Chapter 37: Tricks and Torment
|Secret Base|8:12 pm|
"So you think this place will be good?" Kyle said, on the computer.
"It seems alright. I can't imagine the Ater Vox finding it." Aimee said. "It's not as nice as that place in Saragel, but it'll do."
"What do you two think?" Dan said.
"I'm fine with it! As long as we can stay there in peace, anything's fine with me!" Karen said.
"I just hope it's safe. If anyone tries to break in, I'll tear them to shreds!" Roger said. "Oh…look who we have here!"
"Howdy, guys!" Zao said. "What's new?"
"Lady Karen and Sir Roger desire to relocate to a new sanctuary, due to a lack of space in here. Since we lack the ability to expand, and they wish for their privacy, Kyle's been searching for places suitable." Seraphina said, sitting at the table.
"Yes. I had already been investigating potential basement bases in case something happened to this one, so it didn't take long. All we need to do is set up communication devices, and thus we'll be good to go." Kyle said.
"You're always working so hard, Kyle." Serena said. Kyle's face went red, and Dan laughed quietly. "So what did they blame Tachibana University's destruction on? A rampage of minotaurs?" Serena asked.
"They said something about an 'unusual gathering' of Shadows. However, there hasn't been any news about the Last Soldiers. Then again, nothing about Roger was revealed to the public." Kyle said. "It's possible they're hunting for more Persona users, but for now things are quiet."
"I'm just relieved they're okay. Hopefully, it'll take a while before the fourth one hits." Aimee said. "Are you alright, Nathan?"
"Yes. Come on, let's do some training. Me and Priscilla are going on a cruise next week, and I'd like to make sure I don't fall behind." Nathan said.
"So we just go running around killing Shadows left, right and centre? Sounds good to me! Who's going with who?" Dan asked. Nathan looked surprised at Dan's eagerness, but Blaine just shrugged.
"Let's see. There's twelve of us, so three teams of four! I'll pick Dan, Kyle, Serena and Amara for one team, then Blaine, Zao, Karen and Roger for the other. I'll go with Priscilla, Seraphina and Nathan." Aimee said. "That fine with everyone?"
"Um, yeah." Zao said, looking nervously at Blaine.
"You're in luck, Zao. I forgot the leg weights tonight." Blaine said.
"I don't mind fighting, as long as I'm with you!" Karen said, looking longingly at Roger.
"I'll beat any Shadow that gets in our way!" Roger said.
"Alright, I get to go with Kyle again! This is gonna be great!" Serena said. "Where do you guys want to go?"
"How about somewhere in Legarte?" Amara asked. "Like, by the river?"
"Okay, then let's go. We'll see you guys back later." Dan said, and the four of them left.
"Seems like it's sketchy for Karen to go to Saragel. How about we check out Takanawa?" Zao said.
"Fine with me! There's some good places there to exercise!" Blaine said, with an evil grin. Zao gulped, and the four of them left too.
"You don't often join the fray, Aimee. Are you sure you'll be alright?" Priscilla asked.
"I'll be fine! I have you guys to protect me, anyway!" Aimee said. "I'd like to see Nova Albion's Augustus Square. Shall we depart?"
"Yeah." Nathan said, and they departed via the NDD.
|Legarte - Riverside|8:22 pm|
"Wow...this place is teeming with Shadows." Amara said. "All the more for us to kill! Right?"
"Exactly. So let's do this!" Dan yelled.
Soon, the team began fighting as many Shadows as they could find. With Serena's regular healing, Kyle's strategic manoeuvres, Dan's relentless and brutal attacks, and Amara's shining flames, they were untouchable.
"You did well, Serena. I was worried when the Fanatic Tower hit you with Zionga!" Kyle said. "If only someone knew Elec Wall."
"Those skills are boring! I go straight for the kill!" Dan said. "That was fun. There's still so many of them, though."
"Yeah! Most of them seem scared, though. I guess we're just that good!" Serena said, smug. "Hey, what's with that boat?"
Serena pointed towards a large black cruiser, much larger than the other ones floating in the river. It did indeed have a rather lustrous sheen, too.
"The black one? Yeah, it does look a lot cleaner than the others." Kyle said. "Want to investigate?"
"Okay, sure." Amara said.
Gently, the four of them made their way onto the boat's deck. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary there, however.
"None of the Shadows are here." Serena said. "Is this some kind of ghost ship?"
"I don't think so. Come on, let's go further in." Kyle said, and they opened the door that lead to the inner area.
|Nova Albion - Augustus Square|8:25 pm|
"The last time we were here, we met the other me." Nathan said.
"Nathan..." Priscilla said.
"I'm sorry, Nathan. I just wanted to check this area out. Do you want to go somewhere else?" Aimee said.
"No way. I'm not backing down!" Nathan said.
"You have such a courageous spirit, Sir Nathan. Yet there is something that even you are too scared to face, isn't there?" Seraphina said.
"I suppose I should say it. Yesterday, I was looking through an old photo album, and I found this." Nathan said, taking out the letter from his pocket. "Listen." Having to read it's contents was terrifying. All sorts of thoughts went through Nathan's mind, including Josephine murdering Arthur just so she could steal Reginald.
"Nathan, I'm so sorry! I can't believe it's true!" Priscilla said.
"I can't either. Damn that Josephine! This is the first time I've hated someone!" Nathan said.
"Oh, my poor darling! There's no need to get so upset. Let me take care of you!"
Nathan recoiled in horror, as Josephine walked out of an run-down store near the square.
"Ah, Josephine. Such an ugly sight, to see one abuse their power in such a way. Your outward beauty entrances, but inside, you are repulsive." Seraphina said, glaring at Josephine.
"My, how poetic. But I'm not interested in either of you girls. Nathan, you handsome little thing. For you, I've put aside my rivalry with that old prick. Ditch that Priscilla of yours, forget about your world and come with me. The Eternal Road will grant us anything we want!" Josephine said.
"You shut up!" Nathan said. "Priscilla is worth a thousand of you. No, a million! Seraphina's right, you're disgusting!"
"How could you murder Reginald like that? You loved him, didn't you? And what about your precious Arthur?!" Priscilla shouted.
"Arthur?! That is a name I had forgotten. Yes, he was precious. His body perished long ago, but his emotions did not. Haha! You know what became of those emotions?" Josephine said.
"You turned him into a Shadow?!" Nathan shouted. "That's sick!"
"I didn't turn his soul into a Shadow. Alas, we aren't yet able to reach the spirits of the dead. However, his feelings for me, and mine for him…Nihane transformed those to create Cybele for me!" Josephine said. "Yes, unlike those fake Personas, the power I wield is truly my own! And Arthur supports me, now and forever!"
"That's inhuman! Arthur would be ashamed if he knew what you were doing!" Aimee said, horrified.
"I won't be lectured by you!" Josephine said. "Nathan! Your father filled a void in my heart, but with my fading beauty, I could never keep him. Your mother was beautiful, even if she was older than me. That's why I left to join Aeternus. But then I was invited to join Archibald, and…you know the rest."
"So you use the power of Shadows to always be youthful and pretty? You're nothing but a disgrace." Nathan said, clenching his fists.
"Calm down, my prince. Reginald was a fool! He deserved death for rejecting me. One Nathan is already gone, but he lost the suave charm you take from your father. You won't reject me, will you? I promise, I will not let you share the same fate as your other self!" Josephine goaded.
"Quiet already! There's no way in hell I'd ever fall for you, you wretch!" Nathan screamed. "Setanta!" His Persona emerged, eager to impale Josephine.
"Nathan! Please, calm down!" Aimee said.
"Don't panic, Lady Aimee. We shall tolerate Josephine's delusions of grandeur and reduce her grand boulders to mere pebbles." Seraphina said.
"She could use going down a bra size." Priscilla said.
"Priscilla, that's not what I meant at all..." Seraphina said, shaking her head.
"Oh, really? Uh...Nathan, it'll be okay! I'll fight with you. Josephine, you will not have Nathan! Ever!" Priscilla said.
"Josephine! In the name of my father, I will destroy you!" Nathan roared.
|Takanawa - Mizutani Street|8:28 pm|
Mizutani Street, or 'Water Valley', was a popular location in Takanawa. Known for their vast markets that sold all sorts of unusual treasures (as well as plenty of tasty delicacies, in particular takoyaki), it was a tourist trap in the normal world.
Yet, here it was just as deserted as the rest of the streets. The lovely fountain had been dry for years, and the monument in the centre of the street had toppled over long ago. Shadows were here, too, being their usual selves.
"Okay, I can do this. Let's go!" Zao said, rushing into battle.
"He's a little lacklustre, isn't he?" Roger asked.
"Yeah, but it's fun to mess with him. Don't worry, with some tough love, he'll be kicking ass in no time!" Blaine said.
"I hope so. He's able to use spells of any element. If he could reach our level, he'd be amazing." Karen said. "Zao, watch out!"
"Whoa!" Zao said, dodging the Zionga spell of a Fanatic Tower. "Thanks! Now I'll blow you away! Garu!" Slowly, Zao whittled down the Tower's health and destroyed it. "Okay, I'm getting good!"
"Well, you're better than before. But you really need to train harder. You want to protect Amara, right?" Blaine asked.
"Of course! I-I'll work harder, I promise!" Zao said.
"Interesting. You people are indeed dedicated to your goals." A voice said.
"The hell was that?" Roger asked. "That wasn't Archie."
A man walked towards the four of them, with a calm expression. He had tanned skin, and piercing green eyes. His curly green hair matched the vivid hue of his eyes. He wore a rather elaborate blue coat that exposed his muscular torso, that was adorned with intimidating black stripe tattoos, and he wore hard gloves and armoured boots.
"I would think that was obvious! I am Carlos Nadal, of the Ater Vox. I'm already aware of your names. Blaine, you'll never stop trying to overthrow us, will you?"
"Of course not! No Divine Spark's going to stop me! I have to finish what the other me started!"
"Such passion! And of course, I'm familiar with Karen and Roger. Absurd, the way you fawn over each other after such violent combat. But perhaps I do not understand the folly of romance." Carlos said.
"We're through with listening to you guys. You get in our way, we'll kill you all!" Roger shouted.
"You people are determined. Marvellous. Now, what brings you -"
"Hey, aren't you going to ask who Iam?!" Zao said, angry. "I'm part of this team too, you know!"
Carlos looked at Zao for a few seconds, then immediately turned to the others. "What brings you here? Preparations for your next attempt to sabotage a Divine Spark?"
"Something like that. You think you can beat us?" Blaine said, clutching his gun. "You look pretty strong. It'd be nice to have a real challenge."
"My thoughts exactly. I'll take on all three of you at once!" Carlos said. "Four, if we count the seconds it takes for the blue haired zero to fall."
"That's it, now I'm pissed! Guys, we're taking this loser out NOW! Rashnu!" Zao shouted, summoning his Persona.
"Go forth, Venti!" Carlos shouted.
With a red burst of energy, a nimble Persona emerged. Venti, a green skinned Persona, had very spiky black and green hair, and red eyes that were just as evil as Carlos'. Venti had a mask on his face, seemingly made out of bone. Like his master, Venti exposed his muscular torso, but was clad in red instead of blue. His sleeves were just as spiky as his hair, and he had a red and white flowing loincloth.
"Can't you or your Persona put a shirt on? Your tattoos aren't that appealing, and the green skin looks horrible!" Karen said.
"I wasn't aware I had to conform to your aesthetic standards. Now, if you're serious about opposing us, fight me with everything you have. If you dare hold back, I will have no mercy!" Carlos said, cracking his knuckles.
"Don't worry, Karen. We'll get through this!" Roger said.
"R-Right. I'm ready." Karen said.
"Zao, don't rush in and attack. Just wait for an opening, then try and get out of his way!" Blaine said sternly.
"Right. I'll make you guys proud, just you wait! I have to be calm, and focus."
|Cruise Ship - Upper Deck|8:32 pm|
"Nothin' here at all..." Dan said. "Not even a pool! Or a bar."
Dan's penchant for alcohol aside, Amara did find it strange. This boat was rather elegant, yet it was bereft of any signs of activity. Why was it suddenly here, then?
"This is boring. Can't we get off now?" Serena said.
"Not yet. Something's odd about this boat." Kyle said. "And I intend to find out what that is!"
The group began to head back, when they saw a red-haired man standing on the boat. He had his back turned to the group, and he was facing the gigantic barrier covering the entire city. An uncomfortable few moments passed, until he eventually turned around. Amara gulped. This man's outfit, consisting of a silk purple shirt and matching shoes, as well as smart black trousers, gave him an almost arrogant sense of style. Every piece of his outfit was likely from very coveted collections - the sort Colette would kill to get her hands on. The man was very tall, yet slender. He gave the team a proud, confident smile, yet the wild yellow eyes had no compassion in them whatsoever.
"That barrier is quite beautiful, don't you think? We live in a dangerous world. If you were to imagine the Shadows breaking free and ravaging the entire world, you would appreciate the artful form of that barrier. Thanks to our genius, we contain the beasts in the land of Motus until the promised time." the stranger said.
"That's..." Kyle said, stunned.
"Who the hell are you?" Dan said.
The man sighed. "Must you be so vulgar in my prescence? It's rather obnoxious. Especially since you're enjoying the view with me. The repugnant people of this city still fail to understand the wondrous new world we will bestow upon them. The completion of the Eternal Road will grant unlimited prosperity to all! Of course...if you insist of meddling, then you can be cast out of our new paradise."
Wait. I know this guy. It was a matter of time until we got to meet him. It's...
"As I thought! You're Pierre Leonard!" Kyle said. He shook his fists, his voice embittered by hatred.
"The guy who killed your - oh my god?!" Serena shouted.
Amara glared at Pierre, his constant vain sneer irritating her beyond belief. Those yellow eyes were just like the rest of the Ater Vox - they were twisted windows into a hellish soul.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Mr McHale. But we should be on a first name basis. Kyle, the disabled nerd. How have you been doing since that...day?" Pierre said, amused at Kyle's rage.
"Why the hell did you kill mom?!" Kyle screamed. "Why?! Answer me, you bastard!"
"You really want an answer? If you insist. We wanted your newfound power, even if you were a little cripple. So I was sent to recruit you, but your stupid mother wouldn't let me. I don't like being told what to do, see? It's bad enough having Nihane barking orders at me. Unlike him, your mother had no power to restrain me whatsoever. So I burned your house down. Nowhere for you to hide, after all! What can a boy in a wheelchair accomplish on his own?" Pierre said.
"You..." Kyle said. "My mother always encouraged me. No matter how much I complained about not being like the other kids, she never let me stay that way. She didn't deserve what you did to her!"
"How heartwarming. A kind woman, wasn't she? The only one who gave a damn about an invalid. Perhaps it was unfortunate that she got in my way. Alas, there's more to tell. Someone else interfered, and I didn't recognise her at the time." Pierre said. "Miss Serena. Your other self decided to play hero. She learned of Kyle's power, and wanted to help him. Thus, the only hope you and other mother had was an eleven year old girl. Against the odds, she managed to take the two of you away from the scene."
"Ugh..." Serena said, shaking her head in anger.
"So I followed. You and the girl are crying, trying to resuscitate your mother. It was too late, Kyle! She'd inhaled too much smoke. I did the kind thing, actually. You should be thanking me. After that, things get hazy. I lost track of you...but now, here you are again." Pierre said, smiling maliciously.
"What the - you're one twisted freak!" Amara said.
"Of course I am. But even freaks to reminisce. After all, Kyle, it's been so long. Yet you're still a weak child. Without that Persona, you can't accomplish anything." Pierre said. Then he cackled. This man was scum in Amara's eyes, just like the rest of his friends.
"That ain't true. Listen up, you piece of shit. I know Kyle way better than you do. This kid can do anything he sets his mind to. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't even be here." Dan said, holding his rifle. "So don't you fucking dare badmouth him and his mother in front of me."
"Was I supposed to be touched by that? You're not very articulate. Kanaloan people are so uncouth. Oh well. I suppose it's...interesting to see two people with nothing in common bonding. After all, I was the same with my own comrades. Yet now we're the ones in charge! Not you!" Pierre said. "Kyle. You hate me more than anything in the world, don't you? Then go ahead. Try to kill me!"
"Hephaestus! Come forth NOW!" Kyle roared, and his Persona burst out of him. "Guys, help me!"
"Pierre, this kid saved me. You try and kill him, you're fucking dead!" Dan shouted.
"You two..." Amara said. "I'm fighting too!"
"Kyle, I'll help too. My other self may not be here to protect you, but I am!" Serena said.
"Emerge! Loki!" Pierre's body was surrounded by a red burst of energy, and...
A powerful Persona emerged. A purple skinned giant male, with a long brown ponytail and a silver mask on his face, showing his fierce red eyes. Only a silver ornate loincloth covered his body, and he also had various pieces of jewellery, including a purple gem in place of his belly button.
"Let's get started!" Pierre said. "Agi!"
"Phew!" Amara said, as Pierre had been looking at her. But a powerful ice blast struck her instead. "OWW!" What the hell?!"
"Oh, I wonder what happened?" Pierre said, chortling to himself. "I suppose Loki doesn't want to obey my orders. What a predicament. Well then...Mudo!"
"Uh - no!" Serena yelled, as a fierce bolt of lightning hit her. Pierre hadn't even been looking at her. "That's not Mudo!"
"Someone's sharp. I just wonder. Hmm...what could be going on? It seems to be working out for me, so I can't get too upset. Come on, don't give up now! Attack, attack!" Pierre taunted.
"You asshole..." Dan said, with incredible fury in his eyes. "Bloody Shriek!"
Tezcatlipoca's shadowy spell seemed to harm Pierre immensely. It had been a while since he used that move - not since he fought the Other Blaine.
"Good! That's great! Keep it up! Now then, Bufu!" Pierre yelled.
"What now - shit!" A powerful wind spell struck Kyle, making him dizzy. Pierre rushed forward and slashed him many times with his twin red rapiers, but then Amara struck her with her own blade.
"You think just swinging that thing is enough to do me in?" Pierre said.
"Quiet! Agilao!" Amara yelled, and a burst of flames hit Pierre - but didn't do any damage at all. "Oh, come on!"
"Bad luck, mademoiselle!" Pierre said. "Here's another. Hama!"
A powerful earth attack hit Dan, knocking him to the floor. "Son of a bitch!" He said, angry.
"Mediarama!" Serena healed everyone, but Pierre just chuckled to himself. Angry, Serena cast Aques at him, but it seemed to heal Pierre.
"You can't figure it out, can you?" Pierre said, with a malicious smirk. "No one wins with just luck, you know. Think a little!"
Amara glared at Pierre, and hit him with her sword again. What is it with this guy? He keeps changing his element!
|Augustus Square|8:52 pm|
The battle with Josephine raged on, with every combatant fighting with their full power. Aimee's healing prowess helped the team endure Josephine's earth spells, but she had some potent restorative magic of her own. Yet, Nathan's constant wind attacks were wearing her down.
"Enough." Josephine said. She had just been hit by a Garula. Cybele disappeared, and she put aside her pistols. "I think I got just what I wanted."
"What do you mean by that?!" Nathan shouted. "You Jezebel, I'm not done yet!"
"Good to hear it. I love it when you're angry. It's rather invigorating to see such passion erupt from within, actually. Don't cry, my dear. We'll meet again soon. Do be careful, will you?" Josephine said. Nathan loudly swore as she disappered.
"That was rough... Are you alright, Nathan?" Priscilla asked.
"No! I'll never be alright as long as she's still out there! She got her claws into my father, and she used her husband's love for her own power! I can't let her get away with this. Ever..." Nathan said, breathing heavily.
"Sir Nathan, please calm down! It's rather uncharacteristic of you to get so angry." Seraphina said.
"I'm sorry. It's just...I loved my parents. I loved being an Albion. Why did my father have to choose her?"
"Nathan, he didn't! He stayed with your mother! Don't let Josephine get you so worked up!" Priscilla said. "I don't like seeing you like this at all. It makes me think you'll do something reckless and get yourself killed."
"Priscilla, I'm really sorry. I won't do anything like that." Nathan said.
"Good to hear it! Nathan, hang in there, okay?" Aimee said. "Now that she's gone, we can go and fight some Shadows. We'll meet back at the base at 9 o'clock."
"Alright. I need to let off some steam, anyway. Let's go." Nathan said. Leaving the square, the team set out to vanquish more of the unholy beasts.
|Takanawa|8:58 pm|
Carlos was just as strong as he looked. His punches hit hard, much harder than any of the people Blaine had fought in Kanaloa. It didn't help that Venti often finished off his combos with insane wind fist attacks. Zao had spent most of the fight desperately avoiding Carlos' attacks, not knowing which element would work on him and doubting he'd be any use. Ice, Water and Electric seemed to do normal damage on him, from what Zao could tell. Perhaps the other elements would work better on him.
"Skyward Dragon!" Carlos called, and Venti did an upward punching attack charged with wind. Karen was sent flying, but she managed to use a Tundra Flair spell on him.
"You're a pretty good fighter, Carlos!" Blaine said. "But I'm not done yet! Acid Volt!" The toxic bolt of lightning from Tlaloc hit Carlos, but the poison did not affect him.
"Not bad. Not bad at all." Carlos said. "You're rather durable opponents. Now, withstand this! Soaring Flash!" Venti slammed his fist into the ground, and a large amount of energy rose up beneath Roger's feet, sending him into the air.
"Oww!" Roger said, a little weary. "This guy just won't stop!"
"Now, you there." Carlos said, looking at Zao. "Are you that afraid of me? You pathetic coward...I ought to end you here and NOW. Wimps have no place on the battlefield. Wind Fist!" Venti dashed towards Zao, and heavily punched him in the chest with incredible wind power.
"Argh! Damn you to hell!" Zao shouted. "I've had it with you! Try THIS! Magna!" A burst of stone struck Carlos, making him fall over. "Alright, I did it!"
"Alright, leave it to us! Here we go. Zionga!" Tlaloc shocked Carlos, and then Karen hit him with her blade. Roger jumped at the chance to stab at him with his katars.
"Skyward Dragon!" Carlos had Venti punch his three assailants into the air, and then he cast Magarula. His magic was less powerful than his fists, but it was still a force to be reckoned with.
"Damn, this is taking forever." Roger said. "Die already!" Kanaloa struck Carlos with his trident, prompting Venti to retaliate with another Wind Fist.
"Getting tired? That's a pity!" Carlos said. "I can still fight! Diarama -"
Before Venti could heal Carlos, Rashnu appeared and held out his hands, and a strange energy sphere with a pink aura surrounded Carlos.
"What?!" Carlos shouted. "What the hell did you do? Venti won't heal me!?"
"I-I don't know!" Zao said. "Rashnu finally did something cool, though! Now take THIS!" Finally feeling confident, he hit Carlos with his weapon many a time, and managed to avoid the furious flurry of punches.
"About time you made yourself useful!" Blaine said, proud. Tlaloc took the opportunity to hit Carlos with his hammer. Despite the powerful Soaring Flash Carlos used next, Blaine started to feel his vigour coming back.
"So, you seal my ability to heal me?! Fine, then see what I do!" Carlos said, ready to beat Zao senseless.
"Not interested in your show! Maybe next week, if there's any seats left!" Zao said. "Come on, Rashnu, do something else cool!" Suddenly, eight spheres embodying the eight elements appeared around Rashnu, and he held up his sword.
"What trick are you trying now?" Carlos said - but the answer soon came. Rashnu's blade became super charged with power, and an incredible burst of light radiated from it, pounding Carlos with energy greater than any move the others had ever seen.
"Final Fate!"
"Awesome." Zao said. He collapsed, completely exhausted. "I'm beat..."
"Most impressive..." Carlos said, kneeling on the ground. "I was curious as to how the others never managed to defeat you, and now I understand why. You are all truly warriors."
"Yeah, that's right. Some day soon, you guys are goin' down. And the city can finally be normal again." Blaine said.
"You may indeed accomplish that." Carlos said, standing up. "To inflict so much pain is proof of your skill. Yet even we are nothing before the power of Nihane. If there is a day where you defeat him, it is far off. The Eternal Road will near completion long before that day."
"What the hell does the Eternal Road even do?!" Karen asked.
"Honestly... only Nihane knows the full potential of the Road. It existed centuries ago - as a mere sentimental pilgrimage throughout the island. Alas, the bloody history of the island manifests as the Divine Sparks." Carlos said. "The town that lived before Kanaloa met a gruesome end, due to the island's prejudiced people. Seems some things don't change. Right Blaine? Surely, it must be a struggle to deal with your hometown's clear lack of respect."
"Of course it is, dumbass. But it's still my home!" Blaine shouted.
"I see. You are an emotional band of warriors. That explains the power of your natural Personas! Each of you did quite well today. Even Mr Yuria. When we meet again, I will have grown stronger. I hope you will have done the same." Carlos disappeared, before Blaine could pull the trigger.
"Zao, that attack - that was the coolest move I've ever seen!" Blaine said. "Wait a minute. I did something like that before! I never managed to do it again, though...but yours really saved our behinds."
"Well done!" Karen said. "I'm sure Amara will be impressed when we tell her."
"Thanks, guys." Zao said. "Come on, there's plenty of other Shadows to kill here. Let's see how many we can beat before we have to go home!" Without waiting for a response, he scampered away, filled with cheer.
"I guess I won't need those ankle weights after all!" Blaine said.
|Cruise Ship|9:02 pm|
Amara's team was not faring well. Once in a while, their attacks did good damage, but most of the time their spells did nothing or worse, healed Pierre. Serena was too busy healing everyone to focus on attacking much, either.
"Honestly...you people are mediocre." Pierre said. "Aren't you noticing anything yet?!"
"Don't think you're so clever. I'm got an idea of what works now." Kyle said.
"Is that so? Try this! Magna!" As expected, the spell was not a weak earth attack, but a stronger water spell that hit Dan. "You fool -"
"Magma Sword!" Kyle screamed, and his Persona used his mighty blade to assault Pierre with intense earth power.
"Urgh! Dammit!" Pierre screamed. "You impudent child, you'll pay for that!" With a glint of madness in his eyes, Pierre rushed forward to attack Kyle again, but he blocked with his energy sword device.
"About time! Tarukaja!" Amara imbued herself with power, and hit Pierre with her sword as fast as she could. "See? I can use this thing after all!"
"Good for you, madam." Pierre said, with rage flowing through his body. "Now then...Agi!"
Amara quickly rolled away from the ice spell that appeared. "Now, Amara! Get him!" Kyle yelled. Amara nodded, and Hathor and Hephaestus both hit Pierre with the full force of their Agilao spells.
"You're a clever boy, Kyle! I can just imagine how proud your mother must be right now!" Pierre taunted, laughing. "Now let's try something else, shall we?"
Pierre suddenly vanished, and four of him appeared. They all started laughing completely in sync. Hearing the roaring laughter of a murderous sociopath was not an enjoyable experience for Amara, especially when there were four laughs going on at once.
"Seriously? You're doing a shadow clone trick? Lame. Aques!" Serena struck the one nearest her with her water spell. Alas, that Pierre's body just exploded, and knocked her to the ground. "OW!"
"If only you were as creative at fighting as you are with your stories." Each Pierre said. "What's the matter? Need a clue?"
"I don't think so." Kyle said. "You don't fool me. I can see right through you." Kyle said, glaring.
"Hey Kyle. Can't we just attack all at once?" Dan asked.
"No. We'll get blasted. Hang on, I think I've got it." Kyle said.
"Let's see, then! One option down, three left!" Pierre said.
Kyle, filled with unspeakable hatred, had Hephaestus launch into his Searing Sequence on the middle Pierre. Amara stood up, watching in awe at the fiery blade slashing Pierre. Kyle was fighting to kill this time.
"Oww oww OWW! What the hell?!" Pierre yelled, falling over. His decorum had faded rapidly, as did the remaining two clones. "How can that cripple be so powerful?! There's no way you could have figured that one out!"
"You're forgetting that I'm the one with a natural Persona, Pierre! All I had to do was focus. I can see through your lies. You murdered my mother, too! I can't let you get away with that! Ever!" Kyle shouted.
"An enemy of Kyle is an enemy of mine. And I don't let my enemies get away." Dan said. "So, you want to keep going?"
"I won't be killed by any of you self-righteous dimwits!" Pierre said. "Listen up. When all six of the Divine Sparks are alive, the possibilities are endless. The world will truly change, and you won't be welcome!"
"What do you mean by that?" Amara asked.
"Isn't it obvious? The Road somehow changes the world! That's all Nihane tells us. But he's never wrong! I can just imagine - supreme power over reality itself. Maybe I could even erase you from existence! It'd be a death beyond death!" Pierre shouted. "Goodbye, now! Give your regards to your mother for me!"
Pierre disappeared, and Kyle slammed his fist on his wheelchair's armrest.
"I'll kill you, Pierre! Just you wait!" Kyle shouted. He had never lost his cool like this before, and that scared Amara. This kid really would kill Pierre, given the chance.
"Kyle, let's go home." Serena said. "Everyone's probably worried about us."
"Yeah. Staying here won't get anything done." Dan said, putting his hand on Kyle's shoulder.
The four of them went back to the base in silence.
|Secret Base|9:30 pm|
"Sounds like we all had some difficult battles." Aimee said. "I heard Carlos was a brutal enemy to defeat, and Pierre was known for his trickster strategies. You did really well to stand up to them...I'm proud of all of you."
"But I didn't kill him! I still have to kill him!" Kyle shouted. "That bastard, I'll-"
"Kyle, stop it." Dan said, kneeling down next to him. "If you keep that up, they win. Those freaks just want to make us lose control."
"But, my mom-"
"Yeah, I know. I want to kill Pierre too. But you can't live only for that, or it'll destroy you." Dan said. "And I don't want that. You have to stay strong, you know?"
"I…" Kyle nodded, but Amara could tell he wasn't convinced. If she was in his position, she'd probably stop at nothing until Pierre was dead.
"Well, it might be a good time to get home." Nathan said. "I'm tired."
"Me too. Ugh, my parents are coming home soon." Serena said. "Just when the summer was getting good!"
|Farawell|9:37 pm|
Serena and Blaine left home, but Nathan hesitated.
"What's wrong?" Amara asked.
"Oh...well, it's about that letter I found. From Josephine to my father." Nathan said. "I know I need to ask my father about this, but I'm…scared what he'll say. This is the first time I've been scared to do anything..."
"Really? You're always so brave, even when we're fighting Shadows or the Ater Vox." Amara said. "Remember when we first met, and we had just discovered our Personas?"
"Yes. Feels like a long time ago now." Nathan said. "Even then, I didn't back down. I'm the one that insisted we came back, and look where we are now."
"Exactly. You could have done the easy thing and never come back, but you kept going in despite the danger. That's why everyone looks up to you!" Amara said.
"Really? Well..." Nathan said, happier. "I'll try to discuss it with father. I need to know how he feels."
"That's good. I just hope you don't fall out over it." Amara said. "Tell us how it goes, alright?"
"Yes, I will. Good night." With that, Nathan left, and Amara went home.