Persona: Duality

by Sraosha

Amara Furaha is an aspiring artist living in the idyllic metropolis of New Motus City. One day, she is stranded in another world, and is attacked by unholy creatures - the Shadows. She, along with many others, will begin a journey to eliminate them and put a stop to the organisation that has jeopardised the safety of her beloved city. Yet, she must also try to live a normal life.

93. Di Congedo

AN: Once again, you'll know who this chapter is about. Not much to say other than that, other than please read, review, favourite, follow, etc. Enjoy!

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Chapter 93: Di Congedo

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|Ater Peractorum – Nullified Albion|2:27 am|

Nova Albion, even in these times, still boasted an image of class and elegance. Only the wealthy could afford to take up residence in these mansions, with servants to tend to the grass and banish dirt from the luxurious interiors. To Nathan, it was just like wandering through the finer areas of home, albeit without any modern roads or vehicles. Carriages were around, however, and they were parked outside, waiting to take their rich masters to their destinations.

It seemed so uncivilised to have to fight, around this historical picture of grace. Alas, that was what Nathan's party had been doing since they arrived, making their way through the various shopping streets and theatre areas. They had to destroy a horde of Mother Shadows right outside the Terpischore Opera House, and slaughter several Knights outside the Appleyard Library.

At last, the group had located where they needed to go. Tara's old home...or rather, the Donatella Mansion. It was Gothic in style, with flying buttresses and gargoyles, the latter of which had been lost to time. Moreover, pointed arches lead to the gardens from further in the house.

The unpopular Donatella family, known even among the upper classes for being sanctimonious snobs. Eugene Dwight, the vagabond, had not many pleasant things to say of them. The house itself looked mostly identical outside, but the garden was completely different – far less lush, with less flowers. This would be many years before Tara's green thumb would leave its print.

"This...feels wrong." Tara said. "It's like, they've come to my house and taken away everything I loved about it."

"But it isn't like that at all. Your family, and whoever came before you, must have made it better." Priscilla said. "I'm sure, in the other world, your house is a picture of beauty."

"...I wonder what the Donatellas were really like?" Tara said. "They lived over two hundred years ago. No one remembered them when I was young."

"Maybe no one wanted to remember. A desire to forget the awful past...exactly the same with Amurdad." Nathan said. "Even so, there are things we must never forget, or we risk making the same mistakes over and over."

"Exactly. We must go inside." Other Nathan said. "Josephine's in there. No doubt, she's waiting for us."

"Josephine...I never really gave her much thought." Tara said. "But we must have something in common. She and I are both healers, with power over Earth."

The four of them, done with staring at the ancient garden, went through the front gates, and down the tree-lined path. Nathan opened the front doors, and the ominous mansion lay ahead.

|Mansion of Maladies – Fallacious Foyer|2:30 am|

The mansion was even more Gothic on the inside. The walls and floor were dark, and there were emerald carpets on every inch of the floor, complete with griffon-patterned rugs. The silver vases, filled with exotic flowers, and portraits of sneering aristocrats all contributed to a look of luxury – yet not a welcoming one. Many treasures were on display, as if to say to guests they were beneath the hosts. Two stone gargoyles, mouths wide open to bare their fangs, greeted those who dared to brave the dusty staircase. A vaulted ceiling hung menacingly overhead. Statues of angels, saints, priests, and other such figures lined the walls, all with red streams down their eyes.

"This isn't home..." Tara said, disgusted. "It's creepy!"

"Well, everyone has different tastes. I can't say I'd opt for this approach, myself." Priscilla said. "It is rather grim. I'm not feeling a positive vibe from here at all."

"Me either." Other Nathan said. "But we're not fighting the Donatellas over their choice in décor. We're here to find -"

Just that second, footsteps could be heard from upstairs. A lady with a pointed nose, grey hair tied in a neat bun, and a black floor-length dress made her down down to the foyer, looking very angry.

"Julian! You come out here this instant, you mendacious slime!" The lady shrieked, tapping the handrail with her gloved, thin fingers. From the lounge, a man of a similar mood emerged. He wore a black suit, with a red cravat, and had slicked back blonde hair. He had a nose akin to the woman.

"What is it now, Mother?" The young man asked. "Must you always find fault in my way of doing things? I am a busy man, after all."

"Don't you dare criticise me!" Mrs Donatella said, walking towards her son. "Do you realise what has been occurring since you ventured to that land of depravity? Countless objects have gone missing, your father is bedridden and sleeps all day, your sister ran away from home, and your grandmother has been muttering utter nonsense night after night! You've brought a curse onto this household, you irresponsible foolish man!"

"Please, spare me the earache and be quiet for one second, mother." Julian said, disinterested "All of those unsavoury happenings are pure coincidence. Our maids tend to be scatterbrained at the worst of times. Father has always been prone to illness – no wonder I am the head of the family these days. Marianne certainly lavishes it when everyone's talking about her, it gives her purpose in her insipid life. And Granny is over ninety, Mother. The mind dulls over the years!"

"How can you be so callous?!" Mrs Donatella said. "All our neighbours are asking questions, you must know. Have you the faintest idea what rumours they are spreading? My, there are more than a few who claim to have seen you drown a newborn infant in front of its mother! That town was full of nutcases, I must admit, yet surely, there must have been a limit to our justice!"

"Alright, now you're being as incoherent as grandmother. Please, for the sake of my health, stop talking." Julian said, annoyed. "These are trying times, you must be aware of that. Listening to rumours as vile as those will only add more stress to our lives. And our fortunes have dwindled lately...that Albion clan want all the glory to themselves. They make it so hard to compete."

"What is going on?" Nathan asked.

"Do you remember when we saw Amurdad in Inanis?" Priscilla asked. "I saw that man there! He – he DID kill that child!"

"Really?!" Tara said. "That...bastard! If he wasn't already dead, I'd kill him!"

"I dare say you are right, Julian. Perhaps it would do us both a world of good if we sat down for afternoon tea." Mrs Donatella said.

"A splendid idea. There will be no need to call our maids – allow me to make my own mother a cup of tea, the finest in this city. Even the English would glower at us with jealousy." Julian said. His mother smiled, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and walked down the hall and into the living room. Julian sighed heavily, and took out something from his pocket. To Other Nathan's shock, it was none other than arsenic.

"Poison?!" he yelled. "Loathsome! I can't believe...matricide! She did seem like a grating lady, but to kill his own mother – I have no sympathy!"

"The Donatella family were all discovered dead, weren't they?" Tara asked. "Don't tell me...they all poisoned each other?"

"No. It must have been worse than that." Nathan said. "Let's go further in. Those murders aren't what we're here for."

"Actually, one could say we're here precisely because of them. The Divine Sparks happened because of these past disasters." Other Nathan said. "If the people were wiser..."

"It wasn't an enlightened age." Priscilla said, regretfully. "But we have the opportunity to change that. If we don't believe in ourselves, then there's no point in trying."

The group nodded in agreement, and went through the different rooms – all decorated in the same goth black and green style. With only Shadows in most of them, and nothing familiar to Tara at all, they went through to the only part of the mansion that had been demolished, to make room for a conservatory – the ballroom.

|Mansion of Maladies – Ball Room of Regrets|2:35 am|

This grand, open room was circular, surrounded by elegant windows framed by green and gold curtains. Chandeliers hung from the domed ceiling, and near the back was an area for an orchestra to play, as well as dark wooden tables and chairs.

When the group arrived, however, there was a man lying down, still. There were red marks around his neck, as well as blood trickling from his throat. It was Julian, whose eyes laid open in shock.

"Master Julian!" A male servant, probably a butler, shouted, running over to the man. A maid, frightened at the sight, turned to him, unsure what to do. "Find Lady Joanna. We must inform her of what has happened!"

"Did you not hear? Lady Joanna was found dead in her chambers mere minutes ago! I was told to tell Lord Julian!" The maid said. "This does not bode well...we must decide what to do! Surely, this is nothing but a dreadful coincidence!"

At that moment, more servants ran in. From the looks on their faces, they all had bad news to impart.

"Lord Lucian has been smothered to death with his own pillow!" One maid said, horrified.

"And...Lady Marianne...she was...dismembered in the gardens!" Another maid said, collapsing in a fit of tears.

"This cannot be! Are all of our masters deceased?!" The butler said. "What of the Lord Julian's wife Edna?"

"It is as you fear. She was forcibly drowned in a bath, sometime during the night." Another maid said, pale with shock. "And...Lady Katherine, the master's grandmother...she was found with knives in every inch of her body!"

"What the hell happened?" Nathan asked. "Did...Julian kill his entire family?"

"He couldn't have strangled himself. There's no noose...and people don't go to a ballroom to kill themselves..." Tara said, shaken.

"This is quite the murder mystery..." Priscilla said.

"Maybe. But we have our own problems to deal with." Other Nathan said. "Josephine. You're here, aren't you? Please, come out. Now is the time to face each other."

"Indeed."

The curtains flew open, and began burning with a green and purple aura of energy, flapping in the wind. Outside of the windows, a dark purple vortex surrounded the gardens, and thus the entire room became dark. The chandeliers turned black and silver, burning with blue and purple flames, and swung violently. An orchestra could be heard playing a dirge.

In the centre of the room, Josephine appeared, clutching her sides in pain. She was suspended in the air, as if bond by ropes.

"The time has come to settle this...my arrogance and vanity has forced me down a path of ugliness. Behold, Nathan...a new form, that Janus has forced me to wear."

There was a sudden flash, and Josephine's body changed completely. Her skin was a pale orange, her eyes red, but her hair had changed into a long, flowing mane of auburn, with golden streaks. Around her neck was a beautiful red silk scarf, with magnolia patterns. She wore high red gloves, and a black and red frilly dress, complete with a bow. Her feet were bare, exposing red tattoos of female warriors raising weapons. In her hands were her own arms, black and white curved swords, not unlike Cybele's.

"...Whoa!" Tara said.

"That's...Josephine?" Nathan said, stunned.

"There is no sense in trying to justify my behaviour up until this fateful day. My pursuit of eternal youth lead me to sully the entire Albion clan, just as the Donatella family fell victim to their own avarice. Truth be told, there is nothing I want less than to fight you, Nathan. Yet Janus exerts its ironclad will over us all, and we cannot resist...we are trapped between life and death."

"I...understand." Priscilla said. "Then we'll put an end to your pain."

"Right." Other Nathan said. "As angry as I am – as I always will be – your life was a human one. Even you deserve to rest in peace. Bearing a grudge is not the Albion way. At least, it wasn't my father's. So...en guarde!"

"Those are fine words, Nathan Albion. Let us dance!"

She leapt into the air, on top of a chandelier. Then, she dived from it, swords aimed at Nathan. In fright, he rolled away, and began swinging his staff at her. She kept ducking and dodging, while failing to hit him with her swords. Eventually, Tara managed to distract her with her sword spin, and Josephine stumbled.

"Masukukaja!" Nathan cried. Cu Chulainn appeared, and boosted the team's agility. Yet even with this, Josephine was fast, far more agile than she had been. Her guns may have been lost, but with such dexterity, they would be meaningless.

"Damn!" Tara said, after failing to block. She rolled away to avoid another slash, and began summoning Chehooit. "Gaea's Quagmire!"

Underneath Josephine's feet was a soft marsh, that trapped her. Then, it vanished, but not before sending its debilitating effects into her. Her orange glow seemed to dim – perhaps her mastery over earth had been lowered.

Tara doesn't have any attacks that aren't Earth! And I'm not sure if Earth Break will have any affect on such a strong opponent. As long as Tara can keep healing us, we'll be alright.

"Josephine. Even as you are, do not expect mercy! Bufudyne!" Priscilla shouted. Scathach's ice blast hit her foe, making the dark, grim room even colder and haunting.

"Gae Bolg!" Other Nathan cried, summoning his own Cu Chulainn. The ace hero took his spear, and it began infused with spirals of wind. He leapt into the air, onto the chandelier, and then dived down, driving the mighty spear through her.

"Marvellous...you have inherited your father's strength, I feel. You might not believe it, but there was a time I respected your father's courage and resilience. Yet years after, I..."

"Josephine." Other Nathan said. "Father was...everything I wanted to be. I can't forgive his killer...but even they don't deserve this! Please, fight! If you cannot refuse to battle, then stop trying! I'll do my best to put an end to this madness..."

"Of course you will. Then prepare for the worst. Milliardo Pale." Josephine extended her arms, and stared Other Nathan down. Then, she flew at him, and in the blink of an eye, swung her swords like a bird flaps its wings. Ten tens, her sharp blades struck him, but it might as well have been a billion. Other Nathan winced in pain, but did not cry.

"Are you alright?" Priscilla asked. "That must have been -"

"Painful?" Other Nathan said. "Perhaps, but...I've had worse in the past. Courtesy of...well, Josephine."

"There is no need to pity me. I have sinned, and there are none that will forgive my actions. Lamentable as this is, I must fight with my full strength. Destructa Terra."

Sharp rocks burst out of the shaking ground, piercing everybody – yet the immaculate floor was not ruined. An added perk of having an imaginary ballroom.

"Aren't we the belle of the ball?" Nathan asked. "HA!" He twirled his staff, with complete precision and impressive strength. Over six months of pure combat had honed his skills, perhaps to the level of a master. His speed soared, and even Josephine could not block – and was knocked back. "Cu Chulainn! Liath Macha!"

The aerial Persona surrounded itself with wind, propelling it into the air. Next, he took his mighty spear, and drove it through Josephine in a swift motion.

"Brave Storm, my friend!"

Other Nathan's Cu Chulainn generated a green ball of bright light, and sent it into the sky – and thus, it transformed into a hurricane of jade and aureolin. The wind ensnared Josephine, while Priscilla and Tara attacked her with their weapons.

"Well done, Nathan! Uh...both of you!" Tara said, awkwardly. "Okay, Josephine, I know we barely know each other when it comes down to it. But...there's a world where I am one of Nathan's dearest friends. Priscilla's too!"

"Only that world, Miss Miller?"

"...No." Tara said. "What am I saying? Of course, they're my friends here too! From what they told me of the other me, I know I can find happiness someday. Even with what happened to the city and my family. So let's go! Aquadyne!"

Since when could she use that?

Chehooit was literally out of her element. She hit Josephine with some powerful water, instead of earth. While not quite as potent as the likes of Selene, Apsu, Gabriel Praeco or Soma, it was still enough to harm one of her strongest opponents.

"Tara, I never knew you could use water attacks..." Other Nathan said.

"It's not much. Aquadyne is the best I have. I never really needed to use Water once me and Matthew teamed up with you guys. But Josephine would just absorb all my earth spells, and I can't let that happen!"

"Wise choice." Josephine said, as she struck Tara with her sword dance. Tara countered with her own, sending sparks flying.

"Now, Priscilla!" Tara yelled, crouching under dual sword stabs. She spun her sword, hitting Josephine's legs.

"Affirmative!" Priscilla replied. "Queen's Cannon!"

Scathach lowered her gun-spear, and pulled its trigger. From the barrel, a miniaturised cannon constructed from ice was fired. This armament fired a chillingly cold laser of ice, hitting Josephine with its full wintry brunt. The cannon flew into the air, and attached itself to the ceiling.

"Ah, I remember that trick. The day Lorean Tower was destroyed, you and I fought. I was quite determined to make you suffer them. Now it is Janus who seeks your demise. Be prepared! Vile Upheaval!"

The floor beneath Other Nathan turned myrtle, and raised him upward in the appearance of a giant, jagged rock. Then more and more dark pointed stones erupted from the elaborate flooring, digging into his body.

"Nathan!" Priscilla cried!

"I...I'm stuck!" Other Nathan said, angrily. "Argh!"

The rock platform fell, shattering into pieces, and Nathan tumbled onto the floor, in great pain.

"Now for you. My skill with the sword is that of Cybele – now that she and I are truly one and the same. Alluring Blade!"

Josephine flew to Nathan, and at breakneck speed, sliced him with her twin blades. Alas, their main effect did not take. Nathan was not even slightly charmed by Josephine.

"...I see. With such commitment to your beloved, you simply cannot be tempted by another woman anymore. Priscilla Lancaster must be a lucky lady."

"We're both blessed to have met each other." Nathan said. "I simply could never betray her...not now! Garudyne!" Cu Chulainn hit Josephine with intense winds, blowing the curtains wildly.

"Mór Gaoth!" Other Nathan commanded. Other Cu Chulainn hurled Josephine into the air, and a cyclone manifested around her. Blades of supersonic wind slashed her, each echoing with supreme power.

"Whoa!" Tara said, watching in awe.

Cu Chulainn then sent Josephine crashing to the ground. She did not waste time lying in pain, however. She got up, and lunged at Priscilla, stabbing with both swords. From above, however, the cannon fired a small ice beam.

"Prism Song!" Priscilla cried. Scathach took her pole weapon out again, and fired a rainbow-swirling pyramid from it. It expanded, captured Josephine, and flashed, exploding in a beautiful display of multicoloured light.

"You look like you could use a break." Tara said, looking at Other Nathan with great sympathy. "Diarahan!" Chehooit fully healed up her friend, who looked at her with appreciation.

"Blood Sword!"

Josephine's swords flew through Priscilla, fast as ever. A trail of blood-like light flew from those swords as they hit their target, and this became energy to fuel Josephine.

"Ugh!" Priscilla screamed. "How dare you!" She bashed Josephine as hard as she could with her staff, smacking her hard in the stomach.

"That's right. You must fight with more conviction. Sympathy will only slow you down. Magnadyne."

The power of earth hit everybody, shaking the room. A chandelier fell down, and broke completely apart. The windows were trembling, from not only Josephine's shadowy presence, but the masses of energy gathering around the building.

Are the others alright? Blaine, you better not be slacking off. Serena, I know it's hard, but I know you can do it. Amara...from the minute we met, I knew you could handle yourself. Just follow your own advice! Stay positive!

|Ashen Amurdad – Garden of Forgotten Love|3:18 am|

"Gem's Shroud!" Amara called out. Five red jewels appeared over everyone's heads, and set a radiant glow into their bodies, giving them more resilience. She raced at the Mummy, ducking under his nasty chains of pestilence, and thrust her sword – only to hit the air. The Mummy had leapt up, and punched her hard in the stomach, sending her hurtling towards her other self.

"Shit!" Other Amara cried. She ran to grab her counterpart, and despite nearly falling over herself, got there in time. "You...okay...?"

"Y-Yeah..." Amara said. She got to her feet, and glared with pure hatred at the Shadow.

"Did that hurt? My sincerest apologies..." The Mummy said, without even a hint of sincerity.

"Not half as much as this will, you fossil! Danger Zone!" Other Amara cried to Nepthys.

Making use of her magic and sword, she formed a large scarlet cage to capture the Liberated Mummy. From within this container, there was a sequence of bright flashes, until the cage broke apart.

"This one's dangerous! Stay focused!" Sophie said, and cast Mediarama on everyone.

"Alastair...are you alright?" Ethan asked, looking over at the frontman of the Holy Cross. He was shaking on the spot, holding his sword tightly, but dared not move. He was transfixed by the Shadow, and let out a pitiful whimper.

"Don't worry, he won't be like that forever. Show him you're not scared..." Amara suggested.

"Yes. A display of unbridled courage might just perk him up." Sophie said.

"Very well..." Ethan said, unsure. "Sraosha! Prism Apex!"

Sraosha grabbed his sword with both hands. Then, staring at the Mummy with pure contempt, he thrust it forward – and a large laser came from the blade's tip. This beam was of pure light, and burst into many particles of angelic power.

"I hope you appreciate the 'master' lending you his body." The Mummy said, with a cruel tone. "After all, without it you would have faded with the rest of your friends."

"Controlled by Janus, I only used this body for evil." Ethan said. "But no more...I will do what's right!"

"And for you, that's preserving the world, and allowing injustice to continue. Lamentable...but it doesn't matter. Our kinsman won't need your help anymore. Everything is in place. Even if you were to surpass me, you couldn't possibly put a stop to Janus' plans!"

"I've heard it all before, you know." Amara said. "We'll never defeat the Commander. We'll never beat the Ater Vox. We'll never stop Nihane. We're the ones who decide what we can and can't do, not a disgusting corpse like you!"

"Ah, so my mere existence sickens you...good. Considering we're trying to destroy one another, it helps to detest me. Optimism, as I told you, is not a magic solution. Tell yourself you'll win as often as you like, but it won't change reality! Immolation!"

Alastair gasped. Around him were white-hot flames, and they built up and up, covering his entire body. The others gasped, faces pale with shock, but finally, the flames dispersed. Alastair fell to his knees, paralysed with fear, as smoke billowed from his injured body.

"Persona!"

From the sky, surrounded by red air, was the Sentinel Vidofnir – the avian friend of the Yggdrasill. Sophie remembered this one too, as she scowled at it in disdain. It began to rapidly moult its feathers, and as they gracefully fell to the ground, they became huge jets of water, soaking everybody.

"That blasted birdbrain..." Sophie said. "I never imagined this Shadow would have such ties with his brethren..."

"And you call yourself clairvoyant? What a disappoint you must be to your parents..." The Liberated Mummy said. He ran at her, swinging his chains, but something got in his way, and stabbed her in the stomach. Amara had planted her blade inside him, and ripped hard to the side, cutting through with vigour.

"Sophie is no disappointment." Amara said. "She's saved us plenty of times! So burn! Agidyne!" Isis dutifully burned the Mummy with her own flames of passion.

Other Amara got behind the Mummy, and struck him with her sword painfully. "Nepthys! NOW!"

Amara saw the flashing red light, and gasped. She took Sophie, and ran as far back as she could. Ethan made Alastair back away, too. There was a huge fiery explosion, as the Flare Bomber burst into brilliance, sending scorching hot embers everywhere.

Ethan blinked, completely stunned. He had never seen such an explosion before. Yet now was no time to stand and watch the bonfire. Using his blade, he ran quickly, heart racing, and stabbed the burnt Mummy through the heart.

"Voyeykov!"

High above the Liberated Mummy, a huge sheet of ice appeared. It quickly fell, forcing the Shadow into extreme cold.

Alastair was watching, but he was still very hesitant to even move. He was still wide-eyed with horror, unable to look away from the decaying monstrosity that had terrified him so.

"Hang in there, Ally." Sophie said, patting his shoulder. "We'll do our best. Stellar Vision!"

Sophia's eyes glowed as bright as the night sky - and then a cloud filled with stars and dark matter swirled around the Mummy, exploding upon contact.

"Stellar indeed..." The Mummy said, and then he laughed – echoing throughout the now-burnt garden. "It seems I may need a helping hand...just a little touch, so I can crush you children playing with swords. Ne Quid Nimis!"

A spiral of red and navy energy gyrated around the Mummy, and entered his body. Nothing visibly changed, but Amara had a feeling something wasn't right.

"Sophie, what's going on?" Other Amara asked.

"He...has increased his longevity." Sophie said, warily. "Ethan was right about this being a long night..."

"Indeed. Now then, I'd like to introduce a rather special lady. Persona!" The Mummy summoned a lady, rather scantily dressed, from the red smoke. It was the Rueful Temptress, who had been jilted at the Gold Coin Casino. She twirled her slender body, and pointed her bouquet of roses at Sophie. The nefarious flowers fired small beams of darkness at her, all combining for a large Dusk Blossom.

"Urgh..." Sophie moaned, stumbling. "I'm...I'm okay..."

Amara grunted. Her positivity had been challenged by this deathly creature, and it was starting to slip away. Reluctant to admit it, she knew she would have to face the possibility of the others finding her dead in this garden.

No, I can't think like that. But...how are they doing? Nathan's fighting Josephine, and I'm not there to help him..

"Fearing for your allies?" The Mummy asked. "Our Kinsman has brought back those who once called the Shadows, stronger than before. You shouldn't bet on them reaching here to save you..."

"Fine with me. I was never the gambling type anyway." Amara said, smiling at her monstrous nemesis. "Tefnut's Raze!"

The Mummy tried to brace itself, but the scorching flames ravaged its body once more. Howling mad, its chains flew all over the arena that was once a garden of rest. They smacked everyone, but when it hit Alastair, something changed.

"What...have I been doing?" He said. "Everyone was fighting so bravely, and I was..."

"It's not over yet." Ethan said. "Neither of us have yet to fall. And I...I trust you, Alastair Clark."

"You do?" Alastair said, doubtfully. "Even after my inactivity almost got you killed?"

"Look who you're talking to." Ethan said, smiling slightly. "You're helping me, even though it's my fault we're in this situation to begin with. If you're able to consider me your ally, then I must repay that trust." He held out his hand, and Alastair shook it. "Let us show the Liberated Mummy the price it must pay for its freedom!"

"...Absolutely!" Alastair said, now cheered up.

"Sraosha!" Ethan cried, summoning his Persona dramatically. Sraosha's sword, already of a considerable length, seemed to extend – thanks to the extra power that Michael Deus was bestowing upon it.

"Michael, aid him!" Alastair said, gazing at his Persona with pride. Finally, Sraosha's word was over fifteen feet long. Michael flew at the Mummy, and began slashing with broad, heavy strokes.

"Eternal Sword!"

Sraosha somersaulted in the air, and slashed the Mummy straight down its middle. Michael ceased his medley, and disappeared. The Mummy, enraged, spun its arms. Ethan and Alastair were nimble men, but they could not avoid such a rapid fire barrage of fists and chains.

You were awesome, you two. But it won't be over that easily.

"Sophia, Starry Heavens!" Sophie demanded. Six spheres tailored from the force of mana fell from Sophia's body, and assaulted the Mummy with pure magic. It, absolutely furious, struck the ground in frustration.

"You should have learned your place by now! Janus' cure for the world is nearly upon us. This blighted existence will end, as will yours. Mamudoon!"

Oh, shit-

The dark cursed sigils were sent around everybody. Amara's heart beat fast, and she shut her eyes, convinced her luck had run out. however, when she opened her eyes, she was still on the same spot. In fact, so were Sophie, Ethan and Alastair. It was only her other self who had been unfortunate.

"No!" Sophie cried. "Amara, no...!"

"What, you were expecting no one to succumb to the dark? You should have arranged a better team to face me, you fools! Persona!"

Amara gasped. Racing down the garden, covered in red smoke, was the Pegasus Stallion, the vehicle that had chased them into the Aeternus HQ. It sped up, and collided with everybody with excessive force. Amara felt herself flying backwards, onto a flowerbed.

"Argh!" She cried. "Guys..."

"This is...torture!" Alastair shouted.

"Have faith, everyone..." Ethan said, clutching his leg in agony.

"Where's the Obliterator when you need it?" Sophie said, faking a laugh. It seemed like she was trying to lighten the mood, but this was too grave a situation for that to work.

This is even worse than fighting Nihane...and I thought that'd be the biggest fight of my whole life. But still, I can't die...not while all my friends are on their way!

Amara stood up, sword firmly in her hand. She charged forward, screaming with pure hatred, ready to attack.

|Mansion of Maladies – Ballroom of Regret|2:50 am|

Nathan leapt backwards, dodging a flurry of bladed swipes, and summoned Cu Chulainn.

"Dub Sainglend!"

The heroic Persona took his grand spear, one of the greatest ever forged, and charged it up with lurid orange and pink colours. Next, he struck Josephine four times, aiming for each of her limbs.

"Yes! With any luck, she's -"

Josephine shook her head. She flew at Priscilla, slicing her twice, then flipped over and cut Tara from behind. Next, she ran at Other Nathan, her swords like extensions of her body.

"No!" He screamed. "Garudyne!"

Before she could touch him, a great burst of wind sent her up into the ceiling. Tara, grinning, threw her blade, and guided by Chehooit, it flew at her target like a boomerang.

"Crikey!" She cried, grabbing the double-sided sword again. "How was that, guys?"

"Very good!" Priscilla said. "If only you could make use of your Earth powers..."

"Maybe I'll get to show Janus some...but you guys can still see my other speciality. Mediarahan!" Tara cried. Chehooit massively healed everyone, filling the room with her restorative energies.

"Thank you!" Nathan said.

"Yes, we are in your debt." Priscilla said. Tara shook her head, and smiled. "Right, Josephine. I'll show you who the real lady of the dance is! Crystal Queen!"

Scathach concentrated dense amounts of frost and ice around her person, creating a truly gigantic crystal castle. Next, Scathach glided above this fortress, and shot an azure light upon it. This was the catalyst for the castle's rapid expansion, until it ultimately shattered around Josephine, piercing her with shards of brutal ice.

"Confident, I see. It's no mystery as to where your confidence comes from." Josephine said, staring at Nathan. "Matar Kubileya!"

Matar Kubileya? I remember that from when I searched for Cybele on the internet...'mother of the mountain'. I must be prepared for whatever is coming!

An earthquake began solely around Priscilla's feet, and she struggled to stay balanced. Next, however, stone figures burst out from the ground at dashed at her, shattering into dust. These were shaped like a woman sitting on a throne – no doubt the Cybele of Phrygian legend. Priscilla screamed, falling to the ground. Yet worse was, out of her body, a radiant energy emerged, and vanished into nothingness.

"You okay?!" Tara screamed, as Other Nathan helped Priscilla to her feet. "What was that?"

"It must have been...her spirit power." Nathan said. "If that runs out, she won't be able to do much at all. And recovering it is time-consuming! We may be in trouble!"

"And that is exactly what Janus wants, Nathan! To stop you from winning...Dekunda!"

Josephine was able to reverse Tara's earlier spell. Now, she could be at top speed, and her swords could cut through steel. Victory seemed harder than ever to attain, but Nathan was even more prepared to reach it.

"Priscilla! No matter what, I won't let you fall!" Nathan cried. "Deichtine's Devotion!"

Cu Chulainn leapt in front of Priscilla, and using his spear, sent a sphere of strange blue and pink light into her body. She felt a brief surge of power, and gazed at her fingertips. It was as if she could take on the world.

"Nathan, I'm not exactly sure what this is, but...I think I like it." Priscilla said, happily. She grinned, and swung her staff at Josephine – knocking her to the floor. Tara dived at her, slashing with both blades, until her foe leapt up and struck both foes.

"Ah, I see what you've done..." Other Nathan said. The power that had been given to Priscilla would not only strengthen her, it would protect her from fatal blows – by transferring the damage to Nathan. "Risky. But I don't need to tell you about risks, do I? All those nights coming here, you were putting your life on the line..."

"Exactly. This is not my dimension, but it's my city regardless. I will fight to protect every one of its people!" Nathan roared.

"Well said. I wouldn't accept anything less from myself. Now then, Liath Macha!"

The Other Cu Chulainn attacked Josephine, with the same powerful spear attack. Priscilla, feeling bold, cast Bufudyne – and admired how much colder it was. Nathan's gift was turning out to be very useful.

"Hey, good work!" Tara said. "Here!" Rolling away from Josephine's constant stabbing, she hastily called out Chehooit. She cast Diarahan as fast as she could on Priscilla, and still had enough time to block more swords. "Josephine, is it really proper for you to play with knives during the big dance?"

"Perhaps not. But at least I didn't stick mine together." Josephine replied curtly. Tara, stunned, was quiet. "Tara Miller, from the quiet village of Clairdol. Never did I imagine someone would find a gap in the barrier, and come to Inanis. Tell me, how did you feel?"

"Well...I was pretty horrified. Everything was gone. All I saw were Shadows, and ruins of white stone buildings – Amurdad." Tara said, recalling those early days. "For two years, I thought everyone I knew was dead...and I had to hide it from everyone. But me and Matthew, we thought if we kept investigating, we might find something out. If we hadn't found Nathan's team..."

"I imagine Nihane would have finally discovered you both, and have disposed of you." Josephine said. "Because of Carlos, your parents are no more – killed in the basements below us. Not only that, you were unable to live up to your potential in Clairdol..."

"Maybe not there. But I'm sure making up for it here!" Tara said, confident. "Being a lifeguard isn't that bad, you know. But something like this, where I can save a whole city from destruction...I think I was born to do this! I don't have any regrets. Not anymore!"

"I see. In that case, I'm glad to have found four worthy opponents tonight. No more distractions. Diarahan!"

"Hey, what now?" Tara asked. To her disgust, Josephine had healed herself – with quite a lot of energy, too. It may be that most of their work was undone. "No!"

"Tara! You must remember, you can keep us healthy as well!" Nathan said. "But we are four, and she is one! We can still complete our mission!"

"Actions speak louder than words, Nathan! Milliardo Pale!"

Josephine had swiftly reached Tara, and began attacking countless times, her swords moving faster than the blink of an eye. Finally, she was done, and Tara doubled over in pain.

"Tara!" Nathan shouted. "Are-are you -"

"Don't waste time, Nathan! I'll be alright. Just get her!" Tara ordered.

"...Okay!"

Nathan rushed at Josephine, ignoring the flurry of swords heading his way, and landed many strong, battering staff attacks at her. Anger and strength embodied every movement, even the fierce grip in his hands.

"Josephine, it's over! Brave Storm!" he cried. Cu Chulainn yet again struck Josephine, pummelling her and the room with the force of wind. Another chandelier came crashing down, with a deafening thud, and now there were several holes in the ceiling.

Other Nathan wasted no time, and attacked Josephine with a tremendous Gae Bolg. "Take THIS!"

Priscilla, pointing at her foe, summoned Scathach. "Begone! Graceful Blizzard" Her cold Persona began to dance, causing the titular blizzard to commence. Each snowflake was pure ice, and now the floor was covered with frost, covering the destroyed chandeliers as well.

"Um...Aquadyne!" Tara said. The burst of water simply lacked the flashiness of her comrade's abilities, but it had some strength to it. Tara never imagined running into a situation where she would need to use Water spells, but now it had come. Controlling the seas was far stranger to her than the land.

"Does this make you a skipper out of mud?" Josephine said. Tara glared at her, while Priscilla groaned. "Salt the Earth!"

Before Tara could do anything, a bright green field appeared around her, with beautiful flowers. Then, raining down all over this field was salt. Little by little, the blades of grass wilted, and the flowers drooped and turned to dust. Now all that was left around Tara was cracked, parched land.

"Ha!" Tara said. "You just seasoned me to taste! Diarahan – what?!" Chehooit seemed to be obstructed by something unseen. Try as she might, she could not muster up even an ounce of healing power. "No! I...I can't heal!"

"What?!" The others screamed. Nathan was aghast. He had been counting on Tara's aid during this arduous battle. If she couldn't heal, then...was Josephine about to slaughter them?

"This will end shortly, I fear. Matar Kubileya."

Nathan gasped. Before he could do anything about it, tons of goddess-shaped rocks were flung at him, and as they broke, they sent pangs of pain down his body.

"Urgh!" He yelled, falling over.

"Nathan! I'll – I'll...dammit!" Tara said, horrified.

"Tara..." Other Nathan said, concerned. "This isn't your fault!"

"But...I can't do anything to help! What if this weird condition doesn't go away?" Tara said, panicking. "We could all be killed! Now, after all we've achieved!"

"No, Tara." Priscilla said. "This is not the end. I know...I can feel it." She held her Nathan's hand, gazing into his eyes. "Together, we can get through any obstacle. Everything that has been thrown at us, we've overcome! This is no different. Josephine! This is the strength of our love – for the world!"

Scathach elegantly spun her gun-staff in a huge circle, firing in the four cardinal directions. This created four large crystals of ice, cold enough to have mist emitting from them.

"That's correct." Other Nathan said. "My ancestors worked up from nothing, and look what they accomplished. Nova Albion will always be a testament to their determination. And I'll carry on, no matter how hard the reconstruction will be!"

Cu Chulainn flew to Scathach, and touched the crystals with his legendary spear. All of them turned emerald green, and began radiating a pure, soothing glow. The four crystals spun in a huge circle, and shot out to the perimeter of the room – and next, they aimed towards Josephine. They remained in a perfect clockwise circumference.

"Emerald Zephyr!"

Each of the crystals suddenly sped up, and began firing icy blasts of green wind at Josephine. Little by little, they melted as they unleashed their power, battering Josephine from all directions. When they had vanished, she fell to the ground, in deep pain.

"Up you get." Tara said, extending her hand to Nathan. He took it, gratefully, and got onto his feet. He was glad he hadn't worn either of his suits tonight, as no doubt they would have been considerably damaged from all of the battles he had been in. "How are you feeling?"

"I...I think I'll make it." Nathan said, a little unsteady. "Seeing them fight together like that makes me want to try harder."

"Then do it!" Tara said, cheerfully. "Come on, let me help. Chehooit!" The mother nature Persona appeared, with a warm smile on her face. "As long as I have my way, the fields and forests of the land will never die!"

"Yes!" Nathan cried. "The winds shall carry the hopes and dreams of the future, throughout those fields and forests!"

Cu Chulainn spun his spear rapidly, until a mighty tornado appeared around him. As it encroached Josephine, the ground beneath her started to shake, until there was a perfect dark circle of crumbling land beneath her. The tornado finally reached her, and combined with the tremors for a mighty ravaging of air and earth.

"Gale of Gaea!"

Once the winds had dispersed, and the land had settled, Josephine was seen laying on the floor. Alas, she quickly sprung back to her feet, and her swords were summoned to her hands.

"That was impressive work, all of you. Yet you must realise that my power hasn't run out yet. For once, I curse my endurance...Blood Sword!" Yet again, Josephine's swords sliced through Priscilla, taking some of her health as well.

"Things were easier when you were fighting with Carlos!" Priscilla said, wincing.

"Oh...Aimee's fighting him, isn't she?" Tara asked. "I hope she's okay..."

"You should focus more on getting out of this crisis alive! Destructa Terra!"

The entire team was struck again by sharp rocks, poking through the ground. By now, the ballroom was showing extensive signs of damage. Parts of the window had been smashed, most likely due to the severe wind storms that had taken place inside. Most of the chandeliers were threatening to fall down, like the two currently scattered on the floor. Outside, the vortex of energy had consumed most of the garden, sucking up the grass and the trees.

This really is like being in a hurricane. I wonder...how long will it be before I'm back home?

The thought of never going home again entered Nathan's mind. The moment it did, he felt a horrid twinge of fear all over. To never see her again...that would be the greatest failure he could make.

No! I'll be home, no matter what it takes!

"Liath Macha!" Nathan cried. Cu Chulainn's dreaded spear went through Josephine once more, expelling wind as it did so.

"Dub Sainglend!" Other Nathan ordered, and thus Josephine was hit by another four spear attacks. She somersaulted towards him, and hit him to the floor with both swords – and some kicks, too.

Tara, concentrating as hard as she could, summoned Chehooit. There was a faint glow around the Persona, that was the same as that of the salt Josephine had sowed.

"Come on, break free! Mediarahan!" Tara begged, shaking her fists. Chehooit stayed there, holding her staff and channelling all the energy she had, while Nathan dodged Josephine's dangerous blades. Eventually, the salt fell off, disappearing forever. "YES!" Now, Chehooit could finally give her healing touch to her party. Nathan smiled, and now invigorated, attacked Josephine with a massive combo of staff attacks – aided by his counterpart.

Watching her friends' spirits rise brought elation to Priscilla's own. There was still no guarantee that Josephine would be defeated, but things were not hopeless. Not as long as she was fighting alongside some of her closest friends. Yet she was not going to be the one that needed guarding. She would protect them in turn.

"Freeze to death, in this new ice age! Let the winter's deathly touch embrace you, and seize your evil designs! Go, Scathach!"

Instantaneously, snow came raining down. It was a fast snowfall, and it was a heavy one as well. Next, Scathach started to skate around the now frozen floor. Using her gun-stick, she crafted icicle spears, and fired them at Josephine. While this was happening, frost began to cover her legs, freezing them in place. A cold mist surrounded Josephine, covering her with huge icicles. She gasped in horror, but she could not break away.

"Blizzard of Alpi!"

The spears that had attached to Josephine burst into fragments, sending huge shivers all over her body. Then, the frost hardened around her legs, growing into huge blocks of ice, until they too shattered. Ultimately, the ice all struck Josephine with it's cold, relentless wrath, sending her falling to the ground in a wintry blast of grand proportions.

"I was afraid...you wouldn't be able to cause me pain. Now my fears are put to rest...Diarahan!"

"Oh, come ON!" Tara whined. Josephine, to the fury of her enemies, had healed herself once more.

"Mamagnadyne!"

Everyone was hit by the force of the earth, and it almost sent them to the ground with the third chandelier. The entire place was being ripped apart by the masses of energy outside, and now the ceiling had been torn to shreds. The lurid mess above that was now this land's sky could be seen clear as day, and it served as a reminder to all that this was Armageddon.

"Do you intend to surrender? It may be less painful..."

"And less honourable. Therefore, the answer to that is fuck no." Nathan said, smirking. He thought of Blaine as he said this, his foul-mouthed but faithful friend. Josephine raised her eyebrows, surprised. "And besides, my father would never forgive me if I lost to his lover."

"I see...then I won't ask any more."

She ran to him, her swords flying and her kicks rapidly coming. Nathan, however, skillfully managed to dodge and block all of them, and sent her crashing into a wall with a well-timed attack.

"Gae Bolg!" he demanded, gazing proudly at his Persona. Yet again, Cu Chulainn struck the corrupted Josephine with his spear.

"Mór Gaoth!" Other Natan yelled, his own heart fuelled with boundless courage. Josephine had just regained her balance when the wind storm struck her, and thus the windows were completely destroyed. The upper parts of the walls were disintegrating now, and the floor was covered by the fragments of the chandeliers.

"Hey, Priscilla! You got much energy left?" Tara asked, smirking.

"Not an awful lot, but enough for this! Bufudyne!" Priscilla cried. Scathach blasted Josephine with another chilling ice attack. "Phew..."

"Hang in there, okay? It'll be over in no time. Aquadyne!" Tara said. Now Josephine was being washed away, and the water gushed over the floor. The battlefield was covered in debris, and smoke came from the once-burning chandeliers.

"Not yet...I'm not finished yet! Vile Upheaval!" Josephine cried. Other Nathan fell victim to the platform of earth, and was sent crashing down to the hard floor. "This may be the end for you now. Salt the Earth!"

"What the – no, you can't!" Tara said, indolent. Alas, the dreaded salts drained her 'land' of any energy, and her healing arts were sealed. "...Great. We better take things up a notch, then."

"What do you mean?" Priscilla asked.

"Just leave it to me. I'm still going to help you guys! Go, attack! That's an order!" Tara hollered."

"I don't think we have any choice but to obey..." Nathan said, slightly amused. "Cu Chulainn!Garudyne!"

More winds struck Josephine, and it sent the fallen curtains into the vortex, shredding them into dissolving fabrics.

"Deichtine's Devotion!" Other Nathan said. This time, Tara was the beneficiary. Both women were now protected, for a time. Josephine took Tara by surprise, and slashed her from behind – while Priscilla hit her.

"You really should be more ladylike in your approach, Josephine." Priscilla taunted, hands on her hips. "Like this. Crystal Queen!"

Josephine winced, as she was struck by the gem-like ice. Staggering, she attempted to hit her foe with her swords, but completely missed.

"Shadows are a poison to this great earth. And we are the antidote! The pulse of life that all must remember! Chehooit, go, and protect our sacred earth! Pangaea Dawn!"

Josephine was suddenly levitated into the air, and the atmosphere changed to outer space. Around here were grand meteorites, flying around her in a fixed orbit. Then, they smashed into her repeatedly, with greater force each time, until all of them were drawn into each other in one tremendous explosion.

There was a blinding flash of light, and the result was one to behold. It was the planet Earth, from before the continents separated into the ones modern humans knew. The land had masses of energy dwelling within it, and shared this with its creator and her allies. The planet had a healthy glow, shining among the endless void of space.

Everything returned to normal, and Tara grinned, hands on hips, proud. She was utterly exhausted, but still very pleased with the outcome.

"Mighty impressive." Nathan said, in awe.

"You've done us proud, Tara." Other Nathan said.

"Indeed. All of us are fighting so well." Priscilla said. "Is...is that it?"

"No."

Josephine stood up yet again, and despite the injuries her new body had been dealt, she was not quite on the verge of defeat.

"You may be talented, but Janus' power has no limits! Matar Kubileya!"

Priscilla gasped. Immediately, she was under the barrage of stone idols. She fell to her knees, crying out in pain, begging for it to stop.

"Priscilla!" Other Nathan cried. "Hang in there..." He ran to her, and offered her his hand. Before she could grab it, however, the earth began to shake again.

"Mamagnadyne!"

The four braced themselves. The biting fangs of the cruel earth were brutal, but Priscilla held onto Other Nathan for her life. When it was over, she stared at him, eyes tearful.

"Nathan...I'll keep my promise...I won't let us be separated again!" Priscilla said, adamantly. "The Ater Vox won't be around to tear us apart anymore...we'll do whatever we can to help the city!"

"Right. Wandering around those streets alone isn't a life I'm going back to. Ever." Other Nathan said. He held Priscilla in his arms, glaring at Josephine. "We must survive. And I'll see to that!"

"You two..." Nathan said, melancholic. My Priscilla...you're in another world right now. I wonder how easy it will be to return home. But please, wait there for me. You're the reason I'm here, after all. I couldn't let you be turned to naught!

"You guys! Look!" Tara screamed, pointing to Josephine. She was building up a terrifying amount of power, enough to turn the remainder of the walls to ash and dissolve the chandelier remains. All that was left was the floor, with the dying garden around it.

"Oh promised land of the heavens, be birthed into wondrous existence! I will channel the love of mother earth, into the destruction of all who would ravage her progeny! Now behold! Terra Fatali!"

The floor began to crack open violently. Boulders were cascading down on the group, each one breaking apart with a powerful dark blast. Out from the cracks, pillars of light emerged, causing the environment to transmutate.

"Argh!" Nathan shouted. Other Nathan held Priscilla close, in an attempt to shield her from whatever was to come. Yet from the look on his face, he knew it would be difficult to protect anyone from this assault.

All they could see were fields, filled with trees and flowers, and in the distances grassy hills. Alas, this lea was about to be destroyed. The hills broke apart, and their fragments slashed through their victims. Simultaneously, an Earthquake beyond the Richter scale began. The four Persona users found themselves falling through a dark abyss, until they landed in the remains of the ball room once more.

"It seems...this is it." Josephine said, sadly. "No one will be left to remember you all...memory itself will vanish. The greatest tragedy of all..."

|Normal World – Nathan and Priscilla's House|3:12 am|

Priscilla awoke to shrill screaming outside, throughout the opulent neighbourhood of Primrose Place. It had been a quiet night up until this point. Nathan told her he would be out with some friends, and left after an early dinner. Yet before he left, he kissed her passionately, and they discussed more of the wedding plans.

She waited, but after midnight he still wasn't home. All she could hope was that he and his friends were just having a late night, and were safe. Yet as she went to bed, her tiredness finally catching up to her, she felt a twinge of dread down her spine.

Now she had been taken abruptly out of her slumber by the screaming. She quickly climbed out of the bed, and looked out of the window. Various neighbours were staring out of their windows, pointing at the sky in horror, and one woman fainted. Priscilla noticed that there was a strange light cast over the houses, one that didn't look right at all. And glancing upwards, she soon knew why.

There was no night sky of any kind at all. No stars, no clouds, nothing that would be normal by any stretch of the imagination. It was nothing but swirling purple, black and red – like some strange painting. And further beyond, surrounding the outskirts of the city, was a giant purple wall, of what looked like gaseous energy.

"Oh my god!" Priscilla screamed. She stared in fear for a second. Then, she looked to the bed, but Nathan wasn't there. "You're...still out now?!" Frightened, she hastily grabbed her phone, and called Nathan's number. Alas, there wasn't any signal.

She went downstairs, and looked around. No sign of Nathan either. She didn't see his key in the door – he really was still out on the town. What bizarre phenomenon was this, she wondered? Curious, she turned on the TV, but there was no signal on any channels, or the interactive news. Her phone couldn't connect to their Wi-Fi network, either.

"What on earth is happening?!" She screamed in despair, sinking into the sofa, throwing her phone down on a pillow. Tears fell from her eyes. Going outside would be risky, she felt. But there was no way to reach Nathan. Her parents, Tara & Adrian, Reginald, and all her friends...she couldn't contact them either. "Why is this – argh!"

She suddenly felt a severe headache, and closed her eyes as the pain grew. In her mind, she saw something she did not know – what appeared to be a ballroom, one rather dark and foreboding in atmosphere. In the centre of it was a woman with oddly coloured skin, wearing a red dress, with flowing long locks and curved swords. It felt like she knew this woman, but from where, Priscilla did not know. Yet also there was...Tara, holding what appeared to be a double-edged sword. And Nathan was there, in the suit she had seen him in earlier that day. But there was another Nathan beside him.

"Two Nathans? Tara...?" Priscilla grunted. "Ah!"

In her mind, more visions appeared. At first, they made little sense to her, but the things she saw felt familiar. Being inside the Royal Blue Academy, and being told by Nathan to run for her life. Staying in her family's house by herself, watching outside the window as horrid monstrous things crawled by. Then there was a time she went outdoors, only to see her parents lying on the ground – dead.

"No! Father...Mother...did those...things do that too you!? What is happening here?!"

Priscilla screamed then, but when the monsters advanced on her, something clicked.

She called out a word, one which felt incredibly familiar to her: "Persona!" There was a flash of blue light, and then a strange feminine figure appeared and destroyed the Shadows, using ice magic.

From that moment on, the visions accelerated in her head, and they were becoming familiar. She recognised a basement, where she and others were hiding. The leader was a young girl, with an innocent face and a pure heart. Aimee, Priscilla recalled. Then there was Dan, Blaine's friend from Kanaloa. A boy in a wheelchair – Serena's schoolmate. A strange girl in a fancy dress with turquoise hair – that had to be 'Seraphina', but Priscilla thought she looked an awful lot like Stella Cleon.

"Are these...my memories? But none of this has ever happened in this world..." Priscilla said. Her words, however, made her reflect on something. How did Nathan really meet his new friends? And what was it they did that required meeting up so often?

Finally, there was a vision of people walking into the hidden base. There was Amara, the artist for Real People. Serena, the school girl with a penchant for writing. Blaine, the barman from Kanaloa. And that man, with curled red hair, crisp blue suit, and a polite smile – it had to be her Nathan.

"So...that's what you're up to?" Priscilla said, stunned. Her Nathan had always been brave. Yet he had been coming to that other world, probably since June, to defeat those monsters. And the others had joined him, no doubt on the same mission. It must have been dangerous, to go there so many times. Yet her Nathan would never leave anyone in trouble – even if it was a darker form of her own city.

I should be mad, but...no, I shouldn't. I should be proud. To have such a brave man as my fiancé. Nathan, I...I wish you had told me some of this, even if it is bizarre, but...

"Come home!" She suddenly screamed, racing to the living room window. "I know you'll be back! You have to come home! I'll be waiting...always!"

|Mansion of Maladies – Ballroom of Regrets|3:15 am|

The area was quiet, as the four warriors laid on the floor, unmoving. Josephine turned her back, eyes to the sky. The fierce battle seemed to be over, yet it ended horribly. Their land – and their hopes – would soon be torn asunder, and Janus would build nothing to replace it.

"It seems the end has come..."

"You might be right, Josephine, but not in the way you'd think."

She gasped, and turned around, open-mouthed in surprise. Among the rubble scattered across the floor, the two Nathans had arose. Against the odds, they had survived, and gazed at her, brimming with confidence.

"You ought to remember, Josephine." Nathan said. "The Albion spirit, that kept the family strong throughout the centuries. At its core, it means never giving up. Many may try to stand in our way. We might lose some of battles, but...the Albion family will never lose the war!"

"Exactly." Other Nathan said. "All this sadness, brought upon by Janus, might be daunting...but we can blow it away, again and again! My father didn't lead the company just because he inherited it. He had that same vigour. Nothing scared him away from doing what was right. And that, Josephine, is what we heirs have inherited!"

Nathan and his counterpart stared at each other, and nodded. The two Chulainns appeared, and shook hands firmly. Holding their weapons high, and their capes flapping, they clashed their spears. This instantly caused a giant tornado of green, billowing wind to appear, roaring high above the entire Donatella Mansion. It expanded, and enraptured Josephine. Try as she might, she was powerless before this hurricane. The wind bombared her, piercing her darkly created body.

While the storm was raging, Priscilla stirred. She saw Josephine being assaulted by the fierce winds, and sat up in shock. The two Nathans were standing close together, concentrating all their power into the storm.

"You two...you're okay?" Tara asked, also now awake.

"Of course they are!" Priscilla said, in admiration. "Nathan, the scion of the Albion clan...he will never stay down!"

"Looks that way. Nathan! Finish this! For us!" Tara cheered.

Both Nathans looked at them briefly, and gave the girls a thumbs up. Nathan was just relived to see them still alive, after that awful assault from Josephine. Destiny was on his side after all.

The two Cu Chulainns took their spears, and sent them floating into each other. Now, they were melding into an even stronger Gae Bolg, with a grand spearhead sharp enough to cut through diamonds.

Through prosperity and crisis, our inner strength shall prevail. For no matter what is thrown against us, it is in our blood that we can never fail. We shall ride the winds to the song of victory!

"This is it! Heir to the Wind!"

Both Personas grabbed the new Gae Bolg, and pinpointed Josephine, as her body was repeatedly span around by the tornado. Once sure they had their target, they threw the spear, which gathered the massive force of the cyclone. It pierced Josephine through the heart, and her cry of pain echoed through all over Nova Albion. The wind suddenly gathered into her, for one last blast, as the spear deepened its wound.

Josephine, now bested, fell to the ground with a heavy thud. Her swords disappeared too, and now the ball room was reverting to its first state. The walls were now back, the chandeliers were on the ceiling and lit with ordinary flame, and there was a pleasant garden outside the windows.

"Nathan!" Priscilla screamed. She and her future husband ran to each other, embracing tightly. Tara looked at Nathan, who raised his arms. They embraced, as friends, all elated to still be alive. Had things turned out differently, this may have lead to the end of their journey.

"Wond...erful." Josephine uttered. Her form slowly changed back to a human, but her strength was completely gone. She kneeled on the floor, staring at her transparent hands and legs. "You really are your father's child, Nathan. Priscilla and Tara, however, saw you through. Never forget what they have sacrificed..."

"Josephine." Nathan said. "It looks like this is it..." Tara put a hand on his shoulder, staring at their fading foe.

"There's something I must say." Other Nathan said. "Now is the last time we'll have this chance. I hated you for so long. You, my father's lover...and murderer. The one who took his life's work, and used it for evil. Tell me...was it all so you could have eternal youth?"

Josephine stared at him, and for the first time, he saw a warmth in her eyes. Almost motherly. Normally, meeting her made his skin crawl. But not tonight.

"Not entirely..." Josephine said. "Your father certainly helped me feel young. He had such ambition, even in his adult years. Having a family certainly never slowed him down. I like to think he gave me some of his energy...to never feel old and useless. Yet there was someone I did want to see again, more than anyone else."

"Your husband?" Priscilla asked.

"Yes. Dear Arthur...he was a lot like your father, Nathan. Perhaps...I will show you one of my fondest memories of him. Here we go, to the city of Rome..."

|June 20th 1982|Rome, Italy – The Colosseum|13:05|

To be taken to one of the most famous landmarks in the planet was an amazing experience, even if one did it the normal way via tourism and waiting in line ages for a ticket, maybe having an ice cream. Yet going here this way was something else.

"Holy hell!" Nathan said, stunned. He had come here before, many years ago with Priscilla, but to see it again still amazed him. It looked a little different from when he went, but it was still recognisable, a landmark of the city and a glimpse into the life of the Romans.

"Now this is something!" Tara said, in awe. "I wish my camera would work here..."

"Getting ideas for a honeymoon?" Other Nathan asked his counterpart, smirking.

"Well, perhaps. Going to Paris seems like such a cliché." Nathan said.

Just then however, two people walked by. One was dressed in a long blue dress, and had long brown hair down to her mid-back. In her arm was a handsome, blonde man, dressed in a black coat that was fluttering in the wind.

"Josephine?" Priscilla asked.

"And that must be...Arthur." Tara said, surprised.

Correct. A teacher from Canterbury. We met one summer in my hometown of Palermo. From the day I met him, I knew I was in love. Luckily, he was the exact same. I'll let you understand what we are saying...

The past Josephine started speaking, but in Italian. Neither of the others were fluent, and couldn't process her speech. Yet, they suddenly heard her voice, but in English.

"Arthur. If you have lived in Roman times, would you have become a gladiator?" Josephine asked, giggling at the thought.

"Me?" Arthur said, laughing. "You're joking, aren't you? The pen is mightier than the sword. And easier to lift up, too."

"Still, it must have been strange, living in a time where people cheered to see fighters trying to kill each other." Josephine remarked. "At least in boxing or wrestling, they won't necessarily die at the end..."

"Thank goodness for books, eh?" Arthur said, hand on his wife's shoulder. "I must say...this has been an incredible honeymoon. Rome was everything you said it'd be."

"What are you talking about?" Josephine said. "I've never been here before, remember? Until I met you, I had only seen Palermo and Naples!"

"Ah, but you did say that you'd much rather come here than Paris." Arthur pointed out, playfully poking her nose. She laughed. "After all, 'where else can you find better pasta'?"

Josephine smiled, and gazed longingly into her husband's light green eyes. "Paris can wait. Once we get home, we'll be busy..."

"True. You'll be off studying how to make computer programs in 'Fortran'. And I'll be teaching psychology at college..." Arthur said. "But there is something I have thought about."

"What?" Josephine asked, happily.

"Have you heard of a city called New Motus?" He asked.

Josephine blinked with surprise. "Um...yes, now and again. It's supposed to be an amazing place. Somehow, I don't think it's as magical as here."

"Maybe not. But...their education system is thriving. And so are their technology firms. Albion Inc in particular." Arthur said. "So...perhaps someday, assuming things don't go belly-up, we could think about living there."

She gasped. "But Arthur, it's quite far away! Could we really just pack up everything and head on over there, to a place we've never seen?"

"I know it won't be all that easy. But you said it yourself. We might as well give things a try, or we'll regret it. A man once said, "I look at things that never were, and say 'why not?'." Arthur said. "Don't think about it too much. We've still got some time here."

"Well, maybe that can be our next holiday." Josephine said, thinking. "I don't care where we go, as long as I'm with you."

"You say that, my love, but last night we ate at the eleventh restaurant we looked at..." Arthur said, chuckling. The two newly-weds had their arms around each other, and basked in the sunshine as they made their way around the glorious amphitheatre.

"That was nice..." Tara said, smiling. "Maybe me and Adrian will be like that in your world."

"Or you and Matthew in this one." Priscilla stated. Tara gasped, and shook her head. "No?"

"He's...more like a brother." Tara said, awkwardly. "Besides, Keisha..."

"...I'm sorry." Priscilla said, shocked at herself.

"It's fine..." Tara said. "It's still not really sunk in yet. Once it's all over though...he'll be able to come to terms with it."

"Josephine. Um...thank you for showing us this." Nathan said. Other Nathan was quiet, still staring at the walking couple.

I was so young then...and so in love. Arthur and I were love's young dream. You can guess what happened next. We saw New Motus City, and we knew it was for us. So with all our savings, we relocated. He was right – we did very well for ourselves there. He was teaching in Nova Albion's best college, after all. And I found plenty of work, especially in networking. But...

"...It all came to an end." Other Nathan said, sadly. "Losing someone you love more than anybody in the world...there's no pain stronger."

"My life was a mess. Work kept me going, but I was on auto-pilot. I could switch off my heart as I typed in whatever code was needed. When I got home, though, all I wanted to do was to curl up in my chair, cry my eyes out, and sip wine. Meeting your father, however...changed that."

|14th April 1995|Albion Inc – Reginald's Office|

Josephine, now older, sat in front of the large desk Nathan knew from heart. His father's trusted workspace, that had a Windows 95 PC running on it. And there was a red-haired man sitting in front of her, clean shaven, with large eyebrows and a square jaw. On his desk was a framed family photograph, of him, his wife, and a young boy in between them.

"...Your father?" Tara asked.

"Reginald Percival Albion." Other Nathan said. "Dad...I can't believe I get to see him again..."

"He's just as I remember." Priscilla said, smiling. "He was always so supportive of us. It's...good to see him at his prime."

"You certainly have a lot of experience, Ms. Johnson." Reginald said, eyeing her resume. "And your past employers are practically singing their praises. At this point, I can't think of any reason why I shouldn't hire you."

"Thank you, Mr Albion. Are there any other questions?" Josephine asked nervously.

"Actually, no. You're the best candidate I've seen this week." Reginald said firmly. "We need someone of your calibre. We're in desperate need of someone who knows their way around a LAN. And you're Cisco certified – with high results."

"Does that mean...I'm hired?" Josephine asked.

Reginald chuckled, and she gulped, nervous. "I think it does. Congratulations, Ms Johnson. From now on, you're one of the family. Call me Reggie."

"Doesn't Serena talk about someone with that name sometimes?" Tara asked.

"Oh yeah, some guy who 'takes names'." Nathan said. "I never did figure out what that meant..."

"Alright then...Reggie." Josephine said, with a slight smile. "I must say, that's a lovely picture you have there."

"Thanks!" Reginald said, gazing at it. "That's my wife, Daphne. We've been married for twenty years this year, actually. And that lad there? That's my little Nathan. Eleven years old, and the top of his class! He's so polite all the time. Always holding doors open for everyone. I tell you, he's going to be a fine man someday."

Other Nathan gulped. He stared closely at his father, who was looking at the Albion family picture with great fondness.

"He certainly does take after you." Josephine said, looking at the photo. "Is red hair the Albion family trait?"

"Well, my father and grandfather had it, and my son does too. Looks like us redheads are here to stay!" Reginald said, happily. "So, what are you up to the rest of the day? Going out with your husband?"

Josephine stared at him, face pale with horror. Knowing he had made a wrong turn, he shook his head, and stopped smiling.

"Oh, I see...I wasn't thinking. Forgive me." He said.

"It's alright..." Josephine said. "If that's all, I'll see you on Monday." She got up from the black leather chair, and started to walk towards the door.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you, then. And if you want, feel free to come in here for a chat." Reginald said. "Think of me as a friend, as well as an employer."

"You're very kind." Josephine said, smiling. "Arrivederci!"

"Complimenti." Reginald said. She turned around, in surprise, and saw him smile widely. "I don't often get to practice my Italian. Another benefit to having you here, right?"

"I don't recall it being in my job description, but...maybe a few pointers here and there wouldn't do any harm." Josephine said, winking. He chuckled, and waved her farewell, returning to his game of Solitaire.

Both Nathans watched, as she headed for the elevator, smiling for what was probably the first time in a long while. Nathan would have been happy for her if it was any other man. Alas...it was his married father. And that friendship would soon turn to forbidden romance.

"Are you alright?" Tara asked. "...At least she didn't show you the worst parts."

"I'm fine..." Other Nathan said. "I just...seeing my father, trying to be so suave...it's like being back in time!"

"We...actually are." Priscilla said, staring at the desk calendar. It was turned to April 1995. "Oh Nathan, I...I understand. I never thought I'd see your father ever again. And to see him so full of life, it was..."

My apologies. I knew neither of you would want to see the more intimate moments of our relationship...so I chose the one you would appreciate the most, Nathan. He was proud of you. He told everyone about your achievements. How you protected a friend from bullies, or how you got into the school play. To hear him talk so fondly of being a father was nice, although...it reminded me of one thing. Me and Arthur never got around to starting a family. I would never feel Reginald's joy as a parent.

"Life...is unfair, isn't it?" Tara asked, glum.

"Indeed it is." Nathan said. "If your husband had lived, who knows? You may have simply been my father's friend. And if you were blessed to have children, I may have been their friend."

"Nathan...?" Priscilla said, stunned.

"Even so, with everything that happens, we learn from our mistakes. We deal with the past. That's all we can do, no matter how cruel fate is. I've learned one thing, and that's to cherish the happiest days." He looked over to Priscilla, smiling.

You have a strength millions would yearn for. Never waste it, Nathan. There is one more thing I shall show you...

|January 10th 2001|Takanawa - Ethan's Apartment|19:50 pm|

"Huh? Where is this?" Tara asked. There were in a plainly decorated, mostly white apartment. In the kitchen area, there was a table, with six people eating some rather meaty spaghetti.

"Of all the days to skip dinner..." Priscilla said, gazing at the meal jealously. "Hold on. That's – Carlos!"

"And Pierre, too!" Tara said. "It's – the Ater Vox!"

Nathan walked up closer, next to Josephine's seat. She was eating some garlic bread, which looked to have been freshly baked earlier.

"Um...thank you so much for the help, Josephine." Ethan said, shyly. "If you hadn't come round, this meal would have been a disaster."

"Don't put yourself down so much." Josephine said. "If you give up before you even start, you won't end up with anything."

"It's just like being in Rome." Archibald said, digging into another meatball. Josephine stared at her wedding finger, longingly. "Something I said?"

"Oh, never mind me." Josephine said, brushing it off. "Making fresh pasta brings back a lot of memories, that's all."

"You should have seen Ethan at the karaoke bar with us, guys." Carlos said, grinning. "He sings one song, and all the girls are crowding around him!"

"Oh?" Josephine said, amused. "Not only is Mr Quiet a good programmer, a potential master Italian chef, and a backgammon player...he's a Casanova too?"

Nina frowned at Carlos, and looked at the blushing Ethan. "Oh, come on. Now you're just embarrassing him, and after he made such a great meal!"

"Reminds me of her sister." Nathan said, poignant. "Serena once told us to stop teasing Zao...I wish we had listened."

"Hey, tell her what he sang." Pierre said, sniggering.

"My Heart Will Go On." Carlos said, with gleeful delight. Ethan practically sank into his chair, face red as the tomatoes that went into the sauce.

"Oh, well we can't have that." Archibald said, smirking. "We might need a new member for our team, if that's the taste of music we have to put up with."

"Guys!" Nina said, exasperated. "You probably dared him, or poured booze down his neck..."

"Hey, he was having a good time by the time we were done. Sure had the ladies eyeing him up, too." Carlos said, winking. Nina glared, looking as if she was about to strangle him. "Easy there, senorita. Even after a beer or five, he was hiding under tables to keep away from them. Took us some time to get him home."

"Under tables?" Ethan asked, flustered. "I don't remember that..."

"Not even when you ended up licking that girl's high heel?" Pierre said, laughing. "Seriously, though. You ought to just lighten up and have some fun."

"He's right. You've got some great talents, but you've spent way too long avoiding other people. You need more friends than just the five of us." Carlos said, pouring everyone more white wine.

"Well, if you say so..." Ethan said. He smiled, a rare expression for him at this time. "But even if I just had you, that'd be okay. Maybe less alcohol next time, though."

"Don't worry so much. I've spent a long time as a loner. Trust me, it's no life at all." Archibald said. "I'm glad I asked you to join me, you know. It's certainly done you a world of good. Perhaps you could liven up this place a little bit, though."

"Oh, leave that to me." Pierre said, hand on Ethan's shoulder. "I've got some great interior design ideas already. This will be a chateau like no other!"

"You're turning this place into a cake?" Josephine asked, confused. Pierre stared at her strangely, while Carlos and Nina held in their amusement. "Oh, now I see. Perhaps I should have picked Paris for that honeymoon after all..."

The six of them continued to eat, making idle conversation, such as Carlos' summer trip to visit his daughter, or Pierre discussing Cyrano de Bergerac at great length. Nina talked to Ethan about her family,, and Archibald launched into an all-important debate with Josephine – ZX Spectrum or Commodore 64?

"Well, that's easy." Nathan said. "Speccy, all the way."

"I don't even know what those are..." Tara said. The two Nathans stared at her, in utter shock. She gulped, unsure if they were teasing or not. "Ehehe...sorry. I was never a techy person."

"Nathan showed me the ZX Spectrum long ago. We had some fun messing around. Those were some good afternoons..." Priscilla said.

"The best." Other Nathan said. "It's...a great shame things couldn't have stayed this way. That Janus...they destroyed this group's friendship. And for what? Just to cast the world into nothingness! That bastard!"

"I understand. Yet, being able to see this dinner one more time is enough. Now I can leave this world. Let us return."

The apartment disappeared, and the group returned to their own era.

|Mansion of Maladies – Ballroom of Regrets|3:25 am|

The ballroom came back into view. Nathan had seen much of the past tonight, but that would stop here. The future was still to come.

"That...is all I can show you." Josephine said. "This body will vanish very shortly. All that dreadful power I once coveted, too. I hope my colleagues can find peace. Ethan, bless him, will need all the help he can get. Please, go to him now."

"...We will." Priscilla said. "I promise."

"So do I. I've spent too long viewing you as my arch-enemy. The harlot who stole my father's heart, and destroyed my family. I can't quite forgive you for that, Josephine...but I know one thing. You're as human as the rest of us." Other Nathan said. "So...I shouldn't waste any more hatred on you. You can rest in peace."

Josephine stared at him in great shock. Yet, upon a moment's thought, a smile came to her spectral face. "Your father would be proud, Nathan. Your mother too. Someday, you will recover from the damage my actions have caused. I hope so..."

"Have no fear. Priscilla, Tara, and everyone else will be there with me." Other Nathan said. "All of us will be rebuilding our lives. Yet we shall do so together. Now, please...go and rest. Leave Janus to us."

"One last thing..." Josephine said. "In Palermo...I have a sister." Nathan thought back to the letter he had stumbled across. Josephine talked about spending time with her sister and nieces – that, however, was not what Nathan had focused on at the time. "Her name is Philomena. A far more selfless woman than I. She and her daughters haven't seen me in ten years, and have no idea what has become of me. Please, if you can...tell them that I love them, dearly."

"...I will." Other Nathan said.

Suddenly, from out of the vortex, a person appeared. His blonde, swept-back hair, and his green eyes caused Josephine to gasp, but as he came closer, she smiled, and shed a tear of joy. The man was a bookish looking one, wearing an red plaid vest over a white shirt.

"Arthur..." Josephine said. "Even after everything I've done...you're here for me?"

He nodded, and gently took her hand. Nathan noticed – her wedding ring was there. He had never seen her wear it in this world, until now. She fell into his arms, and let her caress her head.

She looked back at Nathan and his allies, as did her husband. Other Nathan smiled, and waved farewell. The others hesitated, but they joined in. Now, Josephine could finally let everything go. She took her husband's hand, and together, they walked into the vortex of energy – which vanished. Now, the mansion was still, and there was not even a scratch from the battle.

"That's...that, then." Priscilla said, relieved. "Josephine won't have to be used by Janus anymore."

"Right. Janus can try as hard as it wants, but it's not wiping out this city." Tara said. "Let's go. We'll leave this mansion in the past, where it belongs." She headed out of the ballroom. Priscilla hesitantly left too – deciding to give Nathan some time alone.

"This is the end of an era, you could say." Other Nathan said. "The lady I hated for ten years...she's gone. I can finally get past the thirst for revenge."

"I'm glad to hear it." Nathan said. "Knowing my father had her for a mistress was painful. Yet now I'm glad I got to see her for what she was. A human being."

"When people are consumed by hatred, they can't see things for what they really are." Other Nathan said. "I'll remember this for as long as I live. To never let hate blind me again."

"I was hoping to finally find closure..." Nathan said. "And I think I got it. If we had fought as enemies, I doubt I'd walk away happily. But now I think we can."

Other Nathan smiled, and shook his counterpart's hand. "Meeting you has been one interesting – and confusing – experience. Let's see it through to the end, shall we?"

"Of course." Nathan said. "Even Janus can't stop the Albion clan!"

The two of them walked out of the ballroom, leaving it behind forever. Nathan and friends were now on route Amurdad, where a dear friend was fighting for survival.