Chapter Forty Six: Through the Dust, the Storm, and the Rattling of Bones
The Phantom Thieves' spontaneous rendezvous was an emotional matter, but nobody anticipated it would happen like it did. No sooner Queen left in search of Joker, Skull and the rest waited impatiently at the blue threshold, once the Demon Artist finished his "master pieces". But as the hours went by, the anticipation grew harder to deal with; simply waiting was not enough. Though Mona and Noir stood the cool-headed voices of reason, the voting was unanimous. All six traversed the valley of nothing in between the Velvet Room and Nyarlathotep's world, and set out for the mysterious cave, which beckoned like the devil's dare, with Noir at the wheel.
They each expected a different kind of horror at the end of the tunnel - a grotesque configuration of Nyarlathotep's whim, tailored around their leader's psyche. Some were prepared to fight, while others considered a retreat as soon as they retrieved their friends. But nobody could have seen it coming beforehand: remnants of Johanna's burning light of nuclear silver, lunging towards them straight on. Queen as her Master, with Joker seated behind, struggling to outrun the formless chaos chasing.
Timing was of the essence. Had anyone delayed a single moment, they would all have succumbed to the black tide. Pulses continued to race, even as all eight rode aboard the Monamobile. They could have easily counted this moment as a perpetual highlight in their careers, as frightening as triumphal. A handful of quiet seconds followed as respite to catch their breaths. And all hell broke loose inside of the feline wagon with deafening cheer and relief.
However, the mood took a sombre turn as Skull voiced the question on everyone's minds.
"Hey, uh…" He waded in carefully through the mirth. His smile faded instantly. "Shit, I'm just gonna say it. Why did you go off on your own like that?"
Everything went quiet. At a moment like this, Panther would usually chastise him for his bluntness. But she, like everyone else, wished desperately to know the truth.
"Skull…" Queen said.
"No, no. I wanna hear it from him. He pulled something on us and not without reason." Realising the sharpness of his tone, he softened a little. "Sorry. I'm happy that you're back with us, I really am. But I'm also more than a little pissed off that you snuck out like that into fuck knows where. You got us really worried. Damnit, I was scared that you may not come back. Why did you keep us in the dark… again?"
All eyes were on Akira, awaiting a response; even Makoto, who was sadly aware of the truth behind his actions.
"You're right, Skull." Joker said. "To be angry at me. All of you would, really. It was underhanded and cowardly, even if I had my reasons. I owe you an explanation. But I ask of you, to let me explain once we get back to the Velvet Room. It'd be best if everyone knew."
"I agree, but why not tell us now? There's still a few ways to go till the Velvet Room." Oracle said.
"Futaba…" Queen tried changing the subject, but their Leader seemed to take this on stride.
"It's not something I'd like to tell more than once."
"I suppose that's fair." Fox was able to read Joker's tone. "But tell us, was your gambit worth it?"
The Monamobile finally came out of the dark tunnel into the vile expanse of chaos. By comparison, their surroundings looked inexplicably welcoming. And at the same time, they remained a glaring reminder of what they were about to fight. Joker turned to the window and gazed out into the crimson sky with a calm look in his eyes.
"I believe so."
His answer was too vague for reassurance in itself, but the sound of his voice conveyed something entirely different. Something had changed in him, leading far away from Akira Kurusu as they knew him since his return. A frightful and dark impression, but sweet at the same time; he sounded almost exactly like the Akira who found and united them all, two years ago. Brave, even when vulnerable, loyal and affectionate though the world would trample him underfoot. Starting with Ryuji. Ann and Morgana, the Phantom Thieves realised that their friend had only now truly come back from his departure.
"You… you're free now, aren't you?" Morgana's voice approached them timid over the sound of the engine.
Makoto placed her hand over his, waiting with bated breath, to hear it from him.
"Yes. And not a moment too soon."
[ ]
His story was neither easy to hear nor easy to tell, even if it was the second time. Both Phantom Thieves and Velvet Room attendants learned of the ominous misfortune taken place after saving Sae Niijima, of the disastrous, impossible fates cheated into Akira Kurusu's subconscious, and of Nyarlathotep's original machination. Akira did his best to explain his reasons, while never attempting to justify his own gambit. He acknowledged his actions as borne out of desperation and fear. And the risk he dared was a great danger, not only to himself, but to all of his friends.
After apologising, he went on to describe the events preceding the other Kawasaki's devastation. If still ashamed for his actions, Makoto and he succeeded in disarming Nyarlathotep's ace. Now the agent of his schemes was out of the picture, and his plan for the world was no more. But the work was not complete yet. On the hours ahead, the Phantom Thieves were to take the fight to Nyarlathotep himself. Bolstered by the Masquerade outside, all together would banish the Crawling Chaos once again.
"Assuming they're on the clock, it's starting in an hour and a half, give or take a few minutes." Oracle said.
"We're gonna have to make our entrance on sync, if we wanna start strong." Panther added. "The other Joker may be out of the game, but I doubt the boss will be a pushover."
"Agreed. Time will be of the essence. One thing concerns me, however. What may have happened to Kamiyama-san?" Fox said.
"Oracle, were you able to sense him while we were out there?" Makoto asked.
"Kinda? I got another reading aside from us, but I can't tell how much is it him, and how much is it Nyan-nyan." She sounded unsure. "Guys, I'm scared to think of it, but there's a possibility they might be one and the same now."
"… We can only hope that won't be the case." Noir spoke sombrely.
"Perhaps unsubstantiated, but we probably should have a little more faith on Kamiyama-san." Joker said. "He was as much of a pawn to Nyarlathotep as I. And I know it first-hand… breaking free is a possibility."
"Right. In terms of adults, he never seemed that bad. Who knows, maybe there's more fight in him than it looked" Skull added. "Now that we got our two Leaders back at full power, there's nothing to fear!"
"Agreed. Now we can strike with all we've got. There's still some time before the main event. A refresher would do us good." Said Mona.
"Alright. Gather around, everyone." Queen announced, quickly noting the enthusiasm with which her other half joined at her side. Before the steel-faced strategist took hold, she indulged in a brief moment of unabashed joy. "Let's go through it all, once again for the road."
The Phantom Thieves seized what time they had left before embarking on one final heist. Rather than stealing a treasure or a heart, they would snatch the future of their world out of Nyarlathotep's hands. They reviewed the plan in detail, though their counterstrike was a simple, uncomplicated affair: climb their adversary's tower, attack hard and with no reprieve. The Velvet Room attendants offered their services for one final aid. In their respective ways, Elizabeth, Margaret and Percival imbued their bodies and Personas with a gleaming finishing touch on top of the Demon Artist's gargantuan efforts.
In the process, a rarely seen expression settled over Elizabeth's face. She hoped and felt relief for Akira's safe return. But deep within, she acknowledged the sour touch of envy. Her natural disposition helped dull the sensation, but she could not help seeing a certain someone else whenever she lay eyes on Akira. It was good that he returned, but she wished to see another walk in through the blue door: a young man with grit and sense, and an incorrigible stoop. Like a ghost clouding her vision, the pair in black and steel suddenly looked blue and pink. She had to avert her eyes, so nobody would notice.
On her part, Lavenza was tasked with a different responsibility. Whereas her siblings would be the communication link with the Velvet Room, the youngest sister would be their liaison in the outside world, specifically in the Masquerade. The first stage in her mission was to make contact with Sojiro Sakura and Sae Niijima in LeBlanc, and convey one simple, but emphatic message.
We're safe and sound, and ready. All of us.
There was so much more they wanted to say. Each one wished to somehow reach the people they cared for, friends and family. But there was only so much Lavenza could do in such brief time. So for now, on the Phantom Thieves' part, a loving, silent prayer would have to suffice.
They eight stood on the threshold of the Velvet Room, looking into the abyss and the world that awaited beyond. This would be the last moment of quiet and calm before an ancient, profane mayhem was stirred once more. It was their final chance to shed away their doubts and hesitation, like an old skin dimming their true colours. Despite each of the quiet fears they could not full deny, their hearts beat as one.
"It's showtime." Akira Kurusu declared, harnessing the cold burn of a sensation he thought forever lost.
Joker and Queen took the first step forward.
[ ]
Lavenza had her orders. They were simple, yet important. All the same, in her heart of hearts, she felt compelled to disobey. It was a feeling not unique to her soul alone; all of her siblings felt the same way. But as the stage was set for the final act, she could not bring herself to speak her mind. It was a distraction – an indulgence, at best. But now, floating over the void in between places, she thought she might have at least asked Elizabeth or Margaret to come with.
The image haunted her, and she never wanted to experience it again. The yearning in her heart was stronger than fear, however. Even if nothing had changed, she desperately wanted to see Igor one more time. The long-nosed Master of the Velvet Room was much more to the attendants than a mere authority. He embodied the first of several approaches to the human nature that had once been so alien to them. Their Master loved them each like he was their father.
That affection was quite mutual.
Little, shy steps past the blue threshold cast no echo. The air in the Velvet Room she knew was heavy and dry, like a tomb. Lavenza kept trying to convince herself to turn back, but every attempt at mental resistance saw her climb one step down towards the main chamber. She simply could not stop herself until she saw him.
And then, at the centre of it all, Igor still sat catatonic at his desk.
All mental defences for any purpose crumbled instantly. Lavenza was no longer thinking, even as she tripped climbing up the stairs and towards the door. The girl in blue wept, for her Master's state and for her own inability to withstand the blow. Ashamed and afraid, she went back to her mission, only remembering to dry her tears just before coming out on LeBlanc's restroom.
Despite the monstrous turmoil of her emotions, she saw one thing very clearly. Joker and his friends had to succeed. This could not be the last memory she would have of her dear Master.
[ ]
Into the flood again, once and for all, where mayhem would reign no more. The Phantom Thieves set foot on Nyarlathotep's realm with a renewed mentality. On all previous instances, the word that linked their purpose was 'survival'. But they were no longer meaning to simply survive the countless torments Nyarlathotep sent their way. They did not even mean to reciprocate them. Their intention far exceeded enmity.
The Dark Lord had made it personal, by tampering with their Leader's psyche, and feeding off it; by taunting them with the faces of their parents. Now, by staking a claim on their world after being disgraced and banished. In every conceivable way, Nyarlathotep sought to prey on them. Despite all, the Crawling Chaos was not just an enemy in their eyes. It was force and desire, an ego greater even than Yaldabaoth's. It deserved to be humbled, to have its means taken away.
It may have the home advantage, and countless sinister means at its disposition. But nothing would shield him from the Phantom Thieves' intent. They came to take his treasure, to snatch Chaos from him.
"Oracle." Joker called. "Are we looking good?"
"Stats capped. HP and SP topped. Personas pimped. Booties fine and luscious."
"That's Oracle-speak for 'we're as ready as we'll ever be'". Skull said. "Mona, you're up."
Their feline companion leapt into the air and transformed into his trusty motorised form. Even the spontaneous meowing produced from the puff of smoke sounded fiercer than usual. The black and yellow surface reflected the impossible colours in the sky with renewed sharpness. Like his comrades, Mona was ready from head to toe.
The Phantom Thieves climbed aboard, and began their trek into the centre of the world, with Joker at the wheel. As before, the way to the tower was not an easy drive. Every turn of the wheel was met with strong resistance from their surroundings, by threats both visible and unseen. It was apparent that this world wanted to vanquish them early on. The tower was still ways away.
"This world hates us, guys!" Oracle said.
"There's only so long we can go on four wheels." Queen observed. "We must be prepared to run the rest of the way, and make the climb ourselves!"
"Don't get up just yet." Mona said through the speaker. "I think I can take us further. I only ask that you trust me."
"I'm not sure I like the sound of that." Yusuke remarked, already bothered by the usual carsickness.
"Well, do you trust me!?" Mona asked, tires bouncing off the makeshift road despite of Joker's control.
"Do we have any choice?" Skull exclaimed, feeling alarmed by the way the Monamobile was starting to leave the ground on its own.
"We trust you, Mona!" Noir declared with fortitude.
"Just get us there in one piece!" Panther shouted. "OH GOD!"
Suddenly, Joker was no longer driving Mona. The wheel spun violently out of his hands as the feline van veered sharply off the 'road'. Instead of the more reliable way, Mona rode atop a twisting root that led straight to the towering fortress. The long and winding road was alive and resolute to lash them off, but somehow the tires kept clinging to the surface. It did not take long for the Thieves to notice the grinding sound under their feet.
"Mona Mona! Did your tires grow spikies!?" Skull cried out in disbelief.
"And swirlies too!" The van announced proudly.
"I shudder to think of how they must look like, if they're this efficient." Queen said.
"It's just as well, Queen. I never did learn to change a tire. Make sure to teach me when we get back." Joker grinned. "Oh hey, we're only metres away."
"Not yet!" Mona gave no sign of slowing down. "Brace yourselves!"
Before anyone could heed the feline's advise, the ride changed brutal and suddenly. They no longer travelled horizontally, but vertically. The Monamobile continued dominating the improvised road of the root, still contending with the sharp turns and the treacherous terrain. From Mona's perspective, this was his greatest on-road challenge yet, one he tackled boldly.
But as to his friends, this was the most terrifying experience, more so than any previous four-wheeled daredevil stunt in their tenure. On the rear view mirror, Joker could see the chaos manifest of his scared friends holding onto anything and everything. Closer even, Queen clung to him with the fury of an iron vise. She trembled, and so did he.
"DID THIS FRICKIN' TOWER GET TALLER!?" Skull screamed.
While that was a definite possibility, it might have been the sheer fright of the experience making it feel long and drawn out. Joker silently acknowledged Mona's bravery and skill. In the length of that journey, Mona leapt and dodged oncoming gargantuan appendages, like a fly eluding the arc of a whip. He knew their cat would not let them down. All the same, Joker wished to forget this episode forevermore.
An unlikely respite awaited metres ahead, on top of a crude plateau halfway up the tower. A mass of Shadows writhed in ravenous anticipation all over the surface. Just before the 'road' ended under its wheels, the Monamobile leapt up once more, landing on the plateau and violently dispersing the Shadows. The Phantom Thieves were pleased enough to exit the vehicle and launch themselves into the fray.
"I've been waiting for this…" Noir closed her hands tightly around the handle of her trusty axe.
"It certainly has been a while." Fox unsheathed his sword.
"Tempting as it may be…" Queen stood ready to bloody her hands. "Don't forget to pace yourselves."
"No worries, Queen." Panther tightened her whip. "We'll save some for Mr. Creepo up there."
"All said… Let's go." Joker spearheaded the charge into the wall of Shadows.
None stood a chance against the onslaught of the eight Phantom Thieves. Slashed, bludgeoned, skewered; the collective demise brought upon the Shadows was a purely physical affair. By now, the Masquerade in the outside world was just starting. Their already ferocious charge would only get mightier, regardless of their Personas' renewed power. But unbeknownst to them, Nyarlathotep would also become more powerful by the same forces that strengthened them. The Lord of this World knew it well. In his own way, he too shall partake of the Masquerade.
First, by having a small bit of himself join the carnage below. He already saw the goal of his plan coming to fruition. In the meantime, he could well make merry in the festivities.
A black figure came into being, from the maimed pieces of the Shadows vanquished by the Phantom Thieves. This configuration of his own formless being was old and obsolete, but still a rather dear memento from a timeline past. He knew it was hardly a foe to halt their momentum; an appetiser at best. On the other hand, the true main course was still in his possession. The double might have been altered, compromised even, but there was still use for it. The time would inevitably come to unleash it upon them.
That tiny fraction of himself finished materialising from the dregs, and took to the sky with an otherworldly shriek.
"What the hell is that!?" Mona pointed to the dark winged creature above. It was anthropomorphic to an extent. Pitch black body, with pincers at the end of its limbs. A golden crown rested upon its head, which was featureless, save for three black eyes.
"It doesn't look a Shadow. Probably a tougher cookie than these assholes" Skull grinned.
"Don't let down your guard. He's no ordinary enemy." Oracle exclaimed from the back lines.
Just as soon as their navigator warned them, the ancient incarnation of Nyarlathotep swooped in. The very flutter of its wings was deafening, and a murderous intent lay at the end of its pincers. However, its descent was cut short by Skull's club, as he smashed its head as soon as the creature came within range. The blow was a violent shake for both, and an unpleasant sight for his friends. Both Skull and Nyarlathotep flew back on collision, the latter crash-landing on a group of Shadows. Joker immediately rushed in to aid his friend and comrade.
"Are you alright?" Joker asked, helping Skull stand.
"Yeah." The punk-styled slugger babbled. "Lookie, though!"
Their Leader looked in the direction Skull pointed. The old Nyarlathotep was back on its feet, with rows of Shadows at its sides, ready to pounce. This appeared a direct challenge, and the Phantom Thieves were very willing and able to oblige.
"They wanna play dirty, huh?" Panther joined Skull and Joker.
"We'll show them we're not playing." Queen stared ahead.
"What say you all?" Joker tugged on his left glove. "Is it time we break out our guns?"
Joker's words were followed by azure plumes of flame emerging from within their bodies. Without a single word, his friends gave their answer, as one by one, their Personas came into being. Each one shone blindingly as if summoned for the first time. In turn, the world around them and the Shadows appeared to quiver in resistance. It was a response both strange and fitting, as the Phantom Thieves had come to tear this world asunder, starting with the winged fiend.
The Phantom Thieves stood dominant in the little pause that followed. Whether by the renewed appearance of their Personas, or an instinctive comprehension of their power, the Shadows relented. The brevity of that respite came to an end, as the leader of the Phantom Thieves bellowed out.
"RAVAGE THEM!"
