(12/20/10)
I had another bad dream.
I was in the same room. Sensei and The Elder were present, but there was a dark shadow, Guardian, the same one who nearly throttled me to death, that propped him up. Sensei was scowling at Elder.
"What happened?" He demanded angrily.
"I... I'm not too sure..." Elder panted, "After... collecting a few souls, I suddenly felt like burning and I collapsed."
"It was lucky I found him..." Guardian said with his harsh, raspy voice.
"I was about to have easy pickings at the ballroom, but it was guarded..." Elder said.
"Be silent, both you fools!" Sensei shouted, "I know what happened... Were you harvesting at Iwatodai?"
Elder nodded, "Yes."
"Figures..." Sensei said with a scowl, "The spirit of the Messiah guards the people... If you keep harvesting souls in his domains, you will eventually be incinerated. Iwatodai is under his protection now."
"That's...!" Elder cried before collapsing, but Guardian held him, "How... How can I collect now?"
"Go along." Sensei said in annoyance, "You may still collect, but only in the nearby cities. Never, ever make that mistake again."
Elder bowed his head, "Yes sensei... Come Guardian." He said as he swept away.
I woke up with a start. After changing into some warm clothes, I went down. Leah cooked some delicious soup as I slurped it loudly. Junpei and Akihiko were slurping it loudly as well. Minako arrived, via Narda since she doesn't get the meaning of privacy, and greeted everyone loudly before taking a bowl and pigging out like we were. Leah looked on at us.
"What?" I said as I took another bowl.
"Oh, sorry..." Junpei said with his mouth full, "Want a bowl?"
"No need." Leah said sadly.
Akihiko raised his eyebrows, "What's the matter with you?"
"Oh, nothing." Leah said with a smile.
"Yeah right." I said, "Spill."
Leah smiled, "Well, I've been wondering... We're like a family right? Akihiko and me as the parents-"
"I like that setup." Akihiko smiled.
"Minato as our son, while Minako's his wife-"
Minako and I blushed furiously.
"And Junpei as the annoying brother who never seems to get a girl." Leah said.
"Hey!" Junpei protested.
"Now what I'm wondering is... Will we still be a family then?" Leah asked.
"Of course we will." Akihiko said, "You been drinking again?"
"No!" Leah said resentfully, "It's just that... my contract is expiring and I may have to move out while you guys find a new house mother..."
"Contract?" Akihiko said confusedly, "We had a contract?"
"Of course we did!" Leah said indignantly, "Here it is!" She showed a piece of paper.
After reading it, Akihiko threw it on the table, "That's not a contract. It's just a piece of paper hastily scribbled by a Parker 1.0 broad."
"Actually, it's a Pilot G-Tech." Junpei said as Leah crumpled it and threw it at him.
"Does that mean I can stay?" Leah said.
"Sure." I said, "No one could do manual labor as well as you do, with crappy pay and inhumane conditions."
Leah smirked, "True... True..."
"S'ides, if you want to know how much I appreciate you, I'll take you out for a ski trip on Christmas..." Akihiko promised.
"Aw, that sounds sweet!" Junpei sighed.
"I wasn't talking to YOU!" Akihiko snapped, "I'm talking to Leah..."
"Ahhh!" Minako said, "I suppose you plan on 'appreciating' her and keeping her 'warm'?" Minako winked as Akihiko struggled to keep his face straight.
"Anyways, what's on the news?" I asked.
"Oh, I forgot to take the paper...wait." Leah said as she went out to grab the paper. We heard a gasp and a loud crash as she rushed back in, "Read it!"
I took it and was immediately stupefied.
666 LOCAL RESIDENTS OF NEARBY TOWN SLAUGHTERED! POLICE SUSPECT GANG VIOLENCE
At dawn today, bodies were found strewn in the city of Aniko, Japan, in a bizarre fashion that left local police authorities baffled.
'We don't know who did this, or more importantly why, but rest assured we will get to the bottom of this,' came the reply of Chief Azuko Uesegi, 43, Chief of the Aniko Defense Force.
The death toll was so great and the bodies were so mutilated, that the streets were literally flowing with blood. The bodies were found to have died in different, unpatterned deaths, some nearly mummified, some strangled to the point that their eyes popped out of their skulls and major arteries have been ruptured, and others mutilated beyond recognition of dental records by slash and stab wounds, by something that seems to be a single edged weapon, like a katana or a nodachi. The only similarities seem to be that the perpetrator carved the number '666' on their foreheads and marked their right arm with a cryptic symbol. If the evidence holds true, the likely suspects would be the Chisai Akuma Clan, a Satanist sect that uses blades as weapons. As to their motives, it remains very unclear.
What is strange is, that some bodies appear normal and healthy, except for the fact they were dead, they seemed perfectly healthy, as if they just laid down and died. All bodies seemed to have at least 21 grams removed from them, as spiritual experts would say, 'The demons of the past have stolen their souls. They had gone back to punish us,', we have no comment yet from the religious sect.
There have been reports at least two attacks in Iwatodai.
"I was walking down the road, eating, when a cloaked man stopped in front of me, holding a sword," recounts Nozomi Suemitsue, 19, "and his friend tripped me. I thought they were gonna mug me, but I realized they meant to actually kill me, when the one with the sword collapsed. His friend picked him up and they left. I was so surprised by it, I wasn't able to eat for five minutes!"
So far, Iwatodai had not had a single deaths, to reasons unknown.
As I write this down, the bodies of those who had died are either being collected by their loved ones or being burned to prevent disease and buried in a mass grave. The ones responsible will hopefully be found and put to justice. More on this story as it develops.
"This is horrible!" Minako cried.
I looked grimly at them, "Guys, there's something you need to know..."
"Oh hell no!" Junpei cried, "You did this!"
That statement was so ridiculous, I ignored it.
"Junpei, you idiot, he was with us the entire night!" Minako cried.
"Seriously, do you ever think before you talk?" Akihiko said to Junpei, "Go on, Minato."
I told them of the dreams I've been having.
"That can't be good... That can't be good at all..." Leah muttered.
"This isn't coincidence... I think you might have developed some kind of... connection with Elder." Akihiko said.
"Connection?" I said in confusion.
"Oh, uh, yes, advanced Theology and mythology... Oftentimes, two opposite, but equal forces are connected whenever they clash. Since theoretically, you own Lucifer's Blade, you can see into the minds of those who are using it, and thus, you can see what his intents are. But I feel that you can only see what happens if he's about to do something." Akihiko said.
That really surprised me.
"So, what, that Elder dude could see into Minato's mind as well?" Minako said casually.
That shocked me even more.
"Whoa, I was just kidding!" Minako said, "Don't take it seriously, eh!?"
"Anyway, remember, it does not do well to dwell upon dreams. Look what happened to Twilight!" Junpei cried.
"You have a point there." Akihiko said, "Maybe I'm wrong."
"Maybe he's right. And maybe that Elder person is delving into your mind, right now?" Minako said.
"Gee, thanks, dude..." I mumbled.
"Whatever. You got five hundred yen? I need to borrow-" Minako trailed off as my head began to hurt.
Suddenly, I laughed loudly, shrilly and uncontrollably.
Everyone was looking at me as if I had gone crazy.
"I think I know..." Leah said, "Elder-dude prolly feels happy today, so you felt it as well."
I nodded. Deciding to check this new phenomenon, I hit the couch and I dozed off.
I was transported into the same room. Once again, there were only two people; Sensei and Elder.
"You have done well, Elder... Well enough, I suppose." Sensei mused.
"'Well enough'?!" Elder bellowed, "I destroyed 666 souls last night and sealed them in my sword!"
Sensei smiled, "It's not your sword. It's still the Messiah's."
Elder growled, "How...? How could it still be his?!"
"Because the sword is still loyal to him." Sensei said simply.
"To a weakling like him?!" Elder said furiously.
"He is not a weakling!" Sensei snapped, "The blade remembers the old power of the Messiah, his power that can conquer Death itself! And it is that same weakling who is delving into your mind as we speak!"
I turned glacial. He knew...?!
"What...?" Elder whispered, "He... He can do that?"
"Your arrogance and pride never fails to amuse me." Sensei said dryly.
"I... I seriously did not think about that... Why, right now, I'm having a headache... Is there any way I could do the same?"
"Of course not!" Sensei shouted, "He can delve into your mind because you are weak-willed, powerless and most of all, a being of shadow. If you even dare do that to him, you would be incinerated!"
Elder recoiled, "I didn't realize that-"
"Of course you didn't." Sensei dismissed, "You've let a bit of power muddle your brainless head. Let me do the thinking. And as for your harvesting-"
Elder puffed up with pride.
"Pathetic!" Sensei cried as Elder deflated, "You caused a bloodbath for a special covert mission! It's touching you branded them, but you should wait until after the Messiah has died."
"It was not my fault..." Elder said weakly, "Guardian got excited and tried out his new powers... It was not my fault..."
"Excuses, excuses..." Sensei barked, "Next time, do it right and quietly. I expect the media is having a field day of the shitstorm you caused. Next time, do it right."
"Yes, Sensei."
I woke up with a start.
"It's true..." I panted as I wiped the sweat off my brow. Then, I got a call from Yukari. Fearing someone had been attacked, I picked it up, "Hello?!"
"Hey Minato." Yukari said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
"What happened? Are you okay?!" I cried.
"No... Not really..." She said sadly.
"Wh-What happened?" I asked briskly.
"Well, my mum contracted the dengue fever and needs me. Immidiate family only, so I can't spend Christmas with you guys..."
I had a feeling that she wanted to block out the 'guys' part, "Well... Blood is thicker than water, right?
"Yeah, please give me a present or something when I come back." Yukari said, "I need to leave now. D'you think you can pick me up?"
"Oh, sure, let me call Mina-"
"Just you," Yukari said.
I was slightly startled, "Okay, sure." I said.
"Thanks." She said sadly.
I borrowed the Outrider and drove it to Yukari's.
"Hey." She breathed as I smiled. Then, I took her luggage and placed it on the back and got in the car.
"So... Where exactly is your mother?" I asked.
"Tokyo. The poor thing's been puking blood." Yukari said, "Mind, she has my little sister to take care of."
"Oh?" I said in surprise, "You have a little sister? Congrats."
"Yes, she was born last month or so. I only learned it yesterday though, since my mom got sick." Yukari said sadly.
"What's her name?" I asked.
Yukari laughed, "Hikari."
I laughed too, "I guess your mom loves you."
"I know." She smiled.
"Well, I hope your mom recovers." I said, "And Yukari? Be strong. You know we all love you."
She smiled, "That means a lot to me." She got out as I took her luggage and placed it on a cart.
"Goodbye," she said as she kissed me on the cheek. I did the same thing and accidentally lipped her.
"Oh, uh, I'm sorry!" I mumbled sheepishly.
"...can you do it again?" She asked hopefully.
I laughed as I fixed her hair, "Yukari, you know that what we had was great, and I'll treasure it forever, but we can't go back."
She pouted, "What if my plane goes down and that was the last thing you said to me?"
"Yukari, you are just morbid." I said with disdain, "Alright, pucker up..." And after looking around and with great difficulty, I kissed her.
"Thanks." She smiled and left, "Oh, Merry Christmas!"
I waved and went back. I felt guilty about it, but Minako did have Prince Charming, who is better than me, I think.
I went back home to find Minako sitting by the front steps.
"Hey, there you are!" She cried as she strode forward, "Listen, uh..." She fidgeted, "Well, uh... So, Christmas huh? It's pretty close..."
I nodded, "Yeah?"
"So... Um... Oh, do I have to spell it out?!" She cried, "Want to... get together on that night? Just you and me?" She blushed red.
At that moment, my life was complete, but I wanted to look as if I wasn't interested, "What about Prince?"
"Oh, him?" She said with distaste, "Not on Christmas. I'd rather be with the most important man in my life." She said with a wink.
I felt like flying to the sky, "Yes. I accept."
"Yay!" She cried as she hugged me, then she kissed me in the cheek, "Thanks Minato." Before going inside her house.
I sighed contentedly. And after having a talk with Junpei about Marvel comics, to which he put a very reasonable argument about Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, I hit the bad and for some great reason, I slept without dreams.
A/N: the Christmas scene is coming! I'd like to make a kind request to the 'read-and-runners' to please review, even if you have nothing to say about it. I enjoy reviews and they make writing worthwhile. So, again, it would be nice if you guys would review, even if it's short.
Oh, yes, Christmas chapter will be coming. Thanks to an advice from a friend, I have decided to withhold it until I get enough reviews, say 15 or so. Have a nice day!
Q/A:
Hoshi no Ookamiden 217 6/26/13 . chapter 45
Whoo! More.
I don't have that much to say, but nice chapter. Setting up the suspense and going through some drama is always good. And dude, you got me hungry for leche flan right now. Goddammit. In my humble opinion leche flan is one of the best deserts ever. XD Getting off topic, but I'll catch the next chapter for sure.
Keep it up!
Yep, Leche Flan is my favorite too. I missed eating it during my stay in the Philippines, as well as dinuguan and balut, which aren't bad as foreigners make it.
ThePersonaficationOfNight 6/26/13 . chapter 45
Okay well that was epic...emotional plus a bit of info I wonder who's the one who knows Minato personally. The little development that happened in the end was sweet. Bdw just a question blame it on my short term memory but does everyone know Minato died once?
It will be revealed soon. And, yes, they do know, due to the fact that they explain the D.H.
KazuyaYamura 6/26/13 . chapter 45
Okay. I have two questions, is this story arc going to be long? And is it going to have a major impact on Minato and Minako's relationship?
And I can't believe that you've never played Devil Survivor! Whenever you feel like you've got time to kill, try it. If you liked Persona or any other SMT Game, I doubt you'll hate it.
Good job describing the dream, 'cause I could really picture it and I kinda have an idea of what's going on. And I think that the sad childhood stories is something that everyone has in common in the Persona Series. (except Kenji, he kinda deserved it when he didn't realise that Ms. Kanou was using him) That small MinaxMina moment was perfectly timed! Although, I can't help but wonder what's coming next...
Can't wait for the next chapter!
Well, it will be long, but it will be irragular. It will evolve into something MUCH bigger than it seems, much like Nathan's evilness from DoS. And it will impact their relationship like a meteor.
Well, I've heard of it from friends, but I never ask what the console is. I'm pretty sure it's like Devil Summoner (great game) and I will try it if I can. I've been curious about it myself!
Thanks. I usually try to put myself in Minato's feet. And some of the dreams scenes are what I would imagine when I have lucid dreams.
Yeah, I thought of the MinaxMina scene at the last moment :P
13TheAce 6/26/13 . chapter 45
Why do dreams have to suck so much in this series? Interesting dyanmic between the Elder and the Sensei. I have guess of who they are. I always liked the background stories for the characters. But of course, you can't make it a party without Jack Daniels! *nudge* ;) Why does there have to be a tragedy so soon? Can't we wait a bit? Oh wait, that defies video game logic...
You know who they are, huh? Keep it a secret! Hahaha, perception!
Making backgrounds is fun! Also, you'll wait a bit longer for it to blow out into a total tragedy.
Proud Pinoy 6/27/13 . chapter 45
I'm glad you implemented the leche flan. Im proud to be pinoy.
Also, loving the story so far. In my opinion, Lees life is the saddest, followeded by akihikos. I also find Rio and Mitsurus to be normal occurences, but still sad.
I wonder... are you pinoy?
Thanks. Love that 'zert. Yes, well, Lee leads a pretty sad life.
Yes, I am. Half of it, at least.
Radaketor 6/27/13 . chapter 45
Does this mean that The Dark Hour will come back every night?
I was kind of surprised to see Lee has almost the same backstory as me, except for the beating,
Not every night. The Elder controls the Dark Hour, so he decides. Also, my backstory is same as Lee's too.