Chapter 44: The Silent Wind

|Lucille Valley High School|8:30 am|

Today was the first day of a new school year. For many students, this would be their first proper day at the institution. For Serena, however, it was the first day of her final year as a high school student. After that, she had no idea what could happen. Perhaps she would go to college like Kyle, or follow an entirely different path. She could become an author, or find a new vocation.

"It's strange being here after all this time, isn't it?" Kyle said, as they went past the trophy cabinet near the entrance.

"Yeah, but it's good to be back. It's better than staying at home, that's for sure." Serena said, smiling. "I can't wait to graduate, then I'll be free from those idiots for good."

"It won't be easy finding another place to stay, you know. Just make sure it's wheelchair accessible, okay?" Kyle said.

"Of course! I need someone to visit me so I don't get lonely, don't I?" Serena said. "Anyway, what have we got first?"

"Geography. So another session with Mr Kierkegaard. I hate it when he cleans his teeth in the middle of class."

"Me too. At the very least, he could leave him in his mouth. After that, we've got -"

"Hey guys." A boy with blue spiky hair said. It was Lucas O'Neil, the star of the school's track team.

"Hello, Lucas! How was your summer?" Serena asked.

"It was absolutely amazing. I was in that marathon last month, and we raised hundreds for the blind. In fact, they've asked me to come to the meet next month." Lucas said, smiling.

"Oh. Cool." Kyle said, without a flicker of sincerity in this voice.

"Well, we didn't get up to anything that exciting. Still, we're back here for one more year. Then we're free!" Serena said.

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it! See you in class, I gotta meet Mr Ramsay." Lucas said, sprinting away.

"That guy kind of pisses me off. He's always on about the damn track team. I bet he's never studied a day in his life." Kyle said, bitterly.

"Oh, come on, he's not that bad. You should talk to him sometime! Maybe you have more in common than you think!" Serena said.

"I doubt it. Guy just spends his all his time running around or hanging out with all the other athletes. Anyway, we're going to the library after school, right?" Kyle said.

"Oh...yeah." Serena said. "Well, time to get to class! From now on, we're responsible senior students!"

"Yes, 'responsible'. I guess I can't spend my lunch break watching anime in the computer lab this year. Well, maybe now and again...but if you catch me at it, keep quiet." Kyle said, now smiling. The two of them chatted loudly on the way to class, eager to begin their last year of high school.

|Albion Inc - Lobby|8:49 am|

For the first time in his life, Nathan dreaded coming to work. However, he was too proud to skip just because of a dispute with his father. Priscilla knew him too well to not notice the signs of inner turmoil, but Nathan refused to confess what was really happening. She had already asked him multiple times, as they made their way into the famous headquarters.

"Nathan, what did happen last night?" Priscilla asked. "You left without saying where you were going, then you came back without saying a word!"

"It really is nothing. I just had a falling out with...someone." Nathan said, blankly.

"Nathan, please-"

"I told you, it's nothing! Just leave me alone for now, okay?" Nathan shouted, loudly. Everyone, even Joe Kowalski, stared.

"...Alright, Nathan. I'll see you at lunch time." Priscilla said, after a long silence. Nathan sighed, and before he could get to the elevator, Joe tapped him on the shoulder. This was the last thing he needed. Often, Joe had tried to get Nathan to talk to him, despite Nathan's disapproval of his lateness. Nathan had always been cold to him, and that wasn't going to change today.

"Yes, Kowalski?" Nathan said.

"It's Joe. You're always so formal, Nathan! Come on, don't be such a stiff!" Joe said.

"Joe, just because you treat this place as a playground doesn't mean everyone has to." Nathan said. "Actually, you're on time for once. I trust your bad habit is broken?"

"Well, I'm trying. It's hard. I've had a lot of problems to deal with. Looks like you have as well..." Joe said, looking worried. "What's up?"

"If you must know, I had a bit of an argument with my father last night. I don't want to tell anyone the details, but -"

"Your father's not ill, is he?" Joe said, suddenly concerned.

"No, it's not about his health. I'd rather not discuss it now, I have a meeting to get to. Goodbye for now." Nathan said.

"Wait! Just one more thing. Don't take out your anger on Priscilla, okay? She's the woman everyone here likes the most, and...well, everybody would get sad if you two broke up." Joe said.

"We are not going to break up, Joe! I don't need this right now. Please, get to work. Do not tell anyone what I told you about my father. Got that?" Nathan said, glaring into Joe's eyes. He'd never been this angry with Joe until day, and he couldn't help himself.

"Okay, I won't. Have a good day." Joe said, glumly. Nathan went into the elevator, and sighed. Joe had been perfectly civil to him, even if he had been something of a slacker since the day he was hired. Maybe later, Nathan would apologise to him. Perhaps it was silly to hold a grudge over something that happened nearly two decades ago. Even so, Nathan didn't want to look at his father right now.

Tonight, he'd return to the other world, and fight Shadows with all his strength. No matter what happens in my world, I can't let that stop me from saving the other!

|Real People Offices|9:13 am|

"Still looking good, Karen!" Lucy said, as Karen entered. Her skin still had the healthy glow from her vacation, and ever since she got back, she had been happy as can be.

"Why thank you, Lucy. I must say, we've been doing great the last couple of weeks. Everyone really cares what we're writing about, judging from the feedback we've received. Apparently, Sheila's advice stopped a couple from breaking up over spilt milk - literally." Karen said.

"I aim to please." Sheila said. "Seems like you won't need my advice, though. You and Roger have been out every night since you got back."

"I know! He's just been so charming. He keeps finding new plays for us to go see, new recitals to listen to, and he even scours the internet for the rarest theatre DVDs he can find! It helps that he can afford them, too." Karen said, giggling.

"Roger's a lucky fellow." Juan said. "Colette, come on, can't you let me be lucky too? Please?"

"I can't, Juan, I don't have any clothes you haven't seen me in - wait, I've got that green dress. Okay then, let's go out tonight!" Colette said, laughing.

"Really, Juan? You're that desperate for a girl who can't go five minutes without skipping all the way to the mall to buy a new wardrobe? Honestly..." Lucy said. Colette looked down, and kept quiet. She and Lucy hadn't been very friendly towards each other lately.

"Play nice, now! Back to work, everyone!" Karen said, walking to her office.

"It seems you're not the only one who thinks ill of Lucy." Stella said, amused.

"Don't look so happy about it. I have to work with her! And I can't complain about her too much, she's going out with Blaine! And I don't want to piss him off..." Amara said.

"Good, because from what I can see, they'll be together for quite a while. I can't determine how long, though. Literally anything could happen. It isn't a shallow bond, though. It's stronger than that. Forget about her for now, Amara. I wanted to tell you about my latest reading." Stella said.

"Your latest reading? Oh yeah, it's been a while. I hope Priscilla hasn't been forcing you to predict any more stuff about her co-workers."

"It isn't that. Thankfully, she hasn't found her way to my house. Being in Kanaloa has some advantages. Actually, it's about the Divine Sparks you were telling me about." Stella said, seriously.

"The Sparks?! What about them? We know the next one is in Nova Albion, but -"

"That's correct. My reading is as follows. 'Those who Call the Shadows with their Dark Voice travel along the Road of Eternity. Three paths stand before them. The journey halts, and as time passes, only one path remains.'"

"Those who call the Shadows...sounds like the Ater Vox." Amara said.

"'The lady of the moonlight, in her quest for knowledge, shall uncover an arcane tome. With this, she and the her comrades will uncover the true stepping stone on the road to eternity. There, familiar faces shall be turned to darkness, and a promise shall be made that can never be kept.'" Stella said.

"I don't get it. Promise?" Amara asked.

"I wish I understood that part. All I know is that Serena is the lady of the moonlight, and she must find a book in the school library that tells where the Divine Sparks are." Stella said. "Of course, you'll have to ask her about that tonight. Familiar faces could mean anything, but I have a feeling they aren't your companions in either world. Perhaps enemies."

"This whole thing is crazy. Can we stop the Divine Spark at all?" Amara asked, anxious.

"The spirits are vague on that one, too. If you could stop this one, and the next two, then reversed the other three, then you would be well on your way to eliminating the Shadows. For now, all you can do is keep following what Aeternus do." Stella said.

"Colette, what are you doing?" Lucy said, looking at Colette's desk.

"I was doing research on the Rosa Candida catalogue! I swear!" Colette said, gazing into Lucy's angry eyes.

"Really? Then why is your 'research' thanking you for your purchase of a bangle and earring set?" Lucy said, exasperated. "Just because you're online doesn't mean you can mess around. Honestly, it's like I'm the only one here who's taking this seriously!"

"That's not true, Lucy. We're just able to have fun as we work. Try it sometime, and maybe we'd like you more." Amara said, snidely. Lucy looked at her, surprised, and simply walked away to her own desk.

"Thanks, Amara. I can't stand talking to Lucy anymore. She thinks she's so important because she's an assistant editor! I wish she was more like Karen, or just anyone!" Colette said.

"Don't let her get to you. She's just a workaholic type." Stella said, looking over at Lucy's desk. She was typing vigorously on her computer, but she didn't seem as enthusiastic as before.

"Hey, Colette, want to go to the mall after work today?" Amara said. She didn't really enjoy clothes shopping - at least not to the rather fanatic level of Colette - but she figured the fashion guru could use some cheering up. Besides, she was meeting the others there later, before the next trip to the other world.

"That'd be great! Amara, there's a gorgeous navy dress I think Zao would love. To see you in, not to wear. Unless there's something you haven't told us about." Colette said. "It's perfect for early August!"

"I'll have to check it out. I suspect there's a dress for late August you'll want me to get, too. Not to mention the middle." Amara said. The girls laughed, as Lucy looked away. Amara could have sworn she saw her rubbing her eyes...but she returned to her work for the time being.

|Lucille Valley High School - Library|15:45 pm|

Kyle and Serena entered their favourite part of the school - the library. Since it was the place they became friends, they loved coming here to reminisce. Serena was looking through the old and battered books at the back, the ones no one ever looked at. In fact, they were just there to fill up space, according to the librarian. She warned her not to touch them, as books of that age could easily be damaged. Kyle sat at their table, reading a math textbook.

"Hey, what's this one?" Serena said, as she saw a book with a dark brown spine. There were black spots that at one time, would have read the title of the book. Alas, the name of the text was lost. When she took it out, however, it did not crumble apart as she feared. It was still fairly robust.

She took another gamble, and opened the book to around the middle. A lot of the text was still visible, some words slightly faded. The pages were yellowish, and at the top of each of them was 'Tales of Motus Island'.

"Wow, sounds like Namco Bandai are taking their inspiration from some different places. I bet this one won't get localized..." Serena said to herself. But to her horror, she recognised a name on the page. "Nihane Kronos?"

"Serena, what's up?" Kyle asked.

"N-Nothing! I just wanted to check out one of these old books! This one's fine, don't worry!" Serena replied.

"Okay, but don't let Mrs Reid know you touched it. You know how much she respects old books." Kyle said, going back to his own book. "Euclidean algorithm...hmm."

Serena quietly sat down, and began reading. The part she was at was dated at 1712, although the book wasn't written until 1850. There was a note before the extract that stated this was a fantasy tale, written by 'Eugene Dwight'. When he passed away, the 'tale' was found on his person. Strange...why would he carry it with him at the mtime of his death?

The story began with Eugene entering a 'disgusting town straight from the underworld, a land of sin and depravity'. Serena felt sick, just imagining the amount of hatred one person could feel for an entire village. Then she realised. This had to have been...Amurdad. The lost area of New Motus City, where Kanaloa now stood. Serena kept reading, her hands shaking. Eugene described 'witchcraft dances', which apparently were supposed to awaken the devil inside their 'black hearts' and unleash chaos upon the entire planet. Even tiny, innocent children, in Eugene's eyes, were twisted beings - not even human. This was...horrible. Serena could never have felt that way about anyone in her life, not even her parents. Sure, she hated them, and rarely interacted with them, but she never would have spoken of them that way. Eugene was a terrible man, that she was sure of.

What sickened Serena the most was his graphic details of the destruction of Amurdad. No one was spared, not even the elderly, the children, or pregnant women. Every single inhabitant was a dirty, filthy mass of impurity that had to be cleansed from the world, to make it a holy planet again. Eugene stated that although he never found Nihane Kronos, he was sure he perished in the burning flames that engulfed his home.

Our ancestors...I'm ashamed to have descended from these people.

Serena then read the next paragraph. A brutal, horrific tragedy struck the Cathedral in Farawell. A brotherhood of priests were found murdered - and Eugene spared no details on the state of their corpses. They were torn to pieces, blood staining every inch of the defiled place of worship. It must have taken a very long time to erase all the gore...perhaps the entire Cathedral had to be rebuilt. Eugene then said that from beyond the grave, Nihane had laid waste to the priests, hungry for vegeance.

Wait a second. Nihane Kronos fled the island, right? So it couldn't have been him.

Eugene then spoke of a naval base, in Legarte. The soldiers there were close, treating each other like family. They were known for their extreme dedication in protecting their comrades. Shortly after the fall of Amurdad, however, the soldiers there became slowly insane, lashing out at each other, and refusing to leave the base. Their insanity grew to it's absolute limit, and the soldiers murdered each other, just as graphically as the way the priests died. This scandal caused chaos to erupt in the streets of Legarte, resulting in many civilian casualties - and once again, Eugene blamed this on Nihane Kronos.

As if these tragedies were not enough, Eugene then went onto another scene of brutality, in Takanawa. A 'King', who lived in a castle, had declared himself as the righteous ruler of the city. Everyone else laughed off his claims. He apparently had an idea - move his small group of followers to Amurdad, and build a new Kingdom, one that would surpass the other city districts. Before he could carry out his delusions of grandeur, however, the castle suddenly was destroyed, with everyone in it. Eugene didn't seem to have very much information on this particular incident, however.

It finally hit Serena - these locations were the same as the Divine Spark areas. The Cathedral and the Castle...both were now in Inanis, alongside the ruins of Amurdad. And it stood to reason there was on in Legarte, too.

Naval base? Is there really one in Legarte? If so, where? I've never heard of one...

Serena briefly looked around to make sure no one was looking. All she saw were Catherine, the foreign exchange student from North Carolina, and Kyle. The latter was hard at work trying to decipher some algorithm. She very carefully snuck the book into her bag, hiding it behind her notepad.

"So what was that book about, anyway?" Kyle asked. "You looked pretty creeped out when you were reading it."

"It was creepy. Um...it was some guy talking about lots of murders around the early 18th century." Serena said, nervously.

"Oh yeah, I think I read about that in class. Something about the 'lost period'. Where there's a long part of our island's history that's kind of vague. Some say it's because something happened then that the people at the time wanted to forget." Kyle said. "Creepy, huh? Who knows what kind of dark and sinister secrets lurk beneath the very foundations of our society!" he said, in a creepy voice.

"You never know, Kyle. Right beneath our feet, there could be an ancient burial ground." Serena said. She giggled as Kyle leapt up with fright, and Catherine laughed as well.

"You've been playing too many of those games, you know that?" Catherine said, still laughing.

Maybe I have. But what's happening with me is far from a game.

Serena sat back down, and started reading some revision notes. This was going to be a long day...

|Solar Ray Mall - Rosa Candida|17:23 pm|

"Ah, there you are! You finally brought that Egyptian friend round!" the sales assistant said, dashing over to Colette. So I'm the 'Egyptian Friend' now?

"Yep! I told you, there's an awesome dress here that would look so great on her. You still have it, right?" Colette asked.

"Sorry, we sold it earlier. You won't believe who bought it. The owner of the mall, Mr Martin!" the sales assistant, whose name badge read 'Jennifer', said.

"Wow, Roger did? Karen is lucky." Amara said.

"Come on, Jenny! You know I had my eye on it!" Colette said. "Please tell me you're getting more?"

"Actually, yes. It's one of our popular summer items. I can pre-order you one, if you want." Jenny said, flipping open a catalogue. "Here. You like it, miss...?"

"It's Amara. And I do! It's better than any of my dresses, at least the ones I can find in my apartment!" Amara said, laughing. "Okay, I'll get it. How much?"

"Let me pay for it. You were really cool earlier when you stood up to Lucy, so this is my way of saying thanks!" Colette said. "Oh, and while we're at it, I want that pink dress."

"I figured you would! Okay, I'll call you when we get them in. Anything else?" Jenny said.

"Nope! Come on, let's go check out Paradise Loft!" Colette said. "They've got a great selection of tops there!"

"I'd love to, but I'm meeting some friends for dinner here. Why don't you come over and say hi?" Amara said.

"Well...sure!" Colette said. The two of them left Rosa Candida, and made their way to the food court. "Hey...I'm sorry if I'm boring you. I just really love clothes!"

"That's okay. I'm the same with art." Amara said. "At least we both have an eye for colour!"

"Exactly! Come on, let's find your friends!" Colette said.

|Bar Seoul|17:29 pm|

Amara soon saw the gang sitting at the table. She ran over, with Colette behind her. "Hey, everyone!"

"Oh, hello Amara. Who's this?" Nathan asked.

"I'm Colette Hamilton! We work at the magazine together!" Colette said, glancing at Serena. "Wow! That is one gorgeous necklace, miss!"

"Thank you. Oh, is this the fashion fanatic?" Serena said.

"That's right!" Amara said, grinning. "Colette, this is Serena. That's Nathan, and that's Blaine."

"Wait, the Blaine?" Colette said. "The one going out with Lucy? He's cuter than I thought he'd be!"

"Easy there, madam, I'm spoken for! And so is this guy." Blaine said, pointing towards Nathan.

"Eh, he's not my type! Curly hair is so not fashionable right now. I gotta go now, so see you tomorrow!" Colette said, dashing off - and straight into Paradise Loft.

"You have some interesting colleagues, Amara." Nathan said. He started to feel his hair, and looked a little worried.

"I know. She bought me a dress, though, so I can't complain." Amara said, sitting down. "So, another evening eating weird food, right?"

"Yeah. At least they're not playing that fucking annoying song today." Blaine said. Right that second, the familiar sound of Gangnam Style played on the speaker system. "...I have to hear that at work, and I have to hear it when I'm not at work. The things you have to endure for a paycheck in this day and age."

|Secret Base|18:31 pm|

"Good to see you all again." Roger said. "We're still trying to work out where the next Divine Spark is gonna happen-"

"No need! I think this will tell us exactly where we need to go." Serena said. Amara just noticed she had taken her schoolbag with her. Oh yeah, she's back at school now - but why would Serena know where they are?

Serena took off the bag, and pulled out a large and battered book. She opened it, and soon read out what seemed to the diary of a traveller called Eugene Dwight. Sure enough, the places he mentioned sounded a lot like the Divine Sparks.

"Incredible! Each of the Divine Sparks were stages to a truly horrific spectacle. Both the Cathedral and the Castle were host to these massacres. Serena, tell us! Where is the Nova Albion Divine Spark?" Seraphina asked.

"Don't you know?" Zao asked.

"I do not know everything that will come to pass. However, I am very capable of psychological torture, if you want to test my abilities..." Seraphina said.

"Um, n-no! Anything but that! Read on, Serena!" Zao said, backing away.

"Is he seriously a year older than me?" Matthew asked.

"He's very carefree, I guess..." Tara said, shaking her head.

"From what Eugene says, the Nova Albion Divine Spark is in a mansion that belonged to a 'Donatella' family. They apparently used to feud with the Albions for control over the island." Serena said.

"I don't remember anything like that. Unless that's something else my father kept secret." Nathan said, bitterly.

"What do you mean? Oh, the thing about Josephine..." Blaine said.

"Let's not dwell on that for now. We need to figure out where the Donatella Mansion was located. Kyle, we're counting on you!" Nathan said.

"Got it! Here we go -"

"No, wait! I already know where it is! When I was really young, my mother found some old portrait in the basement of this creepy man called Oliver Donatella." Tara said. "It's my old place! Remember, we went inside and there were a lot of dead vagrants around?"

"That place?!" Dan shouted. "Well, it was pretty fucking creepy. Looks like we're going, then!"

"Yeah! Let's stop the Divine Spark, before Aeternus even knows about it!" Amara shouted.

"Hold on! We don't know they know nothing about it. Remember, the Ornatu Legion were in Nova Albion because they narrowed it down to that district!" Roger said.

"We need to be careful. Remember in Tachibana University, Nihane almost killed us. We can't risk that again." Priscilla said.

"Alright, alright! We'll be ready for anything we face! I'm not going to lose this time!" Zao said, running towards the NDD. "You guys are coming, right?"

"Well, someone's got to stop you from doing anything stupid." Dan said. The team chuckled as they made their way through the NDD, to return to Tara's family home.

|Nova Albion - Miller Manor|18:56 pm|

The mansion felt exactly the same as it did before. At one time, Amara was sure it would have been just as fabulous and elegant as her own family home, if not more. She had never mingled with either Tara or Nathan before now, but perhaps if she was closer to their age she might have well been part of their social circle. Now, the place was in shambles.

"Tara, are you okay with coming here? Once a Divine Spark takes place, the building is completely destroyed." Amara said. "If you don't want to watch it, then-"

"Don't try to talk me out of it. This place is already ruined, thanks to those Shadows. There's no point dwelling on the past. I just wish I could have seen my parents one last time...that's the only regret I have." Tara said.

"Tara, don't push yourself." Matthew said.

"What are you, my life coach?" Tara said, smirking. "Come on, let's check this place out again. There's three basement floors to this mansion. We never really used them before, but I bet the Donatella family kept a lot of creepy stuff there. Aimee, you can split us up!"

"Alright then. I'll check out the first basement with Zao, Roger and Karen." Aimee said.

"Sweet! I get to go with the lovebirds!" Zao said, grinning.

"Zao, you'd be happy regardless of who I put you with..." Aimee said, sighing. Everyone else shook their heads, too, but Amara quietely laughed to herself. "Moving on. Dan, Priscilla, Seraphina and Kyle can check out the middle basement-"

"Wait, can I go with my brother?" Matthew interjected. "Please Please Please?"

"Yes, of course." Aimee said, smiling. "I don't see why not, and Dan wouldn't like it if I said no."

"Damn straight! No one's splitting up the Kingsley Brothers again!" Dan said, standing tall and proud.

"Okay, then Amara and the others can go to the bottom basement. Tara, you're with them." Aimee said.

"Fine with me. I've never really checked out the basement before, but my parents said there's a lot of old stuff. Like that painting I told you about, as well as lots of antiques. They kept them there for a rainy day, but...I guess that's pointless now." Tara said. "Why am I getting all sad? We've got work to do. We're stopping the Divine Sparks, and we're not going to let Nihane have his way!"

|First Basement - Aimee's Team|19:03 pm|

"Tara's house is so huge!" Zao said, scampering ahead. "And so old. Look at this coffee table."

"You idiot, there's nothing unusual about that table." Roger said. "It's just old."

"Yeah, exactly! It's like on that antique auction show they always have on after lunch." Zao said, beaming. "I used to watch it with grandpa all the time. I was yawning, bored as hell, but he always told me that there was a story to every -"

"IT'S A SHADOW!" Karen shouted.

"Wait, what -"

The coffee table soon revealed it's true colours - another one of the 'Table' Shadows, covered in a tablecloth and numerous objects floating around it. A couple of spells soon defeated it, and Zao breathed a sigh of relief.

"That was scary. Thank god we noticed it, or it could have snuck up on us!" Zao said.

"You were just rambling about your damn grandpa! If Karen hadn't said anything, you'd be toast!" Roger said.

"Zao, please be more careful!" Aimee said.

"You guys keep picking on me..." Zao said, wandering off. The team continued checking the rooms, fighting Shadows along the way. Zao still hadn't progressed beyond his initial elemental spells, but he did make use of the ability to seal an enemy's healing powers. All he wanted was to prove he could fight at the same level as everyone else. If he got stronger, Amara and Aimee wouldn't have to fight so hard.

|Second Basement - Matthew's Team|19:05 pm|

"Dan, how did you survive for so long, with things the way they are now?" Matthew asked. "I mean, without a Persona, you're fucked!"

"...I see the bad language is a family trait." Priscilla said, unpleased.

"Oh! I'm sorry about that, Miss Priscilla. I heard worse language when I was growing up, believe me."

"That doesn't surprise me. Kanaloans certainly have a way with words. After spending two years with Daniel, I've become used to it." Kyle said.

"Even so, it's not that nice to hear someone so young talk like that..." Priscilla said.

"Oh, relax! He's a big boy now! To answer your question, I just kinda did what I had to do. Mostly running away screaming, or hiding in bars. By the time Kyle found me, I was just another homeless bum, like the ones we used to see out the front window." Dan said.

"I, too, am familiar with the experiences Dan speaks of." Seraphina said.

"You are? That means - Wait, look over there!" Priscilla said, pointing ahead. In the darkness, which was only slightly illuminated with a bare light bulb, there was something strange in the distance. A human-like form, but it was more like a silhouette.

"The hell? Is that supposed to be a Shadow?" Matthew asked.

"It's not got one of the twelve masks, nor does it resemble any type of Shadow I have on file." Kyle said. "It's clearly not human, either."

"Actually, Kyle, it is. Or rather, it was." Seraphina said.

"It was?!" Priscilla shouted.

"Do you recall the man clad in bandages we uncovered back in the sixth month? That, Kyle, is the very same one!" Seraphina said. She stepped back, arms raised.

"So what happened to this guy?" Matthew asked. "Aeternus do some freaky experiments on him?"

"Looks like it. And he doesn't look too happy to see us." Dan said, as the figure stood up. Apart from blue glowing eyes, no detail could be made out. He raised a bladed stick weapon, and a red aura surrounded him.

"Let's put him out of his misery. It's better if we finish him off before the Divine Spark does." Priscilla said, raising her staff.

"We can't do anything to help him?" Matthew asked. Everyone else took out their weapons, and they were all ready to summon their Personas. "I wanted to save lives, not take them...but I don't have a choice."

Matthew took out his knives, as the shadowy figure charged at the group. It was without a hint of humanity left.

|Third Basement, Amara's team|19:07 pm|

Whilst Nathan and Serena were exploring the basement - which was densely populated, filled with many locked doors and empty boxes - Amara and Blaine were alone, checking the main room.

"Hey, what's wrong with Nathan? He doesn't look so good today." Amara said.

"Oh, he always looks like that. Maybe all he needs is a good haircut." Blaine said.

"What, like yours? Lucy was going on about how cute your hair looked, so perhaps it's not such a bad idea!" Amara said.

"Ha! I just have that bad boy charm!" Blaine said, grinning.

"Please, you're about as bad as a ballerina." Amara said. Blaine quietly chuckled, as the two of them continued their search. Serena was trying to open a door, Nathan was musing to himself, and Tara looked anxious as she walked ahead.

"Hey, Amara. I heard you were a bit harsh with Lucy earlier." Blaine said, serious.

"Oh...I'm sorry. I know you said I should get along with her, but -"

"Relax, would ya? Maybe you have a point. She's always focused on her work, and she probably could lighten up a little. Just don't be so hard on her, okay? She sounded really sad over the phone..." Blaine said.

"I'll try. It's just hard to get along with her, you know? I just want to have fun when I'm at work, hanging out with the girls. Oh, and Juan." Amara said.

"Well, trust me, there's a good side to Lucy. I'm not asking you to be her best friend or anything, but maybe just hang out with her once in a while." Blaine said. "Don't look so worried. We're still friends, you and me."

"I know. The day we first met, you got into a brawl just so you could give me this necklace back. You didn't have a clue who I was, but you did it anyway. I'm really glad to have you as a friend." Amara said.

"Same here!" Blaine said. The two of them shook hands. "Let's see what Nathan's up to."

"Okay. Hey Nathan, you found anything?" Amara asked, as they walked over to him.

"Unfortunately, no. Clearly, this basement hasn't been used in a long time, like Tara says." Nathan said.

"Why are there so many locked doors?" Serena asked, desperately pushing a door.

"First of all, you have to pull that door. And secondly, I think the keys to those doors were lost a long time ago. I guess no one bothered to get new keys. The place is a little big for just me and my parents, huh?" Tara said.

"Yeah. Your old man must get lonely if his house's as big as this one." Blaine said. "Three fucking basements!"

"Lonely..." Nathan said, staring at his feet. "Maybe so."

Before Amara could say anything, one of the doors burst open. Ornatu Legion members ran out, and Amara gasped.

"Colette!" Amara shouted.

"Joe..." Nathan muttered.

"Lucas?" Serena couldn't believe her eyes.

"They already know who we are?" Colette asked.

She doesn't remember?! Wait, Ornatu Legion guys lose their memory when they lose their Personas. That's what Aimee and Kyle told us way back...

"We were given some secret powerful Personas yesterday. Word gets around fast!" Joe said.

"Those are the guys we have to defeat, right? Shame, that blonde looks pretty." Lucas said, sword in hand.

"In your dreams! I don't date athletes!" Serena snapped.

"Serena, you know him?" Blaine asked.

"Sure I do. He's in the same year of high school as me. He's on the track team. So they picked Ornatu Legion members we know in the other world..." Serena said.

"What's she even talking about?" Joe said.

"Doesn't matter. Once we beat you again, you won't remember a word we've said. So let's get this over with, shall we?" Blaine said, taking out his gun.

"Thank god, I was getting bored already with this conversation. Where's Adrian?" Colette asked.

Another Ornatu Legion member came out of the door - however, he was wearing a blue version of the uniform. He carried two curved blue swords, and had brown hair in a bowl cut. His grey eyes were cold, and distant.

"Adrian Gale!" Nathan shouted. "Tara, you - wait, that's right. You've never met Adrian in this world."

Tara looked straight into Adrian's eyes, and shivered. "Hold on a minute. I have a feeling I've seen him before, somewhere..."

Adrian did not respond. Without any vocal command, his Persona burst out of his body. It was a terrifying grim reaper figure, carrying a long bow. Covering the skeletal horror was a ripped black robe, and a golden crown. Completing the nightmarish vision before them was what the reaper was riding - a white horse, mane covering it's eyes. This horse instead had numerous eyes scattered all over it's body, even on it's legs.

"Holy crap, he gets the White Rider! Cool! Okay, here goes! Parvati!" Colette's Persona was a rather beautiful goddess figure, with pink hair and a flower in her hands.

"I'm not going down! Lugh!" Joe cried. His Persona was a strange male figure that seemed to have golden armour for skin, with long flowing hair and horns. Various weapons, such as a spear and a throwing star, were attached to his body.

"Time to show off what Archie gave me! Siegfried!" Lucas called. His Persona came forth - a tall blonde hero, dressed in armour and brandishing a long two-handed sword.

"These guys mean business this time." Amara said. "Our natural Personas won't lose, though! We'll beat whatever fake power you have!"

Amara and the others called upon their Personas, for their first true challenge against the Ornatu Legion.