04/21/2012, Fujikawaguchiko, Afternoon.
'What was the name of this city again?' asks Apollo, his competence with japanese full of holes, although he would never admit it. After having lunch the Gremory Peerage returned to their respective training, everyone but Koneko. The young rook and Makoto, just like the blue haired promised, went to visit the vicinities of the Gremory Manor. At first Makoto would have liked to take a look to the woods surrounding it, but Cendrillon burnt a good part of the forest to the ground, as thus ruining his plan.
'Fujikawaguchiko, Apollo' calmly explains Izanagi-no-Okami. 'It's a nice tourist town, even I was used to visit the villages built on the shores of Mount Fuji's lakes' adds the Creator God. The two teenagers just entered the town on the Kawaguchi Lake's. They are welcomed by the fully blossomed cherry trees adorning the resort town with the main boulevard of the city being adorned by lines of tall and healthy cherry trees.
"It's pretty..." comments Koneko gazing at the tree-lined avenue they are walking right now, enchanted by the falling pink leaves making the atmosphere poetical. "Here you can see Mount Fuji even better than at the manor" she points out, gazing at the massive mountain, probably the most important symbol of Japan; the sky completely clear of any clouds making the sight to look like a painting. "Yeah it is" says Makoto he too enjoying the view. "So, where would you like to go?" asks Makoto looking back at Koneko. "I heard Senpai Ito talking about an amusement park here... Fuji-Q Highland I think it was" replies Koneko. "Let's search for it then" proclaims Makoto as the two of them start to look for the amusement park.
"Senpai, can I ask you something?" eventually asks Koneko after many minutes of silent walk through the city's calm and almost empty streets. "Yes?". Koneko hesitates to make her question, but picks up her courage. "Am I being a bother to you Senpai?". "Bother? No" states Makoto without much premises. Koneko just accepts his answer as they have now arrived in front at the entrance of the amusement park. "It was easier than expected" comments Makoto looking at the sign of the Fuji-Q Highland. The image of a red mountain mimicking the shape of a flame with a white Q written on.
"Is there an attraction you would prefer to visit? If I am honest I've never been to an amusement park before" says Makoto. "The President once took us to an amusement park, there was a pretty candy shop. Maybe there is another one here" wonders Koneko, her eyes filling with gluttony at the thought of candies.
"Good morning there young ones!" says a man with a bright smile approaching Koneko and Makoto. Said man has unusual blonde hair for a japanese and bright green eyes, as his facial features are mostly north-european. His long hair are tied in a ponytail behind his head with a green, bramble like, lace. Due to his more than average height, a few centimeters shorter than two metres, he bends down to look clearer at Makoto and Koneko.
"I couldn't help but hear your excitement to visit our fantastic, fun, happy and inimitable park" remarks the man while adjusting his white tie, a wide pure smile on his lips. "Please please, come in my lord after all this amusement park exists only because you and the kindness of y-" he pauses, both because he notices his lack of manners, as he didn't present himself, both because he sees Makoto's reaction.
"What?" asks Makoto confused by the eccentric man. "Who are you?" asks frowning Koneko, her nekomata's senses telling something was off in the man in front of them. The man holds up his arms in a sign of surrender. "Ehy ehy little lady I mean no harm. I thought you were here to visit our park! After all this is the symbol of the conjoint efforts of the Norse and Shinto factions, a true symbol of peace! The Fuji-Q Highland!" he excitedly tells with a pirouette before continuing without giving his two interlocutors time to speak. "Sorry for not telling you my name, I'm really forgetful ain't I? I'm Corvis, Corvis the Peacemaker as they call me. Now that I look at you more carefully my lord; I feel great power coming from you. You remind me of the mighty Tsukuyomi. Are you by chance the son of one of the Noble Children?" asks Corvis with respect.
'He's sensing you Izanagi, hee hoo' says Jack Frost. 'Right... this was unexpected. I hope it doesn't cause problems to you Universe' says Izanagi-no-Okami. 'But why's that? How can he sense you and only you?' asks Apollo. 'It's only us four inside Makoto's mind right now, so Izanagi's presence is the strongest' explains Messiah. 'Aren't you the Universe's Ultimate Persona tho?' asks Apollo not catching what Messiah is trying to explain. 'Indeed, the bond between me and Makoto is so strong that it's impossible to discern us apart. That's why this individual is sensing only Izanagi'.
"No, I'm not" briefly answers Makoto, not knowing how to answer the man in front of him. "Yes my Lord, yes. I understand you prefer keeping your privacy secure, I respect that. Sorry for sticking my nose" says Corvis with a playful wink. "I never heard of this park being ran by the supernatural" says Koneko behind Makoto. "I'm sorry to argue with that young lady, but that's impossible. Although Fuji-Q Highland isn't the most famous amusement park of the mundane Japan, it is the best and biggest in the supernatural part! Yokais, Shinto Gods, dwarves, valkyries, elves such myself: both light elves and dark ones, obviously we do not care about race. Everyone is welcomed here". As Corvis says this last part he shows his pointed ears, hidden by his long hair, with a smirk. "No one in the entirety of the Norse or Shinto factions and associates doesn't know about this place. Peace, peace between two factions: this is what our park represents. And I am one of its prideful owners" proudly affirms Corvis, small tears of emotion forming under his eyes.
"No, never heard of it" repeats Koneko staring at Corvis. After some seconds of defeat the elf laughs the matter off. "Well, now you do! Please, please follow me. Would you prefer see the mundane side or the 'real' side first?" he asks as he leads Makoto and Koneko inside the Fuji-Q Highland ticket booth. Makoto shares a look with Koneko. "I'd prefer a normal park" she says. "Of course, here two tickets" says Corvis offering the teenagers the tickets of the park. "Take them as a welcome gift for choosing our park".
04/21/2012, Fuji-Q Highland (Supernatural Side), Afternoon.
The relaxing music of a lute fills the air of the Fuji-Q Highland's director office. Around a short legged table two figures are sitting, legs folded, playing mahjong. The first figure, the owner of this office and colleague of Corvis The Peacemaker, is a svartalf, or dark elf, the counterpart of a ljosalf: a light elf. This figure is Daugouc Emberseeker, a middle aged dark elf; well middle-aged for an elf, so decades and decades older than many races' elders: especially humans.
Daugouc has a muscular build that's starting to fade due to his age, with the young muscle fibers yielding to fat. On his pale white skin the first wrinkles are forming, but those don't stop his experienced, lived, smile. The clothes he's wearing are the typical business man ones, a black suit and a white tie matching his short grey hair with a pair of dark brown trousers paired with black working shoes.
"I never understood mahjong to be honest. It is very different to the games we are used to play in Nidavellir" says the svartalf to his adversary. In front of Daugouc a yokai is sitting, cat-like figure with few, yet distinguished, human traits. His face is for the most human-like, apart from some spots of fur around his cat ears, with bright skin and dark green eyes. He adjusts the glasses on his nose and takes one of the mahjong pieces, showing it to the dark elf. "You see Daugouc, mahjong is the quintessence of strategy. I have to say that it should be played in three or four, but we have to wait for our remaining guests to arrive. What I want to say now is that this game is cardinal to us yokais and the Shintoist factions as a whole. I don't like making this similitude, but think of it like chess for the devils. Mahjong has always been a fantastic way to test one's ki" explains the bakeneko.
Daugouc hums nodding his head. "Isn't Ki equal to life energy? How does it relate to a tile game?" asks the dark elf. The yokai snaps his taloned fingers. "Good question! Summarising you just need to know that these simple pieces of wood are talismans, some sages uses this game to teach their students the basics of senjutsu: obviously it doesn't substitute training, but it can help reach higher levels in the sage arts, senjutsu as you know it" he says picking up two of the tiles. Daugouc nods his head again, silently listening to the other's lesson. "You seem to love this game Lord Bushin" comments Daugouc. The bakeneko yokai nods his head. "Yes! Lord Tenjin himself taught to me how to play mahjong and just call me Bushin, you don't even belong to the Japan factions there is no need to be so formal with me".
While they are talking a knock is heard on the door of the office. "Come in" proclaims Daugouc. The door is opened revealing three other yokais: Sojobo, Yasaka and her daughter, Kunou, literally a smaller version of her mother, enter the room. "Lord Sojobo, Lady Yasaka. I'm glad you made it" says Daugouc nodding his head, greeting the new arrivals. "Oh look who we have here: Yasaka and Lord Sojobo, it's a pleasure to see you again" says Bushin getting up to shake hands with them. "Strange place for a meeting Bushin, why did you choose an amusement park?" asks Sojobo. "A neutral area is the best for this kind of meetings, am I right? Moreover I didn't want little Kunou to feel bored" says Bushin with a smirk winking at the youngest of them.
The young kitsune clings to her mother trying to catch her attention. "Mother! Mother! Can I go to the park? I saw so many fun attractions!" she whines. "Dear I can't leave you alone, you are still a kid after all. Get in mom's shoes, what would she do if something happened to her little treasure?" tenderly says the Kansai leader, ruffling her daughter's hair. "No fair! Uncle Sojobo can I go?" asks again Kunou, this time hoping Sojobo says otherwise. "Your mother is right little one" replies the tengu. Kunou puffs not liking the adults' answer. "You do not have to worry!" comes the excited voice of Corvis who hurried back to the office. "Lady Yasaka, Lord Sojobo, Lord Bushin and Lady Kunou good morning! Corvis the Peacemaker here will be more than honoured to look after the young lady while you adults talk about boring stuffs" says playfully Corvis earning a chuckle from Kunou and a sigh from Daugouc.
Yasaka shakes her head with a smile on her face. "Thank you Mr. Corvis, I'm thankful" she says trusting the ljosalf. "Your daughter is in good hands Lady Yasaka". Corvis then kneels down in front of Kunou. "Young Miss could you please wait outside just a couple of tiny minutes? I need to say something to the boring adults here" says Corvis. Kunou nods her head and does as Corvis said. The elf then turns back to the yokais and his colleague.
"Before you start talking about that agreement of yours I need to inform you of something that just happened. I think the Shinto Gods know about this" says Corvis. "It isn't something the gods should be bothered with, why are you saying this Peacemaker?" asks Sojobo. "The son of one of the noble children is here, I think they sent him to listen to you" replies Corvis. "The son of a god? It makes sense, when we are done we should inform him then" suggests Bushin. "Son of one of the noble children? Before coming here I agreed with Lady Amaterasu to apprise her about the results of our meeting as soon as we end. She would have informed me, what makes you say he's a godborn?" asks Yasaka. "Don't lose your mind over this matter Yasaka, we'll care about it later. Now let's finish our discussion about uniting the Kansai Faction with my Chubu Faction" says Bushin sitting back down and eating a piece of ice cream mochi Daugouc offered him. "The mochi is fantastic Daugouc" praises the Chubu leader.
"I agree, let's not waste time anymore" agrees Sojobo. "Then I'm going with the little princess, enjoy your stay milords" with this Corvis dismisses himself. "Before we start I want to thank again Mr. Emberwood here for letting us use Fuji-Q Highland for our meeting" tells Yasaka. "There is no need to thank me Lady Yasaka, we are allies after all. Strengthening your allies is to strengthen yourself after all, and even if me and Corvis aren't politicians we are still here as ambassadors of the Norse Faction. We want peace, just like you" explains Daugouc.
"Wise words Daugouc, that's why I couldn't contain myself when Takamagahara and Asgard agreed on setting up this amusement park!" exclaims Bushin. "Please Bushin, let's get back to work" says Sojobo chastising the other yokai, making Bushin to sigh. "I'm a scholar Sojobo, not a politician". "That's the reason why we proposed to give you the lead of our Confederation culture and research management" says smiling Yasaka. "When I said I'm not a politician it doesn't mean I'm a fool. Oh, don't get me wrong I am all for uniting our factions into one under the wose rule of Sojobo, who am I to question the worthiness of Lord Izanagi's most trusted mortal servant. However I want some guarantees" tells Bushin.
"Of course. As we have explained on the last meeting with all the eight yokai leaders we would create a council formed by each leader and their most trusted helpers. And I would just be a symbolic leader, my real role would only be the emissary who directly reports to Takamagahara as a whole. Not with each individual god like we do today" says Sojobo, earning the attention of Bushin while Daugouc silently listens to the conversation as a third party. "Yes, I agree with that part too. My only concern is regarding more diplomatic matters. While everyone of us, even the most isolationists like Toku, are favourable to the alliance with the Norse; the other factions are a complete different story. Especially the Christian Pantheon" seriously says Bushin while playing with one of his whiskers.
"It is understandable, after all that is a matter of great discussion in all of Japan since the death of our Great God and even before. If we want more diplomatic weight then the Confederation will be ideal to make our voice heard against devils, angels and fallen angels alike" says Sojobo, entrusting Bushin's diffidence for the christians to move the conversation to his favour. "This obviously doesn't mean we want war; it will just be a deterrent" adds Yasaka. "We don't want war, but we must be prepared: especially against the devils. They overpower us both in numbers due to their evil piece system and strength. I heard about a fight in Kansai between you and the Glasya-Labolas, am I wrong?" asks Bushin.
"It's true" briefly answers Yasaka, not hiding anything. Bushin remains silent for a couple of seconds, tension rising in the room. "Sorry to interfere, but here we aren't between enemies. The devil question is a fragile matter between all supernatural factions, there is no need to be so tense about it" says Daugouc easing the situation. "Thank you Daugouc. I'm sorry, but I simply don't like the devils for personal reasons" apologizes Bushin bowing his head. "You don't need to excuse yourself, we understand and agree with you Emberseeker" tells Sojobo.
Corvis in the meanwhile left the room, but as soon as he exits the office he doesn't see Kunou anywhere. "Oh good Asgard" he says noticing the young kitsune isn't where he told her. He looks hesitant behind himself, to the office door. "I obviously can't tell Lady Yasaka I lost her daughter if I want to go to sleep all in one piece tonight". So instead of telling her mother, Corvis decides to search for Kunou himself.
04/21/2012, Fuji-Q Highland (Mundane Side), Afternoon.
"Senpai let's go there" says Koneko pointing towards a stall with many grab machines. 'Universe those are the most infamous traps of every amusement park, hee hoo. Don't go there!' alerts Jack Frost, panic in his voice. 'Oh I forgot, hee hoo' corrects himself the demon doll. Makoto rolls his eyes and follows Koneko towards the grab machine she hooked: a Candy Grabber. "Wouldn't you prefer go to a normal candy shop?" asks the blue haired boy. "Fighting for your sweets is more fun" explains Koneko already playing with the control of the machine.
"If you say so-" Makoto just finished his sentence that Koneko already broke the hook's handle using a bit too much force. "Sorry senpai... I got too excited" she apologized ashamed. "Don't worry...". Makoto looks at the grab machine, the control blocked in the down position with the hook under the candies. 'Can we do something about it?' asks Makoto to his Personas, hoping for help. 'I'm not a mechanic Universe' says Apollo. 'It's kinda fun, hee hoo. We can destroy cities, revive the deads resist to thousands of attacks or avoiding the End of Times and all Life by stopping an almighty being, but we can't fix a simple broken crank, hee hoo' jokes Jack Frost making Messiah and Apollo to laugh. 'Just leave here Universe, if someone asks you just say it was like this when we came here' proposes Apollo. 'That's miseducating, hee hoo' retorts Jack Frost.
"Senpai, it's just a grab machine. Let's go somewhere else" says Koneko as she already put her eyes on another attraction. "Ok". Makoto and Koneko keep on looking around the amusement park going from attraction to attraction. They soon stop before a souvenir shop selling cat themed trinkets, Koneko immediately looks enchanted by the shop and gets inside without making many compliments. Inside the souvenir stall there are all kinds of merchandise related to cats with a funny music is playing. From pins and similar accessories to clothes, costumes and all kinds of robes.
Koneko locks her eyes on a golden hair clip: the last one on the bunch, similar to the two she already wears resembling a cat face. She makes to take it, however another person grabs the hair clip at the same time as Koneko. A blonde young girl, the kitsune princess Kunou with her yokai features disguised to walk among normal humans without problems. "I saw it before" immediately says Koneko, not wanting to leave the hair clip to the little kitsune. "It's not right! This hair clip is made right for me! Don't you see? My hair match perfectly this clip!" exclaims Kunou. The two girls hold the hair clip looking at each other with a challenging look. "I won't leave it" says Koneko. "Well, me neither!" replies Kunou returning the stare Koneko is giving her.
'It looks like the Hanged is fighting over an hair clip with a child kitsune blessed by my daughter, or the counterpart of her in this world' comments Izanagi-no-Okami as Makoto notices the scene. 'Well what do you want to do Universe? We can't leave them fighting over an hair accessory' says Apollo. 'And how would you fix this situation, hee hoo? It's an hair clip there's isn't much we can do about it, hee hoo' tells Jack Frost.
Makoto walks towards the two bickering girls. "Koneko why are you fighting over an hair clip?" asks Makoto looking at the rook like an older brother. "I like it..." quietly replies Koneko half embarrassed. "I like it too!" rebuts Kunou, her hold on the clip adamant. 'We aren't going anywhere with this Universe' says Apollo annoyed by Koneko and Kunou.
"Can't we just ask if they have other clips like that in stock? Maybe they just forgot to refill the shelf" points out the messiah. "If they don't have it, she will take it. I can't let my guard down" says Koneko, not accepting Makoto's proposal. "The same stands for me! I have all the time in the world, you'll see I want this more than you". Catching the nature of their little fight and understanding they won't stop any time soon, Makoto goes to the shop's cashier to ask for help. "Excuse me, do you have anymore of that yellow hair clips?" he asks to the saleswoman. "I fear that is the last one, sorry" she says. 'We tried' sighs Apollo.
'Universe, take the trinket: we'll just create a copy of it' says Izanagi-no-Okami. 'What do you mean by create?' asks Apollo. 'I'm a god of creation, making another copy of an hair clip is a trivial matter: it won't even require much effort from the Universe' explains the Country Maker. Makoto listens to the japanese supreme god, after paying the cashier the price of two hair clips, not minding her confused expression, he swiftly takes the hair clip from the girls' hands. "Senpai!" says Koneko trying to take back the accessory. "What are you doing?" asks Kunou pouting.
Makoto grabs the hair clip inside his palm and and in no time another one is made. He gives one to Koneko and one to Kunou. "They had another one" he says, blatantly lying and ignoring Koneko's suspicious look. "Thank you so much!" replies smiling the kitsune putting the trinket on her hair. "Are you a mage? Was that a magic trick?" asks Kunou her eyes shining. "Nothing like that..." answers Makoto avoiding the topic.
"Oh you are here, finally I found you Kunou". Corvis enters the souvenir shop and immediately heads towards the girl giving a gentle pat on her head. "I said you to wait me girl, but all is well what ends well". He then looks at Makoto. "Oh, my lord: you met little Kunou" he points out. "Hello Mr. Corvis" says giggling Kunou, ignoring Corvis' scolding look. The light elf sighs shaking his head before addressing once more Makoto. "I have a fantastic idea: why don't we go to the best attraction of Fuji-Q together?" asks Corvis.
"Why are you proposing this?" asks Koneko still doubtful about the elf's intentions. "You see young lady, my job bere is being sure everyone has their best time while in my amusement park! What kind of entertainer would I be if it was the contrary?" confidently says Corvis. "It will be fun please!" says Kunou to Makoto with pleading eyes. "And you can stay here obviously" she adds looking at Koneko with a challenging glare. Koneko frowns annoyed by Kunou's behaviour. "Senpai?" she searches for Makoto's opinion on this.
'We are here to help the Hanged Universe, don't forget it, hee hoo' remembers Jack Frost. "Do you want to go with them?" asks the blue-haired boy. Koneko shakes her head, not wanting to say it aloud too embarrassed for admitting it in front of others. "Sorry Senpai..." she says abashed. "Don't worry, Corvis you heard Koneko. Maybe next time" says Makoto politely refusing the elf's offer. "Oh my Lord don't worry. Come on Kunou and please don't go too far or else I will have to hear you mother's scolding and I fear not only that" playfully says Corvis making Kunou to smile. "Goodbye" she says waving her hand and following Corvis outside the souvenir shop.
"Mr. Corvis why did you refer to him as 'lord'?" asks curious Kunou when the have already left. "He's the child of one of the Noble Children". As Corvis says this Kunou's eyes lighten up with admiration. "Really? Which one? Is he Lady Amaterasu's son?" questions excited the young kitsune making small jumps. "I don't know, it isn't nice to meddle with other's privacy Kunou. Remember this" he lectures her. "Fiiine" whines Kunou pouting. "What's with that long face? No one in this park can feel something that's not happiness girl! Now you will have to have twice the fun as a punishment" jokes Corvis making Kunou to laugh at the bizarre elf.
"Senpai are you sure it's not a problem for you?" Koneko asks after Kunou and Corvis are gone. "We're here for you Koneko, if you don't want to do something we don't do it simple as that" explains Makoto.
When Makoto says these words Koneko feels something inside of here. 'He's here for me...' she thinks. The feeling was different from what she feels with Rias, or even with the other peerage's members, this one seems more genuine: more true. Not that Koneko would dare to question Rias' care for her, it's because the Gremory Heiress she's alive after... what happened to her sister. However she can't deny she being part of Rias peerage is just a whim caused by Sirzechs Lucifer's love for his sister not Rias herself seeking out for her. But this sensation? It is like the sisterly love Kuroka had for her once. 'I will find another way to become stronger, I won't use Senjutsu' she thinks. Her gaze stops on Makoto for some seconds. 'I've been stupid. I dragged Senpai here for nothing. I don't need senjutsu I just need them: I just need my family'. Resolve fills the short body of Koneko as a secure expression now adornes her face.
"Senpai!" says Koneko gathering her courage. "Yes?". "I'm ready, we can go back to the others" declares Koneko. 'Oh, it seems the cat is showing her teeth' says Apollo amused by Koneko's confidence. 'Don't mock the Hanged, Apollo, hee hoo' chastises Jack Frost. "Are you sure about it? We just arrived after all" says Makoto. "I don't want to be left behind by the resto of the peerage. I want to show them I am as capable as them!" she says with a confident yet reserved smile. "And I know you will be there in case anything happens" she adds putting her trust in Makoto. "If that's what you want we can go back right now" says Makoto nodding his head.
04/21/2012, Land of Oz, Afternoon.
Fighting in the field of a colosseum Vali is exchanging blows with one of his team members: a blonde young man with rectangular glasses and business navy blue clothes, wielding a long holy sword. Arthur Pendragon, descendant of King Arthur himself, is testing the limits of his proficiency with the holy sword Caliburn against his leader, Vali. "You are getting slower Arthur" reprimands the White Dragon Emperor in his Scale Mail judging his teammate's attacks.
"It's not me getting slower Vali, how did you become so strong? It's been just a week since the last time we fought" complains Arthur using the power of Caliburn to teleport away in order to dodge one of Vali's fists. "I met someone very interesting" replies Vali.
"Oh really!? Vali met someone he considers interesting? Now I have to meet them!" shouts someone from the sides of the arena. A young monkey yokai, the descendant of Sun Wukong: Bikou. Vali immediately turns back searching for Arthur, as soon as he sees where he teleported he sprints against him. Cracking the ground under his feet due to the thrust and leaving a cloud of dust behind he aims his fist to disarm Arthur. 'Be careful Vali, when you sparred with Yuki it was this very move that costed you the win' alerts Albion. 'I know, that's why I'm working on it. Next time we meet I'll ask him to spar again. I hope he's at Grigori tomorrow' replies Vali as his attack successfully takes Caliburn from Arthur.
The holy sword falls to the ground as its holy aura still manages to hurt Vali even though he's in his scale mail. "Well done Vali, I'm impressed" calmly says Arthur getting back up and taking his sword from the ground. "It's not enough: this is child play for Makoto" grunts Vali in annoyance exiting the armour. The laughs of Bikou are audible from where Vali and Arthur are standing. "Makoto? Who's this guy?" he asks. "A friend" briefly replies Vali. "Oh well, just let me meet him someday ok? And have you thought about offering him to join our little squad? It's rare to hear about someone you consider a friend" asks the monkey piquing up Arthur's interest too.
Vali didn't consider the possibility of having Makoto in his team, would he agree? He would obviously be a great asset for his mission, Azazel lied when he told Makoto was a Sacred Gear user. After pondering about it Albion came to the conclusion he didn't have one. However he had an holy sword, a powerful one, so he could be a great help for Arthur's training and own objectives too. That Odin, a god by their side was surely a boon no one in their right mind would refuse and Le Fay loves to study norse mythology.
The problem was: what could Vali and his team offer Makoto, why should he accept to join them? He wasn't obsessed with fighting like him or Bikou. He wasn't wanted by someone and running away like Arthur, Kuroka or Le Fay. Maybe he would like to join them for their explorations of the supernatural realms? Would he accept to help them in their spy mission on the Khaos Brigade?
"Ehy Vali are you there?" asks Bikou waving his hand in front of Vali's face. "Yes, I was just thinking" replies the White Dragon Emperor. "By the way, do you know where Kuroka is?" asks Arthur. "Ophis sent her to meet up with a new potential addition to Khaos Brigade" explains the leader. "Now we are diplomats?" jokes Bikou sitting on a magic yellow cloud he just summoned. "Ophis? Where has she sent her?".
"Japan, a certain Daugouc Emberseeker is gonna be the intermediary between Khaos Brigade and the Kingdom of Nalnerno" answers Vali to Arthur. "Wasn't it one of the dark elves' kingdoms in Nidavellir?" asks the blonde this time. "It is, it seems their king is getting closer to the Brigade". However something doesn't leave Vali's mind: if Ophis were ever to find about Makoto's existence she would for sure do everything to bring him in the Brigade, he would probably be one of the strongest members of it, precisely what Ophis wants. 'What is in your mind partner?' asks Albion picking up Vali's thoughtful expression. 'I was thinking what would happen if Ophis discovered about Makoto' replies the Lucifer descendant.
'The only thing I'm sure of is that the boy won't agree on joining the Khaos Brigade. Surely he doesn't need nor want power and if he is with Azazel it's obvious he doesn't want war. You know better than me the crow is a convinced pacifist' speaks his mind Albion. 'You are saying he could join us to check on the Brigade's movements?' asks Vali trying to understand what the dragon means. 'That too, but you want him to help you with killing your grandfather, right?'. Vali grimaces at the thought of Rizevim Lucifer, the scum of all scum, the one who ruined his childhood... 'That's my final goal you know, with Makoto everything would be easier, far more easier' he eventually says.
Unbeknownst to Vali and his team they are being watched by discreet eyes. "They are here Lord Beelzebub" one of the wizards of Oz just accompanied Shalba where the Vali Team is meeting. The Shadow hums and looks at the three youngsters. "Just three?" he asks. "No, my lord. There are a total of five members, they work directly under Lady Ophis' orders" explains the cloaked mage. "Go away". The wizard immediately nods his head and obeys to the order. "He's The Star, right Father?" asks the Shadow to the black butterfly on his shoulder. "He is, Shalba" comes the deep voice of Nyarlathotep.
"Why don't we kill him Father? His death would weaken the Universe no?" asks the Shadow ready to transform and attack Vali and his team, dark flies buzzing around him as he waits just for Nyarlathotep's order. "No Shalba, we need the Universe to be as strong as possible I already told you how much he's useful, he's essential to our plans after all" explains the butterfly. "I understand" says the Shadow accepting Nyarlathotep's answer as the Crawling Chaos takes flight. "May I ask you where are you going Father?".
"I want to visit Riser Phenex, from what you have gathered he's going to be the Priestess' husband, but the girl doesn't want it. I will use him as an experiment for the Reverse Personas". Shalba looks at the form of Nyarlathotep flying away as he gazes back at Vali. "I'm not allowed to kill you, but Father didn't say anything about messing with you. I still can't do anything too drastic: what a shame. I hope at least you can be a fine entertainment Vali Lucifer" complains Shalba using a teleportation circle to get away.
04/21/2012, Fujikawaguchiko, Late Afternoon.
A young cat woman with black hair and golden eyes is sneakily walking through the lake city using her techniques to avoid making noise and conceal her presence. "Why Ophis chose me to meet with the dark elf nyaaah" whines the woman, Kuroka as she looks at the amusement park on the shore of the lake from behind a building. "Let's become invisible and enter". She disappears and starts to casually walk towards the park entrance. However she freezes as soon as she exits her cover. "S-shirone?" she asks herself looking at her sister, Koneko, with Makoto as they are leaving the Fuji-Q Highland.
'What is she doing here? Who's him? Where is the Gremory?' these questions haunt Kuroka as her body refuses to move, frozen in place. 'I'm invisible she can't see me' thinks Kuroka taking a deep breath and calming down. What she wants the most is being again with her little sister, but she knows how much Shirone hates her. She could bring her sister with her now, she had a home now, friends and protection. But Shirone would hate it, it didn't matter how much Kuroka hates this it's just too early for them to reconciliate... of they will ever be able to, but she has other things to do and think about now.
While Makoto and Koneko were walking outside the amusement park the rook suddenly stops, feeling something amiss, as she clenches Makoto's shirt. "Koneko? Is everything alright?" asks the boy. Koneko looks around, but nothing seems wrong; however something familiar seems to be near. She feels a scent for some seconds, the scent of her sister. Memories flooding her mind, her breath heavy and discontinuous. "I don't know..." answers the girl anxiously. Makoto looks worried at her and takes her hand. 'She's shaking' he notices. "Koneko what are you feeling?" he asks looking right into her eyes.
'She's having a panic attack, hee hoo' immediately alerts Jack Frost. "Koneko, breathe. Don't worry I'm here" slowly says Makoto, holding Koneko's shaking hands. "I don't know..." tells the poor girl, trying to calm down as she looks at Makoto. After some seconds she stops shaking. "Are you feeling better?" asks the boy. Koneko slowly nods her head. "Thanks Senpai". "No problem, it's my pleasure".
Meanwhile Kuroka looked at the scene, tears forming under her eyes, after seeing Koneko in that state she immediately left the area to look from a further position. 'She must have sensed my Ki... what a bad sister I am, nyaah' she thinks with sadness and guilt. 'My little sister has a panic attack just by feeling my life force for some seconds, nyaaah'. The young woman then looks at Makoto. 'At least you have someone there for you Shirone, I'm glad' a bittersweet smile appears on her face.
'Universe, I think I know the source of the Hanged's panic' informs Izanagi-no-Okami. 'Tell me' answers Makoto. 'Someone is watching us, she looked at the young girl in particular' says the Country Maker. 'I didn't see anyone Izanagi' says Apollo. 'That's why she was invisible, but nothing can deceive me. She's over there, I suggest we leave her he for now she didn't have hostile intentions' says the god of Japan. 'How can you be so sure, hee hoo?' asks Jack Frost angered at the thought of someone making Koneko go through that. 'As I said, nothing can deceive me' repeats Izanagi-no-Okami. Thanks to the World Persona's help Makoto looks over where Kuroka is standing. He makes eye contact with her, a neutral expression on his face.
'He's seeing me? That's impossible! Not even ultimate class beings can see through my senjutsu!' internally screams Kuroka. "Let's go back ok?" asks Makoto to the rook which nods. Kuroka looks at the two leaving again. 'I was just paranoid I guess, nyaah' she thinks walking back towards the amusement park where she has to meet with the dark elf.
'We search for her after we are back at the Mansion' says Makoto to his personas. 'What do you want to do Makoto?' asks Messiah. 'I just want to be sure what is the bond between Koneko and that woman' he replies. 'I will use The Wanderer later'.
04/21/2012, Fuji-Q's Director Office, Late Afternoon.
"I ask your pardon, but I have park businesses to attend" says Daugouc, interrupting the three yokais who were still in the middle of negotiations. "That's our bad... we are definitely taking too much by focusing on measly details" says annoyed Bushin looking at Sojobo. "We must be sure there are no matters left that could create problems in the future" calmly replies Sojobo, undisturbed by Bushin's comment.
The dark elf gets up from his armchair and heads out of his office, not before giving a respectful nod to the yokais. "There is still a matter you have been avoiding, the concessions we gave to the Three Factions of the christians: what do you want to do about it?" asks Bushin his tone serious once again. "You know the areas given to the Three Factions aren't chosen by us, but bestowed by Takamagahara" says Yasaka not understanding where Bushin is leading the conversation.
"I mean: are you just going to passively accept everything they do in those territories? I'm not saying to reconquer them or send spies. I'm just proposing to revise the accords, it's too often some of ours are killed or even worse, enslaved, because someone believed they were trespassers" says Bushin. "However I understand the reasonings behind it. I have my hands tied and can't intervene in those matters without risking to much too" he concedes after some seconds of thought to Yasaka and Sojobo's relief.
"So we all agree, right? Is there anything you want to add Bushin?" asks cautious Sojobo making the bakeneko to sigh. "No, let's end this quickly. I need to go back to my studies" says Bushin shaking hands with both the Tengu King and Yasaka. "I hope this will be the start of a good cooperation Bushin" says the kitsune woman smiling. "Yeah, but I was the easiest to convince. I wish you good luck with Toku or Kiritagi. Moreover what about Nurarihyon? The old man took a decision yet?" asks Bushin for his last question before leaving the park.
"He's too busy dealing with the Outcasts of Yomi. From what it seems after Kyushu, Kanto is the region where their presence is stronger" informs Yasaka. "Those traitors... didn't Toku send a task force to raid their base of operations in Tsushima?". "We haven't received any news yet, we'll tell you as soon as possible" replies Sojobo.
As the yokai leaders ended their meeting Daugouc arrived where he's supposed to meet the exponent of Khaos Brigade. 'My king, I hope this isn't a waste of time: I'm still doubtful about the Ouroboros taking the reins of a faction after all their centuries of neutrality' thinks Daugouc as he waits for the woman he's supposed to meet. "You are late" states the dark elf when he notices Kuroka approaching him. "I encountered some annoyance, nyaah" replies the nekomata avoiding being too specific.
"If you are sure you weren't being followed it's ok. Now, as you should know there is a meeting between the yokai leaders of Kansai and Chubu right now in my office so we don't have much time. My king wants to know how can the Khaos Brigade help with our conquest of Alfheim" says Daugouc expecting an immediate answer from the woman.
Kuroka smiles a sardonic smile while looking at the dark elf. "The power of infinity is what our leader grants. Ophis, the Ouroboros dragon: one of the two dragon gods" she says. "And why would Ophis help us?" asks sceptical Daugouc. "To create an opposing force who will shake the current state of things in the supernatural world" lies Kuroka, she knew well Ophis only wants to gather people to fight Great Red. "If you want a demonstration Ophis is indeed helping us, look at this" says Kuroka showing Daugouc a little green snake. "This contains the power of Ophis, nyaah" she says with a smirk.
"I find it difficult to believe, why now of all periods should the Infinity Dragon intervene in the supernatural's matters, breaking their neutrality? However... that is a solid proof, I find it difficult you could steal something like that from Ophis" tells Daugouc, looking at the snake. It radiates power, it's clear just from sight that by using it, the snake could make even a low-class being as powerful as an high-class one or even stronger.
"This is something only Lady Ophis knows, nyaah. So what are you going to say?" Kuroka asks wanting to end the meeting as soon as possible to lay down and rest after the meeting with Shirone. "I will speak with King Malekith about this. If he's satisfied he will personally meet with Ophis: what about that snake?" says Daugouc, his gaze not leaving the serpent. "Consider it a gift from our boss, nyaah" teasingly says Kuroka giving the reptile to Daugouc. "I will inform my king immediately, I bid you farewell" quickly answers Daugouc.
Kuroka looks at the departing dark elf and sighs. "I messed up..." she says to herself. The Ophis Snake was just a last resort if Daugouc wasn't being cooperative and needed an incentive. Vali himself warned her to give it only if extremely necessary, they weren't Khaos Brigade's recruiters they were spies for fuck sake; but Kuroka mindset after seeing her Shirone wasn't in the best of moods. "Sorry Vali... I know our mission should also help me get some sort of leeway of action about my sentence" she mutters.
04/21/2012, Gremory's Training Ground, Late Afternoon.
Back to the Gremory estate Makoto looks at Koneko. "Are you feeling better now?" he asks worried. The rook nods her head. "Yes, sorry for before" replies Koneko. "No problem, it's almost time for dinner Grayfia told me before she was going to prepare food around this hour. Why don't you go already?" asks Makoto. "And you?" questions Koneko raising an eyebrow. "I need to talk to my personas first and know how the others did" lies Makoto.
'Lying is bad Universe, hee hoo' chastises Jack Frost. 'Oh yes, he should have said 'I'm going to teleport myself in front of a woman who was spying on us', of course' says Apollo full of sarcasm. Makoto dimsesses the trails of thoughts and waits for Koneko to leave before pulling out the evoker.
"The Wanderer" with his focus on the woman he saw before Makoto pulls the trigger and uses Mercurius' theurgy. The roman god quickly answers Makoto's call and appears in front of him circling his staff. "Finally you ask for my help Universe! I have to say using The Wanderer to track down someone is unexpected, but not impossible for sure!" he exclaims teleporting Makoto before vanishing.
Kuroka is gazing at the Kawaguchi Lake deep in her thoughts, reflecting about what just happened today. 'Shirone...' the name of her sister not leaving her mind for even a second, the sight of her having a panic attack just for her presence. "I'm really the worst sister ever, nyaah" she whispers when the bright light of The Wanderer blazes near her. She puts an arm in front of her to cover the light, getting in a defensive stance ready to blitz away.
'Devils? It's impossible this place is in Shinto territory and what kind of devil uses light?' thinks Kuroka discarding the possibility of devils having found her. The figure of Makoto appears from the light alerting Kuroka. "Here you are. Why were you spying on me and Koneko today?" immediately asks Makoto not waiting for any kind of reaction from Kuroka. The nekoshou woman carefully looks at the situation in front of her, unsure if she should try to fight back or run away. 'Universe you scared her. We just appeared from nowhere and the only thing she knows about you is that you can see through her invisibility. It is not the best visit ticket' says Izanagi-no-Okami.
"Sorry, I didn't want to scare you" apologizes Makoto rubbing the back of his head understanding the mistake he just made. "I just wanted to know what happened with Koneko today, it's clear she had a panic attack due to your presence" says Makoto. Kuroka looks at the boy in front of her, he just came here for her, an SS wanted devil, because he was worried for her sister?
"You mean Shirone nyaah?" she asks. Makoto frowns in confusion. "Shirone? No, Koneko white hair, short first year of highschool age". 'This was all just a misunderstanding, let's go back Universe' says Apollo quickly dismissing the matter. 'No, there's more' refuses the Country Maker. Kuroka chuckles. "You don't know uh?" she asks rhetorically before summoning an orb of ki. "I'm Shirone's sister and a wanted criminal. I don't know who you are, but I saw you look after my Shirone and for that you have my gratitude. However it's better if you go away, you don't want to have anything to do with a mean cat like me" she says throwing the orb at Makoto, missing him on purpose as she just wants to scare him not injure him.
'Just go away please. I don't want to risk harming Shirone anymore' she thinks hoping Makoto just goes away, but she's wrong. Very wrong. "Koneko's sister? Why are you saying you're a wanted criminal I never heard of you by anyone" says Makoto trying to get closer to Kuroka. 'Is it possible that he didn't know about Shirone being part of the supernatural?' thinks Kuroka. "Listen, I want to help Koneko and if you are the answer to resolving her problems I want to see it through" declares Makoto. "And what are you going to do boy, nyaah" says Kuroka trying to play the 'evil cat' role.
'Why don't you just go away... helping Shirone?' a small smile appears one Kuroka's face, even though she tries to make it seems like a sadistic grin she's genuinely glad to hear someone cares about her sister. 'Continue like this Universe, she's just putting up an act' tells Izanagi-no-Okami seeing through Kuroka's bluff. "I just want to talk" repeats Makoto, not showing any kind of hostility. Kuroka hides a annoyed look behind a giggle. "Don't you have a tiny bit of survival instinct?" she asks. 'Really what's wrong with him!' she thinks.
"If it's for my friends' sake my answer is no" says Makoto, his words resounding inside Kuroka's head like they have been amplified multiple times. "I admit you are a fun one, nyaaah. Still I fear we can't talk, goodbye" she says using the youjutsu to summon a mist to put Makoto to sleep and run away. Makoto looks at the mist emerging from Kuroka's sleeves, before he can react Izanagi-no-Okami stops him. 'Leave her be Universe, it will be for another time. She isn't in the right mood to talk if you don't want to use violence' tells the God. Makoto nods his head, letting Kuroka to escape.
04/21/2012, Land of Oz, Night.
When Kuroka is finally back at their headquarters in the Land of Oz her mind is full of thoughts. 'That boy... going so far for my sister, I didn't feel anything special about him...' thinks Kuroka. While walking through the Khaos Brigade's headquarters she's stopped by a familiar hand. "Ehy Kuroka back already? Is everything good?" asks the happy voice of Bikou. Kuroka liked the monkey yokai, he was a good friend and much less boring than Vali or Arthur even if she preferred the White Dragon Emperor as a man and potential mate.
"Hello Bikou, why are you all smiling and sniggering?" she asks back playful. "Oh it seems Vali is all over his head for a new friend he made" answers Bikou. "Really? Little shy Vali made a new friend?" jokes the woman. "You had to see him! Today he sparred with Arthur and was all 'Oh this for Makoto would be childplay' or 'Makoto would be disappointed in me' things like that, it was hilarious! Still I really want to meet this guy now" says Bikou mimicking Vali's voice.
"Makoto? What type of guy is he?" asks Kuroka 'interested' in someone who caught the cold Vali's attention so much. "It's better if you ask Vali himself, he won't stop speaking. He talked about his strength and how he pierced Vali's Scale Mail like butter!" explains Bikou. "He should be worth meeting" says Kuroka. "Oh Vali is spending his free time finding a reason for Makoto to join us" says Bikou.
"How strong is he?". Kuroka freezes as she looks down to see a short little girl with long black girl wearing a black gothic outfit with a huge purple ribbon to tie her dress around her waist. "From what Vali said he's stronger than him as he easily defeated our leader moreov-" Bikou stops when he understands it wasn't Kuroka who made the question, but Ophis. "I spoke too much" whispers Bikou.
"Where is he?" asks the dragon god. "Ehm... I don't know" answers Bikou, starting to sweat. "Lady Ophis I ended the mission you assigned me" says Kuroka trying to get the dragon's attention. "Good, now where is this Makoto? I want to meet him" asks again Ophis ignoring completely Kuroka.
"Ophis, it is utterly rude to go away in the middle of a discussion". Bikou and Kuroka turn around to look at the fool who dared to speak with the second strongest being in existence in such a tone: Shalba Beelzebub. "I don't care" replies Ophis causing Shalba to grit his teeth. "Where is Vali then? Does he know where Makoto is?" asks Ophis for the third time. Shalba raises his eyebrows in a rare sight of surprise from the Shadow.
What does this arrogant, childish, stupid, fool, naive thing want to do with the most important piece of his Father's plan? Nyarlathotep told him that he's spreading a rumour throughout all the supernatural world. The Prophecy of the Messiah. The crucial step for his Father's ascension to an higher state: free from the shackles that bind him to humankind.
"He's in the training ground" says Shalba, looking amused at the venomous looks of Bikou and Kuroka towards him. He kept a fly to look at the Star, so to keep him under control. "Thanks" Ophis immediately teleports away. Shalba walks between Bikou and Kuroka looking at them with an arrogant smirk. "What is your fucking problem!?" asks Bikou not suffering Shalba's behaviour. "Are you in search for a fight?" asks coldly Shalba: his gaze piercing Bikou's very being.
The descendant of Sun Wukong challenges Shalba with his eyes, not breaking eye contact. "What if I'm doing it?" he asks. Shalba scoffs. "You have courage, I concede that, but I don't have time to waste on you" tells the Shadow before leaving the two members of the Vali Team. "That guy gets in my nerves, always so arrogant and full of himself even speaking to a being like Ophis with that tone" says annoyed Bikou. "I don't suffer him too" nods her head Kuroka. "Let's just hope Vali manages the situation" sighs Bikou.
"Father. I'm sorry to interrupt you, but Ophis seems to be on the traces of the Universe. Should I stop her?" says Shalba communicating with Nyarlathotep. "No. I will deal with her myself" answers darkly Nyarlathotep. "Father she's not worth your time" rebukes the other Shadow. "Don't underestimate her, she's stronger than you. I'll just need to show her who's going to become the new God and owner of this world, if she wants to find the Universe tell her where he is: I'll intercept her in her precious Dimensional Gap" replies the Collective Shadow of men. "As you wish Father".