AN: And we're finally here. I'm sorry once again for the massive schedule slip. It was just difficult to find the time to write this chapter, but thankfully I managed to finally get this one out. And we're nearly at the end of this last arc, too. Thanks once again for reading! Here we go!
Chapter 109: Pursuing the Past
|Palatial Antiquity|
Ethan almost toppled over as he was pulled inside the palace. As he suspected, the inside looked very much like the palace from Amurdad – but the majestic beauty seemed to be becoming warped, once glorious features looking twisted out of proportion.
"This place...again?" Ethan said. "Are memories such as these doomed never to fade? I must find -"
There was a faint red glow above him. There, floating in the air, was the crystal that had encased Ashi. Frantic, Ethan immediately summoned Sraosha, and began a sequence of his best magic.
"Are you still trying to prove that you have a right to redemption?" Nihane's voice boomed throughout the palace. "Very well. You know where to find us. Show me how much you want to save her!"
Nihane...
Ethan, exhausted, tried one more Prism Apex. But despite the brilliance of light, Sraosha couldn't even crack the crystal cage. Ashi's screams were muffled by the density of her walls, but Ethan could still her her anquish.
"I'm – I'm going to save you!" He yelled. However, she began to float up, unable to avert the course her father had forced her on. With no other choice, Ethan began to run up the familiar staircases. He could see where she was fated to arrive, the same arena where Ethan and another Nihane had collided.
While the universe seemed to have frozen, Ethan knew the clock was ticking. If Ashi found out her true name and identity, who knows how she would face this truth...
|Castello Di Falso Amore|
"Unbelievable..."
Nathan couldn't believe his eyes. Just moments ago, he and his two companions had walked down a gloomy, dimly lit corridor into the darkness. Before Roger could even think to pull out his flashlight, however, their view completely changed.
They were now in a city completely different than any they had ever seen before. Nathan briefly wondered if they were in Rome, a city that he knew was important to Josephine – and now to himself. Yet he didn't recognise this beautiful area at all. They were standing on the shore of a long, white beach. On the land were many tall white buildings, glistening in the hot sun, while the seas were crystal clear, full of blue colours shimmering – again, in the radiant sunlight.
"Incredible...it's even better than our beach!" Priscilla said. "And look! That mountain over there...where are we? Is this Italy?"
"Man, I wish I could have traveled more...sure, I got to get my degree in the USA, but that was nothing like this. Although I sure got to party during Spring Break. I think I broke at least five hovercraft..."
"Ah, the college days..." Nathan said. "During term times, we were perfect students. Then came Spring Break, and...well, I was out all night with my fellow students. Hitting all the best pubs, the trendiest clubs, and without an upcoming test to study for, we went crazy. Apparently, one night I was trying to climb up a tree in nothing but my underwear...and I woke up with cat scratches all over me."
"...Man, if we all had gone to college together, it would have been awesome." Roger said, laughing. "But, back on track – where are we? Sure is pretty, but I don't know it."
"I think this must be..." Priscilla said, pondering. "...Palermo. Josephine was born here."
"That's right! And her sister Philomena is still here!" Nathan said. "This isn't the real Palermo, of course. This has to be some kind of construct made from Josephine's mind. We've got to get into the town itself, anyway we can!"
"Yes, absolutely." Priscilla said. "Josephine doesn't need to suffer anymore. I...I'm through with resentment."
"You sure are big-hearted folks, forgiving her like that." Roger said. "...But that's why I love hanging out with this team. Come on, let's go show Nihane what we think of his little puppet show."
The three moved onward, their feet plunging through the sand. While now a place of serene beauty, Palermo was going to become a war zone soon...
|Qaleat 'Ami|
This castle, appearing in Farawell, was gold on the outside. Inside, however, was nothing that Amara had expected to see. The group were standing in a large aeroplane, in the aisle. And the instant they appeared, the plane came in to land, causing Amara to nearly fall over.
"Whoa!" Amara yelled. "Sophie, Karen, are you okay?"
"We're both safe and sound." She said. "This plane. It completed this journey long ago, Amara. And one inhabitant in particular didn't want to disembark."
"What?" Karen asked. "This is a memory of a flight? It does feel rather nineties..."
Suddenly, the images of many passengers appeared. They filed out of the plane, one by one, and Amara vaguely recognised them. A girl with red hair, holding her mother's hand. An Asian teenager, laughing happily with her older sister. And last to leave were...
"Dad?" Amara said. "Mum? And...that's me!"
The two adults, looking weary, practically had to drag the young Amara – dressed in a yellow dress and white shoes, with her hair down to her neck – off the plane. With that, everything went silent again, and the plane remained still in the runway of New Motus Airport.
"You were determined to force your parents to return home. You had never known anything outside your home country, after all. At that age, a child can see change as a frightening menace." Sophie said. "Despite all the promises your parents made about how wonderful living in New Motus City would be, you weren't having any of it. Not sitting on this plane for hours. Not leaving behind your friends at school, or that old house."
"...I was an idiot." Amara said. "Living here has been the best thing I could have ever asked for. Although there was a time I wanted nothing more than to just run away, to escape remembering him."
"It wasn't easy, dealing with Janus and their schemes." Karen said. "Still, I think this city is better off, for having all of us in it. Even as an adult, you stayed right here, and made a new life for yourself. That's something I couldn't do."
"Thank you, Karen." Amara said, smiling. "I never thought I'd see my own life flash before my eyes – literally. Sophie, do you have any clue what's happening?"
"Listen carefully. These castles have been composed from the formless energy that was generated from the Divine Spark. Without form or body, they have absorbed billions of memories and emotions. The spirits of the Ater Vox are doubtless fabricating landscapes from their pasts in the other five. Yet this one, Amara, it is full of the times you shared with your mother, your father, and Tomas."
Him, too? The first time I ever met him was when I got to spend the day at work with Dad. It was really boring, until he showed up and started talking to me about German artwork. He didn't just want to be my dad's friend, he wanted to be mine to. And he still is, bless him. I'm going to have to introduce Marcel to him sometime.
"That means, if we leave this plane, we're going to see more of Amara's childhood years?" Karen asked.
"I'm certain of it" Sophie said. "We need to keep proceeding, until we reach the ghosts of the past. Those being fragments of the Nullity Masquerade. They seem to have latched onto Amara's sadness over what become of her family. Her beloved father, who was the best art critic she would ever know. Tomas, a stranger who would become her uncle. And Ayodele, a mother whose love never left."
"Nihane - the old one - is using my past to strike us down?" Amara said. The words left a horrid taste in her mouth. "No! I'm not going to stand for that! I don't care who or what is impersonating my mother, but the longer it keeps up the charade, the more its going to suffer! Let's go, everyone. We've got to get through the past and get back to the present!"
Quickly, Amara ran out, and the others followed. Where this 'castle' would lead next, she didn't know – but it would be familiar for her regardless.
|Castello Di Falso Amore|
After wading across the shore of Palermo, the three in Nathan's team were confronted with furious and violent Shadows. Yet, seasoned fighters by now, they cut a path through them, eager to reach the end of this 'Castle'. Somewhere, they would find the Other Nathan, once again separated from Priscilla.
Soon enough, they arrived at a new location – a beautiful villa, most likely Josephine's home. It was white, with columns around, and a fairly big pool outside. It didn't seem to match the Josephine of the Ater Vox at all, with her dark, almost Gothic costumes and her flirtatious voice. The view of the shore and the mountains was a sight to behold. Had events turned out differently, Josephine would have likely stayed here for the rest of her life.
"Wow!" Priscilla said, staring at a framed photograph over a mantelpiece. It was of Josephine, a young bride, dressed in a long white dress with her hair down to her shoulders. Arthur was standing proudly next to her, in a dashing black suit. "She looks so happy..."
"That must have been a wonderful day." Nathan said. Of course it was. She got to marry the one she loved the most. I wouldn't trade that for the world.
"I dunno much about this Arthur guy, but...it's a real shame he died young." Roger said, solemnly. "Course, nothing we can do about that now."
"Yes, although Josephine still isn't being allowed to rest in peace." Priscilla said. "As much as I may have hated her, I don't want her suffering to continue."
"You're right. She and Arthur ought to be able to be together after all this time." Roger said. "We gotta keep looking for the way forward. We've got to save Nathan No. 2, right?"
"Yes. And we will." Priscilla said. "Always getting into trouble, isn't he? Of course, whatever happens, I'll be there to save the day."
"I'm surprised. I thought you'd be more worried." Nathan said.
"A year ago, I would have been. But now I've seen just how strong and brave my Nathan really can be. Of course, that strength is ours now. If he can't use it, then I will. And I'll lay waste to the legions of Shadow ahead." Priscilla said.
With that proud proclamation, she marched onward, taking the group further through the places of Josephine's mind.
|Qaleat 'Ami|
Disembarking the plane had lead the team all over the city, yet as it was in the recent past. Amara saw places and people she had long since forgotten about. At her Primary School, she had once been friends with two class clowns, Kim and Jamie. They did not keep in touch after she left that school, however, and time had caused these memories to grow faint. Yet the two of them had continued their comedic ways, and in high school, they began a comedy routine.
Now those two have their own TV show. They're so funny, even when they're bitching at each other! I feel bad that I forgot they ever existed, though. They've probably forgotten all about me too. And I doubt some weird contrived sequence is going to make them remember me.
As time went by, however, she saw more sombre memories. Places she had been with her mother, such as a charming library filled with flowers that had none of the stuffiness of Appleyard. There, Amara had borrowed book after the other, mostly ones that had techniques on how to draw. Next, there was a children's birthday party, for a girl Amara only barely remembered. Her mother had been there, however, and that was what stuck in Amara's mind.
Strange. Seeing this made me realise something. After school, I didn't hang out much with these kids. College is over, and Michelle and the others are so busy with their own lives, they barely have the time to ask how I'm doing. Is that going to happen with my best friends, too?
"What a cute little party! I almost wish those cupcakes were edible." Karen said.
"Their lurid pink hue is alarming. I imagine if I were to consume one, my whole being would bear that unearthly colour." Sophie said.
"They look too sweet to you?" Amara said, rolling her eyes.
"Exactly." Sophie said. "Still, this must have been somewhat memorable for you."
"Yes. My mother was here with me. She got me to show everyone the drawings I brought with me. And we got to do face-painting, the only time I ever did that. I think I ended up looking like a mutant zebra." Amara said, chuckling.
"We shouldn't linger. Tomas and Rudo's souls have been bewitched again." Sophie said. "And though your mother's doppelganger may be false, her image alone will stir unrest in those that remember her."
"I know." Amara said. "Time to get out of here. We've got a family gathering to prepare for!"
|Castello Di Falso Amore|
Exploring Italy had been fascinating, of course, but they knew that Josephine's destiny was to reach New Motus City. And so they were whisked away to Albion Inc's reception, albeit as it were in the early 90's. Nathan recognised the older design of the building, prior to several revamps in his adult years. He had been taken by his mother to meet up with his father here, so they could have a day out as a family.
"So this is when Josephine started working here, right?" Roger asked.
"Most likely. It's here that she fell for my father." Nathan said.
She must have been so alone without Arthur. Not that it excuses what she did with my father, of course. But when your future is ripped right out of you, you can't stand the emptiness inside. You need something, anything to fill that void. That must have been what Josephine felt, and what led her to carry on seeing my father.
I wonder if I ever saw her when she was working here? Perhaps I saw her working in an office, but didn't pay her any special attention? The idea that I would somehow wander through her memories is a twisted one, but alas, a ghost from the past has put his plans into motion.
"This is one nice building." Roger said, impressed. "If we can get Albion Inc. up and running in our world, just think what we can accomplish."
"I doubt it'll be all that easy to restore a company like this to its former glory. Not after what Nihane has done to it." Priscilla said.
"Ah, you don't see it my way. I can see the potential in anything." Roger said. "Just imagine it. Me and Nathan – your Nathan – working together to build up our business empires. The city won't know what hit it!"
"You sound confident." Nathan said, impressed.
"Course I am. Kanaloa men have gotta be to make it in this world. Especially now." Roger said. "But that can wait. We've got an appointment upstairs."
He walked up to the elevator, and pressed the doorbell. To their surprise, the doors opened, revealing several Shadows. The battle to the top of the business ladder was a tough one, it seemed. The icy storm created by these three combats, however, was more than enough to destroy the uninvited guests.
"I'd consider that a rather fair dismissal." Nathan said.
"If I could, buddy, I'd dock your wages for that." Roger said.
"Oh, leave him alone." Priscilla said, amused. "Up we go!"
Inside the spacious elevator, there were many buttons to choose from. Yet the moment Nathan raised his finger to press one, all but one of them cracked and turned dark. Leaving only the highest level. Knowing full well what was ahead, he pressed it, and soon enough, the elevator began the ascent.
Josephine. Your family now know that they'll never see you again. Was there any way I could have saved you from last year's destiny? For ten long years, your sister longed to find out what had happened to you – no, she wanted to see you again.
The least I can do for you and your family now is to spare you from any more pain. Even if we must do battle once again.
The elevator finally stopped, and the doors opened. They were now on the hugely spacious top floor, where those who had climbed the ranks of Albion Inc. could be proud of their achievements. Lying in wait in the centre of this floor, however, were none other than Josephine – plus two guests.
"Listen, my son, how would you like to go for a picnic next weekend? There's a nice park I know of where you can meet a lot of other kids your age. The weather's supposed to be good too! How about it?"
"I flew all the way here for you to tell me this?! This - this is unacceptable! How do you know my sister?! Why did she have to die so soon before this wreck of a city got liberated? What happened here?"
"That's Philomena, no doubt about it..." Priscilla said, anxiously. "I knew Philomena would be upset. But her words...I can still hear them. I doubt I'll ever forget that sound."
"You did the best you could, Priscilla." Nathan said, tenderly. "She had to hear the news from someone. Living in false hope would be far worse."
"That's what the other you said." Priscilla said. "...Wait! Nathan, where are you?!"
Roger pointed up ahead, to a large red crystal floating overhead. Within this was none other than Nathan Albion, banging desperately on the wall, but his fists just weren't enough to break through.
"Damn! Another fight to the death?!" Roger said, furious. "All because Janus' minions couldn't let us be free..."
"This is...despicable. How can a phantom like Nihane Kronos cause so much chaos hundreds of years on?" Nathan asked. "I'll put an end to him as soon as we're done here!"
Reginald did not respond to his son's proclamation. Rather, he conjured up a Persona of his own, Reverse Cu Chulainn. In turn, Philomena summoned Reverse Scathach. In the centre of this dark formation, a red-eyed and stoic Josephine unleashed Cybele. She may not have had control of herself, but her power remained just as earth-shattering as before.
|Qaleat 'Ami|
The final destination of this journey into Amara's memories, predictably, lead to her family home. Today, only Rudo still lived there, but with few exceptions, Amara had never passed up a chance to visit her father. The long walk up to the front doors, with flowers carefully arranged just the way her mother had liked them. This had never changed, not even slightly.
Karen and Sophie, were by Amara's side, admiring the view. It must have been hard for them to imagine why Amara would settle for living in a small flat, instead of continuing to reside in this large manor.
I needed to spread my wings, and find my own home. Not that this place ever stopped being my home, though.
She pushed the door open, and predictably, no one was inside. The house hadn't changed much since her childhood, aside from a few different tables and chairs. Yet she saw a few plush toy animals on the sofa, ones that had been locked away never to be seen again. There was a giraffe, a polar bear, a penguin and a guinea pig, all with cute smiling faces – on animals with no ability to smile in real life. Amara had reflected on this irony once, in a rather esoteric painting of hers.
"I remember those! Mum bought me them. When she died, I couldn't bear to look at them, so Dad locked them away in a box. I dunno what happened to them..." Amara said.
"You were so young, and yet your world had fallen apart." Karen said, gently.
"Not exactly. She rebuilt that world from the ashes. Or more apt, she took the canvas and painted a new dream over it." Sophie said.
"Paint...? That's it! We have to go to my room!" Amara said. Without any further explanation, she ran up the stairs, and found her room on the right. She practically threw the door open, to find a bright pink room with a lilac carpet. Almost every inch of the wall was covered in some artwork or another, but there was one to the right of her bedroom window that was much different than the rest.
"There's a lot of children's drawings, but this one's the nicest. What is it?" Sophie asked.
"It's a sunset vista. Breathtaking." Karen said. "Just like the end of many plays, where they ride off into the sunset."
Amara gazed happily into the painting, of a sunset looking over a sandy beach. To see the radiant hues reflected on the ocean waves was spectacular. Amara had never painted this herself, of course – not at the age of 7.
"Where did this come from?" Amara asked out loud. "It's beautiful. Did I throw this away after Mum -"
Suddenly, Amara felt a shiver down her spine. She could hear a voice, calling out to her. In fact, more than one – two male voices, chanting a name. Her own.
Dad? Tomas? Are you in there?
Suddenly, the glass in the frame broke apart, and the room melted away before her eyes. Amara and her friends were now standing on soft stand, bearing the hue of the sunset. There was an ocean ahead of her, but it seemed still, with no waves coming.
"Holy cow...Are we IN the painting now?" Karen asked. "These shoes weren't meant for the beach! Why didn't I buy those flip flops at the time?"
"Is that seriously your gravest concern?!" Sophie asked, annoyed.
"I'm sorry, I..." Karen said, embarrassed. "Amara, did your mother buy this painting for you?"
"She didn't buy it." Amara said, confidently. "She...she made it herself! I saw her painting this! It's why I became an artist to begin with!"
As soon as she finished saying this, however, three spectral figures appeared. One, standing in the middle, was an expressionless woman, staring blankly ahead. The two on either side were much more animated.
Tomas and Rudo had indeed returned - in their human forms, but shrouded in a red mist. These weren't memories. These two were the real deal, given new bodies. Yet Ayodele was the one who was a hollow mimicry, barely registering her own daughter in front of her.
"My darling...you've finally come back!" Rudo said, overjoyed. He spread out his arms, preparing for her to rush into his embrace – but she did not even look at him. "...Ayo! Can you hear me? It's Rudo!"
"Save your breath, my friend." Tomas said, chuckling. "She cannot hear you. This is no Ayodele Furaha. Just a madman's hollow shell, given dark powers. Do you know who created this fabrication?"
"Tomas! Dad! Mum...!" Amara said. "You can hear me, can't you?!"
"Listen carefully, Rudo. The culprit is none other than your own daughter...!" Tomas yelled, pointing in the 'sky'. Above was the Other Amara, trapped in a red crystal. She was frozen with fear, unable to move in her cage. A phoenix that could not rise from its ashes.
"Wha...no! No! Don't listen to him, Dad!" Amara begged. "You can hear me, right?"
Rudo, distraught, looked at both incarnations of his daughter. Lips trembling, he looked back to his wife's image, who seemed to be looking at nothing in particular. Just staring straight ahead, like a zombie.
"This isn't my wife...not yet." Rudo said, delirious. "Her body's here, but there's no heart beating under the surface! The Ayodele I remember was active morning till night, and she laughed, cried, and cheered. Now I see it. Tomas, it's all because of the necklace!"
"What?!" Karen shouted. "Mr Furaha, why are you listening to this psychopath? Join us, not him!"
"No Karen, it is too late..." Sophie said, regretfully. "He's already fallen victim to falsehood..."
"Falsehood? What nonsense!" Tomas shouted, bashing the sand with his cane. "The day Ayodele died, she gave her necklace to her darling daughter, and with it, her soul! We are in a world where logic and reason has fallen into oblivion. But we can reshape this world, just as we planned to do last year! We must seize that necklace at all cost, and return it to the rightful owner. Only then will Ayodele begin to smile, and your new world can begin anew!"
Bursting out of his body was Belial, still in the form of a demonic Brad. Amara had never known the man when he was alive, but even now, she still pitied the men that were mutilated into weapons like these.
"...Then it must be so!" Rudo said. "Come! Nebiros!" Out appeared the Persona that had been formed from the tortured psyche of Nick.
Ayodele did not move, but she swung her arm, revealing a sword just like Amara's. It was rather obvious what was to come next. Within red smoke, there was a Persona – Reverse Nepthys.
"So this is the way it has to be?" Amara asked. "Fine. I'll put you to rest once again. Don't expect mercy from me anymore, Tomas. Father, I'll save you once more...and Mother too!"
|Castello Di Falso Amore|
With no other options, Nathan and his allies had to battle once more.
"Go! Masukukaja!" He cheered. Cu Chulainn faithfully complied, amplifying his human allies with agility. Nathan took advantage of this, and dodged a barrage of swings from the ghost of his father. "Eat this!" Their weapons clashed, but somehow, Nathan managed to push through and strike his father.
This assault, however, was about to be upstaged, and rather cruelly. Josephine fired a quick flurry of bullets, each one making their mark. Next, the ground beneath Nathan became a sickly dark green, and broke up and shot upwards. Then more and more crags erupted from the ground, jabbing into Nathan's body, until the platform beneath him crumbled, causing him to fall onto the rubble.
Priscilla, in her anger, hit Josephine from behind. Immediately afterwards, she leapt up, and kicked behind her – hitting Reginald in her jaw. Right then and there, she unleashed a chilling Bufudyne via Scathach, then rolled away to help Nathan up.
"Thanks." Nathan said, somewhat shaken from the assault.
"You guys better watch out!" Roger said, stabbing at Philomena. "Nathan, your dad's every bit as strong as you are. So basically, both sides are indestructible!"
"Janus also liked to boast, but I think we well and truly disabused it of its arrogance. These three ghouls have nothing on us!"
"Look at this, darling. Nathan's first suit. Fits him well, doesn't it?"
Reginald, like his son, commanded strong winds, as could be expected of a Reverse Cu Chulainn. A Magarudyne was summoned, ripping through the atmosphere.
"Ouch!" Roger cried.
"You aren't going to just stand there and take that punishment, are you?" Priscilla said. "We must fight!"
"I...I gotcha, okay! Cmon, Apsu, no need to be afraid of ghosts! Try this out! Aquadyne!"
The Sumerian's fresh water crashed down on Reginald, leaving him stunned – and Roger wasted no time, running forward and stabbing the apparition countless times.
"Josephine...you foolish girl! Why did you have to relocate here? If you had stayed with me and the children, you'd still be here today!"
Philomena, however, was channelling Reverse Scathach – and had already stumbled upon a favourite of Priscilla's, Crystal Queen. Before long, Roger was subjected to the cruel mercy of ice, a painful blast of graceful snow.
This may be a harsher battle than I realised...neither of us are healers. We'll have to endure everything they throw at us, and keep fighting them at our full strength.
"Begone! Garudyne!"
Philomena was struck by the piercing air of Cu Chulainn, sending her towards Roger. Furious, he gladly mauled her with his claws.
"Die already!" Roger screamed.
"Roger, please try to stay calm. We'll prevail. Prism Song!"
Priscilla and Scathach's combined melody created a pyramid of energy, with a swirling rainbow effect on all sides. It grew in size and ensnared Philomena, then exploded in a blindingly spectacular array of light and colour.
"Haven't seen that move for a little while..." Nathan said.
"I didn't expect I'd have to use it again, but alas..." Priscilla lamented.
Josephine, while quiet, decided to take action. Cybele granted her the three bonuses of Heat Riser, dramatically increasing her energy. Not wasting this potential, Josephine forced Cybele to extend her fierce blades. With ten fast strikes, she slashed at Priscilla, via Milliardo Pale.
"Argh!" Priscilla cried. "Why must fighting you always be so painful?"
"I think I remember hearing about that move – ow!" Roger was quickly knocked to the ground by the spectre of Nathan's father, and immediately shot from behind by Josephine. "Ugh...oh god, no!"
Cu Chulainn, or rather the reverse one, had appeared, carrying his trusty spear. Yet it was charging up with orange and pink energy. Roger tried to brace himself, but it was no use. Four mighty thrusts, aimed at each of his limbs, sent Roger sprawling painfully across the arena.
"Oh no! Roger!" Nathan shouted, rushing over. He swung Josephine out of the way with his weapon. Now closer to this phantom of his father, he shuddered at how lifelike it was. Even though it had been a long time since Reginald Albion had looked like this, this replica had the major details down. But not one iota of Reginald's ingenuity, ambition or loyalty had been carried over to this pitiful shell.
This is the work of that damned Trauma Shadow, isn't it?There's only one thing to do!
"Die!" Nathan cried, hitting his father at full force. As he was doing this, however, he saw Philomena and Reverse Scathach preparing a spell – Mabufudyne. Reacting quickly, he dashed over and grabbed Roger, dragging him to safety. Only Priscilla felt the brunt of the cold ice, but the genuine Scathach had no fear of the cold.
"Nathan, are you okay...?" Roger said, as he got to his feet.
"I'll be alright." Nathan said. "Can you fight?"
"Hehe..." Roger said, amused. "I might not be a young lad like you anymore, but I'm not going down that fast. C'mon, Apsu! Let's start one hell of an Ocean Stampede!"
Before any of the ghouls could start their next attack, dark mystic waves hit them from an unseen ocean. The water crashed over them, turning the field into a wetland of destruction.
"Spectacular, Roger!" Priscilla said. "Persona!"
Scathach, a regal Persona, began firing the Queen's Cannon, trapping Josephine and blasting her with a ray of ice. A miniature cannon flew upwards, preparing to fire from a distance.
"Yes!" Nathan cried. Just then, he gasped – the Reverse Scathach was right in front of him as well, her weapon lowered. Before he could do anything, his very being was chilled to the bone. Even though he was less susceptible than Amara, the freezing temperature and force of the ray were truly intolerable.
"Look!" Roger said, pointing upwards. The two cannons left over from each attack were firing at each other, trying to destroy one another.
"I didn't expect that..." Priscilla said, frowning. "Everyone, please be mindful of them. We can't them catch us off guard. Even if only one of them would be trying to aim at us, you never know what will happen."
"Understood." Nathan said. "Let's fight with caution, like always!" He and his father, however, soon clashed weapons again. Blocking hit after hit, he cursed having to take up this weapon again. He never expected he'd have to use it against his own father, too. The last time he had visited his father, Reginald mentioned meeting a woman during a game of golf – and he had invited her to one of his office parties.
This has to end. Today! I won't let this continue...my daughter's future is not going to be ruined by any incarnation of Nihane Kronos! I am the first, and the LAST Albion who will ever need to summon a Persona!
Both forms of Cu Chulainn were summoned now, their weapons poised to strike. The Reverse one, however, was tapping into the force of wind, hitting Priscilla with Garudyne. Yet Nathan had chosen a different approach – riding into warfare with Liath Macha. His Cu Chulainn boosted himself into the sky, and drove his mighty spear through Reginald, the impact echoing throughout the land.
"Nathan, that was brutal..." Roger said.
"What other approach can I take if I want to see my family again?!" Nathan yelled.
"Your family?" Roger asked. He saw Josephine approaching, and grunted. "I gotcha. Brutality is one of my specialities!"
"Actually, I believe it's actually Blaine's attack, so -"
"You keep a list of our moves or something?" Roger asked, raising one eyebrow at Nathan. "Okay, even if you're right, the concept isn't anything new to me! Apsu! Scintillation!"
A bright disc of light appeared, that quickly formed into a fierce spear of divine judgment. It was quickly hurled at Josephine, halting her approach and bringing her to her knees.
"Take that!" Priscilla chided. However, the wraith of Josephine was not yet expelled. She rose, and beckoned Cybele yet again.
A few short tremors lead to a rapid onslaught of rocks piercing their enemies. Nathan gasped – he hadn't anticipated such power behind this attack. It was a miracle he had lasted this long. Would he be able to continue on sheer willpower alone? With no other option in sight, he raised his weapon again, even as his energy threatened to ebb away into the void...
|Qaleat 'Ami|
"Isis! Gem's Shroud!"
With the Egyptian goddess' blessing, a quintet of scarlet crystals appeared over everyone's heads, and set a shimmering glow into their bodies. This glimmer would protect them from the scorching heat of the sun, but not forever...
"Persona!" Tomas hollered at Nebiros. The grim Persona attempted to sear Karen with the dark flame of Agidyne, but it simply bounced off as mere embers. "Damn."
"Clearly, age is no guarantee of wisdom." Sophie said smugly, as she channelled her Persona. "Sophia! Mind Charge!" A supreme shot of magic energy flowed from the air into her body, adding to her already potent arcane supremacy.
"Arrogant wretches, all of you...!" Tomas snarled, stomping the ground. "Belial, destroy!"
Amara gasped – she was the eerie Persona's next target. She tried to run, but it was no use. A chilling blast of ice struck her, her cries of pain echoing throughout this phantom landscape.
"You'll pay for that!" Karen said. She struck Tomas with her blade. Amara, recovering from the chill, leaped up and hit her father with her blade.
"Amara! Give in. You can't defeat us this time!" Rudo warned.
"You leave me no choice, dad!" Amara yelled.
"Daena! Black Ice!" Karen beckoned. A diamond-shaped block of ice appeared from Daena's mirror, and tendrils of darkness fused with it, turning it pitch black. Then, it crashed into Tomas. The resulting dark dust of ice then became dense...yet it shattered, leaving a furious Tomas.
"You really think you could hold me with that flimsy frost?!" Tomas shouted. "DIE!" He fired his gun, bullets spraying everywhere.
Amara was about to strike him, but her blade was counted by Ayodele's. They continued to swing rapidly, but their swordsmanship mirrored each other. Finally, Amara rolled to the side, avoiding her mother's attack. Then she saw it – the Reverse Nepthys. With its power, a red orb was forged from flames and hurled onto Karen.
"Argh!" Karen yelled. She tried to touch it with her fingers, but the heat forced her to recoil. "Ouch! This...thing! I can't get it off!"
"Crap...I've never had to worry about our attacks being used on us before..." Amara said. "We can shake that bomb off, right?"
"The Flare Bomber is a very difficult explosive to disarm..." Sophie said. "Karen, listen to me. Me and Sophia can sense the bomb's energy – we'll know when it's due to detonate. Pay attention and you'll be safe!"
"...I'm counting on you." Karen said. Her blade clashed with Ayodele's, sparks flying, and their swords echoed even louder than normal. This painting world should never have become a battle zone. Angry, Amara turned to her father, and summoned Isis.
"Don't be so foolish!" He said, aiming his gun at her.
"Tefnut's Raze!" Amara yelled. The searing flames scorched Rudo, causing him to yell in pain and collapse. "You're not the dad I look up to anymore...you're the fool."
Sophie, on the other hand, was fleeing from Tomas' guns, waiting for the right power to attack. Alas, it seems she hadn't predicted how good an aim he had – and his bullets hit her in the stomach.
"Urgh!" She cried, wincing. "Even with a Persona, these weapons...are of sin!"
"What you're trying to do is even more sinful, madam. I only wish to put the world back to when it was the most prosperous. There is no future that compares to the past!" Tomas yelled. "Reaping Rondo!"
Sophie could only scream as Belial's scythe cut through her body. She would have collapsed had Amara not caught her in her eyes. She ran as fast as she could, until Sophie could stand.
"I...I didn't expect that level of power from him..." Sophie said. "This is going to be a perilous battle..."
"Aren't most of our fights like that?" Amara asked.
"This one even more." Sophie said, cautiously. "Karen, the bomb still has some time before it detonates. Continue the assault! We'll be right behind you!"
"Understood!" Karen said. "Bufudyne!"
Ayodele was stopped in her tracks by Daena's ice, and collapsed – right next to Rudo. In rage, the grieving widower stood up, and aimed right at Karen.
"How dare you!" Rudo yelled.
"How dare I? You're the one fighting your own daughter!" Karen chided. "I won't be lectured by you!"
"Fine. If you're dead, you won't have to hear it!" Rudo said, with a low voice. Amara shuddered – she had never quite heard him this way before. "Ring Blade!"
Karen tried to dodge, but Nebiros' blade ring slashed her quite viciously. Screaming in pain, she kneeled down, dropping her sword.
"No, Karen! Please stand strong!" Sophie pleaded. "...I'm the only healer this team has. We'll have to make do! Mediarama!"
Both Sophie and Karen felt their wounds numb a little. While Serena, Aimee, Tara or Richard would have been able to aid their recovery further, it was still a boon to have their health restored. Amara smiled – but grimaced at what Ayodele was about to do.
"No! Mother, don't! It's me!" She screamed. Alas, this simulation of her mother did not respond to any sound, nor did it produce any. However, the Reverse Nepthys it had summoned certainly could produce violence, via the rapid sword swings of Wiping All Out. Amara screamed, completely shaken by the agony.
"Amara, please don't be swayed by her!" Sophie said. "As real as it may seem, that ghoul is no mother of yours."
"I...I know..." Amara said, shaking her head.
"...It's time to put my power to the test." Sophie said. "Sophia! Megidolaon!"
An explosion of pure energy struck their three opponents, seemingly shattering space and time around three enemies seemed stunned by the sheer power, and Amara took advantage of this immediately.
"Isis! Heartfelt Cry!"
To Tomas and Rudo's horror, another mighty blast of magic hit them, this time one that came straight from Amara's heart. Impressed, Karen dashed forward to attack – but Ayodele blocked her sword.
"Out of my way!" Karen yelled. However, Ayodele broke through her guard. Tomas laughed insidiously at this, all while he conjured his dark Persona.
"Tomas..." Amara said, warily.
"Don't even try it. I'll bring you to ashen ruin! Gomorrah Fire!"
A circle of black and red flames was formed around the three living ladies, and the embers raged towards them – and burst into a pillar of searing hot hell-fire. While Amara was unaffected, and Sophie still had Gem's Shroud protecting her, Karen was left to burn in pain.
"Karen!" Amara yelled.
"I'm...I'm going to be okay, I swear..." Karen uttered.
"The bomb is going to detonate soon. We have to act fast!" Sophie warned, frantic.
"...I know just what to do." Karen said. She regained her footing, and glared hatefully at Tomas. Unfazed, he smirked at her, even as she summoned Daena. "Arctic Absorption!"
Daena, cackling evilly, held out her mirror. Tomas, no longer amused, saw himself in its reflection, and shivered. An icy reflection of Tomas flew into the mirror, which Daena gratefully took and bestowed upon Karen – healing her immensely.
"Wow! How come you don't use that more often?" Amara asked.
"I suppose I've been fighting alongside healers more often." Karen mused.
"No time for that!" Sophie said. "Look out -"
Ayodele and Reverse Nepthys weren't quite willing to discuss their moves – rather, demonstrate the viciously. With their sights set on Amara, the Persona drew her blade twice, in a twisted Sable Cross.
"Ugh..." Amara said, clutching her sides. She hadn't anticipated this sort of power at all.
I've got to hold on, no matter how much it hurts...for the other me...!
"Sophie, hurry up and heal her!" Karen demanded.
"It's too late! I am sorry, Amara...I promise the next world will be kinder to all of us. Cocytus!"
From out of nowhere, a rushing icy river came flowing straight at the party. The water was a bright blue, with eerie icy mist emanating from every drop. Sophie rolled out of the way, while Karen barely felt the impact. Yet the minute it touched Amara, she felt everything inside freeze up.
"ARGH!"
Amara screamed, as she collapsed onto the imaginary sand. She had not expected to be up against such power. Her body hurt all over, and it was too hard to move a muscle.
No...is it over..?
|Castello Di Falso Amore|
"This is rough..." Roger said, leaping away from Reginald. Exhausted, he struck back with Apsu's Malaquadyne, drowning his three foes in an eddy of despair.
The fight was fuelled with the fire of determination, on both sides. Yet with Josephine's healing abilities, it was taking far longer to reach any victory. Nathan could go a thousand miles on willpower alone, but in a fight to the death, sheer will wouldn't save him. They had to find some way to take them all out, once and for all.
"Now die!" Nathan roared, striking Josephine across the face. Bearing the brunt of her bullets, he gained some distance, and began to summon Cu Chulainn. As he did, he saw the Reverse one, at the beck and call of his father, using Masukukaja.
As if Josephine's sharpshooting wasn't fast enough! This is infuriating...
"No half measures...Gae Bolg!"
His Persona's spear was strong and mighty, and impaled Josephine. She lost her balance, and though she did not utter a sound, her form was losing vitality. Yet the unholy force controlling her would not allow her to show mercy. Cybele was forcibly summoned, and targeted Priscilla.
"I can handle anything you have..." Priscilla said, despite her own fatigue.
Around her, a powerful enigmatic earthquake began, created by the Matar Kubileya herself. Stone idols of the goddess crashed into Priscilla, not only injuring her, but extinguished her spirit power as well.
"You okay 'cilla?!" Roger asked. Philomena was swinging her baton at him, and he just barely blocked it with his claws.
"I'll survive." Priscilla said. "Unlike these foes! Persona!"
Scathach concentrated heavy amounts of frost and ice around her, forming what could only be described as a giant crystal. Then, Scathach flew above Josephine, and fired a pale blue light upon her - and it grew more and more, then shattered around Josephine, piercing it with fragments of hardest ice.
"That was stellar." Nathan said, in awe.
"Even after all this time, you're still one cool Queen!" Roger said.
Philomena did not take to this pun well. Rather, she unleashed Reverse Scathach, and started up a Graceful Blizzard via an elegant dance. Every snowflake that touched Nathan and allies was colder than any winter they had ever known, and the ice covered the ground around them.
"Brr..." Nathan shivered. We've got to get through this, so that we can return safely to the others. Cu Chulainn, don't fail me! "Brave Storm!"
Cu Chulainn created a green ball of light, and sent it into the clouds. It then exploded into a giant green and yellow hurricane, trapping Josephine and her allies. The strength of this whirlwind gave Nathan a strange sort of confidence, the kind that allowed him to laugh in the face of death.
Roger, however, was not quite so confident. Josephine ripped through the earth with Cybele's Mamagnadyne, shaking everybody with the power of the land. He had to steady himself to endure the attack, but once it was over, he glared at his enemies with pure hatred.
"That's enough! It's time for me to put an end to you jokers!" Roger said. "Apsu! Deep Sea Dirge!"
Apsu's magnificent trident had grown considerably in strength, thanks to the variety of water spells Roger had cast. The freshwater god held it down, ready to attack – and thrust toward Josephine and her accomplices. Each of the three spikes fired far faster than the eye could see. They went straight into their destined enemies, and bubbles burst all over them.
"Alright!" Roger said, punching the air triumphantly.
"It's not over yet..." Priscilla said, anxious. To their horror, the three targets had survived, and Josephine was already healing their wounds with Mediarahan. Seeing this, Roger swore out loud, red in the face with rage.
While the three phantom enemies had suffered immense damage thanks to Nathan, Roger and Priscilla's combined efforts, they were still set out to kill. Philomena, staring blankly at Nathan, decided to perform for him a chilling Prism Song.
"Ugh..." Nathan said. "...Now I see why Amara hates ice so much." Perhaps I'll hold off on inviting Priscilla to a skiing trip in France...
"You've done quite well at mimicking my Persona, Philomena." Priscilla said. "Even so, the real article will always prevail! Bufudyne!"
Scathach, pulsating with icy grace, struck Josephine with an arctic Bufudyne.
"This is a massive drain on our power..." Nathan said. "There's no end to this!"
"The hell there isn't." Roger said.
"Roger...?" Priscilla said.
"No more time for messing around! I'm going to shipwreck the hell out of you guys! Apsu, do your worst, the absolute worst! Kai E'e!" Roger bellowed.
Apsu was raised sky high by the whirlpool, which spread out and trapped all four adversaries in it's wrath. Its victims tried desperately to escape, but there was no salvation from Roger's rage. Then a heavy rain started to fall, and every drop that hit the whirlpool was akin to an explosion. Finally, the whirlpool crashed onto the ground, sending every victim to the floor in a collapsed heap.
"Well done, Roger. I think we've – no!"
To his horror, Reginald arose, and with all his remaining strength, summoned Reverse Cu Chulainn.
You just can't cope with being defeated, can you? Just like the real deal. Even when you're beaten at golf, you never want to fade with a whimper. It always has to end with a bang...or in this case, with our blood.
The dark Persona's supreme energy pulsed throughout his very being, and outward across the rooftop. The gallant Persona's eyes changed to a beastly red, and he held his spear Gae Bolg out. After a moment of silence, he went berserk, and flew at his opponents, swinging his spear without any strategy, other than to tear him to pieces. Each swing seemed as fast as the wind. Or rather, they moved with the wind in perfect harmony.
"Ah..." Priscilla said, screaming in pain. "Nathan, are you...?"
"I'm fine. The wind doesn't affect me at all anymore." Nathan said. However, he saw Roger collapse next to them, and gasped. "Roger!"
"...Sorry, guys...I'm all out of oomph...go trash those zombies for me, would ya?" Roger said. "I know you guys can do it..." With that, he passed out.
"Roger! No, not...not now!" Nathan shouted, shaking Roger heavily.
"He's alive. I can tell." Priscilla said, looking over him closely. "...But we have to carry on this battle for ourselves."
Nathan looked towards the enemies. Reginald, with no energy left, faded away, and thus the last glimmer of his father's brazen youth. Yet the sisters from Palermo were united, and their final strength was incoming.
"We must not let them destroy us." Priscilla said. "From the moment we met, Nathan, I just knew we were meant to be together. Our worlds combined into one forever! That's the duality I believe in, not this twisted fusion!"
"Priscilla..." Nathan said, proud.
"Josephine and Philomena may never have the chance to catch up as sisters. But our chances, our future, aren't over! We have to build a future! For me, for you, and..."
"...Kayla?" Nathan asked.
Priscilla gasped. "You knew?"
"In my world, not so long ago, I was told...that our lives would be truly blessed." Nathan said, tears coming to his eyes. "Out of all the names we thought of for our girl, the one I imagine most is..."
"Then it truly must be fate, for us to carry on and win!" Priscilla said. "Scathach!"
"Cu Chulainn!"
The ace hero and icy Shadow queen of Celtic lore flew to one another, and took hold of each other's weapon. The air immediately started to become turbulent, with wind blowing throughout the field, while also becoming chilly.
Meanwhile, Cybele and Reverse Scathach had placed one hand each on the ground, which was starting to tremble, and cracks emerged, with ice filling the void. Before long, a massive earthquake began to commence, breaking the ground entirely and causing a rush of icy stones to rampage towards their two remaining targets. This coming disaster was the Revellit In Terra.
"...I won't run away. Not even from total annihilation." Nathan said.
"Nor will I. Kayla's parents are no cowards!" Priscilla shouted.
"Our lives will be as free as the sky! Sovereign Winds!"
The icy air became a gigantic tornado, coloured bright azure by the sheer cold of the atmosphere. In fact, crystals of pure ice were circling around in this vortex. The cyclone inched forward, and collded with the earthquake. Both land and air, each fuelled by the ice, seemed evenly matched – but there was an extra spark in the sky's power. This spark allowed the wind to break through the tremors, and engulf both Philomena and her late sister.
Josephine. I didn't think I'd ever ask this of you, but forgive us. We didn't have a choice but to battle again. I'll always be praying for you...
|Qaleat 'Ami|
Amara tried to move, but her body just had no strength to give. She couldn't even stand.
"Please, Amara, get up!" Sophie begged.
"We need you!" Karen pleaded.
"This should be easy now..." Tomas gloated. "Nothing will stand in my way! Once I kill all of you, I will have what I sought all along!"
"And my world can be complete again..." Rudo said.
"No, father! Not like this!"
Amara gasped. The sky was burning red, with tiny shards of glass flying away like sand. In the centre of the explosion of light was the other Amara. Her prison, despite its strong walls, had given way, allowing its prisoner to land on the sand to freedom.
"Impossible!" Tomas shouted. "There's no way those crystals can be broken from the inside!"
"Amara..." Rudo muttered. "How...?"
"Nepthys!"
As Other Amara ordered, her faithful Persona appeared, ready to ravage the battlefield. Using her sword, created a mammoth red cage around Tomas, Rudo and Ayodele. From within, there was a blinding succession of flashes, until this prison broke apart like glass. The fragments shattered further as they landed, leaving a pile of blood-like crystal.
Tomas seemed the most cut up after this assault. Screaming, he collapsed onto the illusionary sand, while his Persona vanished.
She did it...she finally stopped Tomas!
"Hey...how did you...?" Amara began.
"I'm not sure, I just...I just wanted to get out of there and fight!" Other Amara said.
"It's good to have you back!" Karen said.
"I was worried we might fail. Only for a second, of course..." Sophie said.
"Thanks for fighting so hard, all of you." Other Amara said. "Father...I'm sorry we had to clash once again. I promise, this will be the last time."
"Let it be so!" Sophie cheered. "Mediarama!"
Healing power flowed through the bodies of the heroic warriors, propelling them back into battle. However, Ayodele seemed to change slightly, to match her target. Reverse Nepthys had now become Reverse Isis, and in turn, she equipped the Force Sabre – and swung it hard at Karen.
"Argh!" Karen yelled. "How...?"
"A duplicitous ghost indeed..." Sophie mused.
"Your slander ends here! Circle of Pain!" Rudo yelled. Nebiros coursed his ring blade around the group, slicing all of them with vehemence.
"Not exactly holding back, are you?" Karen said. "I suppose I'll have to be even crueller...Daena!"
The Persona suddenly vanished, yet there was an eerie darkness cast over the area. From high above, a dark ray of light was shot. It pierced Rudo severely, causing him to shriek with agony Daena reappeared, having completed another hit as a Void Sniper.
Tomas, seething with rage, shot Karen with all the remaining bullets he had. With his firearm empty, he tossed it aside, leaving him with only Belial.
"I will not stand for this!" He bellowed. "I didn't work hard every day of my life for scum like you to reap the rewards! Belial...Slaughter's Serenade!"
Belial, with a twisted glint in its eyes, gladly took his scythe – and flashed all over, slashing through all three girls. Each swing of the scythe was full of dark blood-lust, threatening to rob the world of all light and hope.
"No...NO!" Sophie screamed. "Your madness should have ended with your mortality. Yet even in death, it lingers, festering the earth! It seems I have no choice but to hasten your exorcism! Sophia! Starry Heavens!"
A cavalcade of pure energy, in the form of six comets, fell upon Tomas and the late Furaha parents. The landing of each one threatened to reduce the atmosphere to nothingness.
Ayodele, briefly halted by the meteor shower, was struck from behind by both Other Amara and Karen's swords. The way she reacted to the attacks seemed to mirror Amara's own movements – this mirror image had none of the real Ayodele's soul within it. It was simply a shell, a robotic dummy with Amara's movements programmed in.
"This is one hell of a fight..." Karen said, her hands sore from wielding her weapon.
"You wanna sit this one out too?" Other Amara asked.
"Not yet...!" Karen said. "Daena! Hypothermia!"
A peculiar mist, of garish green and bright blue, surrounded Tomas. It turned ice cold, and sent painful shivers down his undead spine.
"Belial...I'm tired of arguing...I'm tired of it all...all I want is to start my life over again. With the way things are now, we have a chance of making it come true! Perhaps..."
"Perhaps what, Tomas?" Other Amara asked. "Are you...feeling guilty? For the way you tortured Brad and Nick?"
"...I can start life over for them too. So no one will remember the decisions I made to get this far!" Tomas said. "...Belial, we need more energy to carry...on! Vital Robbery!"
The scythe wielding Persona raised his scythe high, then swung it down – and out of Other Amara's body came a red sphere of glowing light, the colour of blood. Sophie and Karen, to their horror, had the same orb in front of them. This trio of spheres flew to Tomas, and merged with him, giving him a temporary dark glow.
"Bastard!" Sophie shouted.
"Shut up!" Rudo said, firing at her.
"No!" Other Amara said, rushing at her father – and impaling him with her own blade. Ayodele had cast a Maragidyne, but the roaring flames did nothing to hurt her daughter. Disgusted, with every iota of this battle, she turned to face her mother's image.
"It's certainly a perfect copy of my mother..." Other Amara said. "Just like tracing a painting. There is talent in perfectly copying a masterpiece by hand. But the result is no masterpiece...just a copy!"
"No, Amara!" Rudo said, grabbing her hand. He stared deep into her eyes, with red tears trickling down his cheeks. "Don't you understand? This Ayodele has the chance to become the real one! It's simply a matter of gaining control over this combined reality!"
"This is not what we fought Janus for!" Other Amara said. "Not for reality to be destroyed and recreated. We aren't meant to play God!"
"You're simply too soft-hearted!" Rudo said, irate. "If we pass up this chance to change the world, our lives are doomed to destruction..."
"But we already have the power to save us from that fate, Father! We always have!" Other Amara said. "Nepthys! There's only one way to go!"
The fiery Persona was in pure sync with her master, and quickly produced her grand blade. To Tomas' horror, it was aimed directly at him. It was now time to start Wiping All Out – and with five brutal slashes, Tomas collapsed, in a pool of dark 'blood' staining the once pure sand.
"...Farewell." Other Amara said, wiping a tear from her eye.
"No! Not...not again!" Rudo yelled. "Why?! Why must I have everything taken from me, time and time again?!"
"You made your own choices, and you paid for them with your life." Sophie said. "There's no more need to fight. Rest in peace, please...if you don't, Amara will never stop grieving."
"Nebiros!" Rudo yelled, ignoring Sophie's words. "I...I have to save my friend! Without him, there's no hope for me and Ayo... Death Call!"
A blackened cackling skull appeared over Tomas' body, chattering its rotten teeth. With a flash of crimson light, Tomas arose, recovering from his defeat.
"Tenacious as a cockroach...and twice as revolting." Karen snarled.
"How much longer do you think this can last?" Other Amara asked.
"Until our dream is realized..." Tomas said, bitterly.
Sophie suddenly gasped, having sensed something in the uneasy atmosphere.
"Karen! The bomb, it's going to explode!"
Karen gasped – at her already weak state, this bomb would take her out. Yet even so, she took her sword, and ran at full speed towards her enemies. She swung her blade through Tomas, but as she did, she was engulfed in a blast of smoke and fire, sending a plume of sand all over the team.
"KAREN!" Amara said, slowly standing up. Tomas, Rudo and Ayodele walked through the dark smoke...but not Karen. She was left there, silent, her sword still in her hand.
"Thank goodness. She was a bit of a crone, wasn't she?" Tomas said, smirking.
"Don't you dare talk about her like that!" Amara said, clenching her fists.
"Ayodele...it's almost over. Soon enough, we can forget about this sorry battle..." Rudo said. There was something different about Ayodele now. A ferocious, fearsome power had reached its peak, and it was about to be revealed via the force of Reverse Isis.
The false goddess created a tremendous gemstone, one coloured deep red. This masterpiece had a bright red glow, which grew to cover the whole area. Now it was aflame, as a Desert Jewel.
"No...it had to copy this too?!" Amara yelled.
"Sophie, you have to run!" Other Amara said.
"Run where?" Sophie said, panicking.
"It doesn't matter, just get to safety!" Amara pleaded.
The two halves of the precious stone rotated in opposite directions. Slowly, the stone opened up slightly, releasing heavy fireballs. This firestorm rained down on Amara, who shut her eyes in fear.
Please, let it stop...let it stop already! I can't watch this anymore!
Finally, the giant ruby separated, and it was over. The two Amaras looked around, relieved to still be standing. Yet, it seemed their beloved Sophie had not been so fortunate – as she lay across the sand, unable to move.
"Sophie..." Other Amara said, shocked.
"We...we couldn't save her..." Amara said.
"It's all over for you two now." Tomas said. "Rudo. Let's end this together."
"Of course." Rudo said. "Amara...I truly am sorry. You'll be reborn without any memory of this, I promise..."
Belial and Nebiros appeared in tandem, both bodies shrouded in darkness. They raised their hands up, and a growing dark void of power appeared above them. It seemed to be sucking in the sky, the sand and the sea, turning the land back into a blank canvas
"No..." Amara said. "We're not going down yet. Are we?"
"Absolutely not." Other Amara said. "I think we've only got one choice. A true flame that can burn out their own. You know what I mean, right?"
"I sure do." Amara said. "Isis!"
"Nepthys!"
The two fiery goddesses, one and the same, faced each other and joined both hands. Their prayers were unified, their hearts were in perfect harmony. For there was one wish they yearned for more than any other. This time, to save the souls of those they loved more than any other. Rather than let Tomas and Rudo persist with their anger and hate, they wanted them to rejoin the land of the dead, for Ayodele to welcome them back with open arms.
From their deepest desires came their strongest flames, forming a gigantic ring of fire. These flames eventually became a giant cone of supreme heat, trapping their enemies with fire hotter than the biggest volcano.
"Amara, stop...you can't hope to defeat all of us with these flames!
"Your father's right. Surrender! Now!"
"Void of No Hope!"
The evil void reached Amara and her counterpart's feet, and to their horror it seemed to be pulling them inside. A tremendous energy of pure despair was at their toes, threatening to smother her with eternal torture. Yet Amara stood strong, unwilling to be erased.
We shall continue to share our light and darkness. The Sun shall forever be our guide, no matter how many battles we face, or what sadness we may feel. This time, we shall put an end to our sorrow!
Right then and there, the cone flew off into the sky, and flipped upside down. Sitting on the base was a giant throne, fit for two. Isis and Nepthys flew to it, and sat by each other. Using their rods, they aimed down at their trapped target, with indignant glares.
"Throne of Flames!"
Little by little, the cone broke apart. Flames rained down on the void, slowly but surely burning it away and revealing the original picture Finally, the flames had done their job – yet the throne dispersed into even more fire.
"It's...finally over, Father."
|Castello Di Falso Amore|
The image of Philomena finally disappeared, never to be seen again. Josephine, finally defeated, fell backwards with a heavy thud. Exhausted, Nathan could finally dismiss his Persona.
"Finally..." Nathan said, wiping sweat from his brow. Priscilla and Roger quickly ran to the descending red crystal, which disappeared, leaving the Other Nathan to land to the ground.
"Darling!" Other Nathan yelled, hugging his beloved wife firmly. She buried her head into his chest, sobbing with relief.
"I was scared I'd never be able to save you..." Priscilla said.
"You were?" Other Nathan said. "You were amazing in that battle. You're amazing, in everything you do."
"Aww..." Roger said, elated.
"Glad to see you back." Nathan said. "But..."
"Nathan, you're every bit as strong as your father. If not more." Josephine said, her voice hoarse. "This is the end for me, it appears..."
"Josephine." Nathan said. "I never thought I'd say this, but...it's been an honour."
"Nathan?" Priscilla asked.
"Josephine..." Other Nathan said, displaying his hand. His wedding ring caught the light. Josephine looked up, and smiled. "We're moving on with our lives now."
"Both of you?" Josephine asked. Nathan happily displayed his own wedding ring, the one he had resized to fit his own hand. He had never taken it off since his wedding day, and he had vowed to wear it until his dying breath.
"I'm sorry, Josephine. We met the real Philomena and her family, but we couldn't give them good news...nor could we do anything to comfort them."
"...That is all my doing, Priscilla. Not yours." Josephine said. "Whatever guilt is in your mind, you have to let it go. A lesson I want you to remember, and one you must impart to Ethan."
"You really care about the little guy, don't you?" Roger asked.
"He was the youngest member of our team, and yet so brilliant, with so much potential. If he continues to let his regrets cloud his head, that potential will all go to waste. He will never move on properly, and escape from the shadows of the past. Shadows that a Persona cannot eliminate easily." Josephine said.
"...Leave Ethan to us." Other Nathan said. "We'll be there for him."
"Yes. I promise not to abandon him." Nathan said.
"Good..." Josephine said. "Will peace await me after this moment? I suppose I'll find out. But for all of you, I wish you all the best of luck."
Her kind words echoed, as her body faded away from the world. And soon enough, this office floor would slip away into memories as well, as the world returned to its prior state.
|Nova Albion – Miller Household|
"Phew, we're back!" Roger said. "How you feeling, my man?"
"Physically, I'm okay. My hands hurt a little from trying to escape that infernal cage, however." Other Nathan said. "But seeing my father again, in that way, was far worse..."
"Having to battle Father was probably the worst part of ever becoming a Persona user." Nathan said, sadly. "Even so...we triumphed."
"We always do in the end." Priscilla said. "Josephine's suffering has finally come to a close. Now we must put an end to our own!"
Nathan nodded, smiling. Somehow, he and his friends would find the way to get back to normal. Then he could look to the future, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
They left this old house, to where their friends were no doubt waiting for them to return.
|Qaleat 'Ami|
Ayodele vanished completely, and the Reverse Isis went with her. All that was left were wispy remnants of Tomas and Rudo. Belial had been rendered to ashes, as had Nebiros, leaving behind emaciated apparitions of who they had once been.
"You guys..." Other Amara said. "It's over now. The man who did this to you is no more. Rest in peace..."
Brad and Nick nodded, and quickly disappeared altogether. Tomas, for the first time in a long while, no longer had eyes of madness. Instead, they were full of clarity – finally taking in the misery he had caused.
"Tomas...Father..." Amara said, tearfully. "I...I never wanted to have to hurt you like this..."
"Please, it's over now..." Other Amara. "Don't...make us do this again. Please."
"Was I a fool? To think I had any control over my destiny...?" Tomas asked.
"My wife, and my daughter..." Rudo said. "Will the three of us ever be together?"
"We're always together, father." Other Amara said. "It may sound trite, but...it's true. Mother has always been by our side. She's saved me time and time again, so that I could save you."
"Tomas, I...I want to remember the good days. Like when we first met. Me and my father were so lonely, but then you came along. Thank you for everything." Other Amara said. "I've still got some fighting left to do. But once it's all over, then we can enjoy a long rest. And I can paint my own masterpieces."
With that, Tomas and Rudo looked at each other, and nodded. With that, they faded from existence.
"Dad!" Amara said. "I...I'll do my best!"
. The area around them seemed to melt away, into a swirl of all the colours, and soon enough...
|Furaha Household – Amara's Room|
"We're finally back...?" Amara said. "This is the real one, right?"
"Yes, my real room." Other Amara said, breathing a sigh of relief. Sophie and Karen were lying on the bed, and they slowly awoke, still in deep pain from the battle.
"...Amara?" Sophie said, rubbing her eyes. "Why are we here?"
"You call yourself a psychic? You can't tell?" Other Amara said, smiling. "We won!"
Karen and Sophie got off the bed, and hugged the Other Amara close. Now that everyone was back here safe and sound, Amara could finally appreciate being here again.
"...I'm so glad we made it out alive. I can't wait to tell Roger the good news!" Karen said. "Amara, are you okay?"
"You know, I'm actually feeling okay." Other Amara said. "I got to spend one more moment with my father. Maybe not a peaceful one, but a moment nonetheless. He's finally at peace now. I just hope my mother can forgive him."
"Of course she will..." Amara said, happily. "Mother was the greatest woman in the world. She'll take good care of them."
"While protecting you, of course." Sophie said.
"I think we better get moving, then." Karen said. "I just hope everybody else pulled through."
"If they fought half as hard as we did, they'll be waiting for us already." Other Amara said. "Let's get ready to take back our worlds!"
They left the household in silence, leaving the painting behind. It would not be besmirched by battle – rather, it would display true beauty; the sun.
|Palatial Antiquity|
Ethan had fought Shadow after Shadow, all by himself, just to pursue Ashi. No matter how many Primitive Idols he slew, how many Eternal Eagles he blighted, the Shadows just continued to appear from the darkness.
Yet he had reached the highest floor of this palace. Desperate, and pounding for breath, he dashed past the roaring torches and archways. The throne room was just up ahead, the door closed. Ethan shoved the doors open, and saw Ashi on her knees, shaking with fright.
"Ava!" Ethan said. "I'm here. You don't have to be scared anymore!"
"Hahaha..."
Gulping, Ethan looked up. Perched on the throne was Nihane Kronos of the past, right at home.
"I remember this room quite well...the children used to come here to disturb me daily, no matter what urgent business I had to attend to. It was quite vexing, if truth must be told. Still, now that we're all together again...I can finally appreciate the trials of fatherhood."
"...Huh?" Ethan said.
"Father...?" Ava said, confused, looking all around her. "This room...of course! This was our manor. The largest building in the whole of Amurdad! And – ugh!" She clutched her head, in agony.
"Ava, what's wrong?" Ethan asked.
"Ashi, my darling daughter...forget that ridiculous moniker." Nihane said. "You know who you are now, right? The daughter of Nihane Kronos, Ashi!"
"...Yes!" Ashi said, shaking. "That's right!" She breathed heavily, taking steps forward. "Amurdad is my home. Not just me and my father. There was our mother too. She passed away after she had her second baby...she had declined in health quite a bit before then. Then there was the old scholar who taught me. Wait...it wasn't just me!"
"Ava, don't listen to him!" Ethan said.
"Quiet, Ethan!" Ashi said, angry. "Hold on. Did you know any of this?"
"No, I didn't! Ava, you have to be believe me!" Ethan begged. He grabbed her arm, panicking."Come on. We need to -"
"Let go of me!" Ashi shouted, shoving Ethan away from her. "You liar! You knew I wasn't 'Ava Walters' all along! Why did you let me believe such a lie?"
"It wasn't like that!" Ethan said. "This man, he may look like your father, but he's changed! We can't trust him -"
"No, Ethan. I can't trust you!" Ashi said. "I'm not going with you or your useless friends!"
"Very good, my beloved Ashi. It's true...you used to live here, with me and your mother. Yet it all ended one day, when our world came crumbling down." Nihane said. "You see, Amurdad was brought to ruin over two centuries ago. That land they call Kanaloa? That was built over our home!"
"...No!" Ashi said. "It can't be...then what is this place?"
"It's a twisted recollection of the palace. Nothing more!" Ethan said.
"Twisted...?" Nihane said, amused. "Ashi. You should remember now. On that day, when the outsiders decided they couldn't cope with co-existing alongside us...they tore our family apart. Me and your brother were forced to abandon our city, unable to defend it from evil any longer. Yet those murderers, in the name of justice, reached you, and the man I was proud to call my son in law."
"My husband? I was married?!" Ashi said. "Wait, no...that's right! He was a soldier, and we...no...where is...where's our son?!"
"DON'T SAY IT!" Ethan screamed.
"...Those sinful fools drowned him, right after his birth."
Ashi's scream was deafening Pale with horror, fainted into Ethan's arms.
"Ashi, no..." Ethan said, sadly.
"Finally. She remembered everything. Now it's your turn, Jahan."