AN: Sorry it's been a while. It won't take long for Chapter 85 (probably...), but after that updates might be slower, as it will be the last arc of the story. I hope you've enjoyed it so far! And please read and review. It was my birthday over a week ago, which was good - I've been playing Tomodachi Life! :D And also Shin Megami Tensei IV - just killed Merkabah on the Chaos route. Which was immensely satisfying. Next up, Law route!
Chapter 84: Passionate Oath
|Aeternus Meeting Room|22:30 pm|
News of the explosion at Lorean Tower had spread like wildfire. Now, most of the city lacked any energy, cutting them off from most forms of communication. Also, the weather was growing cooler, and therefore many citizens could freeze to death - and not from Bufu spells, either.
Once the news had been reported to Nihane, he immediately summoned his Ater Vox comrades to determine what had happened. With the plan to use Zao as an Interitus Soldier null and void, not to mention having to deal with thousands of angry citizens, he was furious.
"...Where is Pierre?!" He demanded. The others looked at each other, nervous, and did not make a peep. "Carlos! I told you to work on fixing Zao's data with him! Why is he not here!?"
"I...do not know. The rebels arrived, and so Josephine & I went to fight them while Pierre remaining upstairs. He was confident he and the Guardian Warlord would be enough to dispose of the other intruders." Carlos said.
"Fool!" Nihane said. "Lorean Tower's destruction could have been the perfect place to turn into the next Divine Spark! It's filled with limitless Shadow power! People's lives depend on it! If we had the foresight, we could have turned it into the seventh, and forgot all about that garish casino!"
"So did the rebels blow up the tower?" Nina asked.
"There's no way of knowing. We'll have to investigate the area before we come to any conclusions." Josephine said. "We've also had difficulty in contacting Barrs, too. Vivaldi claims to be unaware of his whereabouts, too."
"Perhaps we should focus on the bigger picture. Lorean Tower's destruction may influence the Eternal Road yet. After all, if the people cannot power their homes, they will lose hope. That despair caused the Divine Sparks to emerge, after all." Archibald said.
"Wait. Something's been bothering me." Carlos said. "Kanaloa's Divine Spark - the entire area - occurred ten years ago. Why is it that it took all that time for the other five to happen?"
"Simple. Our rebel friends were the catalyst." Nihane said. "Each time, events occurred that scarred them, thus bringing forth the darkness of the past and present."
"But back when we were destroying Kanaloa, the device we created was to trigger the Divine Spark via the past alone." Nina said. "Why didn't we just recreate them?"
"Nina, what happened to Amurdad eclipsed the others." Archibald said. "It was a massacre of an entire civilisation. Not only that, all traces of their culture were destroyed."
"Thank you, Archibald. As if Janus hadn't told me that every single day." Nihane said, frustrated. "It seems I can't trust any of you. The Ornatu Legion have deserted us. We cannot power the Necromancers efficiently. Vivaldi has not lived up to her potential. The rebels seem to overpower you in very battle, and none of you have come up with an idea worth listening to!"
"We're very sorry, Nihane." Josephine said.
"A most repulsive word. Apologising absolves not a single sin. Perhaps rescuing you from the brink of death wasn't worthwhile after all." Nihane said, stroking his chin. "For now, we'll deal with the immediate crisis. Investigate Lorean Tower, and identify the case of the explosion. Send out a message to every outlet in the city that the situation is under control. Get to work!"
Hastily, he ordered the others to leave immediately. Sighing, he looked outside, and beyond the fortress walls, saw the smoke still coming from the tower.
Lord Nihane. We apologise to interrupt your moments of solitude, but there is an item of interest that came about in this brief meeting.
"Is that so? Then make it quick. I suspect I'll be needed at the Tower. Pierre should be pleased - I'll be going to the trouble of making him a third body." Nihane said, already bored.
Agnethe mentioned that the Divine Spark that took place in the land after Amurdad - Kanaloa - only comprised the negative emotions of the past. Yet the ones that took place naturally all composed hatred, sorrow, fear, and despair from both the distant past and the present. Does that not give you pause?
Nihane was silent, for what felt like an eternity. Before Janus could speak to him, he started to burst out into peals of laughter.
"That's it!" Nihane cried. "Janus, the answer has been right in front of me the whole time!"
We shall have plenty of time to rejoice later. For now, go and rescue Leonard. He and the others still have a role to play before we discard their souls into the ether.
Nihane disappeared, leaving for the Tower. Reviving Pierre - and modifying the other's memories - would be a difficult task. Yet Janus would gladly do so, as many times as needed.
Their pathetic dreams will never come true. Only the one chosen by Janus can walk this road of eternity. Until then, they're just servants.
|Secret Base|22:31 pm|
The entire rebel force - sans Tara & Matthew - had assembled, and had heard both reports. The Ornatu Legion, or at least a portion of it, were to abandon Aeternus. More pressingly, however, was the news that had sent the entire city into further chaos. The destruction of Lorean Tower.
"I can't believe it. This sounds like something Tomas would do!" Aimee said. Other Amara flinched, but kept quiet. "What benefit does destroying that tower even hold? For anyone?"
"If it were Aeternus that did it, they'd be trying to cause even more despair so to bring forth the Eternal Road." Roger mused. "But...since the explosion killed Pierre, and they were using that place for Interitus experiments...no, it doesn't add up at all."
"That Kaman prick did it!" Dan said. "Come on, you saw him in there! He probably tried to kill you all in case Pierre couldn't do it! Then he could just pass it off as an accident to the others!"
"Are you sure about that?" Other Serena asked. "I think the Ater Vox would be keeping close tabs on him...after all, if he and Keisha ditched us, they could do it again. Nihane's probably peering down their necks, so they're not going to try anything stupid like that."
"Forget about him!" Serena said. "What's going to happen with us? Without power, we're in trouble!"
"Indeed. We might go cold, and our food might spoil..." Karen said. "This is a headache. Can we survive like this until December?"
"I can! I'll just go back to Clairdol!" Lucy said, cheerfully. Then, she saw everyone else glower at her, and she sank in her chair, looking away. "Um...well, as a last resort!"
"Relax." Kyle said. "Plenty of buildings have their own generators. Especially in this area. All we have to do is be creative."
"In other words, we're going to steal electricity. Yeah?" Other Serena asked.
"Well I was trying to be subtle about it...but yes." Kyle said, embarrassed. "This building is connected to the Power Tunnels, which has enough electricity to last for at most three weeks. Places with their own generators don't have much to worry about, as they don't rely on the tunnels. So, what we're going to have to do is to switch this building's connection to a generator."
"That sounds rather complicated. Can we really resort to stealing?" Priscilla.
"It can't be helped." Roger said. "We've gotta survive. I heard this winter's gonna be rough."
"Tell me about it...worst time of the year." Other Amara said. "I don't mind painting it. But being around it sucks."
"Really? It's not so bad. Especially with someone to keep you warm!" Karen said, winking at Roger. Lucy giggled, while Blaine's face turned red.
"Uh...yeah, I bet." Dan said, rolling his eyes. "So can this work, kid? You got the skills?"
"What, you having doubts? I'm the guy who built this computer, piece by piece! Not to mention customised this wheelchair. It's going to be a lot of work, but trust me, I'll get it done." Kyle said. "Right, you guys can go on home. Don't worry about us. We've survived worse, after all."
"...Right." Amara said, nodding. With everyone hard at work, Amara couldn't help but wonder. What could she and the others contribute? Just staying alive until December, for them, would be an achievement.
No. I can't get discouraged. I refuse! Nihane has to answer for his crimes. He'll lose, I'll make sure of that!
|November 4th|NW - Motus Airport|14:50 pm|
Finally, Lucy was due to return from the US. Blaine was waiting near Arrivals, keeping an eye out for her. It may have only been weeks since she and him parted, but that felt like a lifetime. He still remembered it, her tearful farewell, as he wished her good luck. Now here he was, having found out the flight's time of arrival. If her trip had ended with sadness, a big warm hug might soothe the pain.
I hope it worked...babe, you deserve it. That Edmond's lucky to have you as his family.
Eventually, many passengers started walking through, with various suitcases and other accouterments. One lady, in a very fine dress, rudely shoved past him as she pushed her Louis Vutton case. He grumbled, and sighed. He remembered the look of the first class passengers from that flight to Glasswater - clothes worth more than he could earn in a year. All so self-important, as if they were entitled to First Class. Thank god Nathan and Priscilla were there, or he would labelled them all with expletives.
Finally, behind a crowd of folk was Lucy, looking rather tired. She yawned, as she pushed her pink case along. Blaine's heart skipped a beat, and he wanted to leap up and down cheering her name. But, in the interest of not looking like a loon, he stayed put, but had a huge smile on his face.
Lucy laid eyes upon him, but her fatigue was such that she didn't realise who he was. Then, as she got closer, she froze to the spot. He waved, grinning wider, and her face lit up.
"You're...really here?" She said, astonished.
"Where else would I be?" Blaine asked. Immediately, she put aside her case, and flung herself into his arms. His embrace was tighter than ever, and he almost shed a tear out of sheer relief.
Finally, they let go, but they both had a rosy glow of warmth. Then, when she saw her case overturned on the ground, next to a mirthful security guard, she quickly dashed to grab it.
"You know, I was planning to surprise you at your house..." Lucy said. "But here. I got you a little something." Out of her bag, she plucked a small package containing a rather pricey smartphone.
"What the - Lucy, isn't it me who's supposed to treat you?" Blaine asked.
"Yeah, but you're the one that cooks for me. Why confer to gender stereotypes now?" Lucy said. "Since you're always whining about how shitty your phone is, and I caught you staring at it in Solar Ray Mall...here. With it, next time I'm back home I'll be able to reach you!"
Blaine gazed at the phone, as printed on the box. He had never imagined he'd own one of these, at least not new. Roger had always liked showing off his new phones, but Blaine figured that'd be the closest he'd get to having one. And she was right - there were so many ways for these phones to contact another. Even across the world.
"Lucy, I..." Blaine said, amazed. "This is the nicest gift a girl's ever given me. ...That I can talk about in public."
"You perv." Lucy said, rolling her eyes, but laughing. "Oh, and...it was hard, but Edmond agreed to give you another chance. He said he wanted to come round again in December - but this time, without any seminars or whatever to distract him."
"That's fantastic!" Blaine said, cheerfully. "Don't you worry. I'll make him worship the ground I walk on! What about your folks?"
"They were okay..." Lucy said. "They never did like me going out with older guys. And my mum went on about how you should just get a car and drive like a normal person. And of course, dad thinks you should cut back on booze."
Blaine smiled. He had his work cut out for him, for when they met him - but that was just another obstacle to face. Fighting the Ater Vox would be the toughest battle of his entire life - so if he won, then he could put his full heart into this battle. To win over her family.
"Normal, eh? Since when did we settle for normal?" Blaine asked. "Come on, let's go somewhere, so we can talk all about it. And maybe you can show me how to use this thing!"
"Please, even a monkey could do it. And you're about as hairy as one, so...you'll do just fine!" Lucy said, sticking her tongue out. Happily, they held hands, and left the airport.
There's gonna be a great future for the two of us. And I ain't letting Nihane send it down the drain!
|November 16th|NW - Kanaloa|5:15 pm|
Stella - or rather, Sophie - was in her Parlour, giving a reading to a rather anxious woman. This session had lasted well over an hour, mostly due to the lady's needless follow-up questions.
"Yes, Mrs Wyatt, your son's girlfriend isn't a gold-digger..." Stella said, yawning. "And before you ask again, no one is going to steal your garden gnomes, not even Fred from across the street."
"Thank heavens. He's been eyeing them ever since I moved in!" Mrs Wyatt said. "What about that man's daughter? My son told me that she spends all her time with some boy in a wheelchair..."
"Mrs Wyatt, the spirits and/or cosmos won't allow me to divulge information unless it concerns my client. Serena will not make a major impact on any events of your life." Stella said, angrily. "Are there any other questions?"
"No...but you're amazing. You know everything! Just how do you do it?" Mrs Wyatt asked.
Stella pointed to her forehead, smirking. "It's the power of wisdom. I'm one of the few on this Earth with a real gift. I hope I was able to help you with your 'problems'."
"Oh, yes! You're a lifesaver. Now I know what to cook for dinner. Bye!" Mrs Wyatt quickly paid for the costly session, leaving behind a good tip, and left.
This is wrong...the sooner I change jobs, the better.
Soon after her customer left, the door opened. Coming inside were Sophie's mother, the real Stella, and her partner Seraphina. Stella grinned, and quickly switched her teal wig for a blonde one, and took out the purple contacts.
"Mum!" Sophie said. "What are you doing here?"
"We were just paying you a visit, sweetie." Stella said. She was a short, meek woman with a quiet, timid demeanour.
"Actually, Stella, we had plans for dinner." Seraphina said. Unlike her partner, she was a tall and strong looking woman, with a booming voice and a face that radiated pure confidence.
Sophie gasped. "You're right! I was so busy with that paranoid Wyatt hag, I forgot!" Sophie said. "Just let me get changed, and then we'll go!"
"Alright. Sophie, are you okay? You seem a little upset..." Stella asked.
"Well...I've not been enjoying this job so much these days. It's a great way to make money, sure, but that's not enough. I'm invading people's privacy. If you tell students the answers, then they don't learn how to reach them by themselves. They'll go through life, expecting that solutions will be handed out to them. They won't learn anything. This is the same, mum, and I can't stand it..."
"I had a feeling this would happen. You never looked that happy about starting this place to begin with!" Seraphina said. "Listen honey, you ought to quit. There's got to be a better job that you can still do. How about going into acting, like me?"
"But Seraphina, the last role you had was as a robber on TV...in 2008..." Stella said.
"Last role on TV, Stella. I was in pantomime as well." Seraphina said. "Look, just...get out there and make yourself happy, okay?"
"I do have an idea, actually..." Sophie said. "I'd like to do something similar to this. But without this power. I'd like to really connect with people, and get them through their hardships - without violating their minds."
"That sounds great, Sophie, but I thought this power was permanent?" Stella asked.
"That's what I said, back then..." Sophie said. "But now I'm not so sure. Nothing lasts forever. Someday, I could be normal again."
"Sophie...don't talk like that. You're our girl, with or without your gift. No...just being here with us, is our gift." Stella said, gently. "Now, you go and get ready, and we'll talk about this over dinner. You're still on for that Tapas restaurant, right?"
"As long as I don't end up with that wasabi beef thing again, I'm fine with anything." Seraphina said, shuddering. "By the way, Sophie, while you're still using this power, I've got a question. Did I ever have a lab coat?"
"...What?" Sophie asked.
"It's this feeling I had, the other day. That me and your mother were in some strange white place wearing lab coats. I don't remember anything like that, not even when we were at that old factory. But it felt like it really happened..." Seraphina said.
"Lab coat..." Stella said. "That's...odd. I wonder what made you feel like that..."
"I have no idea. Perhaps you're after a career change yourself!" Sophie said, grinning awkwardly. "Anyway, I'll see you at Café Andaluz!" Her parents left, and Sophie grimaced.
Memories are leaking from one world to the other. And...I know about those lab coats. What my parents went through...what I went through. Explaining everything would make no sense - even I don't understand. Amara, please...when the time comes, promise me you'll survive. I don't want my mothers to suffer anymore.
Putting aside these worries, she got dressed into her red shirt and black skirt, and left the place. The day she would ditch the Stella Cleon moniker was fast approaching - but whether or not there was a future after that, she did not know. Amara and her other self would have to find that out for themselves.
|November 21st|OW- Clairdol Village - Outside Police Station|5:14 pm|
Matthew was leaning against the wall near the entrance, lighting a cigarette. It was a filthy habit, he knew that, but having a smoke seemed to calm him down. Tonight, he had to turn down a night out with the other young policemen to go to the city - and Tara was coming along.
"Sure we can't tempt you, Matt?" David, a black haired youthful detective, asked. "Linda's been missing you lately. Let me guess, you prefer your women older?"
"What?" Matthew asked. "...No, me and Tara are just friends! Besides, she's like thirty!"
"Twenty eight, Matthew. Not that maths is your strong point."
He looked to his right, and saw a sour-faced Tara. Quickly he stubbed out his cigarette, and laughed off his comment.
"I meant...you're like an older sister! It'd be weird!" Matthew said. "David, sorry. I'll go another night, okay? Tell Linda I'm sorry."
"Sure thing." David said. "See ya, Tara." With that, he left for the pub, along with the other cops. Matthew sighed, staring at his friends filling into the bar.
"You know, you don't have to get pissing drunk to talk to her." Tara said. "Just ask her out!"
Matthew shook his head. He looked towards the giant walls surrounding the city, the only thing marring the view from the city gates.
"...Oh." Tara said. "That's right. Next month, everything we've learned will be tested. There's really no time to waste flirting."
"Exactly." Matthew said. "And you know what happened with the last girl I was...with. We walked right down that beach! The sunset was the best for the whole year, and it meant nothing to her! So I'm not letting that happen again!" Tara gulped, and bit her lip. She saw his eyes welling up, and he could feel her heart sink as she observed him. "I told her things only you and my brother know. Like that I'm scared of guns...or that I can't swim..."
"Sorry." Tara said. "I know that feeling all too well. There's nothing worse than a one-sided relationship. You give it your all, and you try and tell yourself they're doing the same. But they don't care half as much as you, and when they get bored, they throw you away."
"I know that! But I can't stop thinking about her!" Matthew said, grimly. "If she was just another girlfriend, I could get over it. It sucks, but I've done it before. This time, she's on the enemy's side. Trying to kill us at every turn. And if we want to beat Aeternus, we're going to have to deal with her too!"
"...It might not end up that way." Tara said, thoughtfully. "We've turned old enemies into allies before, right? Blaine, the Holy Cross, Karen & Roger! So we can do it again. Even if we can't...there has to be a way forward other than fighting."
"Thanks, Tara...but I can't see that happening. That night in that opera house showed me what she really thinks. She'd gladly cut me down!" Matthew said. "Sorry. I'm going on and on. Let's just go, okay?"
"Okay." Tara said. "Chin up. Tonight's just more training. We'll beat some Shadows, and then maybe we can come back here for some fish and chips. Deal?"
"You know me too well, Tara." Matthew said, his face returning to a boyish smile. "Once this is over, maybe I'll try asking Linda for her number. It's Wednesday, so there's a good chance she'll be wearing that cute red top."
"Is that how a detective's mind works?" Tara asked. They laughed, as they headed into New Motus City.
|Legarte - Supply Complex Site|5:20 pm|
Roger had gone to visit the site of the sixth Divine Spark, out of curiosity. Long ago, he had learned from the people of another world that he owned the mall on this very spot, built over an old naval base. It apparently was doing very well, raking in the profits, and more and more stores were opening branches there. And it had all been because of his hard work.
"If the Shadows had never showed up, this place could have been special too. Not just a sacrifice." Roger said. Right below the mall was that gruesome place, where a comrade had lost his life. During their time together, Roger had told Zao off more than being kind. Yet Zao just soldiered on, and kept on smiling. With that attitude, his future could have been something wonderful, maybe more successful than Solar Ray Mall.
"Roger!"
He turned around, and saw Karen, looking glum. Roger looked at her with worry, but she gave him no time to inquire.
"I was at Motion Publishing." She said. "In the other dimension, I have a magazine in there. Amara, Lucy and Seraphina work for me! And so do people called Juan, Sheila and Colette!" Karen said, despondent. "But...that place is in shambles. Aeternus won't lift a finger to rebuild it. Why would they? They already control the media in this city. There's no place left for writers like us..."
"I'm sorry, honey." Roger said. Thinking fast, he grabbed her and held her close. "Hard to believe I open up a huge mall in the other world, isn't it? Considering where I came from."
"It was a dump, just like everyone said. But you made me warm to it, just a little." Karen said, seriously. "Blaine, Dan and Matthew too. All of you are diamonds in the rough, but you're the most polished in my eyes."
"Hardly. I'm stained in blood." Roger said, eyes welling up. "At the time, I never gave the victims a second thought. I just thought about surviving one day to the next. But now...I wish I could go back and let them go..."
Karen sighed heavily, and bit her lip. Discovering her partner's bloody history was not something she had relished. It had shaken her to her core. The charming, cultured man that had taken her to an opera fourteen years ago had turned into a psychopathic killer. Or so it seemed.
"It's too late for that. If you waste your time thinking this way...you'll be just like them." Karen said. "You helped me move away from the past once before, remember? What that man did to me, I thought I could never escape it. But you changed that. If you really feel guilty for those victims, help save this city. So that no one else has to end up that way."
"...I won't be like Nihane and his cronies." Roger said, defiantly. "I make my own dreams come true! Someday, I'll be just like the me in the other world. Just imagine, what I could in this city. I could build a Motion Publishing even better than before! One the whole world knows as the kingdom of journalism! And you'll have your magazines. Nothing can stop us!"
"Right!" Karen said. "When we met again this year, I thought 'God' was the only one I could turn to. But I have to do my part too...I realise that now. Otherwise, I'll never rise up." She smiled, and wiped away a tear. "Let's go somewhere before it gets dark. What do you say?"
"Sure." Roger said. "Somewhere more glamorous than here, though. Let's enjoy ourselves for once."
|Clairdol Village - Lucy's Apartment|5:24 pm|
Lucy had decided to go back to her apartment for the day. Giving up her job at the police hadn't given her much stress. After all, she had already accomplished what she wanted to do by working there. Now Shirley was back in her life, and they were able to move beyond their childhood memories. Even so, she had to admit there was something quaint about the village. It was a world far away from the land of Shadows.
However, the inside of her apartment was a mess. Ever since the time Blaine left to go back to the city, she had only come here to check up on her cat Lilith. Taking her to the city was out of the question – there was no chance of Lilith having a Persona. If she did, though, Lucy imagined it would be some kind of demonic cat being. She was a naughty cat, often sitting in sinks she wasn't meant to be in. Today, she was on the windowsill, mewing at birds flying past.
"Bet you wish you could Ziodyne those birdbrains, eh?" She said, giggling. The cat turned to her, and leaped onto the sofa beside her, purring. Lucy petted her contently, and looked through the mail. At some point, she had to move out. Perhaps after December, it'd be possible to live in New Motus. Shirley would need help cleaning up the city, and she knew Blaine would be hard at work too. And perhaps Lilith would make a great mouse catcher there. Smiling, she saw a letter sent from her cousin Edmond.
That jerk...what does he want now?
Angrily, she tore open the envelope – she had never managed this neatly – and read the letter. As ever, it was written with an expensive ball point pen. Lucy skimmed over most of it, as it was similar to what he had said many times before. She shouldn't waste her time chasing after old friends, especially ones that are probably dead. She was smart, so she should go back home and study at his university. However, the end bit caught her interest.
Lucy, I know I sound too serious these days. But there is one thing I can get jovial about. Next April, I'm getting married. We've still to properly send out invitations, but as far as I'm concerned you don't need one. I hope to see you there. Even if you insist on living in that tiny hamlet, surely you can take some time off for this. Honestly, Lucy, I'm getting giddy sitting here writing this, when I should be grading coursework.
With love,
Edmond
"Hey Lilith, guess what?" Lucy said, tickling her behind the ears. "Edmond's finally going to get wed! Isn't that cool?" She smiled, putting aside the letter. For once, Edmond had good news. If only Lucy could tell her about her own struggles. Someday, she would find the words to tell him. That she was one of the people that rescued the planet from oblivion. "Next April...I have to make that happen! I wonder if Blaine can come? ...Maybe not. But if I took Shirley there, that'd show him!"
"Show who?" A familiar voice said. Shirley walked through to the room, and laughed at the mess all over the room. Books overturned, items left on the floor, and various toys Lilith had chewed up. "Good lord, Lucy! Our secret base is neater than this!"
"Well I haven't had much time for this place...and it's hard to tidy up, with this furball being so needy!" Lucy said, getting up to the kitchen. "What are you doing here, Shirley? If you wanted to check out Clairdol, you should have said!"
"Sorry. Dan was busy, so I figured I'd surprise you." Shirley said. "Beautiful village, especially in the autumn. Never thought orange leaves would be so beautiful. So what's going on? You sounded happy about something!"
"I told you about my cousin Edmond, right? He became a college professor, and he's smart – but he lets it go to his head every time. He's getting married next year..." Lucy said, anxiously.
"Oh. I get it...you're worried there won't be a next year." Shirley said. "When I first heard about this Eternal Road, I was the exact same. The Divine Sparks up close were just awful. With that level of power, what chance did we have against them?"
"Let me guess. The power of friendship makes you think differently, huh?" Lucy said, smirking.
"Not quite, Lucy." Shirley said. "But with the way everyone's been fighting lately, I think we might just stand a chance. We just need to back each other up. Fighting alone didn't get me anywhere, after all."
"Everyone has so many hopes and dreams for the new year. And I want to see them all come true! Well, maybe not Blaine's pub crawl idea." Lucy said. "And I...I want to help get the city back on track. That's why I'm going to live there, and help start up Motion Publishing again. We've got to get the news out, right? That 2013 is the start of a new era!"
"You sound pretty fired up." Shirley said, exuberant. "How about it? After we tidy up here, we go beat up Shadows!"
"Sure. I guess we'll be heading out at midnight!" Lucy joked. They both laughed, even as Lilith started rolling on the floor, expecting her tummy to be tickled. Soon, both women were caving in to their feline master's wishes.
|Legarte - Silvana River|6:26 pm|
Roger and Karen were walking down the river, holding hands. Even in these dark times, the river had some beauty left in it. Here and there, you could find a boat that wasn't ruined or sunken, like some cruise ships. Those had been ransacked long ago, but just being in them gave one a sense of luxury. The scene was quiet, without even a hint of Shadows nearby.
Strolling down this stretch of water on a night like this almost made the couple forget about their woes. It was as if the last fourteen years had never happened, and they were still young, naivé lovers. There might not be a meal to go to, or a concert to watch, but a single moment like this made all the fighting worthwhile.
"Hey, look!" Karen said, pointing to a bookstore across the river. "You helped me pick out some books for my mother's birthday there. Remember? We must have gone through the entire crime fiction section by the time we were done."
"She had discerning tastes. I didn't want to make a bad impression and get a cheap paperback filled with plot holes." Roger said, smirking. "I can still picture her now, forcing me to comb my hair before we went out. Um...is she..."
"Alive? I...don't know. She went on holiday before the Shadows appeared." Karen said. "All this time, and she has no idea what's going on. At least she didn't have to live through this. She could never have coped with this..." She turned away from Roger, sniffling, as her eyes welled up.
"...You can still reach her, can't you?" Roger asked. "We've been able to see the outside world for the first time in ten years. You can get out of the city, and call her!"
"But...I have no idea where she could be. She went to London...that's even bigger than this city." Karen said. "Even if I did find her, what could I tell her? There's no way I could hide the truth from her. You know what she's like. You can't hide anything from her...I learned that the night after...you know."
"I'm sorry." Roger said. "But maybe we won't have to wait much longer. December's round the corner, after all. When this city's open again, your mother can come home. And just imagine - her daughter's one of the heroes that saved the planet from annihilation! That'll give her something to brag about at bingo!"
"Well...tracking my mum down will be hard. But with the Shadows gone, and that fucking wall destroyed, there won't be anything stopping us! And you know, she never did accept us breaking up...even if she hated you with long hair. I bet she'll be pleasantly surprised, right?"
"Maybe. If we're gonna make that happen, though, we've got some work to do!" Roger said, happily. They hugged, but soon after they did, they heard a loud, rumbling sound. Like a bus. "...What's that?"
He and Karen quickly dashed into an alleyway, and watched as secretly as they could. A large, militarised vehicle zoomed past them - the Obliterator. Roger's heart sank - had it been reclaimed by Aeternus? Having it was an asset, especially with the weapons it held. Hidden from their view, the large bus parked, and gunshots deafened their ears.
"What's happening?" Karen asked. Roger took Karen's hand, and gingerly walked out onto the street. The Obliterator was right over the bridge, firing all its shots and lasers at a mammoth target - a Neo Minotaur. The barrage of attacks, however, was barely affecting the bloodthirsty behemoth. It rammed into the bus, it's weight causing it to shake.
"Oh no!" Karen screamed.
"What's going on!?"
Right behind them were a confused Shirley and Lucy. It seemed like they had just arrived, perhaps in the nick of time.
"Is that OUR bus?" Shirley asked. "...Dan! No!"
"There are more than one of those, but Aeternus wouldn't need them with the Interitus Legion..." Roger said. "No time to chat! Girls, let's slay that Minotaur!"
He and the women nodded, and they dashed all the way to the Bridge. The front of the Obliterator had been smashed in and dented, and the complicated underlying mechanics were exposed. By now, the doors were open, and tons of civilians ran out as fast as they could.
"Huh?" Shirley asked. The Minotaur laid its eyes on one of the women, and growled. "NO! You fucking monster, NO! Cerridwen!" Her Persona violently shot a Paranoid Impulse into the Minotaur's face - flinging it over the edge of the bridge. It fell into the murky depths of the river, with a massive splash.
"You're...Persona users!" The woman said. "Thank goodness! I was certain today would be our last!"
"Listen, there's not much time to chat. That Shadow's not about to give up yet." Shirley said. "Who's driving this vehicle?"
A unit of about fifteen Ornatu Legion soldiers disembarked, once they made sure the civilians were off. The driver - Sheila - was the last to leave.
"Please, don't fight us. Our allegiance is to New Motus City, not Aeternus!" Sheila said, proudly. "Today, the last of the Ornatu Legion abandoned the Gold Coin. Someone tipped us off that they were going to do an experiment there, so we took some Obliterators and got everyone away from that place as soon as we could! But this one got followed...and the fuel gauge was empty! We had to stop here, but none of the weapons work properly!"
"You're very brave." Karen said. "Sheila, is it? I'm going to have to ask you and your comrades to protect the civilians. Us four will take down that Shadow."
"Ah, I remember you. Karen Marshall, one of the rebels. I wish I had the strength you and your friends do...but even if we're weak, we'll fight with every last breath! Come on, everybody off this bridge! We'll get you to a safe place. Karen, best of luck!" Sheila proudly saluted Karen, as did her comrades. Then, they escorted the scared people as far away from the river as they could.
The Minotaur had finally had enough of the water. He leaped up from the river, and landed on top of the bridge. Then, he rammed into the side of the Obliterator, so hard the windows smashed, and the guns broke apart. One more ram, and the mighty bus fell to the side, smashing through the railing on the bridge, and sinking into the river.
"That supposed to be scary?" Roger asked, taunting with his claw. "All I see is a kid who got bored with his new toy! Kanaloa, let's do this!"
His Persona manifested, but was pulsing with even more energy than before. Its entire form was consumed by the blue column that now signaled one thing - a Persona evolution. The new Persona was a kingly ruler of the seas, wearing a long cape that's fabric turned to waves, heavy blue and silver gauntlets and greaves, and a crown decorated with aquamarines. In his hand was a long, massive spear-like weapon, with a blade resembling a modern key. His hair and skin were shades of dark blue, and his eyes were alternate colours - orange and green, with a scar down the right one.
I am thou. Thou art I. From the sea of thy soul, I am reborn. I am Apsu, the incarnation of the water of creation, that shall merge with the sea of destruction!
"...What?!" Roger said, stunned. "Me, too?"
"I knew you could do it." Karen said, smiling. "Now come on!"
"Right." Roger said. "Aquadyne!"
Apsu's mastery over the seas was proudly demonstrated. A massive blast of water collided with the Minotaur, angering it ever more. It punched the ground angrily, making cracks in the bridge. With brutal intent, it charged itself up with intense power.
"Aeshma, it's time! Now!" Karen shouted, pointing at her beastly foe. Aeshma appeared - but for the last time. Before she was engulfed by light, she turned to Karen, and smiled, waving goodbye.
The new being that appeared was dressed in an elegant, charming purple dress, complete with a silk cravat and a brown belt, and also black gloves and pink heels. Her skin was a pale shimmering blue, like that of an icy mist, with eyes to match. Her cheeks, however, were a rosy pink. Her hair was a hot pink, in a long ponytail - not as huge as her predecessor's hair, but still something to behold. She held a beautiful black mirror with silver frame, and fluttered her purple butterfly wings.
I am thou. Thou art I. From the sea of thy soul, I am reborn. I am Daena, the conscience that shall be heard at the finale of crisis.
"Wow..." Lucy said. "Thank god your Persona got a haircut! It looked ridiculous before, right Shirley?"
"I wouldn't say that...but it looks better now. A great change." Shirley said, in awe.
"Daena...she's so strong. I can feel it!" Karen said. "Please! Bufudyne!"
A sudden chill occurred, and protruding from the ground came massive blocks of hardened ice. The Neo Minotaur growled, as it was chilled to the hypothetical bone.
"Everyone else is fighting at their very best..." Lucy said. "And if I don't pull my weight, I'll never get to see Edmond again! Shirley...no, everyone! There's no need to worry. I'm here! Inanna, it's time to go! I'll never forget you!"
Inanna emerged, and turned to her master. The column of light consumed her, but before she did, she waved goodbye, with a warm smile. The Neo Minotaur frowned, and tried to smash the Persona whilst still changing, but was sent backwards, punching and kicking. The light disappeared, and Lucy gasped.
As with Daena, this new Persona had much shorter hair - in fact, it was now a red pixie cut. Her complexion had not changed, but she wore a golden helmet on her head, with a visor covering the left side of her face. Around her neck was a simple, flowing red cape, flapping in the wind generated by sheer power. The rest of her clothes, for a Persona, were relatively simple - a tight red corset dress, a pair of red gloves and some maroon boots. In both her hands were golden axes, covered in red patterns resembling crowns and spires.
I am thou. Thou art I. From the sea of thy soul, I am reborn. I am Ishtar, and my loving embrace will break down the door to victory.
"...Incredible!" Lucy said, her heart surging with passion. "Ishtar! That's one of the few goddesses I knew! So this is another part of myself..."
"That's right." Shirley said. "Well, come on! Make good on her words! Break down the Mino'door!"
"Will do!" Lucy cheered. "Venus Flare!"
A pulsing red, blue and purple sphere of flame was created by Ishtar's hands, then she threw it at the Neo Minotaur's body. She posed seductively, stretching her arms up high, then held her axes out at arm's length. The peculiar fireball exploded, scorching the Shadow with a massive sunburst.
"Well, you might have been his fire, but probably not his desire." Roger said, amused.
"Stop joking around! That was my best move yet!" Lucy said, pouting. "There's no way I - no, WE can lose now! Let's do it!"
"Right! Grieving Rune!" Shirley shouted, and Cerridwen engulfed the enemy in her dark symbol of power.
"Apsu! Ocean Stampede!" Roger commanded. This new power within him was unlike anything Kanaloa had experienced. Apsu guided the ocean's power to smash the Minotaur, and the sparkling waves shined upon Roger - granting him extra protection.
"Daena...Psyche Breaker!" Karen ordered. She laughed, with great joy, as she saw the Minotaur's boosted strength diminish. Daena shared Karen's delight, laughing as she twirled her mirror.
"Now that's pretty evil. I like this side of you better, Karen!" Lucy said. "The old you was a wimp, pure and simple!"
"Um...I'll take the compliment. I suppose." Karen said, embarrassed.
"Atta girl. Crazy Cutter!" Lucy unleashed Ishtar's strength again, and with her dual axes, she slashed the Minotaur harder and faster than before. Each strike seemed to draw some blood, too. Eventually, Ishtar finished her medley of violence, and the Minotaur looked all over, in a daze. However, he shook his head, and seemed to regain his awareness.
"Oh god, he's still not dead..." Roger said. "What's he going to pull next?"
This question was answered - by a mighty Vicious Strike, delivered to all. The group were knocked backwards, and Lucy was hit so badly, she fell off the bridge - but held on to the edge with her hands.
"Holy crap!" Shirley shouted. "Hold on!" Quickly, Shirley ran to the side, and held out her hand. Lucy gulped, frantically trying to reach up - but her hand reached Shirley's, and with a bit of a struggle, Lucy was heaved up. "You okay?"
"Not really! I nearly fell into a river filled with god knows what in it!" Lucy said, angry. "Come on, let's go teach him who rules this town!"
"Right." Shirley said. "Cerridwen!"
"Ishtar!"
Cerridwen flew to the Minotaur's shadow, which looked like reddened TV static. She twirled her baton, and plunged it into the silhouette. The enemy's whole body became dark, and froze to the sport, as if trapped by some kind of sack. Then, Isthar gave her axes to Cerridwen, who took out a potion and gave each of them three drops.
"War of Rebirth!"
The fiery Persona smiled, and retrieved the axes - and with insane speed, and even more insane strength, slashed at the Shadow's mystic covering. Flashes of dark blue light occurred every time the Neo Minotaur was struck, until the binding was removed.
"Nice work, ladies!" Roger said, giving a thumbs up. "From the look of it, the Shadow's on to his last slither of health. We could put it out of its misery with just about any attack...but that'd be boring! Karen, it's time for our grand finale!"
"Oh! In that case, I know exactly what to do!" Karen said. "Daena!"
"Apsu!"
Daena emerged, and Apsu generated a gushing jet of water to rise her higher and higher into the air. She smiled, and with a single click of her finger, turned the water into pure ice. She began chanting something, and a grand orchestral score akin to an opera began to play seemingly out of nowhere. Apsu took his spear, flew to Daena, and impaled the gigantic ice sculpture. Daena and Apsu took hold of the weapon, and with a flash, the ice broke apart and rained down, pelleting the Neo Minotaur with a rain of sharp frozen fragments.
"La Traviata!"
The Minotaur fell over, and its weakened body dissolved into nothingness. With its death, the river was at peace again. The group put aside their weapons, and cheered.
"Yes! We were awesome!" Lucy said. "Ishtar...she was beautiful! I didn't think something like that could ever exist in my heart..."
"You'd be surprised." Karen said. "All of us are growing stronger. The way I was in July, I never could have faced down that Minotaur. I'd have run as fast as my legs would take me."
"It takes a lot of courage to look at who you really are. But we did it. There really is nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it!" Roger said. "Well, getting that broken bus out of the river might take more than willpower. But you get the picture."
"I wanted the city to go back to normal. But now, I want this city to grow and change! It'll be a new era, of hard-working people like us in union. So much needs to be done..." Shirley said, looking around the river, and the damaged bridge. "But if Nihane thinks I'll be discouraged, he can think again!"
"Let's go to the base and tell everyone what happened!" Lucy said, cheerfully. "I can't wait to show Blaine Ishtar, too!"
The four of them departed the area, and with that, quiet reigned here for another night. Thanks to their efforts, the scene was prevented from turning into brutal carnage. Hope remained instilled in the hearts of the people - for now.
|Legarte - Canaan Lane|6:45 pm|
Matthew and Tara, after arriving in Legarte, decided to split up for a while. On a whim, he took a look at the Gold Coin from afar. The true evil within was shielded by a glitzy facade, bright enough to be seen for miles. Strangely, the whole area seemed oddly quiet. He knew there had been an exodus of Ornatu Legion soldiers, but not enough to completely kill the nightlife here. Matthew then looked to the Riqueza Centre, and bit his lip. The entire place was blacked out, and not a soul was inside.
Of course...there's not enough power, so they're leaving that place turned off. Wonder if Kyle can sort out his power stealing scheme.
Feeling bold, he walked closer to the casino's entrance. All the lights were on, but the front doors were shut tight. He could make out Necromancers just beyond them, thus Kaman did not need to hire any bouncers.
"Stupid place. Only thing a casino's good for is taking people's money." Matthew said, disdainfully. Even as a child, he had heard stories from kids in his class, about people all over Kanaloa who had gone into debt. It didn't matter how glamorous the building was, or how gorgeous the women were – all casinos were full of inquity. If he had his way, gambling would be outlawed. With no sign of activity, he started to head home.
"ARGH!"
Matthew gasped. Something – no, someone -had been thrown out of the front doors, onto the ground. Keisha. He ran straight there, throwing caution to the wind.
"What's wrong?!" He asked. She stared at him in a daze, silent. "Look, forget about who's on whose side right now. Are you alright? I can call for help, just -"
"There you are." It was Tara, mystified. Keisha gulped, but Matthew smiled, holding her hand gently. "What's happened here?"
"...We lost control of a Shadow." Keisha said, flatly. "The Rueful Temptress. Do you remember when the Melancholic Diva was tethered to me? Kaman wanted a Trauma Shadow of his own, and he got one. He summoned it, but as soon as he did, it went after me!"
"That's not good." Tara said. "Priscilla told me about the Temptress. A ghastly harlot who pretends to be someone's lost lover, then kills them! We can't let it escape. Keisha, can you stand?"
"I..." Keisha said, wincing. "Don't pretend to show me mercy...not after what's happened..."
"It's not pretending. We're not like your employers." Matthew said. "If we have to team up once more, for the sake of the city, then let's do it. Tara, please heal her!"
"Alright." Tara said. "Chehooit!" Using Diarahan, Keisha was back to full health, and she picked up her weapons. "Is Kaman in there?"
"Looks like it. And if he's not careful, he'll experience defenestration too." Matthew said, grinding his teeth.
The three of them went through the now-broken doors, into the Gold Coin.
|Gold Coin – First Floor|6:52 pm|
The place looked like it had been torn apart by a hurricane. The bar in the centre had been utterly destroyed, with every bottle and glass broken, their contents seeping onto the floor. Most of the machines were beyond repair, either having melted from intense heat or busted up.
Keisha opened her mouth in shock. Lying on the ground, moaning in pain, was Kaman. He had landed against a table, and there was a big gash on his left arm. Tara was hesitant to act, but with impassioned stares from both her allies, she forced herself to bring Chehooit forth. Divine power was sent into Kaman's haggard body, and he blinked, twitching his fingers.
"Lemme guess...you just happened to be outside tonight, of all nights." Kaman said dryly. "Not that I'm complaining. If you hadn't turned up, we'd both be skinned alive to make a new wardrobe for that bitch."
"Where's this Temptress?" Tara asked. "Don't tell me she's escaped already!"
"I dunno..." Kaman said, taking out a few tissues. He pressed them onto his wound, wincing. "Trauma Shadows can be tethered to anyone who's got a Persona...but you've got to be really good. The Ater Vox can do it all by themselves, but me and Keisha needed Nihane to do it for us...and it worked for her." Matthew grunted. That strange singing and dancing show hit a few bum notes for him that night. "I wanted to test it out, but the minute I summoned her, she just went crazy...the whole place is probably worse than before we did it up."
"She can't have gone far. Let's look for her!" Matthew said. Before the search party could begin, however, there was a sound of footsteps. Someone was coming towards the group. This person was a beautiful, slender Asian woman, wearing a green dress.
"...Maria?!" Kaman said, rubbing his eyes. "Not again...not again!"
"Dear god..." Tara said, angry. "Dan told me about this! She did this before!"
"What's the matter, darling?" 'Maria' asked. "Kaman, we can still get out of this. Just follow me, okay?" Looking to her left and right, as if wary of something, she ran towards the staircase, and climbed up the stairs.
"No!" Kaman said, clenching his fists. "You don't get away with mocking my wife! Not this time, bitch!" He immediately shoved Tara aside, and ran straight after his wife's copy.
"Kaman!" Keisha cried. "Wait!" Pale with horror, she followed. Tara and Matthew looked at each other, and nodded. This was their Temptress, and it's vile antics had made an unwelcome return.
Guess I'll have to show you the door, madam. Drive home safely now.
Matthew and Tara dashed, behind Keisha, prepared for another lengthy fight.
|Gold Coin – Second Floor|6:58 pm|
Unlike the floor below, this area seemed more or less intact. This one seemed dedicated to shows, with several stages to the left and right, and another bar in the centre.
"Kaman, wait!" Keisha shouted. "Please, let me help!"
"Goddamit, you stupid slut!" Kaman roared. "We spent ages with this 'tethering' crap! You're supposed to do what I say! You see those two over there?!" He pointed to Tara and Matthew, angrily. "Kill THEM, not me!"
"That's a funny way to thank us for saving your behind." Tara said, with a bitter taste in her mouth. "Remind me not to buy you a Christmas gift."
"Quit it, Kaman! They're here to help!" Keisha said, stomping the ground. The Temptress, still in Maria's image, smiled, tilting her head.
Our eternal kinsman needs our aid...
"...Who just said that?!" Matthew demanded. "Is this a trick?"
"No, dumbass. What, you think a barman can double as a ventriloquist?" Kaman said, cracking his knuckles.
"What's the matter, darling?" Maria asked. However, her voice now had a strange echo. Her face then rotated to the sides, and her eyes completely turned black.
Since homo sapiens evolved...we have seen...now we are here...to aid...our kinsman...
"What's she even saying?" Tara asked. "...Who is this kinsman they're talking about?"
"Nihane, probably. Maybe that's it...he didn't trust me after Lorean Tower. So he's given me a dud to teach me a lesson! Well, not happening! If you won't obey me, you're going to have to leave the premises! Oh, and your kinsman will have to cover the damages you made." Kaman said. "Soma!"
Soma and Euterpe emerged. The Temptress cackled evilly, her voice now completely inhuman. There was a massive gush of blood, as her body seemed to fall to the ground in halves.
"...Ah!" Tara screamed. Kaman fell silent, and lowered his fists. This Shadow no doubt had a keen insight into his mind, picking up every morbid detail of Maria's death. A truly sickening creature, one with no shame or morals.
From the 'corpse', the true Temptress came. She was a tall, voluptous female, with pure black skin. Her hair was long and floor length, blood red, swaying from side to side. She was clad in what looked like a red bridal gown, except one that exposed her cleavage. On her chest was a tattoo of a heart broken in half, and on her back was one of the Male and Female symbols interlocking each other – with blood spurts in the middle. She also wore long red high heels, and with both hands she held a bouquet of a dozen black roses. These flowers were splattered with blood, of course.
"What...the fuck?" Kaman asked. "She wasn't like this before!"
Homo sapiens evolved...evolution...we pursued the same...to aid...kinsman...
"Look, enough of this. She's not exactly coherent. Nor is she the kind of gal you'd take home to your family." Matthew said. "But these Trauma Shadows have destroyed too much as it is! I'm getting rid of all of the ones left, and that's final! Acol – whoa!"
Acolnahuacatl barely had any time to appear before he was consumed by light. His form pulsed with energy, until it pounced out of the column, completely changed. His fur was now gleaming white, with a long spiked tail, and golden tribal tattoos that pulsed with vitality. There were also horns that came from his shoulders and arms, and his claws were twice as sharp. His hair was brigther too, and his cat-like eyes were also a luminisicent yellow colour.
I am thou. Thou art I. From the sea of thy soul, I art reborn. I am Ehecatl, the proud hunter who rides the winds.
Keisha was astounded. The idea that one she dismissed as childish could mature this way must have been a shock to her system. He had his eyes fixed on the licentious female foe, and grinned with determination.
"I don't care how many more of you we have to face. We'll kill you, and if we have to, your precious kinsman!" Matthew said. "Keisha! Kaman! If you want to make this easier for yourselves, we'll team up!"
"Whatever floats your boat, kitten. Just don't show off..." Kaman said, amused. "Hit it!"
Burning flames struck Keisha, and a blast of pure force struck Tara. The Rueful Temptress was a strong magician, her spells powered by lust and depravity.
"Monodrama!" Keisha commanded. Euterpe played her forceful melody, striking the Temptress with her unique Almighty burst.
"Nice!" Matthew said, smiling.
"Hey kid, quit gawkin' and help me out here." Kaman said. "Soma! Get out there! Help this rookie out!"
"Wait, are you suggesting...we combine attacks?!" Matthew asked, irritated. "Why should I help you?"
"You want to kill this Shadow, right? Turns out that we want the same thing - for now. Make it easier on yourself, and team up. You wouldn't turn down back-up during a case, would ya?" Kaman said.
"Fine." Matthew said. "Ehecatl! Go!"
Both Personas, one primal and fierce, the other elegant and refined, could master supersonic winds. With great strength, they sent forth differently coloured sickles shaped by razor-sharp air itself. With Ehecatl's green blades, and Soma's purple, the Temptress was cut over a dozen times.
"Kamataichi!"
Two more wind sickles, and the storm was over. The Temptress was distraught, and furious. She kicked at Matthew with her heels, then bashed Kaman over the head with her bouquet - scattering black petals everywhere.
"That was great, Matthew!" Tara said. "But I think Kaman could use some help. Walled Garden, Chehooit!" A vibrant green barrier, with the same healthy glow as a meadow, shielded everyone.
With a twirl, which sent the trail of her dress flying through the air, the Temptress held her hand to her chest, and the broken heart emblem shone brightly. Then the red malignant heart emanated bright flames, which flew and scorched Matthew.
"Holy shit!" Tara screamed. "Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine...but...I feel sick..." Matthew said, shuddering. He started to cough, holding his stomach.
Pleased with her results, the Temptress then glanced at Kaman, and with a saucy swagger, pointed her bouquet at him. Then, each rose fired a small laser beam at him - pummeling him with the aura of darkness. He seemed out of sorts - his constitution had been weakened, as had his potential for damage.
"As weird as the Diva was, she was much better company than this thing." Keisha said. "Matthew, quit groaning over there. Cabaletta!"
Euterpe's swift tune surrounded Matthew with a pale lilac mist, and soon the ailment that blighted him was gone. Now rejuvenated, he leaped into the fray, stabbing the Temptress with both knives.
"Berserker!"
Ehecatl pounced into the battlefield, and with four swipes of his claw, tore up the Temptress. Then, with both claws, violently slashed through her body, spilling black 'blood' all over the floor.
"Great, how am I supposed to clean THAT up?" Kaman joked. The Temptress was in no laughing mood, however, and unbeknownst to Matthew, she had a secret - the Glass Slipper. With a sweeping kick, she hit Matthew - Walled Garden thankfully stopped the attack from connecting, but it looked painful nevertheless.
"Please think carefully, Kaman! She's really mad now..." Keisha said.
"Please, I was married. I've seen madder." Kaman said. "Kshuparaka!" Massive wind gusts emerged from Soma, all attacking the Rueful Temptress. In retaliation, the heart tattoo and the one on her back flashed, and Kaman was knocked down to the floor with an Almighty blast - Jilted Love. "...Huh?"
"Kaman, you should have listened to your comrade. She can counter attacks..." Tara said. "Just as well you have me to save the day. Precious Land!"
Chehooit raised her staff, and bursting out of the ground came large, shimmering rocks. There were enough valuable stones and minerals in these rocks to fill up a jewelers. These rocks then smashed into the ground near the Temptress, causing a heavy rain of magic stones to pellet her.
"Now I'm glad I'm on your side for once." Keisha said, in awe. "Here I go!" She slashed at the Temptress, but got hit back by a Glass Slipper. Before Keisha could do anything, however, she was swarmed by the darkness of Mudoon. "NO!"
"Keisha!" Matthew cried. Keisha fell unconscious, and collapsed. The Temptress chuckled, and then started doing something very bizarre. A rather sensual dance, eagerly flaunting her perky bosoms and smooth, sleek legs.
"What are you...no!" Matthew snapped, rubbing his eyes. "No way are you seducing me! I prefer shorter hair anyway!"
"Wow..." Kaman said, intrigued. "Maybe you're not such a bad lady after all...with that gorgeous, flowing hair...I might just forgive you...how about a drink, baby? A Mojito sound good? Or maybe a Black Russian...?" There was a strange lilt to his voice, as if he was singing.
"Kaman, you nitwit! Get a hold of yourself!" Tara yelled. "Oh, for god's sake - Samarecarm! Chehooit, hurry!"
The Temptress hit Tara with her bouquet - but luckily, she was just in time. Keisha was brought back to pulsing vitality, and grabbed her swords. She smiled at Tara, and then stabbed at the Temptress with everything she had - Matthew doing the same.
"Primal Twister!" Matthew shouted. The Temptress was struck by yet another wind attack - and the rush of wind boosted Matthew's strength. However, there was another effect, and that was yet another Jilted Love.
Tara swung down her weapon, but the Temptress dodged, and kicked her backwards. Kaman gasped, and summoned Soma.
"Oi...what are you doing...aren't we supposed to be friends? Why are you hitting my new woman...eat this! Karka!"
"Kaman, NO!" Keisha protested, but it was too late. Soma struck Tara down with his weapons, and the Temptress giggled at the confusion.
"What's going on?" Tara demanded. "...Keisha, don't tell me this was a trap!"
"N-No!" Keisha shook her head. "Kaman, you big dummy! Wake up!" She stormed over to him, and slapped him hard across the face. That, however, did not erase the lovey-dovey look in his eyes. So she slapped him again and again, until he finally appeared to regain awareness.
"Whoa, stop doin' that! That hurts like hell!" Kaman said. "...Wait, what did I do? Why was I going after Tara?"
"The Temptress put her creepy spell on you again. Remember, Kaman, Tara and Matthew are helping us for now." Keisha said. "God, how could you let her charm you that way? Especially after she posed as Maria!"
"...Dammit." Kaman said. "Alright, no more mind games. I don't like hitting women, but honey, you're no woman! Just a monster! So get ready to -"
The Temptress leaped backwards, and glanced at the ceiling. Cackling, she levitated upwards, her body shrouded in a red mist. Then she went right above the group, disappearing through the ceiling.
"What? Running away?!" Kaman grunted. "Damn this woman! How come you never had this trouble, Keisha?"
"Maybe me and the Diva had good chemistry?" Keisha said, innocently.
"I guess it helped that you two had something in common." Kaman sighed. Keisha frowned, tilting her head. "Kidding. Follow me!" He went over to the elevator, and climbed in. The others followed, and waited anxiously as they were carried upwards...
|Gold Coin Casino – Rooftop|7:18 pm|
"There you are!" Kaman said, running forwards. The dreaded Temptress, not nearly as Rueful as her name suggested, continued to laugh. Everyone else ran onto the rooftop, which had a helicopter in the far corner.
"Why did she go up here? For the view?" Matthew asked.
Those who oppose kinsman...must be sacrificed...
The Rueful Temptress clicked her fingers, and out of nowhere, a massive fireball rained onto the elevator shaft. It broke apart into thousands of pieces, and the entire elevator plummeted down to the very bottom.
"Shit!" Kaman shouted. "Don't just stand there, you idiots! This bitch has ruined this place! I'm taking her out!"
Keisha took out her knives, and charged at the Temptress - but was launched into the air with the heat of Scarlet Promise. Matthew gasped, but before he could aid her, strange dark 'tentacles' crept up to him and grabbed his ankles. Sweating, he noticed that the others had also been ensnared. The Temptress laughed, as she struck a pose, extending one arm upwards and clutching it with the other. These dark tendrils began shocking everyone to the core, until they were finally released.
"Ugh..." Tara groaned. "Is everyone okay?"
"Think so..." Keisha said, coughing. Just then, however, Matthew roared at her, slashing her with both knives. "Argh!" Before she could counter, she was then struck by Garudyne. "What the hell?!"
"Get away from Tara! You're not hurting her, you hear me?" Matthew roared. "So what if she's dressed like a Victorian prostitute? She's still my friend!"
"...I look like what?!" Tara asked, mortified. Briefly, she checked her green dress. "Ah...another confusion spell. Thank god I'm here..."
She sighed heavilly. Angry, she made Chehooit save Matthew's mind with Amrita.
"Thanks a lot, jerk!" Keisha shouted, kicking him. "So much for your heroic rescue!"
"Huh? What'd I do?" Matthew asked. "...Wait, that Temptress?" He blushed, and mumbled an apology to Keisha. She was unmoved, and stabbed the Temptress.
Kaman laughed, and called on Soma. "Alright...Kshuparaka!" More wind gusts struck his nemesis, and as expected, he was hit by a Jilted Love. The strength of the blast nearly sent him over the edge - and Keisha screamed.
"Kaman! Get away from there!" She begged.
"It's okay...I'm not a featherweight." Kaman said, with a confident smile. He returned to the fray, punching the Temptress - while Keisha cast Tessitura on him. With that, he could withstand more punishment from the racy enemy that stood in his way.
Rueful she may now be, but the Temptress showed no mercy when it came to assaulting Tara with Dusk Blossom. Next, however, was something far worse. She started walking seductively, as if on a catwalk. Then, the entire area became shrouded with a swirling red and pink mist, leaving only she and her victims visible. With no distractions, she flung black spheres of power down at Keisha and Tara, and for the men, she started dancing with all her wiles. She magnificently showed off her silky smooth legs, and shook her hips. Two more of her features were very bouncy by these movements, too. Tara felt her stomach churn while looking at her, and almost threw up. Finally, the atmosphere returned to normal.
"Oh god...what the hell was that?" Keisha said. "I feel dirty..."
"Me too...I wish I had legs like hers..." Tara said, jealously. "Whatever! Let's get back to -"
"Hey honey...you want to know what's in a Pina Colada?" Kaman, with a suave tone, asked. The Temptress oohed, and moved to him, stroking his hair. "Always nice to have a lady appreciate my talents. Well, you gotta get some pineapple juice, some coconut milk, and some rum. I'll make us some when we're done here...it'll be like you're in Peurto Rico!"
"What?!" Keisha shouted, hysterical. "Kaman, please stop! Snap out of it! That's a SHADOW!"
Kaman narrowed his eyes, bewildered, until the Temptress starting stroking his beard. "Oh, this? She doesn't seem to mind...so where you from, sugar? The Caribbean? Cause Jamaican me crazy!"
"You dickhead..." Tara seethed. "Matthew, are you - ah!"
Matthew was getting closer and closer to the Temptress, eyes focused on her barely covered bosom. "Hey...are those real? I've never seen any like that before...they're fantastic...no wonder you don't wear a bra..." He got right up close to her, and raised his hands slowly, transfixed by her chest.
"Urgh! That witch has gone too far!" Keisha whined. "Euterpe!" Her Persona rose to Matthew's aid, and the sound of Cabaletta quickly put a stop to his perversion.
"...Um." Matthew gulped, and quickly ran away. "Was I about to grope her -"
"Yes..." Tara said quietly. "I won't let anyone take advantage of you, though. Especially not a Shadow."
"Man, I hate Charm spells!" Matthew wailed. "Keisha, Tara, thank you both." He looked to the Shadow, who returned his icy stare. "Sorry lady, but you'll have to stop. I need somebody with a human touch! Storm Claw!"
Ehecatl swiped the enchanting Temptress with a hat trick of wind charged strikes. Kaman caught wind of this attack, however, and ceased his rambling about the finer points of making a Cosmopolitan. Matthew got hit by another Glass Slipper, but this did nothing to quell the storm of Kaman's delirious anger.
"That's no way to treat a lady!" Kaman shouted. "Damn you, Matthew! I know it'd be hard to trust me, but you could have at least tried!" Matthew blinked. That didn't sound like him at all. Of course, Charm and Confusion spells addled the victim's minds. "Guess I'll have to keep on hurting you...Rajanipati!"
Soma stood tall, and started to rotate rapidly on the floor. Everyone stared at him in fear, but the Temptress held Kaman around the waist, laughing. Then a sphere of water surrounded Soma during his twists, and he flew above his allies. Then he crashed down, bursting the sphere and sending water everywhere.
"Shit!" Matthew cried, soaked. "Tara, do something-"
The Temptress, amused, struck Matthew with Zandyne - which while potent, was a relief compared to her other attacks. Unfortunately, she had something genuinely awful in store - worse than anything she had managed. It was the Bloody Valentine. She turned to Kaman, and chuckled - and her grotesque body vanished. Instead, was an innocent-looking woman of Asian descent.
"Maria? You're here? But why? Am I dreaming? If so...please, don't let me wake up! Let's go back to The Mole, darling..."
Maria's sweet smile did not falter, even as her husband was being constricted by black thorny vines. Then, red roses blossomed on each of the bizarre growths, which grew ferocious and wild. They flung Kaman in the sky, and then started whipping him, scratching him repeatedly with the thorns. One by one, each rose burst, and the vines vanished - leaving Kaman's limp body hurtling towards the ground. An endless cascade of red rose petals fell upon him, the same shade as his bloody wounds.
"Oh god..." Keisha murmured. "You think you're so strong, miss? It takes talent to be a real woman! You sure are no lady, but Euterpe certainly is! So go to hell! Overture!"
Euterpe took a deep breath, then played the first note of her score. Every note she played was 'written' on the magical golden score beneath the Temptress. The second a note was played, it immediately hurtled down the score and hit the Temptress. With the final resounding note, which Euterpe could hold for longer than a human breath, the score emitted piercing energy, sending the Temptress to her knees.
"Good work!" Tara said, smiling. She then saw Kaman, barely able to stand up. The vicious attack he had suffered had broken the charm spell, but had left him at death's door. "Shit. Diarahan!" Quickly, Kaman got back to his feet, but the injuries he sustained stung.
"Damn..." Kaman said, clutching his arm. "I...I won't lose...not to this...thing!"
"Don't push your luck. You should just stand back. Matthew, can you finish this Shadow off?"
Matthew glanced at the Shadow. She got back up, and roared at her foes, furious. Giving this creature any sort of mercy would be unwise, and Matthew knew that. It was not like tailing a suspect - this was a true menace on society, without a hint of humanity. Killing the Temptress was essential.
Ehecatl lunged forward, stuck his claws into the ground, and started pointing randomly with his back legs in the air. Fierce small tornadoes appeared, each of a magical green colour. They spat at immense speed, and trapped the Temptress, subjecting her to the wrath of the biggest storm she would ever see. Next, the tornadoes merged, and moved between the Temptress and Ehecatl. The wind-powered Persona pounced through the tornado, its speed and strength doubling.
"Primal Vortex!"
The entire tornado was now gone, but it had empowered Ehecatl's supernatural body. With two swift slashes of his claws, he cut through the Temptress' body. She shrieked, distraught - her body was scarred and bloodied, and her outfit was becoming undone. It was no small mercy that her body lacked intimate details of the female anatomy, Matthew thought.
"You're really something...aren't ya?" Kaman wheezed. "Guess it runs in your family...maybe it's a good thing you came back from the dead. Otherwise, I'd be dead right now...but don't forget, who's really in charge! Soma! Indu!"
Soma emerged, and the night sky wore an azure moon as its pendant. It began throbbing with life, and a torrent of water burst out from above, falling upon its target. Then, that very rainfall began to transform into a typhoon, growing vaster and stronger - and Kaman laughed as the phenomenon finished, crushing the Temptress with supreme pressure. The moonlight had been kind to him, healing up some of his wounds.
The Rueful Temptress, sickened by these cold-blooded attempts on her life, backed away. She dropped her bouquet, and every petal turned to ash. Just then, she stared at her feet, and gasped – her body was sinking into a dark quicksand. Writhing, screaming in agony, she grasped at thin air. Try as she might, however, she could not get back up.
Kinsman...forgive us...both countenances...will judge us...
Kaman watched, as the pitiful female's body melted away. Soon, the only thing left were her arms, desperately trying to cling to the ground from the abyss. Those appendages sunk, however, and the pool of shadowy fluid vanished - leaving only the dissolving remains of the Lovers mask.
"See that?!" Kaman roared. "You don't copy my wife's face and get away with it! If you come back, I'll rip your fucking throat out, you whore!"
"Kaman, stop! It's over!" Keisha said, running over. "Your arm...the wound's open again! Tara, come quick!"
"Forget it...that Shadow's gone. She might as well get a free shot." Kaman said, staring at her. "Come on, what are you waiting for? There's no way down...you might as well off me while your friends come to getcha!"
"...Killing you doesn't fix anything." Tara said, shaking her head. "Even if you died here, you'd still be a traitor. And it won't help us beat Aeternus. You're just a distraction now."
"That so...?" Kaman said, clutching his arm. "Maybe you're right...all the Ornatu Legion have skedaddled to god knows where. Lorean Tower blows sky high, and no one's got enough electricity in their homes. I figured with one of those Trauma Shadows, I could prove myself to Nihane. That cocky little shit might treat me with respect if I could command Shadows...but I've fucked up again."
"Kaman..." Keisha said. "It'll be alright. The Ater Vox have made many failures, but they're still Nihane's comrades. He's got to be more forgiving than he lets on! You can still have your dream!"
"Guess that's all I can hope for..." Kaman said. "Argh...that hurts...huh?" Chehooit appeared again, and used her divine power over nature to heal him.
"This is the last time." Tara said. "You two have caused enough problems for us."
"...Thanks." Kaman said, his face unchanging. He walked further to the right, until he was beside one of the black helicopters. "With that elevator gone, you'll need this to get down. Get inside, you three."
Matthew hesitated, but he wandered over to it, and climbed on board. Next to him came Keisha, and Tara said on the far end. Kaman commandeered the vehicle, and the streamlined beast of a flying machine flew off the roof of the wrecked casino.
|Outside Gold Coin|7:36 pm|
Kaman landed the helicopter, and as soon as the doors were open, Tara ran out. Keisha pointed to the door nearest Matthew, without a word.
"...It was kind of fun, being on your team again." Matthew said. "Does it really have to be like this?"
"Yes, Matthew. I'm sorry." Keisha said. "Just be patient. Our paths are bound to cross again. Now get off. Unless you want us to take you to a jail cell?"
"Hey, that's my job." Matthew said, laughing. He got off, and looked back at her. She managed a brief smile – but Matthew noticed, and it vanished. Tara went to him, and took his hand.
"Time to go home." Tara said. Kaman did not look at either one of them, and instead lifted off again, flying into the dark night sky.
"You know, Tara? I think I saw the old Keisha in her tonight." Matthew said, smiling. "Maybe it's not too late..."
"Maybe. But if it is..." Tara said, squeezing his hand. "You've got me. That's for sure."
"...Thanks." Matthew said, face red. "How about that fish supper? You're not going to nag at me for putting vinegar on the chips, are you?"
"Not tonight. I might even try some myself." Tara said, smirking. They made their way to the NDD. Once they had given their report to the Secret Base, it was back to Clairdol, for another night of peace.
There were only a few of those left. Not a single one could be wasted.
|Aeternus H-3X Helicopter|7:41 pm|
Kaman flew the helicopter in silence, and Keisha slouched back on her chair, sighing. They were growing closer and closer to the Aeternus HQ, the imposing barrier shrouding the entire district.
"How many of those Shadows are left...?" Keisha asked.
"There's that freaky angel thing, the biker and his bike, and that Diva you had once. Oh, and there's one more, but I forgot what it called." Kaman said. "They're all pretty strong. Nihane's not going to just throw them away anymore."
"Is there enough time?" Keisha asked. "To finish everything we need to do?"
"We'll just have to see." Kaman said. "They're going to interrogate us when we touch down. Follow my lead."
"Right." Keisha said, looking at the city below her. So many darkened buildings, and flickering lights here and there. What she wanted was to bring all the lights and colour back, but without any Shadows to power them. And also, a chance to spend her days with friends, without a single battle in sight.
"...We'll do whatever it takes." Kaman said. "New Motus City will get back to its former glory. This will all be over soon."