AN: Hello everyone, hope you're all well. Still a little disappointed at the lack of reviews, as those really help when motivating me to write more. But I'll continue regardless. Please read, review, favourite, follow, etc!
Chapter 49: The Sixth Nightmare
|September 11th|Shintaro's House|7:30 am|
It was now a Monday, the start of another school week. Having dressed for school, Shintaro quickly checked his Gnosis. His parents immediately shuddered at the sight of it, but said nothing. Upon looking, there was a message from Shigeru, marked as urgent. Gulping, he opened it immediately.
The Covenant System is complete at least. We will place the Cores there. Kakusa of course will be expected to arrive, but anyone else is welcome. Everything should work as planned. If there are any difficulties, we'll let you know straight away. Be safe.
"Son, what's going on?" Shintaro's mother asked.
"Komatsu-san is asking Kei to transfer the Cores to the special security system we've been developing. I can come if I want. But I'm not sure I want to..."
"Then don't go. When you were out late last night, we were very anxious..." Shintaro's father said. "You were simply just walking Kakusa home, right?"
"Of course, dad, like I just told you. We were at the arcade first, then Kei went back to her dorm, then I came back. Right now, we're just keeping watch for the next Cognition Core. So far, nothing. Trust me, Komatsu-san and the others will keep on top of things."
Before his parents could voice their misgivings, however, they saw an announcement on the news.
"Huh?" Shintaro said. He saw Svante Solberg's face – Evelina's father. "What happened?"
"Svante Solberg, the leader of the Japanese branch of the Aramis company, passed away last evening. Solberg, aged 46, had been in hospital for a long period, and had been in a coma since his hospitalisation. His family were present. Details are still unclear at the time, but -
Shintaro gulped. So, he didn't survive EX-NIHILO after all. He had a feeling he wouldn't, but a small part of him wanted him to pull through – not so much for his own sake, but for Evelina. Now, she was grieving, as were her relatives.
"He was caught up in Bythos' plans, wasn't he?" Shintaro's mother asked. He nodded, still shaken. "My god...I did wonder why he was in the hospital for so long. You're friends with his daughter, aren't you?"
"Yes...but I don't think she'll be ready to talk to any of us right now. Maybe Toshiaki-kun, but..."
"Bythos just keep ruining people's lives..." His father said. "Where are you going after school?"
Shintaro froze. He didn't know yet. Shigeru had only asked for Kei, and no one else was mandatory. After all, the Wild Card had the five Cores in her possession now. Kohaku had transferred her one to her already. He could show up to support Kei, but was this something she needed any support in doing?
"I...I have a book to return to the library, but I'll probably just go straight home after that." Shintaro said.
"Don't do anything dangerous, okay? We heard what Kohaku said about Svante Solberg..."
"...I'll be fine. Trust me."
With that, Shintaro finished his breakfast, and left the house. Today, he hoped, would just be a normal day, or at least, as normal as a day at Kansei could be in these times.
|Kansei High – Class 2-1|10:59 am|
Hideki Yoshinaga was at the front of the class, discussing various features of South American geography. Despite the stress of the Bythos situation, he remained in relatively high spirits. He was leaving on vacation right after school finished today, apparently visiting friends in Yokohama. Setsuna would be coming with him, of course.
Yokohama, huh? The same place Kei is from. I hope he has a good time there.
"Okay, that's all for today." Their teacher said, as the period was over. It was time for PE next, Shintaro's least favourite class by quite some margin. Still, however, he wouldn't have to notice Akari's empty desk. That was still a troubling sight. And distracting himself from it was becoming harder.
"Kei, about the Covenant System. Do you want either of us to come with you?" Kohaku asked, as they put away their bags and notes.
"...No. But thank you." The transfer student said. "Wait. There's something I need to say to you both. Pretty soon, something big is going to happen to this city."
"What? What's this all of a sudden?" Shintaro asked, as most of the other students left the room. "What do you mean by something big?"
"We – I don't know. There's...nothing I can do to stop it." Kei said, gravely. "Don't ask me how I know. I can't tell you that, not yet. But you have to be ready for it."
"Kei, you're not making much sense..." Kohaku said, anxiously. "Why can't you just tell us -"
"Are you all alright?" Hideki asked, walking over. "You don't want to be late to class. All us teachers are on edge. Even if it's only PE, you can't worry them."
"Sorry, sensei. We're going now." Shintaro said, hurriedly grabbing his bag.
"Have a good time in Yokohama!" Kohaku said, as she was about to leave the room.
"I'll only be gone for a week or so. I'll be back before you now it." He said, smirking. As he said this, Kei's face suddenly darkened. The crimson-haired teacher, however, ignored his student's expression. "Look after Natsumi and Masato for me, will you? No matter how grown-up they think they are, they're still my little sister and brother."
Kei bit her lip as she heard this, averting his eyes. Shintaro looked at her, frowning. Yet she didn't speak. Something about what their teacher had just said had deeply upset her. But why would Hideki going on vacation be such a big deal? Was it because he was going to her old city?
"Don't worry, sensei. The twins will be safe with us." He finally said.
With that, they waved goodbye, and left the room. As he did, however, he saw Kei almost rush by, clutching her bag. For a second, he thought he heard her crying.
"Kei's really under a lot of pressure, isn't she?" Kohaku asked.
"Yeah..." Shintaro said, watching her. "I just hope she's better by the time Hideki returns."
They followed her down the corridor, putting what had just happened out of their minds.
|Chieki Academy – Gates|15:45 pm|
The twins were leaving the school, with Asami in tow. Now that she was no longer loyal to Nisa Liat, it was somewhat easier to be around her. Yet the atmosphere around the school remained tense. Just as the group reached the gate, Eiji marched past them.
"Hey, Eiji-kun?" Masato said. His friend stopped, and turned around, with an expression of pure hatred. Asami and Natsumi looked at each other, concerned, but said nothing. "Dude! What's with that look?"
"I've got something really big to do after school today. I can't be late! Now stop fucking bothering me and leave me alone! You've been a major pain in the ass the whole damn year!"
Stunned, Masato watched as Eiji ran into the distance. He was in a major hurry. As he disappeared down the road, Toshiaki walked up to them, and whistled.
"Not bad. Fujino might just have a future on the track team if he ever gives up on baseball."
"It's not funny, senpai..." Masato said, sadly. "That wasn't like him at all. I knew he'd been a little off lately, but he's never exploded like that before. Even when Koyanagi-sensei grills us."
Sighing, Toshiaki put his arm around the redhead.
"Hey, you know how stressful life has been for everyone in this city lately. But that's why we have to keep fighting, with our Personas. So we can bring a little happiness back to the people's hearts."
Asami chuckled. "That's the Yukimora we know and love. Right, Natsumi-chan?"
"R-Right..." The fashion expert said, blushing. "Um, Senpai, have you heard from Evelina at all today?"
Toshiaki's smile faded, and he looked very grave.
"Nope. She's not even tried calling me. Course, I don't really want to call her just now. She needs time. Man, of all the things to happen to her."
Masato nodded, thinking of their senpai. Evelina, the cool blonde third-year. Her family came over here for a new start, only for the business to be beset with all sorts of allegations. Then, after months in the hospital, her father's death.
"Damn. Everyone's hurting right now, but we can't do anything until we can reach where Nisa Liat is hiding."
"I know." Natsumi said, shaking her head. "I hate being so powerless at a time like this. Hopefully, we can come up with something..."
Just then, they noticed someone had been staring at them from afar. He looked like he was in his twenties, yet he wasn't a teacher at Chieki. A smartly dressed man, he looked somewhat Scandinavian in facial features. He had a smug expression, with twinkling blue eyes, and sleek, purple hair that was parted in the middle.
"What are you looking at, mister?" Asami asked, defensively.
"Don't mind me. I just came to check everything is in working order. And it looks like it is. They better not try to mess with anything. Not that they can. Try as they might, we're in charge."
"They?" Natsumi asked. "Who the hell are you even talking about?"
"And what do you mean by in charge?" Masato asked. Something about this man made him extremely wary. As if he'd seen him somewhere. But where?
"Hmm." The mystery man said, amused. He stroked his chin, gazing at the four of them with great interest. He then chuckled and began to move away from the gate. "You guys really are completely oblivious. But it's better that way. Keeps you from going insane. Well, see ya."
Before anyone could ask him any further questions, the man walked away, turning around the corner. Masato went to look, but couldn't see him anymore.
"Who's that guy?" Toshiaki asked. "Pretty weird."
"Yeah. He's handsome, but he seemed really...arrogant, too. Just my hunch." Asami said, frowning. "He better not come here again."
"As if we didn't have enough weird things to worry about. Forget it, let's just get home."
And so, the four left, still uncertain of what may come next.
|Covenant System|16:00 pm|
Shigeru was waiting in the middle of the system, alone. He looked around at the bizarre technology that had been set up around him, all birthed via the energies of this world, and the imaginations of him and his colleagues.
As he waited for Kei, he looked up at the dark ceiling. He thought of the Mayor, who seemed to be in a very good mood. She was, for the first time in a long while, truly happy to see him. A far cry from his wife's continuing silent treatment. She would never forgive him, he had begun to accept. Hiding so many secrets from her had betrayed her trust in him.
"...If only I hadn't gotten this damn Gnosis back then." He said to himself. Indeed, if he hadn't received the Gnosis, he could have continued his normal life as a politician, aiding the city and the education of its many children. But it wasn't to be. He had been forced to fight monsters borne from the human psyche, and fight with one of his own.
He then wondered, just why did he get sent a Gnosis in the mail? Who – or what – sent it to him?
Was it the entity that created the Theio Kosmos? Or someone – or something – else? Why us?
Before he could continue this line of thought, Kei materialised. She was alone, and had a dour look on her face.
"...Are you alright, Kakusa?" Shigeru asked, gently. "The Cores will be safe here. Trust me."
"Komatsu-san, I..." She began, uncertainly. "I can't..."
"Can't what?" Shigeru asked. However, no answer was forthcoming, and there was silence. "What's wrong? Why are you hesitating now, of all times?"
"Have you ever had any strange dreams?" She asked, hands together.
Shigeru frowned. "We don't have time for this, Kakusa. We must -"
"In those dreams, you see events that have already happened in real life. Everyone is there and doing the exact same actions, except me. I'm not there, right?"
"Hmm?" Shigeru thought carefully. Yes, now that he thought about it, he had a strange dream about the day he first saw and recruited herself, Nakahara and Teruya. Or rather, the latter two. A different girl with dark hair had been with them. And that girl seemed less stoic, more 'warm'. It was hard to explain. But he had kept this to himself. Until Kei had spoken of it, he had forgotten all about this dream.
"How the hell do you know about my dreams?!" He asked, irate. "Is that a Wild Card power of yours too?!"
"It's not just you, Komatsu-san. Everyone else is having those dreams." Kei said, walking closer. "No one understands the truth yet. But I do. There are things I've known about this world since the beginning, that I haven't been able to tell anyone yet."
"Do you know who that black-haired girl is?" Shigeru asked, folding his arms.
"Yes." Kei said, looking away. "I've taken her place...at least, I think I have."
"What on earth does that mean?"
Something was wrong here, he thought. This wasn't like Kei at all. Then again, she had mostly been quiet, and somewhat terse. And what she was speaking unsettled him greatly. She knew about the strange dreams, too. Dreams he hadn't discussed with anyone. Not even his son.
"It's so hard to say. There are things even I don't know just yet. But I came to this city to find out the truth about that girl. These Cores."
She held up her Gnosis, and after pressing icons, the five that had been gathered appeared in front of her, immediately flying into each pedestal. They were soon secured by a giant metal frame, and each began to glow their respective colours, brightening the room.
"Something awful is going to happen soon, Komatu-san. I've tried so many times to avoid it. But there's no way to change our fate in this world. I realise that now. All I can do is keep going."
"Please, Kakusa. Don't leave just yet. What are you saying? What do you know that we don't?"
"Don't you understand? If I told you, it would shatter everything you thought you knew about your whole life!" Kei snapped. "Please...hold on a little longer, until we can find out the truth from Nisa Liat herself. She's the only one that knows everything. Things even I don't know. My friends and I are investigating as we speak. We'll find a way to reach the truth soon, I can feel it."
With that, Kei left, leaving Shigeru alone with the cores.
You and your friends are investigating? What friends are you talking about?
This girl from Yokohama seemed like an ordinary transfer student, yet she had a Wild Card. And now she seemed to know what was going to happen – and according to her, nothing could be done to prevent it. And she had allies, ones separate from the other Persona users around her. Something was either wrong with Kei herself, or the entire world around him. He didn't like either possibility.
Suddenly, the room went dark, and he heard an uproarious laughter. Then another voice joined in, echoing throughout the chamber.
"Well done, Shigeru. You gave us the Cores we're been searching for all this time."
"What? Is that you, Yoko?!"
"It's wonderful, mother! They're all right here, safe and sound, just for us!"
Shigeru felt a shiver down his spine, as the two speakers came into view. Indeed, Yoko was there, next to Nisa Liat.
"No. This can't be happening..."
"Indeed it is..." Mayor Ashikaga said, smirking. She held up her Gnosis. "This device was cloned from your own. Thus, this system accepted me, as if I was yourself. Genius, no?"
Nisa Liat giggled, hand over her mouth. "Well, we can't stay here forever. I's time we made the final core appear. What it will take to bring that about, we don't know. But we can certainly experiment, can't we…?"
"Shigeru. You lied to me. Not once did you mention that Nisa Liat was Noriko!" The Mayor said darkly. "But I'll give you a change to prove yourself. If you can vanquish this Shadow, then I will open the way for you to find me. I may just be able to forgive you. Come, Seth!"
In a flash, Nisa Liat, Yoko and the Cores vanished. Shigeru ran forward, but was blocked by a massive, dark Shadow. A giant black dragon of Egyptian myth was flying before him.
"You know you can't possibly win by yourself. I'll do my best to make your death painless, but I can't guarantee it won't hurt."
"Damn you!" Shigeru shouted. "I….I…Dis Pater!"
The Persona appeared, with a face full of rage. Seth, smirking, charged up, ready to strike.
Yoko, once I'm done with this thing, I'm coming for you!
|Shintaro's House|16:30 pm|
As promised, Shintaro had returned straight home, and went to his room. He saw the pile of books on his desk, but neither of these tomes was inspiring him to read just now. Kei's words still unsettled him, but he knew he couldn't do much about it now. She was tight-lipped about many things, which he had come to accept these days. There were far too many unpleasant things he'd had to come to terms with. Celestine's betrayal. Toki's kidnapping. Losing Akari and Kaii.
Damn it. I wish the Totsuka core could hurry up so we could use all six to get rid of Nisa Liat! But until then, we're just sitting around waiting.
"Oh, Shintaro?"
It was his mother, putting her head around the door.
"Mayor Ashikaga is making a special announcement on Live TV. She said it involved Bythos. You should probably watch it."
Curious, he got up, and followed her downstairs. He saw the TV in front of it, and saw the Mayor in front of the microphone. Journalists were taking pictures already, as she gazed at the reporters in front of her. She seemed oddly happy, unlike just about any recent appearance she had made on TV.
"Is this to do with these 'Cores', do you think?" Shintaro's father asked, arms crossed.
"Probably. But she can't exactly talk about those in public."
The Mayor seemed to be wearing a different outfit than usual, too. A wine-red suit, with bright red frills around the shoulders. Beneath was a black shirt, and there was a skirt to match. It was quite a bit flashier than her usual dark attire, even the long boots.
"She looks almost like a different person." Shintaro's mother noted. "You've still never actually met her, have you son?"
"Not properly. I saw her when we were escaping Ginumi, but everything was pure chaos then."
"Greetings, everyone. I'm sorry for everything being so last minute. But this concerns Bythos, so it is important I address the entire city now. Wherever you're watching this from, I want you to know that things are going to be very, very different from today forward. For a massive change is about to take place."
"Change?" Shintaro asked, leaning forward. "We only have five Cores."
"As you all know, the Bythos organisation has been causing chaos throughout the city for months. We've been fighting them for so long, and no doubt you all are weary of hearing their name. Many of you have lost loved ones thanks to them. But that fight is at an end."
There were murmurs among the reporters, who seemed confused. Shintaro himself didn't quite understand. They still hadn't found the way to the Bythos Citadel. What did the Mayor know that he didn't, and what was going to happen? He thought of what Kei had told him. Could this be the event she was talking about?
"For you see..." The mayor said. She started to chuckle. One of her aides, concerned, walked closer, but he was suddenly frozen in place. He was then lifted into the air, then flung aside, much to the shock and horror of those around him. Shintaro stood up, aghast.
"What the hell is she doing?!"
"From today onward, the city's government and Bythos will be one and the same!" The Mayor declared. "Nisa Liat and I will no longer be as foes. We will stand together, and revive this city – for it will become the centre of a new world!"
No. This can't be happening. This cannot be happening! Why would she do this?! What's going on?! Has she lost her mind?!
"The hidden world, the Theio Kosmos, is the true world we will all live in. Except...not everyone will be lucky enough to be chosen. Nisa Liat herself will decide who will remain, and who will be dissolved. Behold..."
The Mayor took out a black phone from her pocket – a Gnosis. This was being shown to the entire city. The mysterious smartphone that Shintaro had been hiding for months, and now it was in full view on his TV screen. But what came next was even more horrifying.
She tapped an icon on the phone, and five glowing orbs appeared in front of her. Cackling, she raised her hands, and they levitated. The ground around her started to shake, judging by the camera's movements, and those in attendance gasped in fright.
"What's she doing?!" Shintaro's mother cried.
"I don't know!" The bookworm shouted.
Shinshuto will consume everything around it, until only this city is left. From there, we rebuild, and Nisa Liat will find wonderful homes for the sacred few she has deigned to keep. But these Cores, these wonderful Cognition Cores you see before you. We need one more to complete the process. And we need a catalyst, a massive one, to trigger the final one. Nisa Liat has asked me to do so in any way she sees fit. Bythos shall murder all of Kibo-Jo's politicians. We'll start with all of you in attendance, shall we?"
There was a sudden sound of doors swinging open, and the cameras were knocked over in a thud. It now showed the rear wall, revealing many low-ranked Bythos soldiers in blank uniforms. They each had weapons, and Gnosis. Immediately, they began to rush out of view, but the agonising screams told Shintaro all he needed to know. This was a sacrifice, a bloodbath. Then, the transmission was cut off, leaving a black screen.
"...No!" Shintaro shouted. "Mother! Father! I have to get over there. You understand that, right? The city needs us!"
They looked at each other, alarmed.
"Everyone else is going to be heading there. I can't stay behind! Not now! Please, I have to go. I promise, I'll survive!"
"Son!" His mother cried, before he could leave the room. "...Good luck!"
"Please, save as many people as you can.. Don't let Nisa Liat destroy this city!"
"I won't. Be safe!"
Shintaro soon bounded out of the door, and started to make his way to Kibo-Jo. Time was of the essence.
|Kibo-Jo|16:55 pm|
As expected, the place was full of chaos. All three towers had smashed windows all over, and there was smoke coming from the one on the left. There were tons of policemen trying to calm the situation, but countless people were rushing to attack them – and they looked almost rabid, screaming out Bythos' name. Several on both sides were dead already. With this many people trying to break through, there was no way the police could get inside to help.
Shintaro couldn't see anyone just yet, and his heart was beating. But then, in the distance, he saw Kohaku. Her parents were next to her, in a daze.
"Hey!" He cried, running closer. "What the hell just happened? We put the Cores in the Covenant, didn't we?!"
"The Mayor must have got access to them, somehow. And she's turned most of the city into Bythos' slaves." Kohaku said, anxious. "My parents had just left work early..."
"If we had stayed late as usual..." Her mother said, shuddering. She turned to her husband, pale with horror. "My god, darling, our friends are still in there!"
"What the hell is going on?!" Her father shouted, looking at them both.
"Where are the others…?" Shintaro asked, looking around.
"I don't know. But they have to be on their way. Komatsu-san's probably inside trying to fight them." Kohaku said, anxious. "Come on, let's go. We'll send anyone we can save to the Meguro Hotel."
"Is that place safe…?!" Shintaro asked.
"Safer than here, trust me!" Kohaku screamed.
"Are you seriously going to fight those monsters again?!" Kohaku's mother asked, horrified.
"You must get away from this place. Look at it. Kibo-Jo is done for!" Her father yelled. "I won't let you do this!"
"...I'm sorry, but you don't have a choice in this." Kohaku said, tearfully. "We'll be fine. Go. I'll come back for you both when it's over."
With her and Shintaro's Gnosis, they transported both of Kohaku's parents to the hotel.
"Are you...going to be alright?" He asked, gently.
"I'm – I'm fine!" Kohaku shouted, tearfully. "I just...if I had been any slower, if my parents had stayed behind to work on one of their stupid projects...I'd..."
Shintaro looked at her, looking at her sorrowful face. Her parents had been working hard for so long at this building, constantly leaving her alone most nights. Had they not finally listened to her today, they would have been slaughtered.
"T-They're safe now. But we have to try to save as many other people as we can. It's what our Persona ability is for." Shintaro said, hand on her shoulder. "I'll be with you all the way."
"Okay...thank you, Shintaro-kun."
As they did, they saw two more of their friends coming at them – Natsumi and Masato.
"Holy shit! Are we glad to see you..." Masato said, panting for breath. "We were just saying goodbye to Setsuna and Hideki. They're already out of the city...thank god."
I'm glad they didn't get caught up in this mess. But if they hear about this, they'll be worrying even more.
"The Mayor's gone insane..." Natsumi said, dismayed. "We have to get inside and stop her!"
"Everyone!"
Kei ran up, and right behind her was Noboru. He looked anxious, and when he saw the building, he gulped.
"Dad's still in there, isn't he?"
Kohaku looked up at the building under siege, and gulped. They hadn't heard from him yet.
"I don't know, we all just got here." Shintaro said. "You can't get through to him?"
Noboru shook his head, anxiously. "No, I've tried tons of times! But neither his normal phone or Gnosis are working! And I don't know where Mom is, either...she wasn't in when I got home! She'll be worried sick!"
His mother's missing too? At a time like this? That can't be good. But right now, we have to worry about this place.
"Forget waiting for anyone else. We have to go in now! We're the only ones this city can count on any more!"
"Y-Yeah..." Natsumi said, shaking.
With no time to lose, the group ran straight through the front doors. This place had been dangerous enough when they were hunting down fragments of a Gnosis, but now, it was a warzone.
|Central Tower – Foyer|17:05 pm|
When he saw the inside of this building, Shintaro's heart sank. The area had almost completely transformed, even more than when he and the others were fighting Lucifuge and Melchizedek. The walls were now blood red, and the various ornaments and paintings around had become twisted and demonic. Chaos was all over the foyer, with many Shadows rampaging - and Bythos soldiers trying to defeat them.
"This thing won't beat us!" One soldier yelled, staring into the large, strong body of Moloch. "Come, Orobas!"
The horse-like demon of the Ars Goetia emerged, and sent forth a Garula. While strong, the Shadow was even stronger.
"Dammit...why won't he die?!" Next to him were his comrades. One of which was standing further back, numb with shock. The other was lying face down on the floor, in a pool of blood. "Why are there Shadows running around! Nisa Liat told us to kill everyone in the building!"
"Fool. Do you not understand? Nisa Liat wants the Cognition Core to appear no matter what. Killing countless politician, then the ones who killed them - all that despair and suffering will build up!"
"No-no!" The solider cried. Before Shintaro and the others could reach him, he was destroyed by an Agidyne, immediately vanquishing him and his Gnosis. The sole soldier left, a teen girl, screamed in horror.
"You're the only one left, you pathetic little girl. Are all of you going to be this easy to destroy?"
"Die!" Kohaku screamed, immediately casting a Magnadyne on it. Shintaro and Kei quickly followed up with a flurry of sword slashes. In shock, the Moloch screamed in horror, and disappeared, defeated.
"What the fuck is she doing, sacrificing her own soldiers?!" Masato said, disgusted. He looked to the other soldier nearby, who was cowering in fear. "You there, what the hell just happened?"
"P-Please, don't hurt me…!" The young girl said. She was about fifteen, from what Shintaro could tell. "I...I didn't think it'd end up like this! Nisa Liat said if we didn't do this, she'd kill us, our families, everyone at Aoi Mirai!"
Kei frowned. "You ought to get out of here and hide. Nisa Liat won't protect you now. She'll do anything to get the Cores. Even destroy the city's entire government."
"She's right, lady."
Hiroyuki arrived on the scene, followed by Michiko, Novalie, Netuno and Reia. Upon seeing them, the Bythos soldier screamed, and ran out of the building as fast as her legs could take her.
"You guys!" Shintaro said, relived. "I'm so glad you're okay..."
"We're heading to find the Mayor. Even if we have to kill every Shadow in our way." Kei said, determined.
"This building is massive. We need to look for as many survivors as we can and get them the hell away from here." Netuno said. "Leave the other towers to us."
"Where is Shigeru? Why isn't he with you?" Novalie asked, looking around.
"I don't know..." Noboru said, anxious. "I already tried calling him before we got here, but he wasn't answering."
"Wait!" Kohaku said, looking up. "Kei, you met him at the Covenant System, right?" She nodded, looking away. "Then he must be trapped there!"
"Then we have to find him, fast." Shintaro said, clenching his fists. "Kei, let's head there now."
"Natsumi and I will stay here and help with the evacuation." Masato said, looking at Hiroyuki.
"No doubt the Aeon Admins and the rest of your friends are on their way. Let's go!"
With that, Hiroyuki lead the others away, while Shintaro's group headed towards the hidden path to the Covenant System. Yet, things were going to be quite different from the last time they were there.
|Covenant System|17:30 pm|
The path to the system had become a twisted nightmare, with Shadows at every turn, and constant dead ends. It was more like a maze, not unlike the mirror one at the theme park in Asakita. Except instead of mirrors, there were strange, intricate red glowing patterns all over the walls and floors.
Finally, the group reached a large tunnel, and at the end of it was the system – or rather, it's remains. Ironically for a former bomb shelter, it looked as if many bombs had been detonated here, with collapsed structures that had been intended to house the cores. Flying above the wreckage was a fearsome dragon, Seth. And below him, bloodied and in deep agony, was Shigeru. With one knee on the ground, and clutching his chest, he was losing this battle.
We got here just in time. Komatsu-san, what the hell happened to you?
"Dad!" Noboru screamed, running to him. "Oh my god..."
"Son...I...I thought I was going to die..." Shigeru said, groaning. "And...I'd never get to see you or your mother again..." He wrapped his arms around the lad, despite his exhaustion. "Noboru, I'm sorry...I couldn't win on my own..."
"Dad, don't worry. We're here now. Let's get rid of this dragon, okay? Then we'll show the Mayor she can't screw with this city." Noboru said, happily.
"So, these children have come to your rescue? Very interesting. Now, come and face me!"
Kei took out her sword, and her comrades readied their weapons. Kohaku quickly healed Shigeru with Diarahan, and he swiftly got back into his fighting stance. While his clothes were scuffed and torn, he radiated confidence, and all the fear he may have had was gone.
"I've got to see an old friend..." Shigeru said, wiping the blood from his face. "Nothing's going to get in my way. Especially not an overgrown lizard like you!"
Dis Pater unleashed a Wraith Cross, cutting through the dragon's body. Shintaro, cautiously, stood back. Feeling secure, he called upon Ogma.
"Garudyne!"
A grand gust of wind sliced through the air, halting Seth's advance. The tornado was stronger than ever – indeed, Shintaro no longer felt the sheer rage of the last time he was in battle. He had regained his focus, and was calmly assessing his aerial foe.
"Aengus! Help me!"
Obeying his master's command, the Persona surged Noboru high into the air with a Shimmering Spire. With both blades blessed, he swung at the Shadow as hard he could, causing it to roar in pain.
"Ugh. You aggravate me, boy. This is taking far too long. I shall end it, here and now! Megidola!"
Shintaro gulped, as a surge of magical energy concentrated above them. The sphere then exploded, sending everyone hurtling through the air.
"Argh!" Shintaro cried, his body numb with pain as he landed on the hard, stone floor.
This Shadow was no pushover. Even though it was no Anomaly, it was a formidable opponent. If only Akari could have been here to analyse Seth, then they could have formed a plan. Without her, though, they'd have to rely on their best judgment.
"Are you finished already? I thought you were supposed to have slain a thousand Shadows like me. Or were they all weaklings?"
"Shut up..." Shintaro uttered, getting to his feet. "This isn't over yet. Not by a long shot! Come on, Ogma! We'll fight back with everything we have!"
|Left Tower|17:45 pm|
Hiroyuki's team were thoroughly checking the building, while fighting their way through either Shadows, or soldiers that were still hunting down humans. Alas, it became clear Bythos had been quite thorough. Had they not been distracted by the Shadows, they would have slaughtered everyone. Only a small number of officials had survived, those lucky enough to hide in their offices. Once Novalie checked they were safe, they were sent to the Meguro Hotel.
"Dammit..." Netuno said, gazing at a murdered secretary, who lay in a pool of her own blood. She was on her way to an office, from what it looked like, but someone, or something, had killed her before she could reach the door to her own safety. "Is she trying to out-do Ginumi?!"
"Look! Over there!" Masato said, pointing to a hallway. There, fighting against two large Thrones, was none other than Manami. Her dancing and water abilities, while strong, wasn't quite enough to protect her from their overwhelming might. They sent her flying into a wall, where she collapsed, barely conscious.
"No!" Natsumi cried. She started to run towards them, but before she got there, someone fired bullets at one of the Shadows – then a mighty Mamudoon erupted beneath them, vanquishing them in a flash. A familiar Persona had just cast this curse open the angels.
"Huh? Wait, that's Aoife! Then that means - Evelina?!" Masato cried, astonished. Sure enough, having just come up the stairs opposite them, was the blonde herself. She ran to Manami, who looked at her, still in a daze.
"Manami, are you alright?! You're okay, aren't you?! Answer me!" She shook the dancer, desperately.
"Y-Yes, Evelina...I'm fine. I couldn't find anyone else, but I had to do something..."
She slowly got to her feet, and then hugged Evelina close.
"I'm so glad to see you...I thought everything was over when the Mayor appeared on TV...and she..."
Evelina smiled, her arms around her friend. "I...I couldn't just stay home. Even after what happened. I had to get here and do something. Dad wouldn't want me to sit at home mourning at a time like this."
"You...you're strong, Evelina-chan, I wish I could be more like you..."
The blonde shook her head. "No. I like you the way you are, Manami."
"Looks like you're both alright." Hiroyuki said, as he approached with the others. The two girls hurriedly broke away from their embrace, while Novalie went to heal the dancer. "Kei, Shintaro, Kohaku, and Noboru are looking for Shigeru. The rest of us are trying to find survivors. But so far, we've only found a few."
"Just you guys? Where are the Aeon Admins?" Evelina asked, frowning.
"And where the hell did the Mayor go?" Manami asked. "Did no one try to get into the conference room?"
"It was locked. I already tried it. Nidaba couldn't break it down." Michiko said, despondently. "I'm sorry..."
"No need to apologise. We have to keep looking! For survivors, or the Mayor" Evelina said. "Shigeru and the others will be fine, I'm sure. But we can't just wait here! Hurry!"
With that, they ran forward, continuing their search.
|Covenant System|17:50 pm|
Seth, a formidable Shadow, was truly a nightmare to take down. His intense flames and dark curses blighted the team, and his fierce claws were sharp and deadly. Yet Shintaro and the others had been through tremendous battles before now. Even this evil god was not enough to bring them down. In his frustrating, the dragon roared.
"Burn to ashes!"
A burning Maragidyne swept the room, the red hot flames scorching everything in sight. Shintaro, weary, almost collapsed, but Noboru remained steadfast.
"Aengus!" Noboru cried, rolling away from Seth's flames. "Kougaon!"
A giant flash of blessed light burst, piercing the darkness that made up Seth's tenebrous body. While he was writhing in pain, jumped up, and slashed with her sword, spraying dark blood all over.
"Now! Hachiman!"
The Persona, the Shinto god of war, appeared, riding a cloud. With a face of cold indignation, he concentrated his power, and formed a Ziodyne. The electricity lit up the room, with blindingly bright blue flashes. Sparks went everywhere. Shintaro got to his feet, as he saw Seth's body sink to the ground.
"It's over..." Shigeru said, walking over. The Shadow gazed the man in his eye, barely holding himself together.
"So I am eliminated. Very well. Take this key, and face the Mayor that would reign over the Theio Kosmos. But be cautious. Nisa Liat has given her powerful tools, ones even greater than mine."
As soon as his baritone voice faded into an echo, Seth exploded in a blast of black smoke, and a small, shiny dark object fell to the ground with a loud clink. Shigeru marched onward, and picked up the key.
"Where does this go?" Kohaku asked, curious.
"It's the key to the Conference Room. I've seen Yoko use one just like this many times." Shigeru said. "We're going to find her, right now. I just hope it's not too late."
The group silently left, rushing back to Kibo-Jo.
|Right Tower|18:00 pm|
By this point, it was clear Hiroyuki's team weren't going to find any more survivors. The employees here were either killed in their own offices, or murdered before they could even reach them. The Bythos soldiers weren't faring so well either. Five of them were scattered across the hall, each of them dead. The sixth, however, remained conscious. He was quite hysterical, screaming to himself.
"Fuck. The whole squad but me…?" The survivor said. He had several wounds all over his face, and seemed to have a limp. "It's all over...I can't get away..."
"What the hell? That's...Eiji!" Masato cried. "Dude! What the -"
"Shit!" The youth, holding his shoulder in pain. "I was hoping I wouldn't see you here..."
"Who is this young man?" Novalie asked, concerned.
"Eiji Fujino, a student at Chieki. My brother's best friend." Natsumi said, walking over. "Or at least, I thought he was. What the hell are you doing in Bythos?"
"Ha...haha..." The youth began laughing, staring wickedly into her eyes. "You don't get it, do you? I wasn't needed anywhere. On the baseball team, everyone just kept talking about how great Masato was. How with him, there was no way Kansei could ever beat us. Didn't matter how hard I tried, he always had the fucking spotlight. Never gave anyone else a chance to shine."
"W-What? That's not true, dude! You and I were at the top together -"
Eiji scowled. "You're seriously dense, you know that? Dumb shit. Then you started hanging out with Shintaro, and our two senpai over here. Toshiaki-senpai, star runner, and Evelina, the sexiest girl in the whole school! Why would you spend any time with me when you could get them to drop everything to hang out with you…?"
"Excuse me, dude, but Masato here has always talked about how much he likes going to baseball practice with you. You're his best friend at school, not us." Toshiaki said, arms crossed.
"Don't...talk shit!" Eiji said, finally getting to his feet. "My parents ignored me, I didn't have anywhere I really belonged… but then Nisa Liat called to us. People like me, who hated this city, and wanted it to burn! So a new one could be made! The Aeon Admins may have betrayed her, but we wouldn't!"
"And what exactly has your loyalty to her brought you, Fujino?"
Shiro walked over, with a very angry expression. No one had noticed him until now – he was by himself.
"S-Sensei," Evelina said. "We were just -"
"So, my suspicions were right. Nisa Liat continued to recruit new members even after we left. Even if they had little power to offer her. Don't think you can get away from us. Unless you think you can defeat this many genuine Persona users with whatever fake one you were given."
Eiji, however, simply laughed, in the face of the teacher he once feared.
"What are you going to do, Koyanagi-sensei? Expel me? Go ahead! Fuck Chieki Academy! Fuck all the stupid schools! Fuck Shinshuto! It's too late now anyway. Look what Nisa Liat's done...just as we're killing all the stupid politicians and staff here, she has demons murder us. Guess what...Nisa Liat never needed me either! No one does!"
Cackling, yet wounded, Eiji slowly staggered over to the open window. All the glass in it was gone, and it was large enough for someone to fall through. As soon as he realised this, Masato ran forward.
"W-Wait a minute!"
"Hahaha…See you all in hell!"
Laughing madly, Eiji fell backwards – and his body went hurtling down to the ground below. Masato couldn't reach in time, his hand barely missing his friend's. Stunned, he stood there, in horror. Then, he fell to his knees, gazing blankly in shock.
"...Go on ahead." Hiroyuki said, to the others. Hesitantly, the group continued moving, but Natsumi stayed behind. She and the JSDF soldier exchanged a long look, then went by Masato's side. As he began to sob, they both held him, a hand on each of his shoulders.
Bythos had taken yet another person from them.
|Right Tower – Ground Floor|18:10 pm|
The area was in ruins. Wounded Bythos soldiers were fleeing as fast as they could, but the Shadows' magic was too fast for them to escape. Before one young girl could reach the front doors, she was electrocuted by a Ziodyne. Her Gnosis exploded the second she hit the floor.
"No!" One of the boys beside her said. The Shadow chasing them was Kartikeya, known in Hinduism as a god of war. Indeed, this being had intense ferocity, and was soon charging at the two remaining young men, spear in hand. But before he could impale them, his weapon was sent flying.
"W-What?!"
To his shock, a tall man had just charged ahead, and swung his twin swords.
"Bastard!" Toki Hayashi shouted. The pair of soldiers gazed up at him, shocked. "You're not killing anyone else tonight!"
Not long ago, he had been at the apartment, still depressed. Nothing could truly take his mind off Kaii, not even momentarily. Yet, he turned on TV, and it was just as the Mayor revealed she was working with Bythos.
In his horror, Toki realised something. That Noboru, his precious son, would be there fighting. And so, even for one day, he had to put aside his sorrow. And thus, he grabbed his Gnosis, and left. This Shadow would not stop him, he told himself. Nor would any hurt his precious boy.
"So, the Black Condor has finally taken flight? Doesn't make a difference. There will be no survivors here. The sixth core belongs to Nisa Liat! Once she reigns, the Theio Kosmos will become a world of unlimited power!"
Shuten Doji immediately appeared before Toki, and swung both swords. A fierce battle had just begun. The two boys stared at each other, exhausted. Their Personas had tried to fight this thing, but failed miserably.
"Get the hell out of here, you cowards. Try to stay alive." Toki ordered them. "Now!"
Screaming, the boys ran out of the window – leaving just the Aeon Admin and Kartikeya. Amused, the Shadow continued their onslaught.
"I thought you were supposed to be sat at home grieving…?" He asked, maliciously.
"I was, but this wasn't something I could ignore." Toki said, expertly blocking with his swords. "I'll kill you and all the others!"
"There you are!"
Behind him were Rinaka, Aika, Celestine, Asami, Keiya and Katashi. Each of them had their weapons drawn, ready to attack.
"We weren't sure you'd turn up.. Glad to see you." Keiya said, rather warmly.
Asami nodded, spear aimed at her foe's chest. "We'll take this guy out and search the building. We won't let the Princess have the sixth Core!"
Smirking, Toki felt his heart soar. He wouldn't have to face this alone. No matter what cruel words Kaii's aunt and uncle hurled at him, these comrades of his wouldn't fail him. He had lost sight of that, until now.
"Ugh. I suppose I'll need some assistance..."
Immediately, another Shadow appeared right beside Kartikeya. It was none other than Ganesha, the famous half human, half elephant god. Blowing it's trumpet, it joined its ally, ready to slash with his sword.
"Thank you, friend. Now, let us vanquish these traitors. Nisa Liat's will is our own!"
Katashi laughed. "You Shadows are just following her every whim now? How pathetic."
"A lot of people have died already here..." Aika said, angry. "You won't defeat us!"
"We were fools to hang on to Nisa Liat's promises..." Rinaka said, aiming her guns. "I won't let it happen again."
She fired her shots, triggering a chaotic battle. Toki braced himself, as Ganesha's blade came hurtling at him. Would his own swords be able to block a god's weapon? He swung forward, with all his strength. There would be no more holding back.
|Central Tower – Conference Room|18:15 pm|
As the team returned to the building, they saw it had been mostly cleared of any Shadows or Bythos soldiers. Perhaps they had moved to other areas, or Yoko didn't want anyone else to interfere with her plans. After eliminating the handful of Yaksini lurking around, Shigeru reached the door to the Conference Room, and unlocked the door.
When the group walked in, they gasped. The corpses around them immediately dissolved into a black and red ooze, that congealed and became various statues of humans with tortured, anguished expressions. The once ornate room seemed twice as large now, and everything seemed to be blood-red, with black floral decorations all over the walls and floors. Hanging from the ceiling was a grand chandelier, onyx black, with blue candles flickering. Strange paintings were on the left and right walls, each abstract works of flaming 'faces', each screaming in absolute terror.
I think I'm going to be sick.
In the back of this room, where the podium had been, was the Cognition Core. Still forming, but it would surely only be a matter of time until it was tangible and could be collected.
"So, you defeated Seth...I didn't think you'd lose to him. Not even an evil god like that can defeat the almighty Shigeru Komatsu, can he?"
In the middle of this new twisted room, the Mayor stood, with a long dark blue sword in her hand. It was a cruciform straight sword, with a blade that was thin, but deadly. Nisa Liat was right besides her, arms behind her back. She took a bow, giggling.
"All of your comrades are busy scouring the building for survivors. I don't think they'll find any, though. Of course, they didn't bother to check your office. After all, you weren't there. But..." Nisa Liat smirked. "That doesn't mean no one is in there, right?"
"What the hell are you saying?!" Shigeru demanded.
"So uncivilised. Mother, why do you think Komatsu-san didn't tell you about me? Was it to protect you? Or himself?"
"Enough of this." Kei said, angrily. "This ends now."
Laughing, Nisa Liat readied her katana. Just then, she looked up at the ceiling, and frowned. She seemed to have sensed something – what, however, Shintaro couldn't tell.
"Damn. It's trying to break free again. Ugh. Mother, I leave these fools to you. Kill them if you want, but don't let them have the Totsuka Core. That's for us and us alone." Nisa Liat said, looking fondly at her mother.
"I'll do whatever it takes, my beloved daughter..." The Mayor said, stepping forward. With a smile, the Pleroma Princess vanished.
"Yoko. How long have you been under her thrall?!" Shigeru shouted. "What was that about my office earlier?"
"Does it really matter any more? This city is cursed. Ever since the day Noriko was killed. Being a Mayor was so important, everyone kept telling me. That I inspired the entire city. That everyone was depending on me. All I could think about was joining her. Just being with her, one more time. But the role of Mayor wouldn't let me free. Even you, Shigeru."
"...What?"
"You gave me that big speech about how special my work was. That the city's prosperity was down to me. That you would support me no matter what. But don't you see? You weren't enough. This city wasn't enough! I couldn't be the squeaky clean Mayor everyone wanted. All those rumours Bythos spread about me? They're all true. I just wanted this city to burn, in the end..."
Shintaro stood there, shaking. This woman had broken. No, she was broken right from the start. And there was no way to save her now.
"Before I knew who really lead Bythos...I wanted the war between you and Nisa Liat to escalate. So that no matter who won, the city would be done with. The place where my daughter was murdered. If it was wiped off the face of the earth, that'd be fine with me. But now that Noriko-chan is here? I'll rule this city again. In the Theio Kosmos. Where everything will be as she wishes. Of course, we'll have to be rather selective about who gets to live there. Shigeru, if you surrender and offer your services, I may just allow you to live in the new city with me."
Shigeru stared at her, disgusted. Without even a moment's pause, he raised his fists.
"I'm sorry, Yoko. I can't let you turn this city into a hellhole. I'll defend it even from you!"
The Mayor shook her head, with a wicked smile.
"Hellhole?! It's been one ever since Noriko died! Can't you see? And now that you've betrayed me, this city is truly hell. If only me and my daughter can live in the new city, fine. At least then we'll have someone to trust, forever."
She took out her Gnosis, and was soon enveloped in a red aurora. Above her, a 'goddess' appeared. Clad in blood red robes that had blue floral designs all over them, she had six arms, and was floating on top of a golden flower-shaped throne. Each hand had a different weapon, an assortment of spears and swords, each black, sharp and lethal-looking. Her hair was long, dark-red, and silky, and as it reached the ground, it looked more like a flame. Her facial features were soft, but there were black tears running down her pallid face.
"I am thou. Thou art I. From thy sea of thy heart, I cometh. I am Benzaiten, she who rules over all that flows in the river of life."