Chapter 5: The Encounter
April 8/09 Afternoon: Gekkoukan High...
Pain shoots up my body, like flames spreading from my back engulfing my entire being.
"Gah!" I couldn't help but let out a quiet, pained, scream. Unable to withstand the agony, my strength gives in and my form collapsed on to the cold, hard floor. My vision is going dark, sounds getting muffled, everything getting cold, I can no longer be able feel anything, I could see my life flashing before my very eyes...
Oh don't be so dramatic. Thanatos chided. Your senses are simply a bit numb from the sudden pain.
Just let him have his fun. Orpheus said.
Shut it Orpheus! He snapped. He knew the price for disobeying her like that, now he is going to be punished!
I could almost somehow visualize Orpheus raise an eyebrow ...So what?
You don't know how bad she is. Zeus, himself fears her, what do think she is capable of!?
Why are you so worried? Hee ho. Jack Frost ask suddenly. Master's the one being punished, not you.
Oh thanks for the support Jack, I was looking forward to going back to her after school.
"...this idiot, he is paying the price for overworking himself." Nyx's voice came on. It's seems I am once again distracted by my personas.
"Oh don't start." I try to say. However I feel that I was being ignored, Nyx and Hamuko are discussing something. Something with me as the main item of the bargain. "Don't I have a say this?" I try to fight back.
"Quiet you." Nyx shot me down immediately. I sighed, I can't tell if she wants to help me or to make me suffer even more.
When you woke up today. Thanatos said. She told you to stay in bed for a bit while she gets something to ease your pain, and as soon as she left, you immediately left the hotel altogether!
All he did was saw a young girl crying out the window and left to help her. Orpheus argued. He was well enough return to the hotel, sure she would have been annoyed if she was there before him, but he could of say he went to get water or something.
And yet, somehow he ended up walking that girl to her school. Thanatos countered. Only to find out class starts in half an hour, and the next time we saw her at class, the tension between them was so thick that the whole class felt the burden.
I know, I went to the roof in case something happens to prevent my classmates caught in the crossfire, then Hamuko came along.
I sense a presence leaving, it must be Hamuko leaving after some successful deal with Nyx. Even with my face currently eating the floor of the roof right now, I could tell as soon the red-eyed girl left, the atmospheric tension between Nyx and I returned full force.
"I'll make it clear." she said, breaking the silence. "With your injuries at the moment, It would be rather difficult for us to continue investigating Tartarus at the moment."
"I'm more sore then injured at the moment." I replied. "Using even a fraction of the Universe simply placed a toll on my body that it is not used to."
"All the reason to not go there now, you need to properly rest in order to use explore that block.
"I'm mostly fine, my body is only strong as a average High-schooler but my mind has accumulated knowledge throughout the cycles. As long as attack the shadow's weaknesses, I shouldn't have to exert myself much."
"Ok, now you are just making excuses." I hear her sigh. Hm? I sense a presence arriving near us, but rarely someone comes here, especially when lunch is almost over. It must be Hamuko, did she forget something? "For the last time, we are not going there until you are fully recovered." Nyx's voice brought me back to the current situation at hand. I'll have to word this very carefully here.
"But-."
"No buts. We have nearly an entire year to figure this out, and I rather not drag your dead weight again." Well, if I ever get the chance to say anything that is.
"What if-."
"You will not take a step in that place until you are well, do I make myself clear?"
"I still think we should at least-."
"Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?"
"...Yes." I sigh. She is relentless.
"Good." Nyx said. "I know how stubborn you can be, I'm satisfied that I don't have to tie you up or something." The bell rings throughout the school. I feel Hamuko's presence move away, while Nyx's moves closer, whether she knows it or not, we manage to avoid indirectly telling Hamuko our involvement with the Dark Hour. Granted we are the first person she met in that hour, but I doubt she would come to us anytime soon. I found myself getting rolled over and sitting against the foot of the bench, Nyx was kneeling down in front of me.
"I guess we should be heading to class." I said.
"Not yet." she shook her head and moved towards me.
"What do you mean-." My voice stopped at the scene unfolding before my very eyes. Knowing how Thanatos would react to this, I quickly silenced every voice from being heard. "What are you doing?"
"We are both alone so there are no one around, class is starting so one would come here and I have you paralyzed so you can't escape. She casually said while unbuttoning my shirt. "I'd be not as smart as you If I don't take my chances now."
"Must you take off my shirt though?" I feel my face turning slightly red no matter how hard I try to hide my emotions.
"I'm not used to this type of magic and I was told that direct skin contact is best for my current level." Unbuttoning the final one, she placed one of her hand on to my bare chest. A warm green glow surround her hand and a soothing feeling slowly grew from within, and my sore body slowly begins to feel more at ease. It feels like dia, but dia only heals wounds. I could feel my nerves feeling less sensitive and painful, not completely but at least now I feel like I can write with a pencil without feeling the sting.
"Where did you learn this?" I asked.
"When I brought you back to our room, I notice that you were still in pain despite having no visible wounds." She moved her hand to another part of my chest. "I came to the conclusion that you were in a different type of pain from overworking your body and asked around the other divine beings for a spell that could help.
"You asked for others for a spell?"
"Obviously I can't just leave you alone for long in case something unexpected happens, so I constantly traveled to the land where my fellow Greek deities now reside and back here."
"You were up all night?" I was touched that she was willing to be up all night for my sake.
"In fact, when you woke up, I was on my way to learn the final part of the spell from Panacea." I was speechless. Felt like a disobedient child lectured by their mother, I lowered head as she continued her work.
"I'm sorry for the trouble that I brought you." I finally say after a while.
"Honestly you are stubborn like Erebus." she sighed. Like Erebus?
"Should I be taking that as an insult?" The fact that I have a similarity with a two headed, insane, genocidal being like him, disturbs me a lot. I could almost see a tiny smile forming on her face before she stood up. She's enjoying this isn't she?
"Done, all I have manage to do it speed up the healing but you should feel a lot better."I manage to stand up, faster than I did in the morning. Still feeling sore from just grabbing my arm, but a lot better than before.
"With this, I should be ready in a couple of days." I replied.
"Just remember." She warned, her golden eyes narrowed.
"I know, I won't go to Tartarus until I'm fully healed, I promise." she nodded in acceptance.
"As long as you understand. Now, she we head to class as soon as you fixed your uniform?"
What? I look down in shock and hastley buttoned up my shirt. Phew, I was about to head in and cause a scene.
After napping until school ended, Nyx just told me it is now time fulfill my end of the bargain, the one I never made. With a heavy sigh, I made my way to the front gate because I was not told where I would meet her, and the that place is a good place as any to start looking. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind Hamuko, infact I enjoyed her presence quite a lot when she joined SEES, a few cycles ago.
Which cycle was that? Hee ho. Jack Frost asked. Was it the one, that the only offensive spell you decided you would only use was fire, for the entire cycle? Hee ho.
No, I think it's the one that I used my fists as my primary weapon, like Akihiko, minus the boxing gloves.
I've been meaning to ask. Thanatos piped in. Why did you do something like that anyways?
Because there were way too many times for me to count, where I would lose my weapon and nearly lose my life because I was defenseless. I should always have something to fall back on no matter what, especially when dealing with shadows.
No, I mean switch up other fighting styles and restricted some spells for every cycle? Shouldn't you just blow them up with a Megidolaon or Morning Star? Surely a better way of dealing with them?
I would initially battle with them like that, but Junpei and Akihiko would complain that I'm not giving them a chance to get stronger. Even through they would somehow gain experience after every battle, weather or not they actually did anything. Of course, doing the same thing over and over again would get tedious, so one day I decided to ask Junpei to switch weapons with him and you guys should be able to figure the rest out.
Minato, you walked passed her. Orpheus stated.
Hm? Snapping back to reality, I spun around to face Hamuko, who was staring blankly at the school. Was something on her mind?
"Hey." I greeted walking up to her. That shocked her out reverie, to which she quickly turn to face to me.
"Senpai, when did you get behind me?" She stammered. Did I shock her that badly?
"I literally just walked past you." I had no reason to lie. "You look distracted, anyone could of sneaked up on you. Whatever you were thinking about must have been a big deal right?" Not that I'm any better, but she does not need to know that.
"Right, heh heh..." she gave a weak laugh while putting her hand behind her back. Noticing a crowd forming a bit away from us, I turn and left the school, motion my head for her to follow. "Where are we going?"
"Away from prying eyes." I answered. turning my head a bit to see my face. "Unless you prefer to talk with the crowd around us." I resumed walking away.
"Right behind you." I heard her sputter, following closer to me.
After arriving on the train, we both sat near the door, watching the school disappear from our sight. We strangely rode in silence as Hamuko would of said something by now. I stole a glance to see staring out of the window in somewhat a daze. odd, when did she become so timid? Usually, when we both joined SEES, while I still held the term of field leader, she would just be another member. However, because of her, our team would get along better, fight with more spirit and even managed to prevent Shinji's death. Sure it was his lost pocket watch that absorbed most of the damage, but I'm pretty sure who was the one that found it and returned it to it's owner. As much as I dislike to admit, she would have been a better leader then I could ever be, our team members would fight more efficiently when ever I bring her the squad. I was content with just simply following orders, unless it was a clearly terrible idea. Heck, I even talked with Mitsuru, at the very least, making her the leader as morale would always be better with her around, but she would refuse.
I could hear her say "While it is a reasonable claim, I choose you as the leader for many more other reasons."
To this day, I could not figure out those other reasons, Sure I could devastate an entire block of shadows, without breaking a sweat. However, I don't often talk to my team members about any plans beforehand, just telling them to be more offensive, defensive or focus on healing others during battle, and when things get bad, I end up just telling them what to do. Soon when worst comes to worst, I end up dealing with the shadows by myself, and heal everybody else afterword.
Don't be so hard on yourself. Messiah spoke. You are a great leader, that is why they all choose to follow you to the end no matter what.
You don't have to try to be nice to me, Messiah. I know how to admit when someone is better than me.
Not at all. You put inspiration in all your teammates. They follow you throughout the tower because of all the things you did to help them, Hamuko included, and that is just one reason.
Really? I didn't had much time spending with Hamuko, not that she was a bad person. It's just that none of us had any free-time that both of us would hang out, well not until Shinji was hospitalized, and even then we were trying to keep the team together after Ken ran away, for a while anyways. So I wouldn't see why she would put that much faith in to me.
Perhaps, you don't remember? he mused.
I admit, with all the time loops I might have forgotten a few details but I would normally recall something by now. Or is this the part that you guys would keep silent for little to no reason?
…
That's what I thought.
"Senpai?" her voice spoke up. I turn my head and faced her.
"Yes?" I asked. She fidgets a bit before continuing, this is not like her.
"Where are we going?"
"We are getting off-." A ding, rang throughout the tram.
"We are now arriving at Paulownia Mall." The announcement for the train spoke.
"Well, here." I stepped off the train as the soon as the door open, followed by Hamuko.
"So why here of all places?" She asked. "I thought 'away from prying eyes' means a less public place."
"Because they won't follow us here if they respect our privately." I answered. Walking towards the pharmacy. "Besides, I need to get some supplies since you know that I can't really anywhere until I am healed due to an... injury." I placed my gaze on her. Her face turned her red, she must of realized what I'm implying.
"Was I that easily detected?" She shifted her eyes away from me.
"No it's just that I have been at this for God knows how long, that I had developed greater senses." I uttered, absentmindedly. Glancing at the shelves filled with medicines of many types.
"Does she know as well?" She? Oh, she means Nyx.
"I don't think so." I answered. I heard a sigh, not paying any mind to it, I continued. "Then again, I was not exactly looking at her at the time. Anyways it does not matter, if she did know she would have done something by now."I glanced behind me, noticing her stiffen. Oh, she is fearing what Nyx would do if she found out. I could feel the edges of my lip tug up a bit."But she is very patient, willing to wait an entire year to strike." I have first hand experience with that very well.
"Alright I get it, just please." She is panting rather heavily, trying to play it cool, rather poorly.
"Oh?" I placed a hand in my pocket, feeling around for a slip of paper I written during class. "I thought you wanted to know?"
"Senpai, ever heard that ignorance is a bliss?" We stopped at the counter. Across the counter was the some old, shopkeeper I have seen many times.
"Welcome." He greeted us.
"Here." I handed him the slip I pulled out. His eyes widened at what was on the paper, not surprising considering what I had wrote there.
"That's quite a lot of things here, some are not even on sale yet, how do you know of these things?"
"It's fine." I closed my eyes for a bit. I know despite his appearance, he has never done anything to suggest he would con anybody. Besides I've done this out of boredom with him, cycles before. "Just send them to me his soon as they become available."
"T-that's not how it works." The clerk stuttered, "I mean I am glad you have much faith in me that I would deliver them to you but-"
"How about this?" I pulled out rolls of Yen, I should have enough on hand to pay what's available."I buy what you have now and when my other requested items become available, you call me and I'll come and pay the rest."
"I-I see." the clerk wiped his forehead, "So you want me to send it-."
"Yes there. I update you if I ever change locations." He better not get any ideas why he is sending them to the hotel.
"Alright, that will be..."
"Arisato-senpai?" Hamuko said, after walking out of the Pharmacy, we're currently sitting at a bench near the center fountain.
"Yes Inoue-san?" I answered, I spent a lot less than I thought, since I still have more than half on me. Well, that's another large amount to add to my back account. Hm, for some reason my bank account is the only one that's the same while everything else resets during the new cycle. I suspect that a certain someone with a butterfly mask is the cause for it.
"Please, you can call me Hamuko."
"Alright, and I suppose it is only fair that you can call me Minato as well." I turn to face her. "Anyways what is it? Cause I'm sure it's not about how we address each other."
"Just how- Where did you get that kind of money?" I suppose that is an important question, but there is nothing wrong with having a bit of fun here.
"Hamuko, ever heard that ignorance is a bliss?" I reflect her words back at her.
"That's not fair senpai." Oh great, she is doing that face. While I am immune to such tactics, I would be lying if I said it was easy at first.
"Honestly." I shook my head and gave out a sigh. " What is with you two with giving me looks to get what you want from me?" It like that is the only thing they can do without resorting to violence. "However, compared to what Amaya gives me, this is nothing." I mean, the face Nyx gives me always makes me on edge.
"Alright I'll drop it." She sighed. "But you said that you were going to talk about your relationship with Nyx-senpai right?"
"Right, I was going to answer that." I should talk about our lie with Nyx so there is no contradiction between our stories. She is not likely to say anything about our relationship between us, but in case she talks about it anyway, better safe than sorry. "Between us, we are-."
...!?
What was that? I faced the alleyway that leads to the Velvet Room. A Presence? This normally wouldn't get much attention from me.
However, this presence. Orpheus said. It's similar to Nyx's but...
Something's off about it. Thanatos added. Completely on a different level.
Not only that. Hee ho. Jack Frost said. Being completely serious unlike his unusual attitude. It is full of malice as well. Hee ho.
You must be very careful Minato. Messiah finally spoke. Unlike Nyx, we have no idea what this being a capable of.
This presence just flared up out of nowhere, almost like it was done to get my attention. Like it's a trap, baiting me to a dark alleyway, where I don't have a lot of room to maneuver around. Still, It's not going anywhere soon and as long it is confined in there, no innocents should be harmed if what I think is going to happen, but I can't take the chance that it will simply disappear without any problems. I stood up from the preparing to face what's in store, I step forward when I felt something tugging at my sleeve.
"Are you okay?" I had actually forgotten that Hamuko was here. It's been a long time I had felt this tense, ever since facing Nyx for the first time.
"Hamuko?" I better not get her involved in with this, she will soon have a lot to deal with later. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the first Yen note I touched.
"What's wrong?" She asked, I pulled out a random note to her.
"Can you do me a favor and buy me a drink?" I said, trying to lead her away from here, thankfully this place is practically empty today.
"B-but this is a bit much-."
"Don't worry." I cut her off. "you can keep the change, get yourself something nice."
"Why? What is going on?" She is understandly confused here.
"Hamuko." I peered into her worry gaze. I know her unique ability to read people very well. My job with the Social Links would be a lot easier had I been able to developed those skills earlier. Yeah with those scarlet eyes, she will have no problem with those links, I just hope that she is not doing them just for the power.
"I understand senpai." She took the note and walked in the hesitantly, looking back slightly.
"Thanks." I nodded. "Don't take too long, I am pretty thirsty." I could use a victory drink. Once again, I faced the pathway and stepped in to the shadows.
That is how I found myself in the middle of the alleyway, facing the door to the door that I currently don't have access to, surrounded by the cumbersome presence. I can't get the bearing where is the source is coming from, almost like I was inside to this thing. Shifting my eyes for anything that seems out of place, the more I endure the this existence, the more I am reminded of Nyx. I know this isn't her though and I know what she is like when she is ready to kill. I'm not taking any chances, Nyx's wrath be damned, summoning the compendium to my palm while surveying my surroundings, I pulled out a card and crushed it, letting it's power envelope my soul.
"Per. So. Na."
My mind empties for a moment, before immediately filling to the brink with vast amount of knowledge. My body feels stronger as well, but not as much as before. I feel like spells are easier to cast and basic ones are childsplay, looks like I have used the Magician Arcana.
That's right. Hee ho. Jack's voice came in.
Right, now time to deal with this presence. Wait, if this presence is familiar to Nyx, then there is a possibility that-.
!?
Behind you! Orpheus voiced out, urgently.
Way ahead of you! I quickly summon Lucifer's Blade and spun around to cut the malice behind me. My sword slashed through the being there easily, worryingly so. The being's was wearing a hoodie surrounding the body, it's color was similar dark blue like mine, the face was covered in darkness, so I can't even tell the gender of this figure. Surprisingly, smoke was coming out be the being be dissipating. A smoke illusion? When I could see through it, I see the being again flying straight for me. I raised my weapon to block the fist rocketing straight for me. A clashing impact rang throughout my ears, the blade was vibrating violently and the after-effects of encounter was slowly pushing me back. Eventually, I couldn't handle the pressure and flung back. My back collided with the door and slid down to ground.
"...?" The being was momentary confused, that's pretty predictable considering I am the only one that see the glowing blue door that is standing just off the wall. Taking advantage of the opening, I placed a small Mudo spell on the floor and fired a small Agi spell at the figure. But it quickly resumed its composure, quickly smacked the fire away, as if it was an annoying insect and ran at me. I waited until the being was close enough, constantly firing agi at them, the being constantly striking fire away until they leapt into the air flew en route to me. I dodged out of the way at the last moment, as expected they got caught in the Mudo spell but I know it won't work, but I took advantage of the temporary paralysis that Mudo brought. I charged up an Agidyne and shot it at the figure before the spell ended, the explosion spectacularly formed before leaving a black smog envelop me.
I briefly check outside for any witnesses before focusing back into the alleyway. Although the explosion was pretty loud, someone will bound to investigate so I better finish up fast. The presence was still in front of me, I prepared my blade, awaiting for the dust to disappear. I can tell it sort of worked because his clothes are slightly singed.
*bzt.*
Huh? what was that? Did my vision just...!?
I quickly attack behind me, my sword had had been stopped, the figure had stopped from striking its neck. Who is this guy? To hold the sharp end like it was just a stick shows the testament to the hooded figure's strength, even when I was examining the blade yesterday, I had to be careful not to cut myself.
*bzt.*
What? Where did he-!? I felt my back plummet down to the hard, cold floor. Something was falling right into my face, I hastily rolled away as I fast as possible.
*Crack!*
When I sat up against the wall, I saw a pale fist punctured down a decimeter where my head used to be. Now is my chance!
I lifted my foot and kicked the assailant to the other side of the wall, I leaped off the ground and plunged my blade into where the figure is. However, they rolled out of the way, causing my sword to be embedded into the wall. Immediately sensing the presence, I let go of the hilt and swing my fist behind me. The Cerulean wearing figure parried my attack and delivered their own. I immediately ducked and charged into the being, knocking them into the wall, resulting the clatter of bricks rumbling out. Before I could do anything else, I felt an impact onto my stomach, and an unrelenting force, sent me flying into the other wall.
Taking a second to analyze the current situation, I found that the assaulter and I are encapsulated to the walls, but that will be no problem for us, so I need to act fast. Come to think of it, what was that sensation just then? Whenever it happens, they seem to be in a different spot, was it teleportation? If so, then I need to be extra careful then. Even with my hyper awareness and my personas backing me up, one wrong move and it is over.
As soon as I was able to free myself, I quickly dislodge my weapon with my right hand, summoned Agi in the other, and I stormed towards them. I lifted my blade, the blue hooded being having just freed themselves, reacted by raising both of their arms, not giving me a perfect place to strike. Fortunately, this was one possibility I considered that would happened. Still charging until the last moment, I lowered my body far enough to almost crawling level. Letting the flames I conjured consume my left fist, with all my strength shot my blazing fist at the attacker with an uppercut, sending them and myself off the ground. Taking advantage of myself in the air I clench my weapon with both hands letting the inferno engulf Lucifer's Blade.
"Hah!" I yelled as I bring my sword down with my entire weight upon my opponent. The air split open to allow the combustion pass through my target, bringing them straight down with the saber following after. When the being hit the ground, the flames on my sword flew up in a v-shape from the impact of hitting the terrain, before extinguishing.
My intuition tells me that this encounter is not over yet, and regrettably it was proven correct. I leaped back to avoid a shock wave emitting from the individual. With this closed space, I can not fight properly any longer, If I'm going to win, I need a bigger area to brawl in. As soon as the figure started to get up, I spun to the exit and ran as fast as I can.
*bzt.*
"Grrk!" My air was completely cut off. The same pale hand tightly wrapped around my throat belonging to my attacker, who suddenly appeared in front of me, lifting me off my feet. I tried to hit the person with my sword but they moved their head out of the way. They then move their arm to throw my body against the wall, pain shoots up my body.
"Ahk!" Small amounts of blood shot out of my mouth. My sword was dropped behind my assailant, and as soon as I start to descend, they used the same hand to slam against my neck once again. Try as I might, I can't even budge the arm that is choking out my life. No matter how hard I try, I couldn't free myself from its grip. Despite the fact the inside of the hoodie was pure black, I swore I could see one of their eye turning blood-red, the other was hidden, but thanks to what little Hamuko has taught me at one point, I could tell a lot about this being. Not about the eye changing color, but I could tell the being is full of power, full of experience, full of knowledge, unlike Nyx, I can't even... no. Not even Nyx can compare to the guy, it's like they're on a completely different level. I shouldn't be hard on Nyx, she might stand a chance, but she is still currently recovering all of her powers and I doubt she can recover that soon nor I would be able to somehow contact her.
I can't beat em, not at my current strength at the moment, but I need to escape this slipshod of a situation.
"Hrg!" I'm losing conscience, do I have anything that could help? Any spells? Orpheus? No... Jack Frost? Hmm... There is Thanatos or Messiah, with the Almighty spells but it take too long to charge. Well there is 'that'. It would still take a while to charge but it is the best option. I place one of my hand behind my back and began to start charging, I still need more time though.
*Clash!*
Oh no... Sound of clatter bellow out from a bit of ways from us. A witness? We both turn our heads at the source of the noise... Why? Why Now? Why Her!?
"Hmm?" That was the first thing I coming out this guy, multiple voices are heard, a voice of a legion, both young and old. Great, I can't even tell anything about the voice as well.
I try to choke out any words. "Ha- Ha-."
*bzt.*
Before I could even say anything, my assailant disappeared, dropping me to the ground. But I don't have time to celebrate, I quickly grab my fallen sword and sprint towards...
"Hamuko!" I shouted.
"S-senpai!?" She called out. I tackled her on to the ground, barely avoiding a rush of air running over my head. As soon as I recover my sword back into my mind, I picked her up and dodged an incoming attack. No choice now, I leaped away to gain some breathing space.
"Hold on." I told Hamuko, is understandably frightened out of her mind. Jumping again as far as I can, I let go of her with one of my hand and took aim. "God's Hand."
"What?" Hamuko said, holding on tightly. Clouds formed above the attacker and a giant fist, descends from the clouds rapidly onto the being. A thunderous roar echoed out, to which I'm genuinely surprised that no one else has arrived to check out yet.
However, despite being brought down to its knees by what is basically the hand of God, our hooded friend is holding on to the hand pretty well, rather actually pushing against it. I need to come up with a plan fast, one idea is to escape to the city, where Hamuko can escape, and give me plenty of space to attack back or retreat. The major downside however is that it is currently not the Dark Hour, which means innocent civilians will be caught up and notwithstanding my miracle of a luck that no one other then Hamuko discovered this, I rather not take it for granted any further than necessary. My other option is to remain here, hide Hamuko somewhere safe and duke it out here. Ignoring that the place here is smaller, to which I could probably use that to my advantage, this sector at the very least is currently abandoned, not even the staff are coming out and I know I saw one at the pharmacy minutes ago. Of course, Hamuko is still in danger here, and I have yet to have a fuller grasp of that disappearing act, but at the very least I limit the damage confined here. As soon as I land, I immediately bolted to the police station, only to slam into the unmoving door. Luckily, one of my arm was underneath Hamuko when we fell.
"What the?" I voiced my confusion as I got up and tried opening the door, but neither pushing nor pulling budge the door by even a tiny bit, it feels like I was pushing against a painted wall. Still, it might take a while for the trapped person to escape, so I better charge this spell, it's going to take a while, but this personal favorite of mine should hopefully harm this person a lot, and with Messiah's Magic skill Up ability, it is the only one stronger than Morning Star, ignoring Armageddon to which I no longer have access to at the moment. I need a Way to get Helel soon.
"Senpai?" Hamuko called behind me. "What's going on here? Why is that person attacking us?"
"That's what I like to find out. However, I need to get you somewhere safe first." I head over to Be Blue V, and that door couldn't open either. What is going on?
"Safe!? Don't tell me you are going to attack that guy? Did you forget that you were being strangled when I saw you!?" She shrieked, while following me.
"Then I better be careful what I what I wish for next time." I tried to open Chagall Café to no avail. This is worrying, why aren't they opening?
"What do mean next time!?" I ignored her and moved to the night club. As I expected, looks like force is necessary.
"Stand back!" I put my hand in front of the wooden doors and fired an Agidyne at it. I heard her coughing behind me.
"You just... shot fire out of your hand!" She stammered.
"Tsk. Too bad it didn't do anything at all." The doors remain standing, it was not even a bit singed at all. I reached for her hand. "come on." We both ran to escape the area, looks like outside was the only viable opportunity I have. I guess that is the only option that was still available, However I sense that something was wrong, I stopped in place and reached out in front of me.
"What are you doing?"
"Wait a second." My hand slowly moved forward, until I felt something at the tip of my fingers. After confirming my suspicions, I placed the palm of my hand to see white light extending past my hand. "There do you see it?" I turn to face her.
"Yes." She nodded. "But what is that? It's almost like..."
"It's trapping us inside." I answered the rest. "A barrier of some sort, that explains why no one else is a witness." To stop me from escaping and others from entering, but that does not explain why she's here though. Was she inside when the barrier was put up?
"That explains that strange feeling." She muttered.
"Strange feeling?" She felt something unusual?
She nodded. "When I bought the drink and arrive back here, I felt this strange sensation. The sensation was telling me I should go back. Like it was warning me to not enter, in fact people where leaving, even that shopkeeper that you gave the order to. When I asked him about it, he told me he was having the strange feeling as everybody else and decided to leave as well. Even though I felt the same thing as well, I continued to go in any ways."
"I see." I lowered my eyes for a bit to mull over this new info a bit before raising them again to meet her crimson eyes. "I still don't understand why you still decided to come here despite that feeling told you to leave."
She averted her eyes a bit. "Because you were still here." As if that was the only reason needed.
"But you are now in this mess because of it." I sighed.
She then looked at me a little annoyed. "That would also mean that that you would have still been in trouble had I didn't show up. So I don't regret coming here even if it mean I would be in danger. As long I had helped you, then I don't regret it, not one bit." Her eyes were full of conviction and confidence, not a glimmer of doubt flickered, she had meant every single one. It reminded me of why I do this, it's because of people like her. People who help others in major times of crisis, people that that fight on despite those they have lost. The reason I chose to become the great seal so that people like her can live in help those that are suffering.
I felt a tiny smile grew on my face, not one out of amusement or other fake feelings. This one felt real, full of emotions I kept locked away to save my sanity, I don't even remember the last time.
"You are a good person, Hamuko." I respond after a slight pause. "Just promise me one thing."
She fidgets a bit before looking down. "W-what is it?" She asked.
"No matter what happens, don't ever change." I looked the trapped figure for a bit. They are managing to push back on the hand, I don't have enough time left. "Someday, you will have to face a lot of things, some that are not good, maybe some even devastating. However, don't let those change you, instead, use those experiences as a ladder to help you learn from your mistakes. Grow who you are and others around you."
"…" I didn't give her a chance to replay since I grabbed into her and drove into the ground to dodge a golden fist flying straight for us. I looked at the golden fist collide into the barrier destroying the projectile, leaving our prison unscathed. Who is the person? This guy's apparent ability to teleport is difficult enough, but shrugging off the hand of God and throwing it back at me is insane enough as it is. Immediately jumping to feet, raised my hand above me to unleash the almighty spell:
"Megidolaon!" I shouted to the heavens. Three purple balls of particles gathered from above, circling each other while plummeting on to the center of the battlefield. The particles joined together to expand before collapsing in on itself, resulting a massive explosion, greatly harming anyone who is deemed my enemy.
Silence fills the low-visible, dust covered battleground, yet I know they are still around. I looked back to Hamuko who was still laying down, unconscious. Picking her up, I move towards the barrier that is still standing strong, it seems they're still here so I must be more cautious than ever. Trudging to the alleyway, I kept closer tabs on my surroundings, making sure not to taken by surprise. I set Hamuko down near the door and crouched, looking outside for any danger. This guy is taking their time, I could still sense them lurking around, I pulled out my sword and slowly walked out...
!?
Something is rapidly approaching, I lift my sword just in time block a projectile from creating a new hole for my body to breath through. Unfortunately, Lucifer's Blade is starting to crack due to the pressure of the speeding object, considering this my main weapon for most of the cycles, I cannot but help feel disappointed that the blade can't last anymore. Using the last of it's power, I manage to defect the pellet away before the sword shatters, causing me to flew back into the door. I just hope Lucifer isn't too mad when I ask him to help me get a new one. I mean if it was Helel, he might understand, but the sword is called Lucifer's Blade and the fallen angel himself is very different from the former. I moved my head up to see the hooded figure slowly walking towards me, they were clutching their arm but other than that, none worst for wear. I failed haven't I? Hamuko was still out so at the very least, she is not awake for this.
"Well kid, nice of you to drop by, and you brought friends to." A familiar voice called out. Suddenly, I found myself laying down, felt like I was dragged from the cold hard floor to a soft, comforting carpet. From the top of my viewpoint, a man was looking down at me, he was still wearing that fedora but from this angle, I can now see his platinum blonde hair, fitting his golden eyes.
"Horace?" I called out his name. He gave a sly smile and walked passed me, I sat up, noticing that Hamuko is here beside me, and ahead of me is a doorway leading me to the outside world. Standing just outside the door frame was the assailant, looking all around the area as if they had lost something.
"Unfortunately, this one is not behaving himself." Horace was standing next to the door, with an amused look on his face. "So he will not be allowed in."
"That person can't see in here can they?" I already know the answer, but I'll ask just to humor him.
"Correct." Horace smiled. "The Velvet Room is tied to your journey so only you can enter here. To him, you had just disappeared, somehow able to escape his barrier and his efforts was gone to waste." So he was a guy then, the figure then turned around before disappearing completely, without a trace in a blink of an eye.
"It's over." I breathe out a sigh of relief, happy that today's encounter, but I get the feeling this won't be the last time I meet him. I stood up, closing my eyes, and visualize the power of the Magician Arcana flowing from my very being into a single point in front of me. After opening my eyes and seeing the card floating in front of me, I was about to summon the compendium when the slivered-haired resident interrupted me.
"You don't need to summon the book to put it away, just let it fade into your subconscious and it will do the rest."
I nodded, "Alright." I don't have to reason to doubt him, after letting card fade away, I turn to look to Horace who was staring intently at the door.
"I can't tell if he is doing that to show off to himself, or if he somehow knows that you are watching." Horace muttered, still looking outside.
I raised an eyebrow. "You mean that is not teleportation?"
He shook his head. "It looks like teleportation but he simply slowed down our perception, causing us to think he is teleporting but in reality, he is moving at normal speed, our brain just does not perceive it as that. When you were fighting him, did your vision blur when he 'teleports'?"
I nodded.
"Just think of it as your brain catching up all the time that just went by." He says, closing the door to the outside.
"Because at that moment, my perception was slowed due to his power." I answered.
He nodded. "Correct." I stood up and checked my body for any wounds on me, then Hamuko, who was still out. "Here." Horace walked over to me and casted Mediarahan, the green light that shines on me and Hamuko was healing all our wounds, of course I'm not completely healed but at least I'll be at the state before the battle.
"Thanks." Speaking of which. "This room is tied to my destiny, and mine alone right?"
Horace raised an eyebrow, before peeking at her over to her. "Yes, but considering that this girl was caught up in something she not supposed to and we can't afford to get her killed when her journey has yet to start, I was willing to bend the rules for now."
I sigh, glad that she will be fine, however. "She was involved in this, what will happen with her how?"
"You mean she was not asleep the whole time?"
I shook my head.
"Figures it won't be that easy." Horace sighed, "I'll see if Master Igor, or Master Philemon can lend us a hand in this. This might take a while, in the meantime lay her down on something more comfortable." he bowed before entering a door, leaving me behind.
"Right." I picked her up then carried her to one of those VIP seats. Sitting down on the opposite end, I was about to put on my headphones until I notice she was shivering. Odd, it didn't seem that cold. I took off my outer coat and covered her with them. I decided to walk out for a bit, making sure I didn't close the door to get some fresh air when saw something glimmer on the ground near me. Upon closer inspection, they were fragments of my sword, I better clean them up now. Small pieces or not, the fact that they hold small amounts of power of the former light-bringer, spells danger for anyone if they were face against one. Especially if they were held with malicious intent. If anyone would to look at them from a glance, they would think it's just glass but better safe then sorry.
After gathering the last of the fragments, I heard sounds coming from outside the alleyway. Looks like that barrier is now gone and people are heading back before this whole things started. From the sounds of them, they are understandably confused by the debris from the results of the battle. It wasn't a huge battle, so they could clean it up by the end of the day, and from the looks of it, no one suspects a thing, not knowing who or what to suspect. I headed back into the Velvet room and closed the door, no one could see in anyways but it feels like a polite thing to do. Hamuko is wrapping my coat tightly but she had a contented look on her face, I move forward to where she was. Seeing her face so peaceful like this, I can't help but feel sorry for her. If I remember correctly, tomorrow's would be a full moon, the time where the shadow of the magician arcana would show up, and her whole journey would start. I would have to fight hard to make sure she does not suffer like I did at the end.
"How is she?" Horace's voice came from behind.
"She's fine." I turn to face him. "What about on your end?"
"Master Igor told me what to do, give me a second." He walked over where brunette was resting and placed a hand on her forehead.
A few moments later, Horace gave a sigh and removed his hand from her. "Honestly, if it weren't for the fact she is need to take your place, the best solution would have been to keep her memories and have her team up with you."
"But for that to happen, she would have to deal with the Monad shadows." I said.
He nodded, "Well there's that. What I mean is that we can't deviate from the original timeline at the moment."
"Why not?" I mean I understand we need to keep a few things the same to keep the timeline stable, but I would like an explanation from the expert here.
He has that smile again, don't tell me... oh no.
"Well, If you want to know." he makes his way over to the stage.
"...Whatever." I sigh in resignation and sat down closer to the stage. The whole room went dark, save for the spotlight hanging of the man in the blue suit and fedora, pulling out a mic from the said hat.
"It's Story Time Special with Horace!"
I shifted my eyes a bit to where Hamuko was still resting, never thought she was a heavy sleeper. She was always the first to wake up at the sign of any slightest disturbance, whatever Horace did to her must have been strong.
The said performer on the stage coughed to get my attention. "Now, you wanted to know why we easily alter the timeline as we see fit?"
"Yes." I replied, note to self, learn to resist speaking out. Or at the very least, try to stop story time from starting.
"Alright! Now before I answer that, let me ask you one thing kid." He pointed at me, as if there were anyone else that was awake here. "When you were going through the time loops, did you try to deviate from your original timeline?"
I obviously nodded.
"Care to give an example?"
The one on top of my head is when before Hamuko joined, I tried to save Shinji from being killed, images of the incident flashed through my memories. The guilt stuck me at full force, leaving behind bitter regret to fill the void. "I rather not." I muttered, lowering my head.
Horace's face turned somber, nodding in understanding. "Fate is something not easy changed, especially when it had been done before. When an event has been occurred and time is suddenly to repeat itself, time will correct itself to ensure all major events are played out to ensure no paradoxes are played out. Sure minor things can change due the realm of possibility being nearly abundant, but as long as most major events play out properly, our timeline will do as much as it can to ensure it's path."
I let those words sink in, covering my entire being, like everything I have done up until now was meaningless. No matter what I did, Shinji was destined to die that night, yet time itself also had a huge point. Because of his demise. Akihiko, who was his closest friend, vowed to face everything head on, becoming a stronger person. Ken, who wanted but was denied of avenging his mother because the death of Shinji, vowed to live for both of them, to not waste the life he was given. Because of Shinji's death, and Akihiko and Ken had gain a personal resolution to fight on, their personas, as the result, evolved into the Ultimate personas, their powerful and final forms... I can now see why as well.
"So you understand, even if the event was hard to bear, sometimes even worse when you try to change the event. It's sometimes necessary to cause a bad event, if it can result in the end the world desires." Horace sat down on the stage in front of me. "Tell me, do you think you would have been able to reach the top of the tower had that event you are thinking of never occurred?"
As I am now? Definitely. However, back then, thinking back on it now, Had their personas never evolved, there would have been more casualties other than Shinji and I. Ken was too busy with revenge, Akihiko is focusing on getting stronger to escape his problems, and Shinji is already dying because of the suppressants of keep his berserk persona under control. No matter how good the situation seem to be, there was a large chance that all of them would have died, if not from the shadows as much as themselves. As much as I loathe to admit with those three, for two of them to accept their resolution and move on, the third has to die so the others must face the hardships head on. besides, Shinji would face death head on if it means the other two would have new meaning to live by.
"No." My eyes looked deep into Horace's yellow ones. "Had it not been for his death, I doubt I would make it up there with little problems as I had back then."
He had a sad smile forming on his pale face, "Correct, had you manage to solve that incident, I'm sure there would have been a larger problem that could of end even worst then before."
I raised a hand up, to hold what he was saying, "But, that was back then when I didn't know about the history of those three. Why can't I simply explain the situation between the three now? Sure they would be suspicious of me, but I'm sure they have an understanding of the situation of each other and new resolutions at the end, no one would've need to die." I, however couldn't just abandon my teammates to fight the shadows themselves, and try to save the others then.
"Assuming they been in the same situation like you Mister. 'I-repeated-this-time-loop-many-times'. Think of that situation as a Grandfather Paradox theory, except that you are trying to save someone, not kill them. Besides, who are normally the only ones supposed to remember the time loops?"
"Divine beings and myself because of the Universe Arcana."
"Right, of course that doesn't mean you can still change the flow of time to your needs because of a loophole."
Wait, what? "Loophole?"
"Tell me, did you have the power of the Universe back then when you arrived here?"
"Well, no. I didn't even know about the power of Persona until later."
"Yet, strangely you are able to keep your memories."
…
He sighed, "Alright, think about it like this, because of the power of the universe, you would be able to remember a thing like this, but what do you think should happen when time loops to a point before you receive that power?"
My eyes widen at the realization, "I should've forgotten as well."
"Now you are getting it."
"What would be the point then? I get that this time loop is not perfect if I can remember it, and I'm pretty much bound to my 'assigned role' but..."
Wait a minute, if that is true, Then why is she taking my place? Why was I able to go to Tartarus with Nyx last night?
"Sounds like you still don't understand. You don't think that only memories are the only thing that remains do you?"
"...My powers."
"Correct! Not everything is lost during the reset, that is why you are able to cast spells like a powerful wizard, and lose your physical strength to be squishy like one."
Should I be offended by that? Whatever, I can always retrain my body to be as strong as before, but my powers would take forever to learn... I see, I understand why my powers manifested up at this point.
Horace stood up, giving me a smirk. "Looks you're putting the pieces together, but I'll be the judge of that. I have seen a bit of your 'fight' outside, and your powers are a bit impressive because up until now, you had plenty of time to train them. Personally, had you retain your physical prowess, you might even stand on even ground with that man."
There was a few times I didn't use my stronger spells when I was 'training' as he puts it, but that was a personal handicap.
"There is still one problem through, despite many things that can change, as long as those major points remain the same, wouldn't everything else be meaningless?" That is the main reason we're here in the first place.
"Kid, how do you view time?"
Time? Like a clock?
He must of know what I was thinking, because he just sighed. "I mean metaphorically, how do you think time works?"
How time works. Flowing by, twisting and turning like any events playing out to reach a certain end. It reminds me of water. "A river."
Nodding his head, he replied, "A common way thinking, I happened think the same as well. To me, time is flowing like a river, many events like turns and obstacles, dictate where it should go until it reaches the end. Try to improperly change the course of time, like putting a dam to stop farmland from flooding, it can cause the water to overflow, causing the entire village to flood instead."
Isn't that why you're supposed to put a water hole? To drain the water from passing a certain point to prevent the risk of overflowing the dam? Wait a minute. "Are you saying that the reason I keep failing to save them because I didn't take the necessary steps?"
Horace shrugged, "Master Philemon hasn't told me everything you know. What I do know is that, this timeline to change, we have a lot of work to do."
"Is that why she's taking my place while I do this? So I can do these necessary steps?" I pointed my thumb behind me.
"Correct! Most events are supposed stay the same for time to flow the way it is, but knowing what you know now, I doubt you stay still and let that happen."
I getting the whole plan now. "In order to keep the timeline stable, Hamuko has to lead SEES, fulfill the major events like defeating the shadow Arcanas."
"Leaving you with the knowledge from the future and no role to fill, a wild card fittingly to alter the course of history as you see fit. That is our plan to fight time!"
Lights came back on, with everything I just learn, I completely forgot Story Time was in effect. I don't how, but he's gotten me to talk this much, to a point I find that disturbing.
"A word of advice." he added, throwing the mic behind him, "Even though you are now no longer a gear in the wheels of fate, That does not mean you can do anything you want."
I nodded, knowing that the shadow Arcanas must be defeated, or more people will have apathy syndrome and that is just one issue I can just ignore.
"Aright, I'd talk more but time marches on in your world and I'm sure her friends are wondering where she is."
Nodding my head, I stood up, walking over to the still sleeping Hamuko to carry her on my back. I was about to open the blue door to leave when a hand clamp down on my shoulder. Turning to face the owner, I see him holding a strange-looking card, glowing an eerie blue, it's light seems to pulsate in a slow rhythm.
"What is it?" I asked,
"It's a card." he casually replied.
"No, I mean what is it for?" he is doing this on purpose isn't he?
"A VIP pass to the Velvet room, You need to go in somehow right?"
So instead of the familiar key, it's now a glowing card?
"I know what you're thinking, yes it allows you to access the velvet room, but it also does other things as well."
You've got my full attention, "Other things?"
"Yes, why do you think I didn't give you it before? I had to make sure it's functions work correctly."
"What are they?"
"You'll have to find out yourself. Oh don't give me that look, I had helped you plenty enough times already." He leaned close to me to slid the card down my pocket, I had to suppress a shudder crawling down my spine. "Besides, Master Philemon himself, told me not to reveal anything important about the card unless you discover it."
Why would he do that? Isn't he on our side? Then again, he didn't reveal himself until just recently, while I'm sure he means well, I can't help but feel something is off about him.
"Whatever your thinking can be done later." Horace said, snapping me out my contemplation. "Right now, don't you have a girl to carry back home?"
My eyes had set on the sleeping girl on my back momentarily, before facing the door leading outside. Right, I have other things to do at the moment. Horace walked over to the exit and opened it for me, holding it like one of those bellboys.
"Till we meet again." he bowed
I nodded while walk passed him to the exit. "I'll see you later."
The orange, evening sky was already turning dark, ignoring the strange looks from carrying an unconscious girl on my back, I walked down the road that would lead me to her dorm. While moving by, a random thought suddenly popped in to my mind, hey Orpheus.
What is it, Minato? He asked,
It's about Orpheus Telos.
Telos? What about Telos?
I mean, with the similarity between you two, I couldn't help but ask the relationship about you guys. Are you guys the same but separated differently like Helel and Lucifer? Or are you different beings altogether?
I'm a bit curious about that as well. Messiah inquired, While I believe I have the answer, I would like to confirm it with you first.
Well since I've been put on the spot. Orpheus replied, With Telos, I don't think I've have met anyone such like him before, yet I feel a deep connection with him and yet at the same time, he's like an entirely different being altogether. I'm afraid that's all I know, I apologize.
It's fine, it was just a random thought anyways, besides I'm already here. I walked up the steps and was about to knock on the door to the dorm until I froze in place. What am I suppose to say about this? Ignoring the fact that that I'll be won't be working with my friends and will have to treat them like strangers, how am I supposed to say about Hamuko here? Like 'Hey I found this girl here and I somehow know that she resides here, alright goodbye.' Still, I can't stay here forever through, raising my hand, I moved it until it hit the door twice and waited.
An eternity passed until the door opened, revealing a girl with brown hair, wearing a pink sweater jacket with a loose red ribbon. Yukari Takeba, a member of SEES, and my former classmate, friend and ally. Now is not the time to get nostalgic, let's get this started.
"Can I help..." she greeted me before her eyes trailed over to the girl on my back, her face grew increasingly worried. "What happened to her!?"
Alright, I know how to handle this. "Good evening, my name is Minato Arisato, and I found her unconscious nearby, my cell phone is out of battery so I was hoping to use yours."
"What!? Is she hurt!?"
"No, she seems fine, she should be up in a few minutes or so, but I need to know where she lives so her parents can pick her up." I'm a bit concerned that I can lie so casually and on the spot like this. Normally I'd just tell the truth in some form or another, but I rather not get them involved in this, and the timeline needs to be stable until I can spit it off from the original course.
Yukari shakes her head. "No it's alright, believe it or not she actually lives here. By the way, I am Yukari Takeba. Here, come on in." she steps back, the door widening more moving to allow me to enter.
"Excuse me." I said as I entered the building and set Hamuko down the nearest sofa.
"Oh my, is she going to be alright?" A male voice called out beside me, I know who it is and I rather not face him, but for now I'm just a third year student who had found a younger one unconscious and brought her back home.
"She's fine, give her a few moments to rest and she'll be ok." I turn to face the chairman and adviser of SEES. A person that would use that very group to do his dirty work to end the world.
He sighed, "I'm relieved then." Of all the times I had spend with him, I could never tell if that is his real personality or the insane one is, and that camera that was spying on him at one point did not help at all. "I should thank you, Minato Arisato."
I nodded, "It's not a problem..."
"Shuji Ikutsuki, I am the Chairman of the Board for your school. 'Ikutsuki', Hard to say isn't it? That's why I don't like introducing myself." He chuckled to himself.
"It's nice to meet you, well I should be going now." I lowered my head a bit out of politeness, before turning to face the door, about to leave. I rather not be in his presence any longer then necessary.
"Please hold on a bit." I froze and turned my head to face him. "Before you leave, could you explain how you came across her?"
A seemingly innocent question, but I know there is some meaning to it. Still, if I can get any suspicion off of me, I'll take it at the very least. Knowing that he is waiting for an answer, I nodded.
"Then please, take a seat then." he gestured to the chair across from him.
I silently walk over to the seat, sitting in it, and then gazed at him, wondering what is he planning.
"Umm..." Yukari's voice called out, I had forgotten that she was even here. "You said that you came across her, nearby?"
My eyes flickered to her for a moment "Let me start from the beginning."
I had told them about a made up story about how I was walking home from Paulownia Mall, after seeing the random debris around the mall. Yukari had noted that she saw Hamuko and I left together, I explained to her that we split up halfway after I answered her questions in the mall. About how she left early and how I stayed behind until the debris showed up. Then how I was walking home when I came across her, I had to check to see if she is alright before deciding to search her for any information about her residence. After noticing that my phone had died, I had decided to carry her to the nearest building for her to rest in and for a phone, which just happen to be this one.
"I see." Yukari nodded smiling, "Thank you for bringing her here safe Arisato-senpai."
"Don't mention it. You can just call me Minato, if you want." I smiled back at her, It just feels strange to me for her to simply say my family name after all we had been through together. However I have to keep reminding myself that she no longer has memories of our time together.
"Uh, sure. You can call me Yukari as well." Yukari turn her head away, hiding her face for some reason. Ever since I've been doing social Links, I keep noticing a lot of habits the people do, which made helping people a lot easier. I was about to say something about it when I notice that Ikutsuki had been silent the whole time.
"…" If he knows that I was lying the whole time, he didn't say it. I guess it takes a liar to know one. "I see, well thank you for taking the time to shed some light about this."
I eyed him cautiously, "Anything to help, if I can somehow prevent this from happening again, I would do it."
"Um Hmm." He took a glance at his wristwatch, "It's getting late. Would you like to stay here for tonight?"
"C-chairman?" Yukari stuttered,
So that's your plan huh? "I appreciate the offer but I can make it back home."
"Oh, but I insist." Ikutsuki pushed up his glasses, "While I have no doubt that you're a capable young man, but with the rise of people with symptoms of Apathy Syndrome, I want to make sure our students are safe."
I stood up and gave a bow, "I thank you for your concern, but I'll be fine. However, if I do end up in trouble, I'll be sure to head here as soon as possible."
"Please, as Chairman of your school, Your safety is my number one priority."
I raised my head and face the man on the other side of the table. "Which is why I must refuse your offer, I wouldn't want to trouble you further than necessary."
"It's no trouble at all, in fact we even have a few spare rooms you can sleep in. Besides, I think someone here would like to thank you for helping her here." He motioned his head to the forgotten girl laying down near us.
As much as I would like to sleep in my old room again, I have other pressing matters to attend to and Hamuko can simply wait until tomorrow if she wanted to thank me for dragging her to a dangerous situation, if she even remembers.
Moments have passed, Ikutsuki and I have stared at each other since then. Even though no words are being exchanged, our eyes are doing the talking for us. Both of us are not giving up until the other gives in first, the question is which is going to give in first? Of course I am curious of why he wanted to know if I had the potential all of a sudden, I don't recall saying anything supernatural related and I made sure to word my statements carefully, or is this his chance to check anyone with the potential anyways?
"Uh?" Yukari cuts in suddenly, "Do you think he...?"
"We don't know that yet." he replied, "However, it does not hurt to make sure."
Time to play dumb, "Know what?" I asked them, thank you Yukari, for the opening.
"Hmm? Oh, it's nothing important." Ikutsuki sighed, "Though, If you want to leave, I can't do anything to stop you."
"I see, thank you for understanding." I moved towards the door, that was strangely easy.
"Is it alright for him to leave like that?" I hear Yukari's voice behind me.
"It's fine." he chuckled, "After all, a hard boiled egg is hard to crack."
…
"You'll have to forgive him." the brunette sighed, "He tends to makes jokes like that.
"It's fine. Thank you." I gave a small wave before closing the door behind me, I'm aware that he likes to make bad puns like that. I just couldn't help but wonder if he was insinuating something by that joke. Whatever, walking down the steps to return to the hotel, I gave a huge sigh, looking out into the sky. The setting sun is replaced with the waxing gibbous moon, turning the sky very dark, I guess it's time to head back. With that encounter back at Paulownia Mall, I better report that to Nyx, she might know who he is. Great, now thinking about her made me feel a little guilty.
Well, she did expended a lot of energy traveling between here and the Plane of the Gods, in order to keep an eye on you and finding a way to help treat you. Thanatos explained.
Plane of the Gods?
It's not the official name, but to make long story short, think of the place as a massive plane of existence, where divine beings reside over.
So this place is where divine beings live in?
That is oversimplifying my explanation, but that is true, sort of. In fact, that may too simple that you might get the wrong idea.
It's not surprising. Messiah chuckled, It's not a place that mortals can easily comprehend.
That would also mean...
That's right, I do not understand it either. Orpheus answered. And I have passed away for much longer.
Right. Thanatos continued, Anyways, that place is extremely difficult to get to, even for someone like her. And she was constantly traveling back and forth between the planes.
She was not at full strength as well, I should find a way to make it up to her.
Yeah, I can't imagine what is like to deal with your worst enemy being reckless when you guys are supposed to work together. Can you imagine such a situation?
My worst enemy? Ignoring the fact that, it next to impossible to work with the insane Erebus, I guess I would understand the frustration.
Then you would let her take out her frustrations on you then. Thanatos suggested.
What?
You want to make it up to her right? When you walk in the room, just let her do what she wants.
Great...
Fortunately, all she did was gave me that glare the moment I arrived. Nyx, was simply sitting in a chair, reading a book I entered. When I explain the situation with the assailant and the barrier he put up, leaving out the velvet room part. she just closed her eyes, but I know she was listening deeply. After finishing my explanation, the goddess sighed before opening her eyes.
"You were tricked." the black haired girl said.
"Huh?"
"You said that you sense some malice when you are with that girl correct?"
"Yeah?"
My roommate crossed her arms, "And based on what that girl told you, you've figured that there is some sort barrier that drives out everybody else?"
"Yes?" Where is she going with this? Wait...
"Basically, your failed assassin drew you out and in order to make sure no one else involved, he put up some barrier to encourage people already inside and discourage others from entering."
Then..!
Nyx nodded as if reading my mind, "Yes, this guy ether know that you are a fool that is willing to be lead into a trap to not get innocents involved. Or thinks that you are too proud to ignore a challenge from a powerful being."
Ignoring the last part, I completely fell for it as well, because I sensed that presence was isolated area, I could of ignored it and went on with my life. However, I couldn't ignore that the presence would just simply stay there or just simply go away no problems. Plus that guy was hoping I would take the bait, had Horace did not open the door, everything I had done up to this point would have been pointless.
"But know this." she picked up her book to continue reading, no longer looking at me. "Whoever our enemies are, they must know a bit about you, if they manage to trick you into fighting on their ground. Don't underestimate them."
My mind is too muddled up to say anything, I wordlessly walk to the bathroom and turn on the sink. After splashing cold water on to my face, I stared at myself in the mirror for what it feels like an eternity.
Many thoughts flow through my mind, but the most prominent one I have to wonder, who is that person at the mall? Is he a lone wolf that operates on his own terms? Or is he part of a group that are as strong as him? If so, who is leading them? If they are after me, then I can safely assume that Nyarlathotep is the one behind this, but who's to say that he isn't the only one that wants humanity gone? Considering that the fate of humanity, is being betted between him and Philemon here, I'm sure other beings must of caught wind of it at some point. Speaking of Philemon, I remember him saying that unlike Nyarlathotep, he does not got involved unless it is necessary, perhaps there are others who were in the same situation that he assisted at some point. I should probably ask him about it if I ever get a chance-.
...
The scenery just turned dark green all of a sudden, the running water became blood and the lights shuts off. The Dark Hour? How long was I in here for? I didn't even notice that much time had passed. Maybe I'm just tired, and with the Arcana Shadows are now showing up are not helping. Their presence are still tiny and they could easily be dealt now, but I have to let SEES, handle them for now until I can successfully shatter with this time loop. Nonetheless, whether it is early or not for these shadows to now show up now, I have to be careful here from here on out, I may be used to the hypnotic suggestions by now, but the moment I let my guard down is when I am most vulnerable...
Did my reflection just winked?
AN: Yo, been a while hasn't it? I apologize for not uploading anything for more then a month but two friends of mine: Laziness and Procrastination, visited. They finally left but I have a feeling they'll be coming by a lot more often.
Anyways, I like to thank those who reviewed telling me about any mistakes I made. Like I said, no story is perfect, but I would like to make it close as much as possible, so please to tell me if I need to address any. However, if you want to leave a review about what you think about the story so far, then I'm fine with that as well.
Fun fact: Panacea is the goddess of Universal remedy. She and her four sisters each performed a facet of Apollo's art: Panacea (the goddess of Universal remedy), Hygieia ("Hygiene" the goddess of health, cleanliness, and sanitation), Iaso (the goddess of recuperation from illness), Aceso (the goddess of the healing process), and Aglaea(the goddess of beauty, splendor, glory, magnificence, and adornment).