Ch. 25 We Are Gathered Here Today…
The weddings bells rang throughout the hall. The audience on the left side wrestled in their seats as they tried forcing the shackles off keeping them strapped in. Teddie desperately bit his way through the chains, but caused a toothache in his jaw. Jolt used his Thunderbolt to weaken the resistance, but only made the chains shined brighter. Kanji and Yosuke pulled as hard as they could.
"These fucking chains won't come off!" Kanji yelled.
"No kidding!" Yosuke agreed. "They seriously put all the guys in the dog house."
"Excuse me," Naoto interrupted their conversation. "I think you've forgotten that I'm a girl."
"You might want to bring that up with her the next time you try to play as Prince Charming." The boys (and Naoto) shifted their view toward the ceremony. Kurumu's hands shivered while holding the red bouquet of flowers. The girls had their arms tied together as they held the same type of flowers.
"Wow, I didn't think that these would go so well with my outfit!" Rise complimented.
"That isn't really helping," Chie said annoyed.
"Who do you think will win?" Yukiko asked.
"It's got to be Prowl; there's no way that older brother could have matched up to his Persona. When I fought him, I almost gave it everything I had."
"That is true," Yukiko agreed. "He didn't do much in battle." Shadow Kurumu walked over to the bridesmaids and inspected their outfits. She quickly fixed their hairs and straightened their clothes.
"Alright, is everyone ready ~?" she asked.
"Not really," the girls sweat dropped. The doors started to creek open. Everyone turned over to see the man who would be entering the room.
30 minutes earlier…
The malicious plant began wrapping its vines around the kids; trapping them from head to toe. Their bodies being squeezed as the black extensions were crushing their ribs.
"I can hardly breathe!" Teddie cried as his furry form became more like a pressed balloon.
"Yeah, no shit!" Kanji yelled. "How do we kill this thing!?" Take-Mikazuchi began using its lightning bolt to hack away the growing arms. With each slice, the vines would collapse and fall to the ground. However, the appendages regenerated with twice as many limbs as before. "It just keeps growing back!"
"I…can't…hold on…!" Yukiko shouted. The vines constricted even more, hoping to crush their bodies along with bones and organs. Their bodies became completely encased. They stopped struggling.
Whoosh!
A wave of flames enveloped Yukiko and incinerated the arms ensnaring her. Konohana released a second wave of fire and burned off the appendages that trapped Teddie and Kanji.
"Nice job with the flames," Kanji approved.
"Yukiko saved us!" Teddie cheered. But, he wasn't aware of the small flame on his head.
"Thanks, but we're not done yet," she replied. The shadow replenished its vines and prepared to attack again. The books scattered across the library as the burnt paper slowly descended. A few of the pages swayed inside the mouth of the plant. The shadow swatted away the burnt sheets with its staff to avoid any physical contact. "Look, it doesn't like to go near the fire!"
"I get it now," Kanji deduced. "It's using the plant like a shield so it doesn't get hurt."
"I say we tear it out from the inside!" Teddie announced as he put out the fire on his head. The shadow shot out its arms focusing on rewrapping the three. "Take this!" Teddie jumped into the fray. "Time for Teddie's Spinning Bear Screw Attack!" In a twirling fury, Teddie rapidly drilled his way through the raging vines. Kanji came up from behind and called out his Persona to jump at the Venus flytrap body. The mouth quickly snapped shut.
"You're not hiding from us!" Take-Mikazuchi grabbed the lower and upper jaw of the plant and started prying it open until the red-eyed shadow was visible. Yukiko ran past Kanji and summoned Konohana to fly inside the mouth. Face-to-face with one another, Konohana lit its entire body in a burning blaze and grabbed onto the shadow. Kanji's Persona slammed the mouth shut to prevent anything from escaping. Smoke was escaping the plant's lips.
KABOOM!
In a pyro kinetic tornado, the shadow disintegrated into ashes and piled up in front of the three. The vines covering the area also turned to dust.
"We did it!" Teddie cheered.
"So, what the hell do we do next?" Kanji asked.
"Well done," A voice rang out from behind the bookshelf. Shadow Kurumu began walking near the group. "I must congratulate you on your success on defeating the enemy."
"So, does that mean Kanji wins the part of the groom?" Yukiko asked. He sweat dropped.
"Hold it!" Teddie interrupted their conversation. "For the good of the team, I shall become Kurumu's fiancé!" Yukiko and Kanji dropped their jaws at his proposal.
"Dude, are you serious?" Kanji said with regret.
"Of course! I'm willing to put my happiness aside and…"
"Sorry, but you're not eligible to be a candidate," Shadow Kurumu smiled. Teddie's joy and pride was sabotaged in one fell swoop.
"What! What do you mean I can't be the groom!?" Teddie quivered with sorrow.
"This offer is only for the boys and…well…you're a bear."
"And a very warm and fuzzy bear at that." The floor from underneath him became a black sinking abyss pulling him inside. "AH! Does this mean I'm out!?" Teddie was swallowed by the darkness.
"What did you do to him?" Yukiko demanded.
"There's no need to worry, he'll meet with us over by the ceremony," Shadow Kurumu explained. "All non-participants will be escorted to their seats."
"Sorry chick, but I don't plan on getting married anytime soon," Kanji pointed out. "We're only here to save the girl, you got that?" Shadow Kurumu clenched her teeth after hearing his answer. The floor underneath them became a black portal. Black hands pulled on their legs as they sank into the carpet. "What the hell!?"
"It's just as I said…all nonparticipants will be expelled from the contest."
"It's pulling us in!" Yukiko cried. The black portal swallowed the two as they screamed. Kurumu stood over their exit.
"…Let's try this again," she whispered coldly.
Tomoe spun its staff while deflecting the incoming ice pillars. The black icicles were shredded and reduced to nothing but snowflakes.
"That's how you do it!" Chie yelled out.
"Nice, I'll take it from here," Yosuke offered. Jiraiya zoomed in on the snow being and launched its throwing stars. They swerved around her until they came back full circle.
"Pika!" Jolt shouted. The shadow raised her arms and summoned a full snowstorm to blow away the kids. Jolt held onto Yosuke's leg. The stars were sent back at Yosuke's feet. The cold wind started freezing over the Personas in a case of black ice.
"D-Damn it, she's t-trying turn us into f-frozen statues!" The more time passed, the more aggressive the storm became. Yosuke shook with chills. Jolt inched a little ahead and crawled his way up toward the enemy.
"Pi…ka!" A lightning bolt burnt the flooring, leaving a damaged patch on the wood. Jolt quickly jumped into the air and tackled his way through the boards.
"Whoa, how did he do that?" Chie asked. The shadow stopped her blizzard and searched for the invisible mouse. A small crack chirped from underneath.
Crash!
"Pi-ka!" Jolt leapt from underneath the shadow and threw her into the air.
"Now's our chance for an all-out attack!" Chie shouted.
"Chu!" A Thunderbolt shot straight into the shadow electrocuting it. From the air, Tomoe launched a ravenous barrage of fireballs at the shadow. With each hit, her body parts blasted over the ballroom and water splashed everywhere. The only body parts remaining were her left arm, her legs, and the right side of her head with one red eye remaining.
"Time to crack this thing wide open!" Jiraiya dashed back over and grabbed the shadow from behind. In a bear hug, a rushing green cyclone took over the two. The rapid wind began cutting down the shadow as her body shattered under the intense pressure. Jiraiya pulled her body in opposite directions and threw the two pieces to the ground. The ice shadow evaporated into black smog. "Nice!"
"Pikachu!" Jolt raised a peace sign of victory. The sound of clapping came from the entrance of the ballroom. The crew turned to see Shadow Kurumu coming closer. "Pi…" Jolt's cheeks gave off sparks.
"Well, you've certainly peeked my interest," Shadow Kurumu smiled as she twiddled her hair.
"You know, it's kind of our thing," Yosuke replied with a manly gesture.
"Alright, we beat your shadow, so where are you keeping her?" Chie asked.
"Pika!" Jolt demanded.
"My, how annoying interruptions," Shadow Kurumu snapped her fingers. The floor underneath Jolt and Chie blackened. Dark hands began clawing the two as they sunk into the flooring.
"Kyaa!" Chie shrieked.
"Pipipi!" Jolt cried.
"Guys, hang on!" Yosuke started running after hem. Shadow Kurumu leapt onto Yosuke and cuddled his back.
"You have won the challenge," she whispered in his ear. "Are you ready to move on?" He turned over to his falling comrades.
"Yosuke!" Chie cried. Her body was already halfway enveloped. Jolt waved his arms as his head slowly sank lower. Yosuke shook her off and ran after Chie. He grabbed her hand and tugged.
"I thought you wanted to win?" Shadow Kurumu stomped her feet.
"Sorry; you're a hot babe," Yosuke turned to her, "but you really need to work on your people skills." Chie began rising from the ground. Yosuke had almost pulled her free.
"…You're withdrawing from the match?" Kurumu's eyes shot completely black. Her front fangs began to show. The floor underneath Yosuke became shrouded in a black portal. Hands clawed up his jeans and tugged him downward like quicksand.
"Hey, cut it out!" Yosuke shouted.
"If you're not going to be my husband, then you're of no use to me," Kurumu glared daggers at the three. Chie and Jolt became swallowed by darkness. Yosuke got one last glimpse at Kurumu as her true form was slowly awakening until he blacked out.
Tarot cards zipped past the knight in a swarm. They hacked away at his armor leaving behind scratch marks with each hit. The armor started to tarnish as the number of cards began to increase. The shadow raised her wand and summoned a row of chairs to float above her head.
"Look out!" Rise shouted. Prowl adjusted his glasses.
"She's really starting to piss me off," Prowl spoke under his breath. The knight's eyes flashed yellow beneath his helmet. Its wings opened wide as he raised his hands. "Agidyne!" The chairs exploded in a sudden burst of flames. The small shadow created a barrier to defend itself from the burning lumber. The knight busted through the clouds of smoke and shattered its defense. It grabbed the shadow by the throat and pinned it to the wall. The knight unsheathed its sword. "…Turn around."
Stab!
Rise averted her gaze as she heard the blade piercing the body in one stroke. The shadow's essence sunk down into the shattered wood.
"I-Is it…?" Rise asked.
"Yeah, it's gone now," Prowl replied. They regrouped by the doorway. "Come on, let's move it." Prowl ran past the doors and continued down the hallway. Rise followed right behind him.
*Grab!*
Rise's mouth was covered by a hand and her right arm was forced behind her back. She muffled in restraint and tried to break free.
"I'm not gonna let you ruin this for me," Shadow Kurumu whispered in her ear. She froze in fright.
SLAM!
Rai crashed into the wooden dresser. The cabinet fell apart and the shelves were now misaligned. Rai shook off the bra over his head as the shadow rushed in with a forward kick.
Clank!
Sukuna-Higona blocked the attack with its light saber. The shadow hopped away and landed on the back rest of the chair.
"This thing won't stop attacking," Naoto confirmed.
"Believe me," Rai added, "this one is a real knockout." Rai pulled out his scythe and spun it over head. He forced it down in front t of him. "Let's put some of that training to the test." The shadow came running in. As she flew out with a right hook, Rai dodged to his left. He brought his scythe underneath her and swept it off its feet. It tumbled on its back and rolled over to regain its balance. It began throwing out kicks to Rai's sides. Rai quickly swapped out his scythe and fetched his drivers. From the right, Rai blocked with his left fist; from the left, Rai blocked with his right. When a high kick came down, Rai crossed his arms and stopped it in the air. With a push, Rai charged in and delivered quick slashes at the shadow. It detected the precise movements that Rai performed and stepped away. "Next!" Rai ducked so Sukuna-Higona could pass above him and strike. The shadow crossed its arms and deflected its saber. The two went back and forth attacking one another. "That thing won't quit…" Rai huffed.
"I'm not sure how much longer I can hold it off," Naoto shouted under his breath.
"We need to hold her down," Rai glanced at the room. He noticed the curtains by the window. "Bingo!" He placed the tools back into his belt and started pulling on the drapes. He tugged harder and forced his weight. The metal pole started bending away from the window.
Creeeeeek!
The drapes crashed to the carpet. Rai untangled the mess and started severing the sheets with his cutters. By tying each end together, the sheet looked twice as long as before. "Hey, bring that thing over here!" Naoto turned to see Rai waving the sheets over to him. Naoto nodded and averted his attention. Sukuna-Higona flew behind the shadow and stated kicking. It jumped away from the Persona only to be backed near Rai. "Now!" Rai threw the sheets overhead. Sukuna-Higona grabbed the other end and started flying circles around the shadow. The cloth was wrapped around its body tightly. It struggled to break through the curtains. Rai turned and opened the window. "Time to take out the trash!" Sukuna-Higona went high speed and rammed the shadow out the window.
"Well done," Naoto complimented. The drapes continued rustling on the window sill.
"Thanks, I-" The drape latched onto the scythe's blade and pulled him over the edge. "Whoa!"
"Hold on!" Naoto reached out to grab him.
Snap!
Naoto stopped in his tracks. The whip squeezed at his throat and cut off his air. "No, no, no ~," Shadow Kurumu suggested. "I have a special place for you ~."
The shadow pummeled down to the thorny rose bushes at the bottom. Rai was about to hit the rose bushes right after. "Shit!" Rai pulled out his scythe and dug it into the side of the house. The wooden planks split apart as Rai tried to slow his descent. The ground was coming too fast. "This can't be good!" Rai swung forward to use his feet as support, but he ended up propelling into the first story window.
Prowl walked quietly down the hallway. He wasn't too sure if there was going to be another challenge or if he was already removed from the competition. He kept his eyes and ears open for any sign of danger.
Crash!
The sound of glass breaking came from the door on his right. He slowly walked over and turned the knob. Prowl peeked inside the dimly lit room. The window was shattered as the moonlight radiated over the broken shards. As the door creaked wider, he saw the room filled with many torture devices; guillotines, body stretchers, and medieval weapons hanging on the wall. The room was shaded gray thanks to the stone bricks forming the walls.
Clank!
"Ow!" A voice yelled out. Prowl kneeled down behind a wooden chest. He peeked above to see who was with him.
"What the hell is this?" Rai lifted the metallic suit I the moonlight. It turned out to be some sort of iron breastplate designed especially fitted for a woman. "…This woman is into some weird shit." Rai tossed it aside and rose to his feet. He wiped off the dirt on his pants and scanned the area. "If I have to guess, this is probably where she keeps her toys." Rai stared at the wall filled with swords and other arsenal. "And not just the kiddy toys either." He strolled around the room hoping to find something useful. He suddenly noticed the big wooden box lying on the floor. He crouched over to pick it up.
"…Don't move," a voice whispered in front of him. A long blade pointed at Rai's face.
Jolt started exiting out of his daze. He rubbed his sore head trying to remember the events going on.
"Pika Pika?"
Rattle
Something was wrapped around its waist. A large buckle latched itself tight with chains jangling over the other victims. They were seated about four rows away from the front.
"Ooooooooh, my head feels kind of funny," Teddie yawned. He tried to scratch his head, but the chains were holding back his stubby arms. "What the-who would lock me up like some kind of wild animal!?" The others next to him were waking up as well.
"Ugh…dude, will you quit yelling already," Yosuke complained.
"Man, I feel like shit," Kanji answered.
"Huh?" Chie awoke from her slumber. "Hey, what are these things?"
"They won't come off!" Rise tugged on the cuffs.
"Wait, where are the others?" Yukiko asked.
"That's right; Naoto is missing," Yosuke replied.
"Prowl and Raimundo aren't here either!" Chie added. As they contemplated, Teddie could feel his nose catching onto a scent.
"Hold on, guys!" he yelled. "I can smell her!" Everyone turned their position to the woman at the front of the room. She was dressed in a wedding gown with a white veil and a bouquet of red flowers in her hands. "It's her…that has to be Kurumu!"
"No way," Kanji couldn't believe it. "That's the real thing?"
"Hey!" Rise called to her. "Are you alright?" Kurumu slowly turned around and saw everyone captured.
"…W-who are you?" Kurumu asked.
"We've come to rescue you!" Teddie shouted.
"Pika Pika!" Jolt waved to her. Kurumu was stunned to have people come here.
"But…how did you find me?" she pondered.
"Your friend's been looking for you everywhere," Kanji shouted back. "He's the reason why we're in this hellhole to begin with."
"…Rai…came here…?" Her hands began to shake. "…No…" Kurumu answered. "Just leave, get outta here!"
"But, we came to get you out," Rise offered.
"I can take care of myself." Kurumu pulled on the chains that bound her arms together. The chains on her legs seeped out from beneath her dress and connected to the podium. "I don't need anyone's help…"
Slam!
"We're back!" Shadow Kurumu busted through the doors with her arm wrapped around another man's. "Looks like we'll be having the wedding after all ~!" She brought Naoto by her side. "Isn't he just adorable?" The gang sweat dropped at the couple. Kurumu's spirits were lowered.
"Naoto!?" Kanji yelled. "You're the winner?"
"Well…uh, y-yes, I won without any problems," Naoto lied.
"I suppose that means Naoto will be marrying Kurumu then, right?" Rise deduced.
"That's correct ~!" Shadow Kurumu cried with glee. She gently leaned on his chest. "Now let's give you to the bride my darling…"
Squish ~
Everyone froze in disturbance.
"What's wrong?" Kurumu asked in confusion.
"Well, the thing is…" Yukiko smiled worriedly.
"Naoto isn't really a dude," Yosuke included. Shadow Kurumu started touching his chest firmly.
"Hey, knock it off!" Naoto started becoming embarrassed. She stared angrily at him. She pulled off his hat.
"You're a…girl!" Shadow Kurumu screamed. Jolt and Kurumu both were struck dumbfounded by the sudden news.
"A girl!?" Kurumu shouted. "I can't marry a girl!"
"That's right," Shadow Kurumu agreed. "She won't be of help to continue our race."
"I meant it in general!" Shadow Kurumu became furious.
"I am very displeased by these results." Her eyes developed into pitch-black globes. The nails on her fingers stretched out. "I will not lose my husband because of your worthless antics!" She was ready to claw at Naoto. Naoto braced for the attack.
…
"Wait," Shadow Kurumu stopped. "There's still that one boy left." Her body returned to normal. "Of course! The young man will be perfect! We're practically the same age ~!"
"Is she talking about Prowl?" Chie asked.
"That's right!" Teddie added. "Sensei and the other guy are still in the contest."
"Pikachu," Jolt nodded. Shadow Kurumu began hauling the girls' chains and leading them to the front.
"What's going on?" Rise asked.
"There's no need to worry. I have to start getting the bridesmaids ready for the ceremony!" Shadow Kurumu answered.
Now…
Everyone turned over to see the man who would be entering the room. He stepped forward and adjusted his jacket for the big day.
"Someone call for the groom?" Prowl asked. Shadow Kurumu smiled at the final results for the wedding.
"You're just in time, dear ~," she answered. The knight walked behind the leader as he strolled to the front of the room.
"Looks like the bastard made it here first," Kanji assumed.
"Way to go, Sensei Two!" Teddie cheered.
"What about Raimundo?" Yosuke asked.
"I'm not sure," Naoto answered. "I remember him falling out the window before I was taken here." Prowl looked over to the guys sitting. He raised his arm and tossed a tool belt on Kanji's lap. Kanji held it in his hands.
"Hey guys, isn't this his?" Kanji asked.
"Pika!?" Jolt shrieked. Prowl and the knight made their way to the podium. The two went over to the right as Kurumu and the girls were on the left. Kurumu stared at Prowl with an uneasy feeling.
"…Don't think just because this is going on that we're actually getting married," Kurumu stated. Prowl didn't move.
"The feeling's mutual," Prowl replied. Kurumu looked over to the knight in his shining gray armor. She looked over her shoulder waiting for someone to barge in and disrupt the wedding.
"So…where's Rai?" Rise asked.
"…" Prowl didn't respond.
"You asshole!" Chie yelled. "What did you do to him?"
"He was your own brother," Yukiko added.
"For a dumbass," Prowl rebutted, "He still is."
"Alright, shall we get things started?" Shadow Kurumu pronounced. She stepped in front of the podium and cleared her throat. "Ahem…Kurumu Kurono and Prowl…"
"Ortega," Prowl inserted.
"…are here today, with their family and friends," Shadow Kurumu continued. Jolt and Teddie waved at the two.
"He's our classmate!" Yosuke shouted.
"…to declare publicly their love for one another, and to be joined in marriage. This is much more than a social and civil occasion, because it is the declaration of their hearts, built upon experience, and enriched by their love!"
"More like a gun to the head," Chie whispered.
"With love it is possible to live a life together, each seeking and encouraging the joy, the comfort, the health, and the enrichment of the other, all of which will divide sorrow and multiple satisfactions." Kurumu looked down in guilt. "Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage…" Shadow Kurumu glared angrily at anyone who dare spoke a word. "…they must speak now or forever hold their peace." No one said anything.
"…Actually…I do," the knight raised his hand. Everyone looked over to Prowl's Persona beside him.
"Holy cow!" Teddie flailed with shock. "Sensei can make his Persona talk!"
"Pikachu?" Jolt cocked his head.
"I wouldn't put that into perspective," the knight walked over between Kurumu and Prowl. Shadow Kurumu's eyes lit up with joy and happiness.
"It's you, my knight in shining armor ~!" she cried. She jumped over the pedestal and hugged the knight in his armor. "Finally, I can live happily ever after."
"Wow, I don't know how to tell you this but…"
"Please, let me gaze upon my husband-to-be…!" Shadow Kurumu lifted away his helmet to reveal her true…
Pop!
"Yo!" Rai smiled as he waved. Everyone in the room was frozen in a state of confusion.
"Rai…! You're a knight?" Kurumu asked.
"No…but I did find this cool suit downstairs."
"You're lucky I didn't jab a sword through your brain," Prowl pointed out.
"I see you've been busy if you thought you can pull a fast one on me," Rai confirmed with a blade a few inches from his head. "Wait, where's that girl…Reeses?" Prowl stopped for a moment.
"…Fuck, I think I lost her."
"No shit. Any clue where Kurumu and the others are?"
"Didn't she say we'd meet them at the ceremony?" This may Rai think it over.
"True, they should already be at the wedding." Rai rose from the ground and started walking to the door.
"Hey Genius, the girl hates your guts, remember? You walk in and she'll whip your ass till you can't sit on a toilet anymore." Rai paused at the door. He started sweating.
"…Yeah…she will." Prowl and Rai had to come up with something to get into the wedding and take on her shadow. Rai averted his attention back at the wooden box. "At a time like this, it's best to look for some answers." Prowl stepped aside.
"You're gonna open a box you found in someone's weapon room?" Prowl asked.
"If Legend of Zelda has taught me anything, it's that there's always something useful in a treasure chest." Rai opened the case. The moonlight reflected off the shiny armor. Rai and Prowl looked at the armor, then back at one another. They smiled with a formulated plan in their heads.
"Alright, the weddings off!" Yukiko ordered. "It's time you freed Kurumu and stopped this." Shadow Kurumu stood silent.
"Hey, Kurumu, you alright?" Rai turned to her. Kurumu only stared at Rai in his armor. "Uh Kurumu; you there?"
"Huh?" Kurumu snapped out of it. "Sure, I'm fine." She turned away.
"Alright, so we ready to take on or what?" Prowl asked. A blast of blue aura surrounded Prowl in a swirling vortex. From his side, the tall knight appeared ready to fight. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way." Shadow Kurumu didn't move. Her hand clutched into a fist. Her head hung down. When she looked up, her eyes were a gastric yellow filled with pure hatred at Rai.
"I'LL KILL YOU!" She drew out her claws and lashed out.
"Think fast!" Prowl lifted his jacket and pulled out Rai's scythe. He tossed it over as Rai grabbed it and deflected Kurumu's claws. She held onto the shaft trying to pry it away.
"You ruined everything! My marriage, my husband, my life!"
"SHUT UP!" Kurumu yelled. The room became silent. Shadow Kurumu released Rai as the two looked at her. "You're pathetic! You don't know what love is. Torturing others just so you can have your way; forcing me to be with someone I don't even know…you keep saying that's who I am, but I'm not!"
"Wait, don't say it!" Yosuke shouted.
"Here it comes!" Teddie cried.
"There's no way you'll ever be a part of me!" Kurumu declared. Shadow Kurumu lowered her arms. A dust storm began to surround Shadow Kurumu in bloodthirsty fumes. Her voice became more sinister as her smile became wider. She began laughing.
"Hehehehe, Hahahahaha, HAHAHAHAHAHA!" She laughed. "After all I've done for you…you're going to reject me just like Tsukune. In that case, let me show you what they mean when they say 'TILL DEATH DO US PART'!" Shadow Kurumu's form was absorbed by darkness as her body took on a new appearance. Her maid uniform became a seductive black corset that laced around her open waist. Her upper breasts were halfway covered with her shoulders open. The stomach was revealed so that the opening moved down south just stopping at her 'private' area. The suit provided comfort at the hips as it stopped at her thighs back around to her behind. Her leggings were long white stockings with her right thigh fitted with two buckles while her left thigh had a belt to hold her whip. Her upper arms had nicely fitted sleeves with frills at each end between her shoulders and her elbows. Her arms and ankles were shackled with cuffs and chains to hang loose. Her shoes were black high heels and the ribbon on her head was now a chain with bells on the side of her head. Her black wings opened out like a bat's with another pair on top of her head. Her eyes were soulless as black as the night and fangs escaped her lips. She soared high into the sky above the crowd of spectators. The true terror of the succubus had awakened.
"Holy crap!" Chie cried. "What is that thing!?"
"What kind of shadow is that?" Yukiko asked.
"This creature was from the inside of Kurumu's heart," Naoto explained." Rai pulled on his collar.
"Shadow or not, I'm still gonna kill it," Prowl ordered. The knight went charging in at the shadow.
"Now, now, this is no way a couple should act ~," she wagged her finger. The chains on her arms and legs stretched to the ground. They quickly laced around Kurumu equal to her chained body. The shackles on her legs latched to the shadows while the other restraints snared around Kurumu's arms. The chains hoisted her in front of the shadow.
"Kyaa!" Kurumu shrieked. "Let go of me!" The knight was ready to strike.
"Stop!" Prowl shouted. The knight stopped a few inches away from Kurumu's face.
"Damn it, she's using her as a shield!" Rai yelled.
Whappah! Whappah! Whappah!
Shadow Kurumu pulled out her whip and began lashing out at the knight. Each hit created a sharp sting over Prowl's body. He rested down on one knee. The Persona had begun to pixelate from the damage received.
"You really think…that's gonna take me down?" Prowl said under his breath.
"I'm not sure ~," Kurumu smiled, "We'll just have to find out ~."
"Hey!" Rai waved over to the shadow. "It's me you want! I'm the one who crashed your party!" Shadow Kurumu released her tight hold Kurumu to allow slack. She then had her hanging over the chandelier dangling in midair. She zipped fast and struck down at him. Rai ducked to the floor when she flew by. She grabbed onto the scythe and flew back over the ceremony. "My scythe!"
"Hahahaha, looks like you won't be saving the day, Mr. Reaper ~," she jested.
"What is she talking about?" Rise asked.
"Uh, that's gonna need some explaining for another time," Rai looked back over to the shadow. Kurumu thrashed about below the shadow. "Hang on, Kurumu! We're coming!"
"Yeah, that's easy for you to say!" she shouted back. "This bitch is insane!"
"There's no need to worry," Shadow Kurumu assured, "Once I kill everyone here, I'll be sure to find my husband in the human world!"
"That things gonna escape the TV world!?" Yosuke yelled.
"Pikachu!?" Jolt emphasized.
"That isn't gonna happen." Rai stared up at the shadow. She had his scythe wrapped in her tail. He followed the chains down to where Kurumu swung underneath the chandelier. If she's pulling her up, then she needs to use up most of her strength to do it. Rai looked back over to Prowl's Persona. "Prowl, I have a plan!
"Really, care to suggest something useful?" Prowl said sarcastically.
"We'll see." Rai started running after the shadow. She soared high up and began diving down on Rai. He stood waiting for the right moment. "Come on…Come on…"
"What's the hell's he doing?" Kanji yelled.
"Get out of the way!" Rise shouted.
"Time to die!" Shadow Kurumu yelled out. She drew out her razor claws. Rai managed to hit the dirt and avoided the collision. Rai pulled out his hammer and latched onto her left wing. As she flew back into the air, Rai held on from the back. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"Trying to get the upper hand," Rai stated. Shadow Kurumu began swinging out at Rai as he held on tight. "Prowl, whenever you're ready!"
"I got it!" Prowl replied. The knight went rushing in at Shadow Kurumu.
"It seems you've forgotten about my little hostage ~," Shadow Kurumu began withdrawing the chains.
"No, I didn't!" Rai released his grip on her. As he descended, he zip lined with his hammer straight over to the chandelier with his weight distributing in his direction. He grabbed onto the gold chandelier and wrapped the head of the hammer with the chains. He tugged in the opposite direction and cut off retraction.
"WHAT!?" Shadow Kurumu used her arms to block the strike, but the knight grabbed onto her.
BAM!
Shadow Kurumu crashed into the ceiling. Rai lost his hold and began falling. His foot was caught by the chain and started spinning until his upper body was trapped in a metal cocoon and dangling. When he looked up, Kurumu was above him.
"Is this your brilliant plan?" Kurumu asked.
"It's…a work in progress," Rai answered. The knight went back to launching his sword at the enemy. Shadow Kurumu caught the blade with her claws.
"You know it's pointless to fight me," Her hypnotic eyes began overtaking the knight.
"Is she getting stronger!?" Yosuke panicked.
"We need to get out of these," Naoto added. The kids watched the scene in front of them. Meanwhile, Rai struggled to break free.
"Kurumu, put some muscle into it!" said Rai.
"Can't you see I tried that!" she shouted. "I can't get out of here! She's too strong!"
"No she's not; she's you on the inside. You have to control her."
"It's impossible! There's no point in even trying; there's no one who would care if I was gone."
"What happened to that cheery, go-getting girl from before? That's the one I was here to find."
"Really? I thought you'd be the first person glad to get rid of me?"
"Damn it, woman! I wouldn't be here if I wasn't worried about you! I'm risking my ass to save you…again!"
"Will the both of you quit arguing and make up!" Prowl ordered. The knight moved in a strange pattern; tilting left and right as though in a daze. It turned around and looked over at Prowl. It stretched its sword at him. "…Fuck."
"Hahahahaha!"Shadow Kurumu wrapped her arms around the knight. "This is the true power of love. To share your feelings and fight alongside your beloved."
"Stop it!" Kurumu yelled. "I won't go through with this!"
"You don't have much of a choice ~," The knight raised his sword at the rest of the group. "If you won't carry on, then I'll be sure to kill everyone in front of you ~."
"Ugh, I'm starting to get sick of all this romance already," Rai grumbled. Shadow Kurumu looked down at him.
"Like you could even understand my feelings, you jerk!"
"No, I really do." Kurumu looked at him. "Look, I know you have a whole duty to keep your race from going extinct, but that isn't something you should be worrying about right now."
"What is he talking about?" Chie asked.
"Beats me," Yukiko replied.
"Kurumu, you still got a long way to go. You got your whole life to worry about this whole marriage thing." Shadow Kurumu trembled.
"What are you talking about? I found my destined one, but he left me for that slut of a vampire!"
"Did she just say vampire?" Prowl asked.
"He obviously has no interest in me when he has four other girls to choose from!"
"No interest?" Rai asked confusingly. "He was your friend. Weren't they all your friends?" Shadow Kurumu froze in shock. "You've been staying at Yokai Academy all this time and you're saying not once did you like hanging out with everyone?"
"…He's right," Kurumu interrupted. "Even after what we've been through, we still fought for him on even grounds."
"No…shut up!" Shadow Kurumu's body began to pixelate. "If I don't do this, I'll be alone for the rest of my life!" The knight broke free from its confusion.
"Who said you were alone?" Rai asked. "You got Tsukune, Moka, Mizore, Yukari, Rubi, everyone here trying to get you out. And, you got us too."
"Pika Pika!" Jolt yelled. Kurumu looked around the smiling faces looking up at her. Tears started rolling down her face.
"It may not have been the romance you were looking for, but weren't the fun times just as great?" Rai smiled.
"I'LL KILL YOU BEFORE I BELIEVE YOU!" Shadow Kurumu came diving in at Rai.
"This ends now!" Prowl shouted. The knight went full swing with his sword. He detached the chains holding Kurumu and Rai. The two began falling over the benches.
"Hang on!" Kurumu shouted. Her wings shot open. The chains unraveled and separated freeing the two. Kurumu's tail wrapped around Rai's waist as they both descended.
"And we stick the landing!" Rai declared. "Prowl, I need my scythe!" Prowl looked over to the shadow's tail.
"Hmph, no problem," Prowl pointed to Shadow Kurumu.
"Do you think you can actually defeat me?" Shadow Kurumu enforced. She started flying at the knight. Her claws scratched at his armor leaving bits of scraps on its torso.
"Get back!" Kurumu zipped in front of the shadow.
"What do think you're doing?" Shadow Kurumu questioned.
"Giving you a taste of your own medicine!" Kurumu's eyes shot out with extreme violet rays. Shadow Kurumu suddenly noticed the chains enticing herself.
"W-What is this? I'm supposed to be in control!" The chains rattled as they continued to squeeze the living life out of her.
"Whoa, what the…" Rai whispered to himself. Everyone watched as shadow Kurumu screaming in torture. However, she didn't seem to be in any danger.
"Mabufu!" A magical ring encircled Shadow Kurumu. The knight positioned his sword in front of it and jabbed straight into the air.
*Freeze*
"Kyaa!" Shadow Kurumu's tail became frozen from the base to the tip. Her hold on the scythe was released. With his right hand, Rai caught it above his head. Kurumu flew back down to Rai. He brought it down in one swoop and sliced Kurumu's wrist chains in two. "Better?"
"Much," Kurumu smiled. The knight went floating in front of the shadow.
"Let's try this again," Prowl commanded. He raised his hand in the air. The knight raised his sword. "Megidola!"
The air around Shadow Kurumu became thick. A small light orb floated in front of her.
"…!"
KABOOM!
A giant blaze of energy surrounded the ceremony chamber. The rushing wind expanded throughout the room. Once the light subsided, the decorations were destroyed and the whole area was in shambles. Shadow Kurumu returned to her original maid form resting on her knees. Her body pixelated from the extreme damage received. The knight raised its sword at her.
"Let's finish this," Prowl declared. The knight shoved its sword forward. The shadow closed her eyes. "..!" Rai stood between the two.
"…That's enough Prowl," said Rai. Shadow Kurumu opened her eyes and looked up at her savior. "Kurumu needs to be the one to settle this. Am I right?" He turned to the other kids.
"It's true," Teddie informed. "That shadow is a part of her. She needs to face her inner self." Kurumu looked over to Teddie, then back at the shadow. She felt uneasy about confronting herself. She walked over by Rai; he nudged his head toward the shadow. Kurumu bent down to her level.
"…Geez, I didn't know I was this much a pain," Kurumu spoke out. "I know Tsukune chose her over me, and I might not be able to win his attention." The shadow began to weep. "But, that doesn't mean I've given up. I won't forget about my mission, but I won't forget who my friends are. Both of us won't forget that." Shadow Kurumu smiled. Her body began disintegrating in a blue energy smokescreen. As the energy flew back into Kurumu, the chains holding everyone vanished.
"About damn time!" Kanji yelled out.
"You guys did it!" Yosuke applauded.
"At least it's over now," Prowl stated. Kurumu toppled over and sat on the floor.
"Whoa, she must be exhausted," Yukiko suggested.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," she assured.
"I believe we all deserve a good rest after what's happened," Naoto added. Rai knelt down on one knee and turned his back over to her.
"Hop on," Rai offered. "You can use a lift." The kids helped Kurumu onto Rai's armored back. Prowl held onto the scythe as they all exited the front of the mansion. From the narrow glass window, the shadow creature looked down at the kids leaving.
The Next Day
*Slurp* Rai chugged down the cup of soda from his straw. "It's not a coke, but I guess it's alright." The Investigation Team and the newcomers were gathered around a table in the JUNES Food Court.
"It looks like this case is finally closed," Naoto presumed.
"Yeah, we did it!" Chie cheered.
"Even though we really didn't help out," Yukiko added. Rise chuckled faintly.
"So, now what guys?" she asked.
"We gotta take the next train out of here before dark." Rai explained. He looked over to Kurumu eating her beef steak while Jolt snacked on a can of green tea. Her sleeves slightly revealed the bandages on her arms. "And by we, that means you too, Kurumu." She looked up at Rai. She cocked an eyebrow.
"…I thought you said it was too dangerous?" she said sarcastically.
"Yeah, but if I'm gonna be the one saying who you're friends are, I got to realize that myself." Rai smiled. "I have to admit, I was surprised when you pulled off that illusion against your shadow. It could come in handy. But, it's up to you if want to come with us or not. I won't force you into this." Everyone turned to Kurumu. She set down her fork and knife. She started grinning.
"Well, I guess if you really need me that much," she smiled. Everyone was glad to see them getting along.
"Sensei!" Teddie cheered. "What will happen now that you can use your Persona?" Prowl folded his arms.
"I might think about leaving school," he suggested.
"Really?" Yukiko asked.
"My work here is done. Besides, seeing as Rai is moving on, I should be doing the same."
"I guess you both are kind of similar in your own way," Yosuke joked.
"That's cool, because their bills are pretty much the same too," Chie added.
"What!?"
"Don't worry, I sold that armor to some weapon shop, so I'll cover this time," Rai suggested. The group started laughing.
After the meal (and removing a crying Teddie from Prowl's leg), the group said good-bye to the Investigation Team and went off in their own direction. Prowl, Rai, Kurumu and Jolt arrived at Yasoinaba Station. One train would be leaving west, while the other was heading east. Kurumu stood by waiting for their train to arrive while Prowl and Rai were having a talk.
"You sure you'll be fine on your own?" Rai asked.
"I'll be alright," Prowl answered. "I'm still in my training, so I'll be busy for a while."
"So, how did you end up here? What about the others?"
"They're busy with their own things. The girl said you needed us to be ready for something."
"What girl?" The rain came passing through from the right. It came to a halt in front of Prowl. He waved to them as he started walking inside. "Sayonara."
"Since when did he learn Japanese?" Rai asked.
CHOO!
The train took off. The tracks swapped so the other locomotive could arrive from the left.
"Hey, are you ready or what?" Kurumu asked.
"Huh? Oh yeah, let's roll out." Rai regained his attention. Jolt hopped onto Rai's shoulder. The train came to a complete stop and the doors slid open. Kurumu jumped on board while Rai followed behind her. The door closed as the train began moving down the tracks. The two looked to their seats next to the window.
Prowl looked out the window with the sun high in the sky. He pulled out a rectangular blue card from his pocket.
"It's gonna be a long trip," Prowl said to himself.
The train was continuing through the tunnel. On the other side, the green grass and open fields brought back the rural view of the countryside. Jolt leapt at the window to watch the scenery. Rai viewed the scene outside passing before them.
"You should get some rest," Rai suggested. He turned to see her fast asleep on his shoulder. After what she'd been through, it wasn't a surprised to see her exhausted. He simply lied back in his seat and dozed off until they had reached their last stop; Sasanaki Town.
The warm sun started beaming down on him. The light breeze waved at his clothes until he felt the sudden nudging on his head. His eyes slowly opened, letting he sunlight cast into his eyes. He sat upright from the ground. When he felt the flooring with his hands, the texture of tiling was cold and smooth. The sunlight came in from the window nearby.
"Huh, what happened?" Bryan asked. The hallway was full of kids almost the same age as him, but almost half an inch taller. He rose to his feet and started searching for a teacher on campus. As Bryan searched, the students were all giving weird stares at the boy blending out of the school's dress code. Bryan ignored the strange comments and continued forward. He heard some students talking in the classroom on his left. His hand tried to grip the doorknob, but there didn't look to be any way of opening it. Instead, he slid it like he would a window and walked in on two students talking in the classroom. One guy had red spiky hair, a black school uniform with a red tie and blue jeans. The other was a somewhat shorter guy with brown hair, but for some reason he was wearing a… sailor shirt? As for the girl standing in front of him, she had on a similar outfit as the boys, but wore a skirt with short black socks. In her hand she carried a black book bag.
"Hey, are you gonna move or are you gonna be rambling on like an idiot?" the red spiky guy asked.
"There's no need to be rude, buddy," the sailor boy replied. "Shimada's just not used to living in Japan yet, okay? That doesn't make her an idiot." Bryan had no clue as to what the two were saying. Their language was not familiar to anything he heard before.
"Oh shut up; I was talking to you, stupid!"
"Oh yeah, then what's so stupid about me?"
"Uh, hey," Bryan tried to interrupt. "Can you help me out?" The two boys continued their argument.
"I knew there was something wrong with you the very first time I saw your stupid ass!" The spiky boy declared.
"I could say the same to you!" the sailor boy replied. "What kind of dope calls someone they just met an idiot? Only a lunatic, that's who!"
"Oh no way, sailor sissy boy is calling me crazy? Why don't you give the circus monkey back his outfit?"
"I should be going," the girl smiled worriedly with a German voice. "Thank you very much." She quietly left the room.
Crash!
Bryan and the girl both collided with one another. He fell to floor as the book bag landed on his lap. The girl rubbed her forehead with her end to the floor.
"Ich kann es nicht glauben!" she said. Shimada looked over to the boy in front of her. She noticed his clothes were not the same as the uniforms, but were more of a casual look with a 'Weekend Warrior' T-shirt and a pair of black pajama shorts likely used for basketball. "Ein anderes."
"Hey, you can talk English?" Bryan asked. The two boys looked over at Shimada and Bryan.
"Wait, a new student?" the sailor boy examined.
"Looks like he just showed up," the spiky guy assumed.
-To Be Continued-
The terrible strike on the team has subsided and the crew is on the path to searching for more souls. The trio will conquer new challenges and reach vast lands the likes of which they have never seen before! There's no telling what could happen next!
? : Fuga, Fuga.
? : Honestly; if you're not going to tell them, then don't bother bringing it up.
What? I thought it's supposed to bring up more suspense for the next chapter. All right's reserved and material use in this story belong to their respectful owners.
? : You're brand of humor is most unpleasant. Perhaps it's best to bring myself into the matter.
So the princess wants in on the action, huh.
Next Time: Princess Infiltration
? : You will be sure to leave a review or comment on the story.
Sheesh, show a little mercy, will ya.
? : Fuga?