The Other Chance
Chapter 12
Disclaimer: I do not own anything connected with Persona, Atlus or ancient deities used for cultural influence. I only own myself. Yup.
Author Note: Thanks for the support my friends. Enjoy the story.
Chapter 12: This Is Gonna Suck
April 24, 2009: Tartarus
There they stood, weapons in hand, ready for whatever the damned-able tower had waiting for them. Well…they felt ready anyway. Whether they were really ready or not, time could only tell.
The lobby of the horrid tower was just as unimpressive as ever to Akio, and the others had more pressing thoughts on their minds. It didn't take much to convince them to come. In fact, it was more of a…
"We're going to Tartarus."
"Okay."…Kind of moment.
Akio had been right when he'd sensed that everyone was equally as eager to explore as they were horrifically frightened. However, Akio was aware that fear is a powerful motivator. In fact, he was counting on it.
So, they checked their equipment, which included some new "armor" for them to wear. Kurosawa had been kind enough to supply them with arm and leg guards. Mostly training gear for cops but it was better than just a school uniform.
No one was talking much. Even Akio was deafly silent. He was unaware that the silence was caused not only by fear but also for concern about his health. He knew that he shouldn't keep it from them but how easy is it to say, "If I overuse my Jesus-like powers, my head will explode!"
On the other side, the rest of the Persona-users had that concern well covered. While Akio had spent more time with Akihiko and Mitsuru, the twins had been discussing the matter with Yukari and Junpei.
To them, it didn't matter how strong the enemy was. They'd protect him. Even if they had to take a hit for him. Yukari and Junpei were on board 100% maybe even 2000%.
Mitsuru went along as support but Akihiko had to stay behind, his injuries not fully healed yet. Although Mitsuru was worried, seeing the determination of these young people made her feel strangely at ease.
"How far up?" Akio startled everyone with his question. Everyone looked to each other, hoping they had an answer.
"Not too far up is a barrier of some kind. I can't tell exactly but it is approximately 15 floors above us." Mitsuru informed them with a cautious look. She knew it was a long way but it would be the first stopping point.
Junpei poked his head out and asked, "Is that what we're aiming for that?"
Mitsuru nodded. "Until you get up there to see how to get past it, I'm afraid you're confined to the lower floors. Luckily, the Shadows should be weaker down here…"
She stopped, remembering the first night. Those shadows had been relatively weak compared to the higher floors and it was a miracle that no one was seriously injured. Would it be the same tonight?
"Um…I have a suggestion." Yukari had raised her hand, trying to get attention. "I think that the reason we encountered so many Shadows before might been because we stayed on one floor too long.
"If we fight only the Shadows we need to and head for the stairs…" She trailed off, thinking it was kind of a cowardly idea.
"And…?"
Yukari looked up to see everyone eager for her to continue. Akio particularly seemed incredibly interested.
"Well…" she continued, "If we don't spend too much time on a single floor then we should be able to climb higher without getting so worn out. Anyway, it's just a suggestion…"
"I like it!" Akio yelled. Everyone else nodded in agreement. No one wanted to fight prolonged battles. The faster this got done, the better.
"Alright," the leader confirmed loudly for everyone, "We shall call this…PLAN A!"
Minako raised an eyebrow at him. "Plan A?"
"You know I have no talent for naming things," Akio answered defensively. "Besides, calling it PLAN B would be redundant."
Minako sighed and dropped it. It was true he had less than talent for naming anything. Akio had once named his TV "Jeff". Why he did this is unknown, even to Akio.
"Bro," Minato called to him, "How should we form up?"
Akio had to take a second to think. Formation was key; he knew that but didn't want to spend a ridiculous amount of time on it. He decided on a simple formation of: Himself, Minato and Yukari up front and Minako and Junpei keeping watch from behind.
It was also decided that they'd rotate every so often to give each other a break. The twins practically beat Akio until he agreed to be part of the rotation. They demanded he take breaks too. Akio had no choice but to consent, his spine could only be bent so far…
When it was all settled, the approached the door. Akio led the charge for now. Before he entered, he turned around to swiftly face his friends and family.
"No heroics." Was all he said.
"You either." His comrades replied. Akio scoffed, 'Pesky little buggers aren't they?...damn'.
An understanding had been reached. It was time to get back to the fight. As they entered, Akio had only one thought on his mind…
'This is gonna suck…damn.'
The first floor was the same as before…boring yet frightening at the time.
Akio cautiously made his way with everyone following behind him. They encountered a few puddles but they were easily dispatched. Akio and Minato were enough to deal with the puddles. Yukari effortlessly killed the birds, it was obvious she had been practicing with her bow.
Minako and Junpei took out some puddles that tried to sneak up from behind. The formation was incredibly useful and no one was getting tired anytime soon.
Mitsuru notified them that the stair were close. Right around a corner. Akio motioned for everyone to stop. He gently poked his head out.
"Oh, that's just beautiful…"
"What?" Yukari asked.
Akio sighed, "Fluffy's back," he said, his voice dripping with disgust. Everyone let out a sigh.
Junpei turned to Minako, "Fluffy?"
"The lion." She answered quickly, her thoughts already focused on the tough fight ahead.
Akio was preparing for another glance when Yukari tapped him on the shoulder. "I'll take care of it."
Akio turned back to her, she had her evoker ready. Akio couldn't help but grin. Maybe this trip wouldn't be so horrible after all.
"Alright then. Be my guest."
Akio moved past her and headed for the back of the formation. He winked at Minato as he passed. Junpei rushed up to take Yukari's position as she took the leaders spot. Minato stayed close to her, in case the Shadow charged. Akio and Minako watched their backs.
Yukari gripped her evoker, drawing strength from it. She glanced back and saw Minato ready to cover her. She turned back, feeling confident enough to take on the world.
"Alright," she said, "Let's go!"
The team burst out from the corner, taking the Lion Shadow off guard. Yukari fired her evoker at her head and summoned a gust of blinding wind. The Lion Shadow flew up and fell on its back with a sickening crack.
Then it started to try and get upright. "ATTACK!" Yukari screamed to everyone.
Minato and Junpei immediately rushed it. They hacked at it from both sides, preventing it from recovering. The beast roared and they fell back a bit. It tried to get upright again but Minako brought her naginata down directly on its head.
She forced the beast's head back into the ground so hard the floor had a crack in it. The Lion Shadow once again roared and Minako jumped away from it. Akio took the opportunity and slashed the monster across the eyes. It howled as it fell back.
Abruptly, the beast found itself once more attacked from all sides. With final howl it dissipated, leaving the Persona-users huffing for air. As they regained their breath, they noticed the stairs were just within their reach. "Let's hurry." Yukari commanded and they all bolted for the stairs.
Upon ascending the staircase they came out in an incredibly similar hall. "Let's stop for a sec." Yukari instructed as she leaned against the wall. Everyone followed suit, taking a well-deserved rest. They soon heard Mitsuru's voice.
"Great job everyone!" her voice sounded deeply impressed and it was a hell of a confidence booster. "But remember, there are still enemies around so be careful. I'm here if you need me."
Mitsuru had a way of delivering joy and then smashing it and replacing it with unadulterated distress. Akio decided not to let it get to him and let himself rest a bit. They'd done good. One floor down…far too many left to trudge through.
Maybe this tower wasn't so impossible after all.
The next few floors flew by. The Persona-users were becoming more accustomed to the Dark Hour and the vicious fights they endured. Akio was very impressed with everyone. Their formation seemed to be just what they needed. No one ever attacked alone and no one slip up, just the way Akio had always wanted!
They soon reached the fifth floor and with plenty of time left before the Dark Hour reverted. None of them wanted to be stuck in there when that place reverted back to the hell of the daytime world.
Strangely, the floor was empty, aside from the pillars holding up the roof. "Mitsuru. There's no enemies here…Please tell me we just got lucky." Akio begged.
"I'm afraid not. It seems that three powerful Shadows have taken up residence on this floor…They seem to be waiting for something…"
Her words destroyed his hope.
"Yeah," Akio scoffed, "They're waiting for people like us to walk up to them and say, 'Hi. We're here to destroy you and all your kind.' And then smile as they kill us!"
Minako gave Akio an exasperated look. He returned it. "Tell me I'm wrong…" Akio challenged. Minako shrugged and sighed. "That's what I thought." Akio triumphantly pronounced.
The group advanced past the pillars and down a hallway. Halfway through Minato, who was leading the group, saw a strange device similar to the other teleportation machines.
"Hey bro," he called back, "Check it out."
Akio made his way to the front and approached the device. "I think this may be a different kind of teleportation device. It could connect down to the one in the lobby. The design is pretty similar."
Mitsuru's voice called out. "If you don't mind, could you give it a try? I'm curious as well."
Akio sighed. He was always the guinea pig wasn't he? He reached the device and turned back to everyone. "If you don't hear from me in ten minutes...something has happened and you should probably leave."
The group nodded. Akio touched the device and a bright green light absorbed him.
Next he knew he was staring Mitsuru in the face. "Safe to say, I'm alive and well?"
Mitsuru chuckled and smiled at him. "It seems that these devices will come in handy for returning to higher floors…"
"Or getting the hell out of there." Akio pointed out. Mitsuru sighed.
"Yes, that as well."
Mitsuru informed the others of Akio's save arrival while he stepped off the platform and looked at it. Indeed, it was identical to the one they'd found. But who put it there? It seemed rather strange that this device was just there to being with. Then again, a school turning into a tower from hell wasn't exactly natural either.
"Well, I better get back." Akio said returning to the platform. "Wouldn't want The Monsters wreaking havoc without me."
"Be careful." Mitsuru warned again. "Since when am I not?" Akio chided as he was teleported away. Mitsuru let out a great sigh. Perhaps he was a little…too careful.
Akio reappeared in front of everyone, waving. "Miss me?"
The group barely paid attention to him. They were focused on the large Shadow down the hall. Akio assessed the situation and quickly joined them. He spied around the corner to see a very large Shadow Bird hovering in the center of the hall.
"What is it doing?" Junpei asked, trying to understand its stationary behavior.
"It's being a guard dog, Junpei." Akio answered. "Except it's a fucking bird." Just then two more large Shadow Birds appeared next to the original. "Correction…Three. Fucking. Birds…This'll be fun." Akio's voice oozed with sarcasm.
The team huddled. "Okay, who's on point?" Akio asked. Minato raised his hand. "You up for this?" Akio asked his little brother. Minato nodded and took up position. No use worrying about it. This was the ultimate test to see if they were ready to take on the tower. And it was pass or fail.
Yukari stayed close to Minato as he led the group toward the birds. Suddenly, Minato stopped and called out, "Mitsuru. Can you scan them for us?"
Akio was impressed. He completely forgot about that. His little bro made a fine leader.
"Already on it. Give me more time." As she spoke the three large Shadow Birds noticed the Persona-users and took flight toward them.
"May want to speed that up!" Minako shouted to the analyzer as she readied her naginata.
The Shadow Birds swooped down and clawed at the attackers. They dove right for Yukari. Minato pushed Yukari out of the way and took the hit.
"Minato!" his twin cried out, rushing to his aid. Junpei swatted at them but did little good. The birds were simply too fast. Yukari jumped up and ran to Minato while Akio joined Junpei in the swatting contest.
Yukari summoned Io and used her healing spell on Minato. Before he could thank her, he pushed her and his sister aside before barely dodging the next attack from one of the birds. It was all they could do just to dodge the furious attacks of the winged beasts.
Akio swung at one again but only hit air. His temper began to rage. "That's it!" he shouted reaching for his evoker. Everyone turned to him and wanted to stop him. However, the birds attacked as a group and dived right for him. Akio gasped. He knew he didn't have time to move or summon Thanatos. He prepared for the sharp claw to rend him apart but from behind him he heard a shout.
"Hermes!"
A large blast of flame ignited in front of Akio, blasting him backward and burning the birds. Akio turned to see Junpei, with Hermes, readying another fire attack. Mitsuru's voice pieced the air.
"That's it! Fire! Iori, continue your assault using fire!"
Junpei grinned. "Don't even need to ask!" He unleashed another volley of fiery explosions upon the winged pests. One by one they fell to the ground, still alive but badly injured. Minako wasted no time.
She charged the nearest bird and crashed her blade down on its head, killing it instantly. Minato did the same, ramming his blade through another's head. Two of the Shadow Birds dissipated but one started to get back up.
Akio saw that Junpei was exhausted from using his power and was about to use his own Persona when the bird screeched. Akio turned back to see a well-placed arrow lodged in the birds head. His gaze shifting to Yukari, Akio noticed the proud smile on her face.
'She's fierce…Good luck bro!...Damn!' Akio told himself as the last bird disappeared.
It was over. The floor was clear and the stairs were right there. However, everyone's movement began to linger back to the teleported.
"I'm exhausted." Minako sighed and everyone agreed. It was time to go back for tonight. It was close to being time to quit anyway.
As they headed for the teleporter, Minato approached Yukari. "Thanks for the save back there."
She smiled at him. "No problem. Besides you were the one to save me first. Thanks for that." Minato nodded and smiled.
They rejoined the others at the machine and let the device do its work.
Mitsuru smiled at them when they returned, water ready for them. She felt it was the least she could do for them. As everyone rested and recuperated, Akio got up and addressed everyone.
"Guys…and ladies." All their attention was focused on him. "I'm feeling pretty good about this. To be honest, I thought we were screwed." The twins sighed. Oh, ye of little faith. "But I was very surprised at how well we did. Five floors in one night, that's gotta be a record.
"The point is…I'm proud of us. All of us. I'm not one for overly dramatic speeches," he shot a glance at Mitsuru, "But let's keep this up. Damn tower ain't keepin' us down! Sooner or later, I think we'll find what we're looking for…whatever the hell that is…"
"The truth," Yukari pointed out, "Were searching for the truth." Mitsuru flinched but said nothing. Fortunately, no one noticed. It was her cross to bear, at least for now.
"Yeah," Minako shouted in agreement. "This isn't gonna stop us. We'll go all the way to the top!" She thrust her finger upward and laughed. It was the first time Akio had heard her laugh since their first adventuring into the tower. He never realized how much he missed it.
Apparently everyone else had too. They all smiled at the cheerful girl and laughed a bit themselves. Akio felt their bond deepening. It was a feeling he'd never experienced before. And it was welcome.
To Be Continued…
Hey, everyone! Shorter chapter this time. Sorry for the long wait. Having some writers block lately. That and I've been working on other writings that I haven't had a block with. I know I need to focus more on this one but the thoughts for it just weren't flowing. But I'm back now so do enjoy this chapter.
Either way. Stay tuned. I am planning a big update sooner or later (hopefully sooner). Look for it and keep on smiling.
Please Review. Flames shall be used to burn away my writers block.