Chapter 6: The Magician Arcana

April 9/ 09 Afternoon: Gekkoukan High...

I will Burn my dread.

I once ran away from the gods of fear.
And he chained me to despair. Yeah

Burn my dread.

I will break the chain and run
till I see the sunlight again...

I sense a presence rushing towards me, then a crash rang out. Well there goes my peaceful afternoon break. I sighed and open my eyes, I'm a bit taken back to see Akihiko learning against the door breathing heavily.

I removed my headphones and paused my MP3, "Hey Sanada-san."

He looked at me for a second to catch his breath, before giving me a confident smile, "Oh, how ya doin' Arisato-san? What are you doing on the roof here?"

Akihiko Sanada, the captain of the school boxing and the member of SEES, he is a friendly person that was looking out for the younger members when I first joined the team. With his bad boy look and cool demeanor, whether he knows it or not, he is really popular is the girls. I smiled a bit, "I could ask the same thing you know? Anyways, I was just relaxing during our break."

My classmate chuckled, "Again? All you've been doing during our class is sleeping you know."

"I know." I patted the seat near me, "You look tired."

"Not really, but I'll take your invitation." He walked over to the next bench and sat down. A while had passed before he spoke again, "I went up here to get away."

"From girls?" I mean there is no other threat in the school life at the moment.

He sighed, "So you been through this as at some point as well huh? I mean they are generally annoying but I just ignore them. However they've been getting more aggressive lately."

"So now you resorted to hiding huh?"

"Hey, don't make me sound like a coward." We both chuckled at that remark.

We both sat in silence for a while, wondering what to say for now, I guess I should start with something though.

"So Sanada-san, you're the captain of the boxing team?"

"That's right, so you heard?" Akihiko looked at me, "Did you want to join or something?"

"I appreciate the offer, but no thanks." Tempting as is, I rather not fight anymore then necessary, fake or not.

He looked disappointed for second before nodding, "Alright then." His face then lit up again, "Oh, you were jogging this morning weren't you?

"Hmm?" How did he know that?

"I was also jogging today as well, when I was taking a break and got myself a drink, I saw you jogging by."

That makes sense, "Ah, well it does not matter where I am now, It does not hurt to have a fit body." Especially since my body needs to be strong to handle the stress to maintain the Arcana cards. I didn't feel the backlash of the Magician Arcana until after I woke up this morning, Luckily Nyx was there to heal me even if she was giving me that look again. Yeah I definitely owe her.

"A fit body? Are you like, fighting for someone or something like that?" Akihiko asked,

"In a way." I'm fighting for a better future. Not just for myself, but for everyone that was involved in this.

"I see." he nodded, "But you don't want to join the boxing club?"

"It's tempting, but once again I must refuse."

"Then how about this, we both jog together."

I raised an eyebrow, "Together?"

"Yeah." The athletic student rubbed the back of his head, "I know it sounds a bit for two strangers to do this but hear me out. While jogging alone is fine and all, but you can get bored if you have no motivation to do anymore if you keep doing the same thing over and over. However if we are both jogging together, we can both try improve our records better and see who can travel more each time we meet up. So what do you say?"

That sounds more like a race to me, well he was always competitive even though it gets him in trouble sometimes, "That sounds like an interesting proposition there. I guess I can accept." I mean more challenges would make jogging more exciting, and hanging out with Akihiko not a bad idea. I couldn't help but wonder why is it that I don't hangout with him before? Social links aside, There was not particular reason not to, I know that he is a good person, yet I don't know much about him. Well better late than never so I better make up for lost time now then.

A Smile grew on his face, "Great, so tomorrow we should meet up at..."

The school bell had rung, signifying the end of school for today. Nyx and I were near the front gate of the school walking back to our hotel, when she suddenly stopped. Out of curiosity, I stopped as well and turned to face her, she had her arms crossed and was focusing on the ground for some reason.

"Is something on your mind?" I asked her,

"Just thinking about what you said last night."

"Last night?" about my encounter?

The goddess nodded, "Tell me, did you ever encountered any humans that were actively working against you other than my worshippers?"

"No, only Strega and Ikutsuki were the only ones." Why are we talking about this in public?

As if reading my mind, Nyx moved closer to me until we are barely a meter apart. "It's highly likely that there is a third party involved." she whispered,

"I had considered that as well." Based on what I know, Philemon is on our side, Chronos is missing, and I have no proof that Nyarlathotep the third party but he is the most likely candidate considering the he and Philemon has a wager that includes the fates of humans as the main focus.

"That means whoever that person was, it seems like they have try to taken the first move to stop us."

"Then we better move ahead then."

"Obviously." she sighed, "However with your current conduction, we can't to Tartarus yet."

"Then what are we supposed to do then?"

She broke her gaze, walked passed the front gate and into the streets, I followed her out of prying eyes that had gathered around us.

"We investigate the city." she finally answered,

"What are we supposed to look for in the city?"

"Anything really, clues that can help us solve this incident. Then if we can't find any information that can help, then we look for those who does."

Sounds reasonable, "So where do we start?"

"Start anywhere you want." the black haired girl said dismissively, waving her hand. "I'll start somewhere else." Wait where?

"Are we not supposed to work together?" isn't that the reason we're working together in the first place?

"And we are." she replied, looking around, "We are covering more ground if we split up and search separately."

I sigh in resignation. "Whatever." if she wants to work that way, that's fine with me too. I had worked alone before.

"We'll meet up back at the motel after the Dark Hour." She immediately jumped on to the roof of the nearest building, I quickly look around for any witnesses. After seeing that nobody else is around, I turn back to where she was, only to find that she is gone. Great.

"Still". Orpheus mused, "That's a pretty lengthy time limit, where should you start first?"

I have a few places to go to first, but for now I'll first return to the hotel.

"The hotel?" Thanatos asked, "Going back there so suddenly, why?"

If I'm going to be out here all day, I might as well grab a few things as well.

"Right." Messiah agreed, "You currently have no weapons at the moment."

There's that, plus a change of clothes is nice once in a while as well.

I had just walked in to Paulownia mall, currently wearing some black colored jeans and a simple shirt, covered by my dark blue hoodie. I'd normally wear my other winter clothes if it weren't for the fact I may need to hide myself when the Dark hour arrives. The debris from my battle were cleared and people are walking like everything is fine. Making my way to back to the alley, I once again come face to face to the door to the Velvet room. With my card in my hand, I walked up to the door and found a card slider on the door itself. As soon as I slid the card down, the door immediately clicked, telling me that the door is unlocked. I slowly push the door open, revealing the bar and the sole occupant on the other side.

"Welcome back to the Velvet room." Horace greeted, I'd say bar would be more appropriate, but nonetheless I have other matters to attend to. "Are you here to pick up where we last left off?"

"Maybe later." I came closer to him and placed a bag on the counter.

"What's this?" the bartender reached into the bag and-, "ow!" hurt himself pulling out a remnant.

"The remains of my weapon. A very powerful one." I answered him.

"And what? You want me to fix it?"

I nodded.

"What do I look like? A blacksmith?" He placed the fragment back in. "Unless you have the correct materials and persona that's a different story, but you can't expect me to fix it as it stands."

I sighed, I had expected that to happen, and I don't have a Nihil weapon nor Lucifer with me. Taking the bag back, I let it fade into my subconscious. With my current abilities, I could fight without a weapon but, it would be better if I have something so I don't have to rely on my fists with elemental enhancements. I rather have that as a last resort and my trump card, then show it off to everybody.

"Hold on a moment." Horace suddenly said, before disappearing behind the counter.

"What are you doing?" I sat down on one of the stools, hearing rumbling sounds where he was.

"I know what you doing is to save the world, and the enemies you'll be facing are dangerous." the fedora wearing man popped out holding something long, a sword. "So you cannot be defenseless am I right?"

"Thanks" I grabbed the handle and examine my new weapon. The hilt has a plain circle in it, and the handle was wrapped in blue fabric that is smooth to touch. The blade itself is pretty pain, the only thing special about is that there is a glowing blue line running down the middle of the steel. Despite its unique design, I could tell it is no stronger than an average blade, the strength of a saber at the very least, better than nothing I suppose. Letting the sword fade in to my mind, I turn to face Horace.

"Anything else?" He asked,

Actually yeah, "Just one thing I'd like to make sure, I can still get personas the usual way right?"

"Yep, you still can acquire them by the usual methods."

"Then why do I only access to only four right now?"

He crossed his arms to mull for a bit before replying, "If I had to guess, I'd say that your body has not adapted yet."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you remember before when wanted to fuse stronger personas, you had to get stronger?"

I nodded, it was pretty annoying at the time.

"I believe this is something similar to before, while your mind is completely aware of the situation, your body has not yet catch up with your mind. Did you not notice how your body freezes up every time you try to cast a spell?"

"I've noticed." When I first discovered that I can use power without the help from a persona nor an evoker, I felt extremely exhausted, even a simple agi spell would make me fatigued. Now I can cast multiple dynes of different elements at once without even breaking a sweat.

"Now I'm sure you've figured it out by now, but basically your body and mind are not completely in sync right now."

I raised an eyebrow, "And I need to, how?"

"Just give it time, eventually they'll sync up on their own." the bartender dismissively waved, "But if you're that impatient for power, then train your body then. It will at least speed up the process a bit."

So basically just exercise with Akihiko then. I was going to do that anyways, but it's always nice to have an extra incentive to motivate me to wake up early.

"That's all for today." I nodded before turning to leave.

"Till we meet again." I heard him say before the door closed.

I took a deep breath, exhaling out when I stepped on to the mall. Now I am prepared for tonight, time to start looking for..., whatever I was searching for.

Great...

After many hours of searching, I've found myself at Naganaki Shrine. I'm a bit tired of searching, especially when I have nothing to show for it, so I decided to rest up for a bit on a bench. The cool wind breeze, felt one my face was calming, I put on my headphones and tune in to the first song that came on. The slightly orange sky was clear, save for the advertisement balloon showing some young redhead idol, other than that, it was relaxing. I pulled out the glowing card the Horace give me and examine it closely, wondering what other functions can it do other then open that door.

There's no one else here for now. Thanatos said, You might as well experiment for a bit.

I might as well, but how to though? I guess I could try with personas.

Try it with me master! Hee ho. Jack Frost called out.

Why not? I held up the card at face level, it must of somehow known what my intentions are because it felt lighter. I lose my grip on the card to find it floating. Now I must focus, first establish a link between me and the card.

After a few moments, I finally feel a slight connection, I had always felt something faint when I first got it. Now that I'm now focused, I could feel it getting stronger, like a thin thread forming into a rope. Now get ready Jack.

Ready as always! Hee ho. I could feel his eagerness growing by the second.

I decided to close my eyes, concentrate, visualize Jack moving in to the card. I could slowly feel the magician arcana moving from within me to the card, until everything seem to stopped. After opening my eyes, I see that the card has now has a picture of Jack on it. Alright then, how's everything so far?

So far, so good. Jack replied, his voice came from the card.

Right, I moved over to pick up the card, and immediately felt power radiating from it. Almost if I could weld the power of-!

I throw the card across the park, luckily just in time to because the card was instantly covered in razor-sharp spikes of ice the moment the card left my fingertips. The ice ball just flew passed the sidewalk before crashing into the ground.

What happened? Orpheus asked,

I'm not really sure, Jack?

There was a moment of silence before I asked again.

"Jack?" I asked out loud incase he was too far or something like that. Still no response, I cautiously move closer in case anything goes wrong.

For some reason, I feel more unease the closer I get to the card. It wasn't until I was a few feet from the card that it started to rumble. I instinctively stepped back as the rumbling grew more violent, and started to float in to the air, What is going on here?

Minato! Summon me! Orpheus worryingly said,

What? Why?

Just do it!

Alright! I stick out my palm and gathered enough power for blue flames to manifest around me. I pretend to see a card contain Orpheus just within my palms.

"Orpheus!" I called out, crushing the imaginary card with my hands, unleashing the power within me. Blue light formed in front of me in a shape of a humanoid, that is larger than me before shattering off it's shell, revealing the master of strings hidden within. As soon as Orpheus manifested, the ball of ice exploded releasing torrents of ice everywhere, some even heading my way. The musician grabbed on to his lyre and swat at the speeding projectiles, obliterating the ices into atoms.

"Thanks." I said to Orpheus, now understanding what just happened. He replied by turning just enough to see his face, nodding once before fading quickly away back into my mind. I turn to face the direction where the ball was floating, only to be surprised that it or the card is nowhere in sight.

Instead, what was replacing the ether of them was a being, not just any being. They were a short being, just barely reaching my knees, Their entire body was white, save for their black eyes and blue clothing.

"Jack?" I called out, he responded by waving towards me.

"Heya Master! Hee Ho." He now started levitating off the ground. "Check it out, I can manifest in the outside world now. Hee Ho."

So basically it's just like you summoning us, only now that he, I assume can last longer in the world without using much of your energy. Thanatos scoffed, Big deal.

While I don't feel my SP drain fast as it used to, I somehow get the feeling that this isn't the only thing that he can now do. So let's figure out as much as I can.

However before I could do anything, I felt a familiar presence arriving here. I quickly unsummoned Jack to retrieve my card and removed as much remnants of ices as I can, I suppose any that I missed will eventually melt, I hope. Just as I finished destroying an icicle, I heard someone walking towards the shine. I moved my head around a tree to see the person in front of the shine, standing in front of the donation box. The person was wearing a beanie and a maroon coat. Shinjiro Aragaki, a former member of SEES, didn't think he was a type of person to be here, then again we don't really interact much back then. None the less, deciding to give him some space, I moved over to the main steps and descended down the stairs to continue my search.

I yawned while I was walking down the sidewalk of the residential area. It was gotten late enough that the Dark Hour had arrived, and I'm still empty-handed. I still don't know how am I supposed to find anything was apparently going to help either Nyx or myself solve anything about it at all. Nonetheless, there's no sense complaining about it now. I turned around a corner and spotted someone on the other side of the street. They were walking down the street, seem to be looking for something as he was moving his eyes all around him. Just when the person was about to look in my direction, I immediately move back around the corner and put up my hood just in case.

After waiting a moment to pass, I peeked around trying to expose as little as possible. Fortunately, they were facing the other way, so I try to move closer to them carefully not making any noise. They were wearing a white shirt and a red sweater vest, wait a minute. What is he doing here? I know Akihiko sometimes goes out and patrol the streets for any signs of trouble, but for some reason, I've felt unnerved, a sickening feeling about now. That is when I realized what the date today was, I was so distracted by searching for anything that I had completely forgotten.

I know I can't completely derail the timeline yet, however I know it's going to end the same way with him returning to the front lines anyways. I also know that he would eventually give up on being the squad leader to concentrate on getting stronger. Besides, SEES is going to need as much help as they can since shadows can now hit hard as tanks now. I nodded to myself and decided to follow him, keeping an eye out for any signs of danger.

"Krrraaaa!" A shriek echo throughout the area, however the sound was so distorted I couldn't get the sense on where it is. Akihiko was putting on his boxing gloves and seems to have an excited expression on his face. We both waited, looking any shadows or anything that is out of place. A glint of light reflected off my eye for a fraction of a second, but it was enough of a warning to spring into action.

Akihiko had now notice something metal flying towards him, fortunately he was able to react in time to block an incoming blow, unfortunately the force of the attack had had been severe enough to break the bones in his arms, leaving him unable to fight back. Well that would have been the course if he was by himself, I've spotted the source of the noise just a block away from Akihiko, The Magician Arcana. Before the Arcana can move at all, I sprinted towards the shadow as fast as I can muster at the moment formed an ice barrier around myself and charged directly at the swarm of hands. The impact has cause the shadow to fly very far, right at Akihiko!

"Watch out!" I shouted at him, he spun around and saw the speeding black ball heading straight at him. Luckily he responded just in time by rolling out of the way, with the shadow to demolish through the wall of the building.

Crap. Yeah there is no way I can hide that when the Dark Hour ends, I'm just lucky enough that the building that I smash it into was abandoned, so hopefully no one would question it if anyone comes across it. Akihiko finally got up and dusted himself off,

"What the?" He said out loud, while examining his surroundings. "Hey, is anyone else here?"

Great, in an attempt to save him, I had alerted him of my presence. Should I go out and show myself? Or should I remain hidden and hope that he thinks that he imagined it? If I show myself, that could let him know that I'm on his side, but he'll most likely try to get me to join SEES and I'm kind've being held by other situations at the moment. However If I don't show myself, there's a change that he won't think that he imagined it and will try to look for me.

Before I could decide on anything, a mask being held by an arm shot out of the hole it created. The mask looked around until it focused on the only one visible and not hidden at the moment. The silver-haired teen got into a battle ready stance with a confident look. That look however, quickly faded when the hole around the mask suddenly burst the wall crumbling down leaving the entrance larger. Large enough so that six more arms can protrude from the gap, each of them carrying large, metal swords. One of the arms had quickly swung at the boxer, barely giving him enough time to jump back. As soon as he landed, Akihiko reached for his holster and pulled out his evoker. He better not be planning to fight that thing by himself, as competitive as he is, even he knows when he is out matched.

"Polydeuces!" He called out his persona, aiming the gun at his forehead and pulling the trigger, "Sonic Punch!" His persona appeared in front of him and charged at the mask, Polydeuces had lunch an attack at the Magician, sending the mask back into the hole. As soon as the persona disappeared, Akihiko hastily spun around and sprinted as fast as he could. So that was his plan, I hid in an alleyway as Akihiko headed at my direction. Soon after, loud footsteps rumbled closer to me as well, with the Magician somehow running passed me hot on pursuit after my classmate.

I made sure they were out of range before coming out of hiding, and looked at the direction they were going, looks like they are heading to the dorm. Looks like the timeline has changed, granted it was a small one, but I'll make it worth something big.

*Clap* *Clap* *Clap*

What the? Who's clapping at this time? I turn my body the source behind me, to witness a figure standing middle of the road. They were wearing blue jeans and like my attacker yesterday, they are wearing a hoodie which is obstructing their face as well, at least it is crimson red so I can tell the difference.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" The person spoke, in a masculine voice. I would assume that this guy is somewhat older than me, which is the only thing I can make out of him. "At first, I thought you were someone I know. But he would not get in the way of this, the way you moved also proved my point as well." Do they know each other? Well they have to, they're practically wearing the same thing.

"Who are you?" I asked him, this man is at least willing to talk at first, maybe I could get something out, a clue that I'm looking for.

"I don't see why I should tell you." he replied, well there goes that plan. "Especially since you are now in the way, I'm now allowed to deal with you."

"What?"

Before I could do anything else, he reached into his back and pulled out a knife. Tossing it up before catching it reverse grip style, he quickly dash right at me barely giving me enough time to jump back. It doesn't stop there, as soon as I leapt out of his range, he immediately charged forward, slashing his knife at me. I could barely dodge his relentless attacks, he is not even giving me enough time to summon my sword. All I could do is duck, dodge and weave his weapon, slowly backing up to counter his ruthless advancement.

I suddenly fell to the cold ground, tripping on something. I rolled out of his plunge, hearing cement breaking just next to me. He seems to be stuck, or at least his weapon is, taking advantage of the situation, I kicked him just as he pulled out his knife launching him to a building wall. Quickly getting up, I summoned my sword and went after him. When he hit the building, he used his legs and arm to recover against the wall and bounce off flying right at me at incredible speeds. I don't know how strong my sword is so I can't take the risk trying to block that attack. Waiting until the last moment, I dive-rolled out of the way, hearing a loud impact where he landed. I turn to face him, he was in a freshly made crater still smoking from it's cracks. Yeah it was a good idea not to take that head on.

"Well done." he said, turning to me. "Perhaps tonight may be a bit interesting after all." I shifted my body to a familiar stance ready for battle. My opponent turn his body to his side, his head and now left shoulder are now facing me with his arm that is holding the knife is behind him and his other arm in some sort of fighting stance.

We had stayed like this for a while, eyeing each other for any weaknesses. It wasn't until red here made is left palm facing up and moved two fingers towards him, in a 'come here' gesture. Guess I have to make the first move. I kicked off the ground towards him both hands in the air for an overhead strike. He waited until the last second before moving to his left, causing me to miss. I then spun to the left for a surprise attack, which was blocked by his knife. Leaping back to gain footing, I gripped my sword with both hands and pointed my blade at him and thrust at him. However that was blocked as well, still keeping with the offense, I slash my weapon at him continuously. Even if I wasn't harming him at all, I was making him stay on the defensive, keeping him from attacking.

"Me and my big mouth." He however does not feel threatened at all. "While I'm impressed at your skill here, I'm surprised that you can even open the Monad doors let alone survive in it."

It's true I could clear the tower with just a weapon, assuming I don't run into any shadows that are immune to melee attacks. The Monad Depths however would take forever if I don't run out of energy by then, and the last time that happened I had to avoid the rest of the shadows that Nyx didn't finish off. The skills between this guy and myself reflect that as well, even though I'm keeping on the pressure, he is blocking and deflecting blow at him. Everytime I get within a certain distance, he would block that attack and counter it with his own vicious slash, I could block it, but the ferocity of the impact would knock me back a few feet and he would start his own series of attacks. Before I could eventually see a weakness and counter him there repeating the whole process again.

"Maybe it's the sword." he mumbled, "Trade ya."

"What?" I asked,

Suddenly sharp pain struck me like a truck. My opponent took advantage of my current state and yanked my weapon out of my grip. He then kick my back a few feet, I landed to slide on my feet before falling to my knees. Looking at the source of the pain, I saw that his knife was embedded into my left wrist. Gritting my teeth, I slowly push the blade out of my wound, I also kept an eye on the hooded being who seems to be examining my sword. Finally after managing take out the knife, I casted dia to heal most of the damage, I would've casted something stronger but my red friend would try to stop it if he notice me generating that much energy. His knife looked like an old worn-out dagger based on the Mayan culture but with modern materials. I may not be much of a weapon expert, but I could tell this thing have bathed plentiful times in blood . Slowly getting on my feet, something glimmering way flying at my direction. It was my sword, he must've been done with it, I caught it and stared right at him.

"I can tell that care was made when creating that sword." He shrugged his shoulders, "Its metal sharpened to the point it can cut many things. A fine weapon for an average battle." The red being cracked his black-gloved knuckles. "But that's just it, an average weapon. Trying to fight the Monad shadows with this is like trying to make a dent on a wall of diamond with your bare fist." He then extended his palm, as if expecting something.

Oh his knife, I tossed it back at him. At least he gave mine back first. With a single movement with his right hand, he caught it just before moving his over hand to his hips.

"I'll be honest." He said, twirling his dagger around. "I have fought many people, many had end up in the same situation as you and many thought it was a good idea to attack me with both weapons, thinking my dagger was my only means of defense. But only one other than you was honorable enough to return that to me." He was off in his little world chuckling at his memory.

Where is he going with this?

"Tell you what. I allow you to power up or something before we continue."

I took a step back, how did he know about that? I did my best to not reveal anything or did he notice dia despite my best efforts to hide it?

He must've noticed my confusion since he shook his head and sighed, "Oh come now, with your current strength and your blade at the moment, there is now way you could traverse Monad at all without some kind of power. And don't say that is was your partner or that you sneaked through because you are going end up being killed if I'm not the one who does it."

Looks like the cat is out of the bag, still how does he know about Nyx? Never Mind that , I'll figure that out later. I summon my compendium onto to my hand, which caused the other man to whistle.

"That's an interesting trick, I was wondering where did your sword came from."

"Where did you think I pull it out from?" I asked, opening the book.

"You don't want to know."

…

Ignoring that comment, I pulled out the Fool Arcana and crushed it, unleashing part out my power that was lock away.

"Persona." I whispered to myself, blue flames surrounded me awakening my senses, I let the book fade back into my mind and face the one standing on the other end.

"Yes, there is the power I felt days ago." He says, shifting into a stance. "Don't disappoint me."

"I won't." I replied, moving into my stance.

Once again no one moved an inch, waiting for the other to make the first move, the tension in the dead still air seems more thicker than before and the yellow moon adds to the atmosphere. I eventually straighten up a bit to return the gesture he did a while ago.

"Heh." he seems amused at it and charged at haste speeds.

With my awaken senses, I was able to detect him deflect the blow and return the favor with a swift punch to his hidden face. The punch sent him back, sliding across the ground.

"That's what I get for still underestimate you after that." He moved his arm across the lower part of his face. "I'll make sure that does not happen again." His figure seem to fizzle a bit before I realized he was moving quickly. I raised my blade to block an incoming attack, leaping back and shoulder chucked him causing him to fly into a building. Not taking a moment to pause, the hooded being bounced off the wall and charged right at me. I leapt back to avoid the impact of his attack, and continued my assault. We exchanged numerous blows, with no signs of slowing down. It was clear that we are evenly matched, but I was gaining the upper hand as I was driving him to the corner. He eventually had to retreat by tripping me on to a puddle of blood and jumped up on to a nearby building. I quickly wiped off most of the blood and followed pursuit.

The rooftop was a lot more dangerous, as the man was half running away and half engaging me as well. I guess he is hoping that I would slip up while chasing after him and fall off or something. We had stopped at some small roof crowded with antennas and heaters, to dual. While I was stationary occasionally dodging to avoid heavy swings, he would use the terrain to his favor jumping and swinging all over the place, not giving me a chance to score a direct hit. Eventually, we kept leaping on other buildings to gain the upper hand until he stopped at a fairly large but empty rooftop with entrance to the building stashed in the corner. I followed pursuit and our blades clashed such intensity that I could feel pressure coming from our attacks. Our weapons clashed for the final time, both of us now relying on our physical strength to try and push the other off the roof. His strength was like a steamroller, but slowly but surely I was forcing him back, there's a chance I might win this after all.

"Yeah boss?" He says suddenly, putting his left where his ear supposed to be. Noticing my chance, I swung at him, to which he easily evaded, figures it will be too easy. "Roger that, I'm in a middle of something right now so give me a few minutes."

Even though he was distracted by his random call I assume, he still manages to unleash a flurry of strikes with such speeds I had to bail out halfway to avoid being overcome.

"Alright, I head back already." Looks like he finished his communication with that other person, as he put up both of his hands surrendering the fight. "Sorry to cut this short but I have to get back."

"So you are just ending it here?" I asked, pointing my sword at him. "What makes you think you can escape me?"

Not especially since he has a lot to answer for.

He snickered, "Hey I'm not the type to normally the run from a duel, especially since it's been a while I had a good battle that got my blood flowing. However the someone I respect wants me right now and I don't have a say in the matter."

He lowered the arm that held the knife to his back and replaced to with a weird colored, a familiar stone. The rock begins to pulsate, giving off a very recognizable vibe, a Traesto Gem! How? You know what? Nevermind, that's not important right now.

"Who are you?" I called out to the slow fading figure,

"Who I am is not important to you." He wagged his finger at me, "Especially since you didn't introduce yourself ether."

"You seem to already know who I am since your friend baited and attacked me yesterday."

"My friend? Oh him, the one who dresses similar to you right now." he gave a chortle, "That explains that random mess at the mall."

He's trying to delay me as long as possible, I sprinted as quickly as I can and try to destroy the gem. Unfortunately, I was too late to reach him on time. My blade cut threw nothing, as he disappeared from the roof.

"You are right." His voice is heard around me, but it was still coming from somewhere. "I already who you are 'Messiah'."

I looked up to the moon, finally knowing that he had simply jumped. Half of his body is gone, while the rest was dissipating into the sky like a specter. I'm too late, I could even see his grin, as if to mock me.

"I suppose it's fair that you should know a bit about me, even if it's just who I'm called."

I tighten my grip in frustration, even if I were to jump up at him. By the time I get to his level, he would already be gone.

"If you wish to know the name of the one who will end your existence, then sear this into your mind!"

The world had gone silent, even my heartbeat seem to be silenced as the final word escapes from his lips.

"Wrath!"

His head disappeared to the night sky, I stared at his former location for a bit longer before sighing and letting me sword fade away. With the last of my strength finally faded, I gave in and collapsed on to my knees and released my breath that I holding in.

Good work. Orpheus complemented,

He still got away though.

True, but thanks to him, you are about to learn a lot about your enemies. Messiah replied,

That's right, I should talk this over with Nyx and plan our next move. Nodding to myself, I stood up and turn to the direction to the hotel.

Hold on a moment. Thanatos suddenly said,

What is it?

Just where did you think that "Wrath" has gone? He asked,

Wrath? Ignoring that weird nickname, I not really sure but he should be long gone by now. Why?

Well, he used a Traesto Gem to escape right? That means he must've gone somewhere right? Somewhere familiar maybe?

Well it's true I always end up in the lobby of Tartarus, that gem is used to escape from dungeons. I would assume that means escape to a safe place, that does not necessarily mean he would end up there.

It doesn't hurt to check it out.

Fine, I'll stop by while I'm returning back.

I placed my foot on the roof, looking for a safe place to descend to ground level. While I would like to simply jump across building like some sort to hero, I rather not put my body in any more stress than necessary. The sound of shattering glass resonated throughout the air, it sounded close. Looking around me, I noticed that the area seems very familiar, but the answer I'm currently looking for is on the tip of my tongue. I finally found my answer when I turn to see a very large shadow crawling up a building, the Magician Arcana. Huh, I know that the smaller shadows follow the large one like a herd, but I don't think that it should be that much. Seriously, it's like an army filling the streets preparing to invade the dorm here. I know I should leave it alone to not mess up the timeline as much as possible, however you think I would remember not only remember the Magician using its' sword to attack inside the building, but also the smaller shadow constantly climbing in the building as well.

Yeah, there's no way anyone can survive this massive raid, even with Akihiko who can fight at his full strength. I willed my compendium on to my open palm to place the Fool Arcana card from my body back into the book and pulled out the Magician card to replace it. Letting the book fade back in, I surveyed the area where most of them are gathered. I extended my outstretched palm at the shadows and started charging. Within a couple seconds, I had gathered enough energy to nearly match the power of the flare and fired an orange orb at the army. Snapping my fingers, I caused the fiery orb to shrink a little before once again violently expanding engulfing every shadow in sight. I made sure to not make the flare powerful enough to damage the building, but the shadows would not be able withstand the heat and disintegrate into atoms. The Magician was also caught up as well since it started thrashing around wildly until it fell off the building with most of its arms burnt out. I should probably stick around until I know they are safe, or at the least are able to handle the rest.

So we are not going to Tartarus then. Thanatos muttered.

I doubt he would get there in time anyway. Orpheus replied.

Shut it Orpheus. He mumbled in a low tone.

Wow, didn't think he would be that disappointed just because we are not fighting again.

The door on the dorm barged open, revealing two individuals entering to the roof before slamming the door behind them. Yukari and Hamuko were out of breath, but they didn't have time catch it because right one cue, the Magician was already once again scaling the building. I know I should not be impressed by these things, it was caught on fire by me but it is still trying to get to them right now. The way it climbed up into the roof and used it remaining arms to pull out more weapons, I guess I can somewhat respect that persistence when it's not aimed at me for once. Once again, Yukari pulls out her evoker and hesitates pulling the trigger. I had to resist the urge to jump over there when the shadow knocked both the girls away with its' attack, something cracked under the pressure of that big sword. Hamuko's weapon must've snapped under pressure and- .

"Woah!" I narrowly dodged my head out of the way of something speeding right at me. Looking back, I saw embedded on the floor was a naginata, well half of it at least. Turning back to where most of the scene was, the two girls were at the edge of the roof, Hamuko seems barely lucid clutching the other half of her weapon, Yukari's knocked out, her bow is at the door and standing between them and the evoker on the ground was the multi-armed blob, who was raising one of them preparing to swing down. I quickly raised my palm and fired Bufula at it, the icicle was quick enough cut through its' arm from barely reaching Hamuko. Noticing the shadow is about to raise another arm, I casted Mabufula for each limbs remaining, pinning them down.

Hamuko obviously must have noticed ice had saved her and turned her head at my direction. Luckily my hood is already up incase I'm not far enough to hid my identity from her. It doesn't look like she knows where the evoker is, so I fired bufu right next to it. Hamuko turned her head to the gun then looked back to me, I moved my hand to my head in the shape of a gun and mimic shooting myself with it. Of course she is stunned at what I want her to do, not many people are willing to shoot themselves. It must of been especially weird from the brunette's point of view, I'd just saved her only to want her to shoot herself. Unfortunately, Bufula is not as strong as Bufudyne so the trapped shadow eventually free itself. Fortunately before it broke free, Hamuko slid under the Magician, grabbed the evoker and pointed it at her head as soon as the bounds shattered.

When Hamuko pulled the trigger, blue flames swirled around her. Her persona rose beside her, summoned to protect her master from danger.

Did she always looked like that or is it just me? Orpheus asked,

Now that you mention it, Eurydice looks different from the way I saw her last time. For starters, I don't remember her having a mechanical body, nor having a heart-shaped lyre on her back. It's almost like-.

Thou art I,

And I am thou,

From the Sea of Souls, I am the Mistress of Strings!

Orpheus!

What?

What? Messiah repeated,

What?! While Orpheus is clearly distressed.

Did that lady said that she is Orpheus? Hee ho. Jack was asking what we are all thinking of. Thanatos was however,

Bwa Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! Oh this is rich! He seems to be having the time of his life.

Oh be quiet you! Orpheus shouted,

Or else what? Challenged the god of death, You're going to hit me with your heart?

No, I'm going to hit you with this. The musician pulled out his lyre.

What's the difference "Girl-pheus"? Gah ha ha ha!

Why you-!

I silenced both of them to prevent this growing headache form getting even worse. Pinching the space between my eyes to relieve some stress, I found that despite that major change of history as I know it. Everything else seems to be normal, with Thanatos emerging from within, err that Orpheus, looking normal at least. As always, after brutally tearing the Magician limb from limb, Thanatos roared into the sky before disappearing and replaced by..., the female Orpheus. Great, this won't be awkward at all the next time we all meet.

Hopefully the our death god won't bother our musician too much. Messiah deeply sighed.

Then he better learn some restraint if he ever wants me to summon him then.

I could see that the remains of the beaten shadow slowly coming together to smaller, but still dangerous shadows. While Hamuko now can wield the power of persona, she is still defenseless if they got the drop on her, and the fact she seems distracted with something to notice them forming.

Allow me master. Hee ho. I could almost see Jack bouncing up and down in my mind.

You have an idea?

Just summon me master. Hee ho.

If you say so, I concentrated my mind and crushed the imaginary card in my hand will Jack to the outside. I didn't used the card Horace gave me, so I hope this would drain too much of my energy. The snow demon appeared in front of me and extended his hand. Particles of ice gathered around his hand, eventually enough gathered to start taking shape. Initially it was just was just small round object, soon the ends extended passed Jack forming a shape of a stick with one side looking like a blade.

"So that's your idea, huh Jack?" I said,

"Here we go. Hee ho." Jack replied, handing me the ice-naginata before fading back into my mind. Yes this could work, while this weapon is pretty cold to touch, it should help her. Just in time to, Hamuko now noticed the shadows and is slowly backing away. I carefully took aim and threw it next to her, being careful not to hit her by accident. Right, with no other threat in sight, I'd say that the mission is a success. Well time to report back to the hotel, I walked to the other side of the roof I was standing on and jump down to the streets. I retrieved my Magician Arcana from my body and let it fade back into my mind, and walked in the streets leading to the hotel, boy do I have a lot to talk about with Nyx. I wonder if she had find anything?

AN: I was going to upload this earlier, but a certain MMO I sometimes play had a new update and kept me busy for the last week. Well among other things of course.