who were watching together with him. Yet, it was only the beginning of Katsuya's anger.
"That's the reason Sudou sold that thing! He wanted to give the cure to gain people's trust! It had nothing to do with killing those people, it had nothing to do with recruiting armies! It was all to gain people's trust! Chizuru is the final push to spread that thing yesterday so that it will appear that the Revelation is the one to save them!"
"They purposely prolonged the effects and led the victims to the final stages of the disease so that they can prove that they found the true cure," Shiori supported, realizing the deadliness of the situation, "And if they broadcast it to the entire Japan and Asia, it means that Limbo Recall has been spreading all over the globe… This is pointless from the start…"
Katsuya paused her, focusing on the screen again to hear Takaya's next line.
"You have been blessed, young man, and soon all the victims in the world. This hand that once bleed because of humanity will be the cure for humanity itself. If only I could share my blood and bless with the world, I would gladly give my life for it. However, I cannot save the ignorant… Come, my children, let me save you from this sickness."
The crowd applauded, the media went mad, the mass became confused, terrified, and submitting. Katsuya wouldn't dare to see the internet and watched how the world fell into his sweet little lies.
Kirijo headquarter, Tatsumi Port Island
Mitsuru bit her lips in frustration upon those words. Saving them? Minato was the one who sacrificed his life to save mankind; and yet this man, so effortlessly, faced the world and let the mass to believe that he will be their savior?
"They hold Japan all along…" Fuuka said from the side of the meeting table, watched silently by Labrys who was trying to contain her anger.
"He and his team are the ones that have been poisoning them! Why can't everyone realize that?!" Labrys said as she slammed the table with her palms. But Mitsuru tried to calm her.
"Please, stay put. Let's hear what he had to say," Mitsuru said without averting her eyes from the screen.
It appeared that Takaya had finally rested himself on the chair and was waiting to be interrogated by the host.
"If I was informed correctly, you are the head of the Nyxism, a local belief that occurred roughly three years ago. They called it Strega," The host said.
"Indeed. It was a test to mankind to see which is the devoted, and which is led astray by self-morality. It was not successful, for opposition from a certain force pushed me into the corner. I am too late to warn the world of the incoming misery, but it is not too late for me to save what's remain."
"Then who are your real supporters?"
"The prime minister and his followers of the city we're in; Sumaru City."
Mitsuru finally jumped from her seat with a perplexed expression. This is going too far.
Unknown Headquarter
"Come on, Takaya Sasaki. Don't you f*ck this up…" Tatsuya Sudou muttered alone in the dark room, interlinked his fingers together as he impatiently tapped on the steel floor with his boots. Nobody was allowed entrance to his room as he watched Takaya's acting unfolded.
"I am proud that the ministers have been given revelation to the truth of the matter. Not only them, many others organizations have their eyes opened to the truth and supported me. I wish that the rest will do the same."
Sudou was never seen without his irritable eyes. He's always a serious man, too cold to make use of joy he had until he was sure of the succession of his plan. And yet, today, for the first time ever, he finally smiled. The servants outside shivered in fear when they heard his sudden laugh.
"There are some strong beliefs that I am impersonating the real Christ. This does not help. It will allow another antichrist to usurp my place and deceive you. I certainly will not allow that. Never!"
The host of the show listened diligently to his speech before he asked.
"Do you think that someone will appear claiming to be the Christ?"
"Will? There is already a man claimed to be the savior."
Takaya focused his eyes on someone and gave a small hand gesture. Then, a projector light was reflected on the white background. Sudou laughed maniacally at the images in the background.
"This here is a man wanting to kill me to make sure I never reach the call of the devoted. Beware of this man. He is the one who spread the disease that plagued the world. Save yourself from this man by capturing him and make sure he'll receive the punishment he deserves."
It was an image of a man. Sudou finally stood up from his chair and shivered in excitement.
"Who's running away now, bastard?!"
Naoya Toudou
Claire De Lune, Narumi
He knew it. He knew it was his face. He knew it was only a matter of time before they find him.
He had no escape now. The eyes of Baofu switched rapidly between the screen and him. What else needed to doubt? It was his face on the projector in the show.
"This man's name is Naoya Toudou. I believe he is right here in this city. Please, someone, stop this man, and you will be blessed greatly! All your sins shall be forgiven!" Takaya said as if begging.
Takaya stood up, returning to the crowds and exposed his palms again.
"Rejoice, my children! For I have come!"
He released a huge smoke and engulfed every sick audience presented live at the show. They jumped in joy due to their sickness cured by a mere touch of the holy smoke.
"All hail the Christ!"
The people chanted in unison.
And so, eyes after eyes in the restaurant began to shift to him, including Baofu. His time is up. Every eye in the city is now hunting him for the price Takaya promised them. Naoya stood up, pushed the files towards Baofu and smiled.
"Another time, Baofu. I need to go," Naoya said.
"Wait!" Baofu tried to stop him, but he immediately ran to the door in a flash, where customers jumped from their seats when they realized their targets.
"It's him! He's the one on the TV! Get him!"
When those voices had chanted, Naoya made a run of his life. Pursuers tried to block the entrance, but Naoya pushed the people aside and dashed outside. When Naoya looked outside, almost every screen on every building was covered with his and Takaya's face.
Where will he go from now?
Meanwhile, Baofu was staring at the door as he coughed a few times and hurriedly covered his mouth with a small handkerchief with redness began to spread on it.
Nanjo's Memorial Hospital
"What the hell is going on?" Hidehiko said as he held the call from Reiji. His beloved show that gave life to his career was now being used for prophecy and manipulated the people. Wherever he was right now, he knew Naoya was being chased by the world. And yet, Takaya could still spread that fake smile to these people.
"That is all for today, folks! The Christ awaits the sick patients at the diet building. May the Christ bless your soul!"
That was the final call of the show as the host, probably another one of Sudou's mob since he never seen him, left the stage. The audience surrounded Takaya as they reached out their hands to him. Takaya gave a smile, but not before turning to the camera with the most mischievous smile he had ever seen.
"Shut the TV!" Hidehiko grabbed the remote and turned off the TV, where a loud crowd of patients growled in anger. Hidehiko ignored them and returned to the caller.
"Someone find Naoya now! Hide him! Don't let them get to him!"
"I know. I'm leaving the house now!" Reiji said before finally ended the call. Hidehiko was left alone in shock, clutching his head to calm his panic.
"What the hell…" Hidehiko said, "It's like a war has already started…"
Tatsuya Suou
Suou Residence
"They want him because he has something," Tatsuya deduced as he walked around in a circle in front of the offed TV. Maya tried to calm him, but it appeared to be useless against Tatsuya's working mind. Mia watched the entire scene from the table, where she remained silent as she ate her scrambled eggs.
"Then we will try to stop him from reaching Naoya," Maya said, but Tatsuya waved his hands with strong disagreement.
"I don't think you understand, Maya. He has the trust of the people in this city in less than 30 minutes. Arresting him will only spark the anger of the desperate victims of Limbo Recall. They needed him, but…" Tatsuya explained before reaching for his jacket, "I have to skip the food. Sorry, but my brother needs me right now."
"Tatsuya, wait!" Maya stopped him before he reached for the door. Her expression was extremely gloomy and worrying, "Be careful. Right now, you're not a persona user."
"I know. Just take care of Matsuya and Mia for me," He answered before he left.
Police Department, Konan
"This is a foolish act, commissioner!" Katsuya screamed at the phone, "The prime minister cannot trust that man! It is an act! Hello? Hello?!"
He hung the phone in frustration after calling the higher up regarding the matters. He then turned to his units and Shiori, where they all awaited his order. His order was thus simple.
"Find out about the 'cured' victims. Nobody is to touch that smoke of his. Shiori," Katsuya glanced at Shiori before reaching for his jacket, "Bring a few guys and follow me. I want to greet this bastard at the studio."
Yu Narukami
Rainy – Morning – Yasoinaba High, Inaba
"Alright, guys," Yu gave his final words to the Investigation Team at the front gate of the school, "No matter what happens, clear your mind and do your best."
The team, each holding onto their umbrellas, nodded and gave encouraging words to each other. Whatever happened on the internet, they will try to ignore them and instead focused completely on the exam. Taking a deep breath, they entered the school and made their own ways to their own classes.
Before Yu reached his classroom, he saw a man was conversing with the principal outside the teacher's office. From their conversation, it seemed that a newly transferred student had arrived at the very last minute to take the exam. Although the principal insisted, the man revealed a paper informing him that he was granted permission to take the exam. Seeing that it was not part of his problem, Yu proceeded to his classroom.
Oblivious to the event that's been spreading around Japan, the Investigation Team took their exam and focused their entire future on it. For the day, their mind should be relieved from the tension of the prophecy.
Except, crawling in the corner, an important figure in the prophecy was lurking very close to the team.
In a few classrooms above Yu's class, the teacher is calling out the name of each students sitting for the exam.
"And the one at the back… I see that you're a transfer student," The teacher of that room said and he gestured his hand downward, "Please put down your legs in the class. We'll begin shortly, umm…"
Kirijo's Headquarter, Tatsumi Port Island
Mitsuru, Fuuka, and Labrys could only remain silent in the office room upon those show. The TV has been turned off for a while now, but Labrys was the one managed to break the silence.
"T-The persona users in Sumaru City know what to do! Have faith in them!" Labrys said, trying to lift the tense atmosphere. Using the opportunity, she immediately changed the subject, "By the way, you said you have something you want to ask me."
"Of course," Fuuka replied as she dissembled the files and placed them in a row on the table, "About the man you have described, the man that might have kidnapped you a few months ago, I have narrowed it down to the last few. All I need is for you to identify the man."
"With this, we will finally find out about him and the prophecy, and probably about that man named Karu Juugo who attacked Aigis and Akihiko yesterday," Mitsuru said, gesturing her hand to the files, "Please, take your time and check the file."
Labrys obeyed and reached for the first file. It was an image of a young man with a red hair, but he lacked the cold eyes. She shook her head and placed it aside before checking another. Not him, not him, not him.
Until she flipped open a file and gasped at the image on it. Fuuka and Mitsuru who were waiting at the side immediately leaned in.
"It's him! It's definitely him!" Labrys cried, pressing her metal finger on the photo of the man. Fuuka grabbed the file and read the biodata of the man.
"One of the orphans taken in by Kirijos years ago," Fuuka read as she turned to Mitsuru, "His name is-"
Yasoinaba High, Inaba
"Sho Minazuki. Please sit down properly," The teacher said, who was beginning to lose his patience. Despite being annoyed by the teacher's constant scold, he obeyed but was rough in his method as he pressed his shoes hard on the ground.
He glanced outside as he rubbed the back of his neck, where a trace of the scar was hidden by his tall collar. Looking at the dripping rain outside, Sho Minazuki (Persona: Tsukiyomi) chuckled, as if remembering something laughable.
Tatsuya Suou
Morning – Sumaru TV, Aoba, Sumaru City
Tatsuya arrived just in time to regroup with his brother and Shiori at the front of the Sumaru TV building, but the media, reporters, and citizens had occupied most of the front door of the building. The brothers had to block the entrance with the guards in order to have a private meeting with the self-proclaimed Messiah.
From the elevator, Takaya was seen accompanied by a few men in suits. Seeing how he was so casual with his walk, Tatsuya almost wanted to jump in and punched the man in the face. But for now, the badges were all they needed to talk to him. It was insanely irritating to see Takaya let out a snicker at the sight of them.
"Looks like I found myself a fan," Takaya said as the police approached him. Tatsuya and Katsuya immediately flashed the badges to the guards around Takaya as Shiori guarded the circle against the outside.
"It's good to see you again, Takaya Sasaki," Katsuya said, "Unfortunately, I rather keep this short. You're under arrest."
"Oh, you want to arrest a savior, a cure for the disease?" Takaya chuckled, reacting by twirling his fingers, "That's not very wise, now. Isn't?"
"Wait till we expose your activities behind the Limbo Recall, so you can kiss your TV show goodbye and give your speech behind the bar for the rest of your life," Katsuya said, "Until then, you're under our supervision."
"Can you put me behind the prison, Suou Devils?" Takaya said, "Even the minister became our dog. All I do was puffed some drugs on his kids, cured them, and boom, my boot on his head as you two lick his shiny boots like police dogs you are."
"You think we didn't know about the power of the Limbo Recall?" Katsuya responded, "It's just mind control. If we found the real cure, he's your guy no longer."
Takaya laughed, much to the brothers' confusion.
"And when will you find it? A week before the prophecy day? By the time it happens, Sudou will take over the city and let the true justice reign. This is your revelation, Suou Devils. Accept it kindly."
Takaya reached into his back pocket, where he took out his phone as it rang. Calmly, he answered it, before he widened his eyes with a sinister smile on his face as he focused on Tatsuya. He lent out the phone to him.
"It's for you."
Hesitated at first, Tatsuya snatched the phone from him and listened to the caller. It's him.
"Hello, my little Tatsuya."
"Sudou…" Tatsuya growled, tightly clutching the phone upon the familiar voice.
"What? Don't you like that show? That blonde Jesus made the dialog himself. He deserves a f*cking award for that."
"And somebody is too afraid to step out of his shadow. Still sitting on your couch when you watched the show? Some boss I heard you are," Tatsuya mocked, at the same time glaring fiercely at Takaya, "Just know that I'm going to find your little basement and kick you where you sit."
"This isn't exactly what I call 'basement', but you're welcome to try. But if I were you, I'll make sure I keep the city in check first before searching for me. So, here's the deal, Suou Devil, whatever the f*ck your nickname is. I know you don't like that Naoya guy. I know you don't trust shady dude pretending to be a saint or whatever. Let me help you. Just give me him."
"You're out of your mind if you think I'll help you."
"Hey, I'm doing this for your own sake. That guy and Philemon are toying with you like a b*tch you are and yet you still trying to play hero?"
There was truth in his words. Naoya wasn't convincing enough as he is right now to protect him. But it was not enough to accept the deal from the devil.
"I thought you already have his 'twin' brother and Erio."
"That's exactly why we need him locked up. It's perfect for us currently. We don't want that guy messing around at our place. He knows too much."
"I'll be glad if he can mess your face too. So, you can shut up and stay put. I'll bring burial flower when I meet you."
Tatsuya pushed the phone away towards Takaya and gave a signal to Katsuya. He nodded, watched obliviously by Takaya.
"Takaya Sasaki, I hope you like prison's food," Katsuya said, raising his hand and signaled the force to capture the target. There was not even the slightest fear in his eyes when he was carried over by the squad. Instead, he laughed, facing the media with an angelic smile as he was escorted out of the building.
Maya Amano
Cloudy – Morning – Koukai School, Koukai
The children and kids walked towards the school accompanied by their parents in hand. Dozens of vehicles were parked messily outside the gate. Some of them even walked from the nearest bus station, including Maya and the little girl Mia.
Mia asked nothing about the news on the TV, despite hearing it almost constantly inside the bus by the passengers. Maya wasn't sure to be thankful or worried to see Mia giving zero reaction towards hers and Tatsuya's panic. It's as if she felt no fear, or it wasn't enough to make her fear. She refused to admit it, but the child seemed lifeless without her fear and anxiety. Could she feel nothing except fear and sadness? And why does she feel… so relatable to her?
"Thanks for taking care of me," Mia said when she arrived at the front gate, "But you shouldn't bother with the likes of me."
"Don't speak like that about yourself with that tone," Maya replied, almost scolding, "No child deserves a loveless childhood."
"This is too much for me," Mia looked down, refusing to make eye contact with her, "You already have Matsuya-kun."
"He has nothing to do with you. You're you."
Despite those words, it wasn't enough to make Mia rethink her perspective. She merely nodded, followed by a huge bow, before disappearing among the pupils as she entered the gate. It was so hard to read that little girl's mind. Then again, Matsuya was equally difficult to be read. If only her mother instinct could be a little more useful than sensing trouble, she will surely be able to make Matsuya happy.
Just when she thought about her son, there were at the end of another side of the road two familiar figures. Lisa waved her hand in her formal outfit, attracting the eyes of several men among the passengers who recognized her legacy as Muses. Next to her and holding her hand tightly was Matsuya, but his voice was not heard, despite previously always jumping in joy after returning from Lisa's.
"Lisa! Oh, have you watched the show?" Maya greeted them and immediately started the topic as she was curious about Lisa's reaction regarding Takaya's show.
"Worse than I thought. Majorities try to be neutral, but most of them were infected," Lisa said with extreme distaste, "We all know Takaya already hold the city the moment they control the prime minister. Everyone's will have to follow him regardless of choice. It's too late for Tatsuya. How was he?"
"I don't know. I just hope he'll pull it through."
It was then the sound of a loud bell rang from the school. Lost in the moment, they realized it's time for Matsuya to proceed with school. Maya focused her eyes on Matsuya for the first time as he refused to look at her direction.
How stunning she was to observe his face up close. There were black spots under both eyes, including the reddish line near the lower eyeliners. But the images in his eyes…
"Matsuya-kun, what's wrong?" Maya asked gently at him. Sluggishly, he turned his head to face her. There was a pause with his eyes studied hers so intensely. His eyes were heartbreakingly torturous to glimpse upon.
"It's okay, mommy," Matsuya smiled, "You don't have to worry anymore."
…?
Why does she felt the urge to cry?
"Matsuya-kun, wait-"
Before she could finish, Matsuya rushed into the school gate, leaving the two alone. This wasn't the usual Matsuya that she knew. The previous day, he was expressively happy before going to Lisa's house. No, he was strange even before. What happened at Lisa's house? What happened when she was gone? What was it that Matsuya needed to hide from her?
"Lisa, did Matsuya tell you anything?" Maya faced Lisa while tightly gripping her sleeve to suppress her emotion. Lisa, who appeared oddly calm, shook her head.
"He's just tired from yesterday. I'm sure he'll recover. Actually, he's enjoying himself during my stay," Lisa said, glancing at her watch before lending a bag to Maya, "Here, Matsuya's clothes. If you need to focus on your husband and need a place for Matsuya, just give me a call."
"Lisa…" Maya gently grabbed the bag from her, "He's still my son."
Her smile faded instantly. That's not what this is about.
"No, I didn't mean it like that," Maya added, "I appreciate your help, but what kind of mother will I be if I leave that responsibility to someone else?"
"I understand," Lisa answered, but gloomily, "I should be going now."
An awkward silence filled the air as Lisa walked away. Did she offend her? Why was it that everyone seemed so distant from her?
A/N: And that's the end of this chapter. As shown in Book of Revelation, the False Messiah has finally begun his plan to deceive the world. We will finally approach one of the main figures, Sho Minazuki, his side of the story and his relation to the Prophecy. Please wait for the slow update.