"Sirzechs… Lucifer?" Mitsuru looked at the red-haired man who introduced himself with that name. Then she remembered Aigis' reports to her, and her expression tightened. "Are you… the Devils?"
Sirzechs chuckled good-naturedly. "Ah, I'm glad that you're already well aware of us, Kirijo-san. It'll make our discussion much easier." He saw Mitsuru taking out a metallic, pistol-like device from her drawer. "Didn't I tell you that if I were you, I wouldn't take it out?" He raised one hand, making a dismissive gesture. "I don't think you can even hurt us with that."
The silver-haired woman beside him scoffed at him.
Mitsuru forced herself to grin. "Are you perhaps looking down on me?" She asked, glaring at Sirzechs. "I apologize in advance, but most inhuman threats we have fought so far also thought quite less of us, yet we took them down."
"Oh, no, I'm not looking down on you, quite the opposite actually," Sirzechs said. "We're just here to talk." The red-haired Devil blinked a few times, as if realizing something, before he looked at the silver-haired woman beside him. "Grayfia, did I say something wrong just now? It's actually not my intention to rattle her."
The silver-haired woman, Grayfia, sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation. "Sirzechs-sama, I believe we will have to work on how to phrase your words properly next time. Please allow me to take over from now on."
"B-but-" Sirzechs tried to protest but was silenced by Grayfia's glare.
"Let me handle this, Sirzechs-sama. Allowing you to continue may end up making your sister antagonize you" Grayfia spoke calmly.
"Y-yes, dear-" Another glare from Grayfia made Sirzechs do a hastily-made verbal backspace, "I-I mean, Grayfia."
Mitsuru, who was looking at the exchange before her, was confused. Then her attention was brought to Grayfia, who then cleared her throat before she spoke, "Our apologies, Kirijo-sama. We have no intention to cause any sort of harm to you or anyone in this building. We even tried our best to hide our demonic presence, yet we did not anticipate to have our demonic presence detected by you. Is this perhaps due to your abilities?"
Mitsuru looked at the woman suspiciously. When she thought about it, if the woman was telling her the truth, the moment when her Persona detected their inhuman presence, she was the one who showed the first sign of aggression, even though it was justified considering her experiences in dealing with supernatural beings.
"Believe us when we said that we only want to discuss something with you," Grayfia added. "We assure you that we will do no harm to anyone in this building."
Mitsuru studied Grayfia's expression. The silver-haired woman's face seemed calm and stoic, and Mitsuru was unable to tell whether she was telling her the truth or not. Even so, she believed that she was put in a rather disadvantageous position, and she thought that lashing out at them might bring grim consequences.
"Milady?" Kikuno spoke, her handgun was still aimed at the Devils in front of them, her voice uncertain. Mitsuru could see her hands that were holding the gun trembling slightly.
Unlike Mitsuru, Kikuno wasn't a Persona-user. She might be skilled in many fields, but she was still a normal human with human weaknesses. Mitsuru knew that making a reckless decision might compromise Kikuno's safety.
"Very well…" Mitsuru finally decided. "Kikuno, lower your gun. Let us hear what they have to say." Then, she looked at the Devils, still glaring at them. "But, in case you try to do something funny such as harming Kikuno or anyone in this building, then I will show no hesitation." The Devils could see Mitsuru's eyes glowing slightly, and they could feel the temperature in the office dropping. "Whether you are Devils or not, if you prove yourselves not to be trusted…" All the Devils could see frost starting to form in the room and their breaths could be visibly seen. "I shall fight you with everything I got."
All the Devils looked at the Persona-user, perplexed. They could tell that she was serious. There was no hesitation in her tone. Her expression seemed resolute. They were almost convinced that she alone was capable of standing against three of them at once.
Such a thought brought mild discomfort in Sirzechs' mind.
"Now…" Mitsuru said, sitting on her seat, looking at the Devils while holding her Evoker in one hand. "The reasons you are here, let us hear them."
Kikuno had already lowered her handgun, but there was a frown on her face. She was still holding the weapon in one hand as she looked at the Devils before them.
"Thank you, and yes, we shall explain our reason for coming here…" Grayfia spoke. "Sirzechs-sama, this is your turn." The expression she gave to the red-haired man seemed to say 'I already put the situation under control for you, so please don't screw it up'.
"Ah, yes, thank you very much, Grayfia," Sirzechs said, noting the silver-haired woman's look that was directed to him before he cleared his throat. "Ahem, well… how should I begin this? Ah, I believe that a proper reintroduction is in order. Like I said before, my name is Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the Four Great Satans, ruler of the Underworld who bears the title 'Lucifer'." After a pause, he added, "I believe you already know that much already."
Mitsuru nodded. "Yes. One of my operatives had sent me a report regarding the existence of the three biblical factions after an encounter with one of your own. From her report, I was able to learn about the conflict between all the factions as well as general information regarding the society of the Devils." She observed the crimson-haired Devil before her. "I believe your name was mentioned somewhere in the report."
"Ah, so Rias did mention my name, huh?" Sirzechs grinned when he said that. Grayfia gave the red-haired Devil a frown. Sirzechs cleared his throat and continued, "Well, putting that aside, after the encounter between one of your operatives and one of our own, we made a little bit of research. After all, after learning the existence of a group of humans with extraordinary powers, we, the Devils, couldn't help but be curious."
Mitsuru shot Sirzechs a suspicious look. "And the curiosity even compelled the leader of the faction to show up in front of me, I assume?" The Persona-user clasped her hands together, looking at Sirzechs. "I believe the reason is more than that."
For a while, Sirzechs was silent before he shrugged. "You're really sharp, aren't you? Well… let's just say the reason is more personal, but I didn't lie to you when I said we were curious about your group."
"Personal reason?" Mitsuru was about to ask Sirzechs about what the personal reason could be, but then she decided against it. She wasn't sure whether it was a good idea or not to disclose the information regarding their group to the Devils, but considering that she was in a rather disadvantageous position, she would like to avoid making a reckless decision that could endanger everyone in the building. "Very well. Let me hear your questions. Whether I answer them or not depends on the questions you will be giving to me."
Sirzechs smiled. "Hmm… we already know the general idea, but we'd like to know more beyond the surface. What's the truth behind the existence of the Shadow Operatives? For what purpose do you involve yourselves in the supernatural world? What have you been fighting against that we, the Devils, were not aware of?"
Hearing the questions, Mitsuru closed her eyes, thinking for the right answers. Then, she unclasped her hands, looking at the Devils. "So, you wish to know more about us?" After a pause, she nodded. "Very well. It's quite a long story, though it's not as grand as the conflict between the three biblical factions…" Letting out a sigh, she began, "It all started in 1999, when my grandfather started an experimentation on the creatures called the Shadows in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy…"
Heart of a Butterfly
Persona 3 and High School DxD
Chapter 13: Sirzechs Lucifer
"So, you asked for your brother's help to investigate these 'Shadow Operatives'?"
Rias Gremory sighed as she rearranged the documents on the table after hearing her Queen's question. Akeno was reading a piece of document regarding the thesis written by Takahisa Kandori regarding the artificial Persona-users while sitting on the couch in their clubroom.
"Actually, my brother offered to help me," Rias said. "When I was collecting all the information, he showed up and looked at what I was doing. He got curious and offered to help me…" She smiled blandly. "I couldn't exactly turn down his offer since I needed all the information I could get."
Akeno chuckled. "Well, one thing for sure is that Sirzechs-sama sure has quite a lot of free time…"
Rias sighed. "I'm not sure whether it's a good thing or not, but… oh well, since my brother's helping, I guess this information-gathering is getting much easier. By collecting enough information about the Shadow Operatives, then I will be able to learn more about their objectives." Her blue eyes were gleaming with anticipation. "And if I play my cards right, I can even convince Aigis to join my peerage! Even better if her sister joins too!" She said gleefully.
Akeno smiled teasingly. "My, my… are Aigis-san and Labrys-san that desirable to you, Rias? Well, both of them are cute, so I can understand you." She covered her mouth with her hand, giggling.
Hearing Akeno's teasing, Rias' cheeks reddened. "T-that's not it! I-I just want them because they are strong!"
"Right, right, whatever you say, Buchou…"
"Geez…"
Done with teasing Rias, Akeno put down the document she was reading before she gave Rias a worried look. "But, are you sure this is the right thing to do?" She asked. "About asking for your brother's help, I mean."
"Hmm? What's wrong with asking for my brother's help?" Rias asked, confused.
"Well…" Akeno began. "I may probably end up saying something rude to you and your brother, so I'm sorry in advance. I want you to know that I respect Sirzechs-sama. Not only that he's one of the Four Great Satans, but also a war hero. And not to mention that he's insanely strong as a Devil, but…" Akeno looked at Rias, as if trying to phrase her words carefully. "When it comes to you, Sirzechs-sama can be, well… how do I say this? Reckless? No, that's too strong for a word…"
Rias understood what her Queen was trying to tell her, and she let out an exasperated sigh before she smiled forcefully. "I get what you're saying, Akeno. He's… well, your worry is not unfounded, I can assure you that. That is why Grayfia-san is with him. And for extra measure, they brought Okita-san with them."
"Oh… I-I see…" Akeno mused. "W-well, I suppose if Grayfia-san is with him, then they'll probably be alright. Maybe."
Rias smiled. "Yes. After all, she's the Strongest Queen." There was a hint of pride in her tone as she talked about her sister-in-law.
"Well, moving on…" Akeno said as she picked the thesis she was reading earlier. "What do you think about this?" She asked Rias, showing her the thesis.
"Ah, that? Well, it's a thesis about making Persona-users through artificial means, if I'm not wrong…" Rias said. "It's quite interesting, actually."
"Huh…"
Akeno continued reading the thesis while Rias put the rearranged documents on a table.
A black butterfly then fluttered about the air before perching on the teacup on the table. Akeno glanced at it before she shrugged and continued reading the thesis, ignoring the butterfly altogether.
The black butterfly was gone by the time Akeno continued reading the document in her hands.
Mitsuru wasn't sure whether she had made the right choice or not by telling the Devils a few things that led to the foundation of the Shadow Operatives, as well as a few things after the establishment of the group. All the Devils were listening to Mitsuru, sitting on their seats which were provided by Kikuno earlier. As for Kikuno, she was standing beside Mitsuru dutifully. She was still holding her handgun, though it was no longer primed at the intruders.
But, Mitsuru also believed that she could make an investment out of this encounter. After finding the journal left by Shuji Ikutsuki and learning the existence of supernatural entities, she wanted to learn more about these biblical factions. By gathering enough information regarding these factions, she could use them in order to protect the innocents from being involved in the centuries-old conflict between all the factions.
"And that's the gist of it, I suppose…" Mitsuru finished. She had told them the summary about their escapade back at 2009. While it wasn't fully-detailed, her explanation was enough for the Devils to understand that something definitely happened years ago, which prompted the Persona-users to form the Shadow Operatives. She also told them about their recent escapade at Yasoinaba, which was their encounter against Hi-no-Kagutsuchi, again not in full detail. She left out a few details because most of the details were either too personal to be told to a new, unknown party, or too exploitable to be shared, because the Devils might end up using the sensitive information against them.
"Quite a tale," Sirzechs commented. "Don't you think so, Grayfia?" He looked at Grayfia, who seemed to be mulling over the information they received from Mitsuru earlier.
"Hi-no-Kagutsuchi, huh?" The other man who was with Sirzechs and Grayfia muttered. "Ah, that name sure brings back memories. Most of them weren't pleasant."
"Okita, you know that name?" Sirzechs asked his Knight, Okita.
The Knight, Souji Okita, nodded. The former captain of Shinsengumi then said, "During the last days of my time as a human, I encountered that entity on my quest to find a way to prolong my life. An ancient deity that represents severing of the bonds and complete isolation, I encountered such an entity at the lowest point of my life." He smiled. "Well, thankfully I didn't succumb to its enticing offers of power and immortality since I eventually found you instead, Sirzechs-sama."
"I see…" Sirzechs mused. "Well… back to the topic in hand, I have to admit that I was surprised that there is another side of this supernatural world that I was not aware of. Now that I am aware of it," his expression turned serious, "is there any guarantee that such a thing will ever happen again?"
"As long as humanity cannot come to terms with the meaning of their lives, the hearts of men will always yearn for Nyx," Mitsuru stated. "That's the reason behind the establishment of the Shadow Operatives. We are here to make sure that humanity will survive, protected from either the outside threat or from itself."
"So, you are saying that you created Shadow Operatives so that you can protect humanity from destroying itself?" Sirzechs asked.
"Yes, but now that we are aware of other supernatural entities, it looks like our duties have been doubled," Mitsuru answered. "Humans tend to get tangled in the conflicts of larger schemes, and I will make sure that such a thing is to be avoided." She paused for a bit before she continued, "We are the Shadow Operatives, and we will fight to protect humanity at all costs, as humans."
Noting Mitsuru's choice of words, Sirzechs closed his eyes, thinking about the new information he received from the leader of the Shadow Operatives before he glanced at his Queen, Grayfia. Like him, the silver-haired woman also seemed to be deep in thought, as if digesting the newly received information. "I see." He smiled. "Thank you for enlightening us, Kirijo-san."
"What will you do with this new information?" Mitsuru asked.
"Ah, well… you don't have to worry. Like I said before, our visit here is just to appease our curiosity. There is no other ulterior motive behind it," Sirzechs said reassuringly.
"There is a reason behind the word 'devious', Lucifer-san," Mitsuru said calmly. "I cannot simply accept all your words at face value, considering that the origin behind the word 'devious' comes from the name of your race," she added.
"Now you're just getting stereotypical…" Sirzechs sighed. "Well, I can't deny that. The Devils are more or less a race of tempters and temptresses, after all." He smiled. "Even so, we have no intention to put any harm on you, or any humans you wish to protect. The reign of Old Devils is long gone, and the Devils currently are in the era of a new generation. We are no longer the bloodthirsty ones like most perceived." For an instant, Mitsuru could see a sign of weariness on the Devil lord's expression. It was an expression of someone who already had enough of violence and destruction. Even Artemisia could feel his weary aura. "I just… hate conflicts."
[He is a man who simply wishes to settle down peacefully. The weariness in his heart is simply too palpable.]
Mitsuru closed her eyes, listening to Artemisia's voice from within her mind. Then, she reopened her eyes, looking at Sirzechs. "Very well. Now, are there any more questions?"
"Hmm… I just want to make sure of something," Sirzechs began. "You sent away one of your operatives to observe the Devils to decide whether we are threats or not, is that correct?"
"Yes," Mitsuru answered without hesitation. "While you may pose no harm on humans, we still don't want to take any chances."
"Well, that's a little worrying, but we'll try our best to not be threats to humanity." Sirzechs smiled blandly. "Like I said before, I really hate conflicts."
His tone was sincere, and Mitsuru almost couldn't help herself but to believe it, but still, she steeled herself. "This is a decision that I must take, Lucifer-san. I really hate doing this, after learning many things about your people, but it has to be done." A self-deprecating smile showed up on Mitsuru's face. "After all, being a leader means having to make hard decisions."
Sirzechs couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, I can understand that. I mean, I'd rather choose to live like a normal Devil instead of being the Great Satan, but-" Sirzechs stopped himself after hearing Grayfia coughing into her fist before he cleared his throat. "Well, I guess that's it for now." He got up from his seat. "And sorry for this… well, intrusion."
"Hmph, in case you ever wish to appease your curiosity again, why can't you just make an appointment beforehand?" Mitsuru asked, grousing a bit.
"We will keep that in mind," Sirzechs answered, smiling.
And so, the Devils finally left. A few minutes after they left, Mitsuru slumped herself on her seat, letting out a weary sigh while pinching the bridge of her nose. Then she put back her Evoker into her drawer.
"Good grief…" Mitsuru muttered, shaking her head.
"Milady," Kikuno spoke, standing beside Mitsuru. "Are you alright?"
"Well, besides the residue of a headache that came with nervousness, I'm mostly alright," Mitsuru answered. "What do you think, Kikuno?"
"About them?" The maid inquired.
"Yes," Mitsuru nodded.
"W-well… they certainly left quite a strong impression," Kikuno said.
"A strong impression?" Mitsuru looked at her maid before she sighed and then smiled wearily. "That's certainly a way to describe them."
Kikuno had already holstered her handgun. Throughout the encounter, she had been holding the handgun the entire time.
"I also feel the same…" Mitsuru said. "It's still too early to decide whether the Devils are threats to humanity or not, though." The leader of the Shadow Operatives clasped her hands together. "Still, certain measures have to be taken so that a decision can be made. Leaving everything to Aigis for a long time isn't really a good idea either."
"Well, Labrys-san is already with her, so she will be fine," Kikuno said reassuringly.
"Hmm… I suppose you are right, Kikuno." Mitsuru nodded. "Now… where's my aspirin?"
"Aspirin?" Kikuno blinked.
"Yes, aspirin. I believe I mentioned it before that I need it every time a major revelation rolls in." Mitsuru sighed. "And judging from the recent events, I will need a lot of them."
"This Mitsuru Kirijo is quite a remarkable person…" Sirzechs said as he walked alongside his wife, Grayfia, and his Knight, Okita, down the corridor towards the exit of the building. "She'll make a splendid Devil if she were to be turned into one."
"Sirzechs-sama…" Grayfia spoke. "Do you believe this is the right decision?" She asked. "I believe that Serafall Leviathan-sama is far more suitable in making first contact with them."
"Well… I did say before that I came here for a personal reason," Sirzechs said, smiling.
"You ought to stop spoiling your little sister too much, Sirzechs-sama," Grayfia deadpanned. "You are the Great Satan Lucifer. You cannot just personally help out Rias just because she is your sister."
"Well, there's nothing wrong with a big brother helping out his cute little sister, right?" Sirzechs reasoned.
Grayfia sighed. "You're a difficult person sometimes."
"And that's why you love me."
The silver-haired woman looked away, as if trying to hide her embarrassment from her husband.
Now that Grayfia wasn't in the mood of talking, Okita spoke to his King, "Even so, that is quite fascinating." He smiled, as if recalling something nostalgic. "Apparently stopping the end of the world with just a bunch of teenagers and fighting nigh-invulnerable deities, these Persona-users sure are something." He looked at Sirzechs. "I believe you have something on your mind, Sirzechs-sama."
Sirzechs smiled wryly. "Well, to tell you the truth, I have. When I heard about this group of humans with extraordinary powers, I saw a potential, a missing link." They had stepped out of the building. "Throughout the centuries of an uneasy truce between all three factions, Azazel, Michael and I have been trying our best to find a way to stop the conflict between the factions once and for all. All the plans we had devised fell apart before they could even begin. And now, an opportunity has presented itself before us, and this time, I will make sure to seize it before it can slip away from my hands." A determined expression showed up on the Devil lord's face.
"And what is your plan?" Okita asked, curious.
Sirzechs sighed. "Honestly, I'm not even sure. I'm probably grasping at straws here, thinking about ways for us to end the enmity between the factions once and for all." The Devil lord smiled bitterly. "And here I am, seeing hope in a group of humans with powers of unknown origins. I-"
He stopped when he felt someone tugging on his sleeve. He looked aside and saw Grayfia, who was still looking away, but she was pinching on the sleeve of his coat. Because she was looking away, Sirzechs couldn't see her face, but he was sure that she was blushing.
It was probably her way of saying 'You are not alone. I'm with you.'
Smiling, Sirzechs took Grayfia's hand, holding it gently while giving it a slight squeeze. The silver-haired Queen still looked away, still unwilling to show her husband her beet red face. Okita, being an onlooker, couldn't help but smile.
Soon after that, they teleported away, leaving the vicinity.
"Alright, it's done, Labrys," Fuuka said after she was done doing a maintenance check on Labrys. The ponytailed mechanical maiden got up before she put on her clothes. They were currently at Aigis' apartment, a place where Labrys was also currently living at. Fuuka lived next door to them.
"Thanks a bunch, Fuuka-san!" Labrys grinned at the young woman. "You're really skilled when it comes to mechanical stuff, don'tcha know?"
"W-well…" Fuuka scratched her cheek bashfully. "It happens that I'm rather skilled with mechanical things, is all. And I'm happy that I can help you with maintenance." She smiled at Labrys, her cheeks reddened a bit. "By the way, where's Aigis?" Fuuka asked.
"Sis? Ah, she's out…" Labrys answered. "Got somethin' to do out there. Probably meetin' with her friend or somethin'. She probably went out with Issei-kun, I think."
"Issei-kun?" Fuuka blinked a few times before she recalled their encounter the other day. "Ah, him."
She could vividly remember the vision she saw through Juno when she looked at Issei that day.
-crimson, scaly hide gleams under the moonlight-
-the crimson emperor takes flight, and the world once again comes to learn the might of-
"Fuuka-san?" Labrys went closer to Fuuka, who was spacing out. "Somethin' wrong, Fuuka-san? You're spacin' out." She shook the young woman's body gently, and she came back to her senses.
"Huh? Eh? Labrys? What's wrong?" Fuuka asked, confused.
"You were spacin' out just a while ago," Labrys said. "Somethin' on your mind?"
"W-well… it's probably nothing…" Fuuka shook her head. "I'm alright. There's nothing serious." She smiled at the ponytailed android girl, but Labrys narrowed her eyes, eyeing the young woman suspiciously.
"Ya definitely have somethin' on your mind…" Labrys said. "Ya definitely hidin' somethin' from me…"
"I-it's not like that! You don't have to worry about me, Labrys!" Fuuka exclaimed. "Oh, umm… s-sorry." She realized that she had raised her voice at Labrys.
"Oh, that's okay. My fault. Oh well, if there's nothin' to worry about, then it's cool." Labrys shrugged her shoulders. "So, I need to put myself on hibernate mode now, if ya don't mind."
"Ah, then I'll be going now, then." Fuuka gathered her things.
"Thanks for helpin' out again, Fuuka-san," Labrys said to Fuuka.
"Alright. See you later."
Fuuka left the apartment, and Labrys was alone. Sighing, Labrys put herself on the capsule seat, plugging in some wires. Then she set herself in hibernate mode. She closed her eyes. As an android, closing her eyes was unnecessary, but it was more like a habit for her to mimic humans.
And so, the mechanical maiden's virtual mind drifted away and she took her slumber.
Once again, I was in this place, a place where I got to meet him. The reflective surface of the floor seemed to reflect the image of the cloudless sky above. Not too far from me, he was standing still, his back facing me. His hands were stuffed in his pockets. Like usual, his blue bang covered one of his eyes, leaving only one exposed to be seen.
I called out for him. I said his name.
He looked behind, glancing over his shoulder. Then he turned around, and I could see his unhidden eye, steely grey in color, looking at me.
Then, he smiled.
"It's been a while…" he spoke softly. "Come. We have lots of things to talk about."
I approached him and reached out for his held out hand.
"How are you? Are you well?"
I nodded.
"Good." He smiled. "Sit down. Let's talk."
Unlike our previous meeting, this time, we talked about a lot of things. It was fun. We were sitting next to each other as we talked, holding each other's hand.
There was nothing there except us, the cloudless sky, and the reflective floor.
"Why are you here?"
I suddenly asked.
"Hmm? What's wrong with me being here?"
He seemed confused.
"You shouldn't be here."
He seemed to be contemplating about something, probably an answer to my question. After a while, he looked at me, smiling.
"Maybe I'm not really here."
"Hmm?"
I shot him a questioning look.
"But still, you are here. I can feel your hand."
He shrugged.
"Maybe it's just you imagining it. Who knows?"
I puffed out my cheeks and pouted. He chuckled.
Hearing his chuckle made me feel warm inside. I wished I could stay with him in this place forever. I didn't mind if I had to spend the rest of my life under the cloudless sky, above the reflective, mirror-like floor. As long as I was with him, I felt at peace.
Still, I had to leave eventually.
It pained my heart when we had to separate once again.
Was this how she felt when they were separated? Actually, I could only speculate.
"Ah, it's about time. We'll meet again soon."
He spoke as he let go of my hand. But then, I immediately grabbed his sleeve.
"W-will you… wait for me?"
I asked as I grabbed his hand. He looked at me, smiling.
"Yes. I will wait for you."
"Promise?"
"Yes. I promise. But, will you also promise me something?"
I blinked.
"Will you… live your life as best as you can? No matter what you are, please remember this…" He brought up his hand, stroking my cheek. "You are a precious living thing. So, when the time is right…"
He smiled sadly.
"Will you stop chasing after a ghost?"
TO BE CONTINUED
Author's Note: Yo, it's me again, Prince Arjuna. So, this is Chapter 13 of the fanfic, Heart of a Butterfly, titled Sirzechs Lucifer. And this chapter is rather short than usual, because I've been planning for future events by putting a few hints here and there. If you squint hard enough, you will be able to see some hints, but let them be vague for now. And this chapter is also the last update of this year, 2014, and I would like to say 'Happy New Year' to all of you, and thank you for reading this tale. For this chapter too, I will also provide an info sheet. An info sheet will be provided each time I publish a short chapter.
Also, I would like to express my gratitude to Sorata Shioya for beta-reading this chapter. Let's hope that we can work together next year too, okay?
So, see you guys again in the next chapter, Chapter 14: Pallas Athena. And don't forget to review, because being showered with reviews is a good thing to have during New Year. Until then, farewell.
Encyclopedia Daemonica
Aigis/アイギス (Aegis, The Heartless Armed Angel, Ai-chan, Ghost in a Machine, 7th Generation Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon)
Date of Birth: September 10th, 1999
Age: 12
Height: 162 cm (5'4")
Arcana: The Chariot, The Fool
Weapons: Firearms, combat knives
Specialty: Fighting, leadership, housekeeping, marksmanship, Persona, sarcasm
Affiliation: Shadow Operatives (Operative Number 5)
Description: An Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon built by Kirijo Group in order to combat Shadows, Aigis was activated at 1999, during the creation of the Dark Hour. Originally monotonous and robot-like, she started becoming more human via interacting with the members of SEES. Currently serving as Operative Number 5 of Shadow Operatives, and is considered to be the strongest member of the organization due to her combat prowess, natural leadership ability, her Wild Card and the fact that she is far stronger than normal humans. As a Wild Card, like her predecessor and successor, she is capable of summoning multiple Personas, but because she is not powered by Death, her Wild Card ability is significantly weaker than her predecessor's.
Persona(s):
Athena "A bit bossy and demanding, but she is a great teacher. The ancient goddess of wisdom and military prowess of Greek mythology, she is considered an adversary that shall be feared in the battlefield."
Orpheus "Quiet, just like his previous wielder. Very skilled with stringed musical instruments, as expected from the greatest poet and musician."
Palladion "A statue of Athena which symbolizes protection. Being a statue, she doesn't talk much."
Conall Cernach "Cocky yet very honorable, a legendary Irish warrior. Seems to know many things despite his apparent cockiness."
Galahad "A knight in shining armor, one of the knights of the Round Table, Galahad is known as the God's Knight on Earth, and is considered one of the greatest exorcists ever alive. Despite the illegitimacy of his birth, he is known for his pure heart."
Scathach "A legendary sorceress and teacher, she is known for her role as Cu Chulainn's mentor. She is the Ruler of Dún Scáith, the Land of Shadows. Extremely flirty and promiscuous, and is known for her 'friendship of thighs'.
Pixie "A small humanoid creature that takes the shape of a beautiful female, she is a mischievous spirit of nature, and is capable of manipulating electricity."
Sylph "A small humanoid creature that takes the shape of a beautiful female, she is a mischievous spirit of nature, and is capable of manipulating wind."
"Did I succeed in protecting everyone?"
Edit: A few edits. I hope you guys like this version more.
Prince Arjuna (2014)