04/23/2012, Kuoh Town, Morning.
Roaming through the city of Kuoh is an odd figure. Susano'o without minding changing his clothes or putting down his weapons is walking down the streets of Kuoh Town, the Kusanagi no Tsurugi resisting in its sheath. 'If the devils have something to say may they come!' thinks the god of storms with his arms folded around his chest while looking around the town. "Surely the human cities have changed, I can barely recognize these buildings as man-made. The yokais are centuries behind technologically speaking!" he comments noticing the modern buildings. The god is suddenly interrupted. "Ehy Sir! Are you a cosplayer? That sword looks so real!" enthusiastically says a young boy around the elementary school age. "Uh? Kid this sword is very real" says Susano'o, bending down to look at the boy. "That's so cool!" chimes the kid making Susano'o to smirk in amusement.
"You like swords kid?" asks the god to which the human boy nods. "Good good. The art of the sword is a great way to learn how to become a proper man" comments Susano'o. "I want to practice kendo, but my mother says no. What should I do?" asks the kid. "Just show her your resolve! Don't give up just after one single no, ask her a second, a third, a fourth time. Never yield!". The boy looks at Susano'o with enchanted eyes like a kid seeing his hero. "Now I have to go kid, take care" says the god waving his hand before walking away. 'If the devils dare to harm one of the humans in this town they will have to face me! Ah that kid was really cool, a true warrior of the sword' thinks Susano'o smiling profusely.
While lost in his thoughts the god of sea starts to feel a certain hunger. 'Oh well Makoto Yuki can wait. What kind of man or warrior presents himself hungry?'. With this Susano'o decides to look for a place where he could have breakfast. He doesn't take much time to spot a street food vendor selling dorayakis. "Three classic ones, kind man and keep the change". After taking the japanese pancakes Susano'o heads over the centre of the city.
'I should ask for directions. Where do humans place a school?' wonders Susano'o looking around himself hoping to find a student which, lucky him, he soon finds. "Sorry kid, where is the school?" asks Susano'o touching the shoulder of said student: Ryoji. "Kuoh Academy? Over this street on the right" answers Death. "Thanks boy. Have a good day" replies Susano'o speeding up towards the school. 'What a strange person' thinks Ryoji looking at the tall figure of Susano'o heading towards the school, his armor making noise as he moves.
04/23/2012, Student Council Clubroom, Morning.
"President, a stray devil has been sighted. Should we intervene immediately?" asks Tsubaki to her king. Sona sighs, usually dealing with strays is Rias' job. Obviously a stray is spotted when she is not in town, fantastic simply fantastic. "Did it attack any residents?" comes the question of Sona. "Not yet". Sona ponders on what to do, this is an opportunity to teach Genshirou the basics of devil combat. "Lessons didn't start yet. We can do this quickly, just call Genshirou and Ruruko" orders Sona. "Yes President".
The two pawns of Sona soon arrive at the Student Council Clubroom. "President for what have you called us?" asks Saji slightly bowing his head. "Lessons start soon President did something happen?" this time is Ruruko asking. "A stray sevil has appeared in town, we are going to deal with it rapidly. I called you two here because I want to show Genshirou how a pawn usually fights. Is it okay for you Ruruko?". The youngest girl in Sona's peerage nods her head. The Sitri doesn't waste any time and casts a magic circle, teleporting her and the three members of her peerage on the outskirts of Kuoh.
04/23/2012, Kuoh Outskirts, Morning.
"No no no" desperately says Viser, the half-scorpion woman Makoto spared on his first day in Kuoh Town. Viser is running away from a feeling of divinity, due to Susano'o presence in town. As soon as the God of Storms stepped in Kuoh, despite his peaceful intentions, his godly aura couldn't go unnoticed by a Stray Devil, who aren't protected by the magic of a Pillar House making them incredibly sensitive to every kind of godly presence. "I need to run!" she shouts running with all he forces.
However Viser's frantic run is soon stopped, and with it all her hopes of survival. The blue crest of the Sitri Clan appears on the ground, Sona and her servants along with it. "Stray Devil Viser. For running away and attacking your master I sentence you to death by the authority of Prince Sitri" declares Sona pointing her finger towards the stray devil.
"I won't die today!" hisses, in a desperate try of scaring the devils, Viser wielding her spears in front of her. "Ruruko, do it. Genshirou just stand back and watch please" tells Sona as her pawns nod their head. "Promotion: knight!" shouts Ruruko using the characteristic ability of the pawns: the Promotion, able to give them the power ups of other pieces when in 'enemy territory'.
With her augmented speed Ruruko is able to avoid being hit by the spear Viser launched at her, kicking hit and breaking the spear in two. "As you see Genshirou the pawns have the power to temporarily wield another piece" explains Sona. "Ruruko is... fast" says gulping Saji, as he never saw something like that before. It is his first time seeing a supernatural fight after all, being able to hit a spear mid-air and destroying it like that is not a common feat for a normal human let alone a first year girl like Ruruko. Tsubaki and Sona smile at Saji's naive comment. "You will get accustomed to it" says Tsubaki.
Meanwhile Ruruko was overwhelming the terrified Viser who has just been disarmed of her second spear by the brown haired pawn. "It's enough Ruruko. Now, Tsubaki finish off the stray" orders Sona as Ruruko retreats. "A queen is the strongest piece in a peerage, just like chess. They have strength, speed and magical ability" says Sona to Saji who was gasping in awe at the sudden movement of Tsubaki who now is directly facing Viser, her naginata wielded in both hands high in the air.
Before the weapon can collide with Viser's head, finishing the stray devil once and for all, the blade of the pole weapon is stopped by a gloved hand. Elizabeth gracefully catches Tsubaki's naginata stopping her from hitting Viser and placing herself between the Stray and the queen. Tsubaki's eyes widen at the sudden appearance of the Velvet Room attendant. "Who's her!?" shouts Saji already on the defensive. Sona looks annoyed by the interruption, she didn't like Elizabeth since the first day she knew about her. The sudden appearance of an unknown magician into their territory. Then the reveal of who she really is, if you could call it even a reveal as it created more questions than answers which Elizabeth never answered. What annoyed her even more? It seemed Elizabeth and her sister get along quite well.
"What are you doing Elizabeth?" asks coldly Sona, surprising even herself. 'I didn't want to sound so aggressive, but it's not the first time she sends me off' thinks Sona. Elizabeth frees Tsubaki's weapon from her clutch. "I was just wondering why you were trying to kill a person" says Elizabeth looking at Viser behind her. The Stray Devil instinctually moved behind Elizabeth's back like a kid behind a parent. "Could you not do it please?" politely asks Elizabeth not liking Viser's behaviour. The Stray immediately gets some distance.
"President what's happening" asks Saji. Sona doesn't pay Saji attention, her sight focused on Elizabeth. "Elizabeth we have orders from the Underworld to kill the Stray Devils trespassing my territory. I ask you step aside and let me do my work" says Sona, not understanding Elizabeth's actions. "I can't let you kill this woman however. I'm sorry" says Elizabeth hiding an amused smile. 'Attendant, you are exaggerating a bit. First there was the mess you did in Auros and now you want to create a ruckus here? AND WHY YOU ALWAYS DRAG ME WITH YOU!?' asks Mercurius who obviously was needed to let Elizabeth arrive on the scene in time. 'I'm doing what Makoto would do. He wouldn't let this devil die after he himself didn't kill her after she tried to do it first' explains the woman. 'Oh really? My theory is that you are just having fun. The Universe is just an excuse' doubtfully remarks the Roman God. 'Oh my. What harm may this terrified woman bring? She's as harmless as a fly'.
"Who do you think you are!?" asks Saji. "We are the devils who rule this town if you do not know" he adds wanting to be of help. "Genshirou don't worry. I can speak for myself" tells Sona a bit annoyed, but understanding Saji's good intentions. "Sorry" says the blonde still looking at Elizabeth with a scornful look. "I see the situation is resolved right?" asks Elizabeth enjoying Sona's irritation. 'Serafall was right is fun to play around the Empress' thinks Elizabeth. "Nothing is resolved. That Stray needs to die, the credibility of my House is at risk here. Moreover even if she was to get away from me she will ultimately be killed by the Five Principal Clans if she goes out of Town or Rias and her peerage will be the one to deal with her" says Sona trying to reason with Elizabeth.
Then Sona's phone rings. "What do you need Momo? I'm busy" answers to the call Sona pissed off. "Sorry about that, but we have a peculiar guest in school. He just entered the school ground and is asking around for Senpai Yuki" comes the voice of Mono from the other side of the call. 'Oh this could be useful' thinks Sona. "Elizabeth someone is looking for Yuki in school and it seems is not from around here". Sona manages to draw Elizabeth's attention. "Oh I'm going to check then". Elizabeth's words makes Viser to panic. "No no don't leave me!" pleads the stray, but Elizabeth is already gone entering the Velvet Room.
"Was it really that easy?" asks Tsubaki. "What did I just witnessed?" Saji rubs his eyes wondering if he's dreaming or not. "She was never interested in this Stray, she just wanted to mess with me. I'm sure Sister has something to do with this" whines Sona creating water in her hand before shooting it against Viser at great speed, finally finishing the stray. "Let's go back" orders the Sitri.
04/23/2012, Kuoh Academy, Morning.
"Excuse me, do you know Makoto Yuki?" Susano'o just stopped another student just as he entered the school ground. A boy of average height with spiky brown hair. "Eh? You mean the new third year who's friend with that bastard of Mochizuki? That damn guy... a new Kiba for fuck sake and he seems to be even more popular than him! He draws the girls like he's a magnet I swear it's some kind of magic!" whines the boy, lamenting Ryoji's popularity with the girls of the school. "I don't care about this Mochizuki. You know about Makoto Yuki? I'm searching for him" tries again the god.
"No I don't know" replies the boy. "Ehy Issei! Come here soon" another student calls for the boy who soon goes towards his friend. Seeing the boy's annoyance by his question Susano'o decides to search for another student to ask. However he stops to look at someone who was watching him. 'A devil... could this school be their headquarters? If so I need to find Makoto Yuki quickly before I snap' thinks Susano'o trying his best to ignore Tomoe's gaze on him. 'Fucking devils turning human children into ones of their kind' Susano'o grits his teeth. Although many thinks the contrary Susano'o isn't a warmonger, but when the topic of discussion were devils or the other christian factions the situation was drastically different.
The school bell rings informing everyone the lectures are started. Susano'o looks at the crowd of students hurrying to get inside realizing he won't find his target for now. 'The devil from before went inside too, might as well wait for Makoto Yuki outside' thinks the god while walking to the exit.
"Were you the one searching for Makoto?" Susano'o suddenly turns around himself, seeing a woman he didn't feel coming. "Who are you woman?" asks the god with a calm yet cautious tone. "Makoto's attendant. I might know why you are, you desire to know more about Izanami right Lord Susano'o?" asks Elizabeth knowing the god's identity, not that said god tried to cover himself anyway. "Oh, you recognized me. After all I didn't even try to hide my identity, I want to talk with Makoto Yuki. The goddess Inari told me about his clash with Izanami" says Susano'o looking at Elizabeth with an interested look.
"Of course, unfortunately Makoto is busy right now, but you can talk with me. I have all the information you need" explains Elizabeth offering her aid to Susano'o. "Let's talk somewhere else, I don't like potential devil eyes looking at us. Follow me". The God of Storms leads Elizabeth to the shrine district of Kuoh Town. "Why are we going there?" asks Elizabeth. "Precaution, simple as that" briefly replies the god. "I guess you don't like the devils, am I wrong?". "No, not at all. I don't exactly hate them, but I can't say I don't despise them either" explains Susano'o. Elizabeth nods her head in understanding as they arrive at the Inari Shrine in the old town.
Susano'o sighs in relief sitting down on a bench getting comfortable. "I feel way better now. I didn't ask your name now that I think about" says Susano'o in a friendly tone. "Elizabeth" answers the attendant. "I see you catched the reason for my visit. I'd ask you something more about you and Makoto Yuki, but I don't have time for it. The Izanami's matter is too urgent. Please speak" says Susano'o.
04/23/2012, Gremory's Training Ground, Midday.
"Lord Yuki, may I ask you what are you thinking about? I notice a certain worry in your eyes" asks Grayfia. "I've been thinking lately. I don't understand why Nyarlathotep is being so cautious. He surely doesn't need to he has all the firepower he needs" replies Makoto. "What do you mean?". Makoto shakes his head. "Nothing, I'm just being paranoid" replies the boy. 'We already know Nyarlathotep is plotting something Makoto, you are just worrying for nothing. Stopping Shadow Azazel has been a great thing, you are doing great don't underestimate yourself' says Messiah. 'Thanks' replies Makoto with a soft smile. "Let's go back to the others" declares Makoto, Grayfia following him.
04/23/2012, with Irumi, Afternoon.
"Rhythm: Uno Due!" shouts the Red Dragon Empress powerfully clapping her hands after few boosts rapidly followed by two other consecutive claps of her hands.
{BOOST!} together with Ddraig's cooperation the sound of Irumi's hand hitting against each others becomes a loud explosion which propagates in front of the girl, shaking the ground and the air alike. With his steel claw Fafnir makes to smother the explosion by surrounding the area, but his hand is held back by a lasting sound around Irumi. Like a wall made of noise. A sound of heavy drums which shakes the air directly around the girl acting as a small shield. "I DID IT!" shouts ecstatic Irumi panting heavily, sweat all over her face.
The sound barrier soon dies off and Fafnir's hand falls inexorable on the Magician which screams afraid. "Fafnir stop!" says Kohryu hitting the cyber dragon with his stick causing him to retreat his hand. "Iiit hurts Huanglong" screeches the dragon touching his hand.
'I must congratulate with you partner! No one has ever used the Boosted Gear like a speaker and I admit it's effective' says Ddraig, genuinely surprised by Irumi's brilliance in coming up with such an original way of using the Boosted Gear. By boosting herself to her limit beforehand she then made a powerful noise by clapping her hands as hard as she could, the sound originated from it was then boosted itself creating an explosion all around the girl. Moreover, as a secondary effect, Ddraig's draconic aura coming from the Sacred Gear stabilized itself around Irumi making the effects of a sound barrier.
"Magician how are you feeling?" asks Kohryu. "Better than ever! I did it master! It also blocked Fafnir's claw right?" asks Irumi, her eyes shining with pride in herself. "That barriiier was tougher than expecteeeed" creaks the dragon. The Red Dragon Empress falls exhausted on the ground satisfied with the results of her training. "What are you doing Magician? Get up, we can finally start a serious training" says Kohryu with a smirk. Irumi's face pales. "What? Wait wait wait Master you can't be serious" says the girl. "What's the problem? Giving up?" asks teasingly the yellow dragon. "No..." replies Irumi. "Well said. Now stand up, we haven't finished yet with your basic training" says Kohryu.
Makoto watches to the two personas dealing with Irumi. 'The Magician is having the best growth. She never gives up and always get back up on her feet. Her willpower is commendable' points out Messiah. 'Compared to two days ago surely' replies Makoto as he looks over to the other side of the Gremory estate, his sight not focused on anything in particular. 'What are you thinking about Makoto?' asks Messiah. 'Nothing, I'm just tired I guess' replies the boy. 'Summoning too many personas is putting a strainer to your mind Makoto. I am the only one who stayed back with you. Having 11 personas manifested in reality is not a trivial feat, consider taking it easy' says Messiah tenderly.
04/23/2012, with Kiba, Afternoon.
Another sword is broken in two parts and sent flying on an already high pile of broken swords of many different kinds: from rapiers, short, two-handed, katanas to sabers and daggers or knives. "You have a good basic knowledge of swords, blonde. Yet you only use a plain one-handed blade as your main weapon, even your magical ones are all one-handed. You aren't using that Sacred Gear to its fullest capabilities" states Yoshitsune staring down at the tired Kiba who's been creating all kinds of blades since the early morning. "I've been trained on using the Bastard Sword... that's why" replies Kiba using this rare time of pause to catch his breath.
"I noticed it. Unfortunately we don't have enough time to properly make you learn how to use other types of swords. Your enemy is a phoenix able to heal from fatal wounds, if you are going to fight him yourself you must finish him before he can heal" explains Yoshitsune. "Overwhelming strength, that's what he needs" says Odin, who was watching the scene waiting to step in. "No All-Father. Speed is what will make him succeed in his battle" retorts Yoshitsune looking at Odin with an hint of challenge. "Oh, your beloved speed is useless if he doesn't have enough strength or he's defeated before. We are aiming for a single yet decisive attack samurai. A sure-win blow, if he does it correctly it could even be faster than relying on speed only". The two personas start fighting over which view is the correct one: Yoshitsune's, who thinks speed is the winning feat, or Odin's, who sees strength as the only important feature of an attack.
The blonde knight looks at the god and samura, listening closely to their heated discussion trying to catch any important information. 'Our enemy is from the Phenex House, an high-class devil... I can't reach an acceptable strength-level to defeat Riser in a single hit, and I fear I'm not faster than his healing capabilities...'. While thinking on a solution to deal with Riser, Kiba has a moment of illumination. An epiphany strikes him like a lightning. When he fought Makoto some days ago he used the Flame Delete, thinking it could be a good weapon against the fire of the Phenex's House. Yet, when he tried to use it again against Yoshitsune first and Odin second, both of them told him it was too fragile to withstand serious flames for a long time. So, instead of using the Flame Delete passively to resist the enemy flames he must use it offensively and by doing that he could even manage to slow down his opponent as a secondary effect.
"Master Yoshitsune! Lord Odin! I have an idea, may I speak?" asks Kiba. "Go on, we aren't going anywhere here" says Odin giving up on his discussion with the grudging samurai. "Speak" says instead Yoshitsune. "I was thinking on creating a sword that instead of extinguishing the flames it comes in contact with, it freezes the target directly" explains his idea Kiba. "That's good enough, but do you know how to do it? You will need stronger and more durable ice than the one of your other sword" asks Yoshitsune, although the samurai isn't showing it he's genuinely interested in Kiba's idea. "I... have never been the best in ice magic" admits the blonde, the real problem of his Sacred Gear was that he needed to understand the concept behind the swords he creates so if he doesn't know anything about something he can't make any kind of blade related to it no matter how hard he tries.
"I can show it to you. Gungnir" Odin summons his twisted spear and rotates it in front of Kiba. "Bufu" the norde god casts the simplest of ice spell on the point of the weapon before tossing it towards Kiba. "Study it, see if you understand something" says Odin in a casual tone, shocking Yoshitsune greatly. "I would have never said nor imagined you could give your precious Gungnir to someone so easily. Apart from the Universe, of course" comments the grudging samurai. "I won't lose to that iron lizard" states Odin looking at Kiba who carefully took the divine weapon in his hands. "Be careful with it boy, your mind might collapse from Loki's curse. The less you touch it the best for you" alerts Odin. Kiba gulps as he puts down the weapon studying it from without putting his hands on it.
'This weapon... the famous Gungnir. It radiates power like no other weapon I've ever seen before. Master Okita would kill to have a chance to put his eyes on something like this. Even if it was for a second' thinks Kiba admiring the weapon. While the knight is busy, Yoshitsune turns again towards Odin. "All-Father what did you mean with 'can't lose to the iron lizard' what are you and Fafnir doing?" he asks. "We made a bet on who will be the one to strike down Riser Phenex. He said it will be the Magician while I betted on the boy" says Odin, desiring none other than to slam his win on Fafnir's face.
"This is a serious matter Odin" remarks Makoto who just arrived. Gungnir shakes as it feels Makoto's presence and flies right into his hand. "Gungnir wants to be used Universe" comments Odin delving back in Makoto's mind to let him use the spear to its fullest. "Senpai" greets Kiba. "How are you doing?" asks back Makoto looking at the plethora of broken swords scattered all around. "Master Yoshitsune made me test the limits of Sword Birth by creating all kinds of blades I know about" explains the knight summoning a sword very similar to Flame Delete.
"Senpai could we exchange some blows I have a new sword idea in mind and fighting against the famous Gungnir could really help me to develop it" asks Kiba woth a deep bow. "Sure". Yoshitsune nods his head in agreement and delves back into Makoto's mind. 'You have my permission to hold back Universe. I think the blonde might give us a nice surprise' says Yoshitsune. "Ready when you are" Makoto tells Kiba as they points their weapons towards each others.
04/23/2012, Inari Shrine, Afternoon.
"This Izanami can't be considered my mother, right? She's... a shadow... her suppressed self. My mother died killed by herself? Is that what it means?" Susano'o asks with a conflicted look on his face. On one side the god doesn't feel any different from before, he still desires to stop Izanami and bring ber down once and for all, obviously. On the other side she's still his mother, but could he define her as such now? A Shadow Self... 'That is just a monster bearing my mother's name, not her' he states in his mind. The god then looks up to the sky still sitting on the bench, his long hair falling behind his shoulders as the wind flows through them creating a relaxing feeling inside the god of storms. He takes a deep breath before starting to laugh with pleasure.
"Ahahahah. Thank you for your information Elizabeth! It's a precious help! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my godly shoulders, now I don't have to preoccupy myself anymore about my mother" says happily Susano'o. "I'd like to speak with Makoto Yuki as soon as possible, but for now I better get myself to work. You are invited to Takamagahara whenever you like, if someone tells you something they can come facing me directly!" states the god standing up with energy.
Before leaving or doing anything else he looks again at Elizabeth, a faint shade of red on his face. "And listen... Elizabeth... you said the Personas of Makoto Yuki are gods from all mythologies from your original world... is my father among them? Izanagi? Please, I don't care if he is not my real father, but I need to speak with him whoever he is" asks Susano'o a bit embarrassed by the sudden request. The attendant however smiles in return. "Of course, Makoto has Izanagi-no-Okami in his stock right now. We can meet up with him right now, what do you think? I am sure he will be more than glad to help you have a talk with your father Lord Susano'o" says Elizabeth smiling, happy to have an excuse to visit Makoto. "Thank you so much Elizabeth and just call me Susano'o!" laughs the god giving a nod of respect to the attendant.
"Makoto Yuki is lucky to have a woman like yourself by his side. But enough with words, let's go meet with the famous Makoto Yuki" proclaims Susano'o.
Elizabeth takes out the Persona Compendium to summon her dearest friend: Mercurius, or her favourite victim if you ask the roman god. "Hello again God of Thieves, may I ask your services once again?" asks playful the attendant. Silence. The roman god doesn't answer Elizabeth's call. Susano'o looks interested at the Compendium. "What are you trying to do?" he asks. Elizabeth frowns due to Mercurius' refusal to answer her.
"Mercurius. I need you to bring me and Lord Susano'o to Makoto, now" demands the woman with an ice tone. Silence, again. Mercurius doesn't yield and keeps on ignoring Elizabeth. "Fine. I remember my youngest sister told me about a special ritual for the Velvet Room, I hope you like being electrocuted Mercurius or beheaded... I can even hang you, Lavenza was quite adept with those kind of rituals and she and my Master taught me each and every one kf them before coming here. Just in case, you know" with Elizabeth's threat the roman god is swift to answer appearing in his Quicksilver's form. "Please Attendant, heek. Understand my position, I promised the Universe to not bring you to him, heek" crows the rooster.
"A rooster?" says surprised Susano'o. "That's a surprise, I never tried yakitori with rooster meat, but I don't understand how this should bring us to Makoto Yuki. Oh well, who am I to refuse? Enjoy" muses the god drooling at the thought of eating some yakitori and readying his sword. "I'm not food, heek. Fine I will bring you to the Universe Attendant" says Quicksilver starting to flap his wings and casting The Wanderer quickly before being cutted. "A peculiar way of teleporting, I usually use the sea breeze to move around or the storms. I never used a rooster" comments Susano'o looking at Mercurius' bird form in amusement. "I am a god of travels not a simple bird!" whines Mercurius, but no one listens to him.
04/23/2012, with Kiba, Afternoon.
Another lateral hit from the Gungnir in Makoto's hands is blocked by Kiba's sword. The blond is however forced to toss his weapon away, as the bufu spell enchanted by Odin on his spear before froze the blade in his hands. "Kiba we should stop, you are overdoing it" says Makoto looking at the sweating and panting knight. "No. Please Senpai I'm almost there, I almost understood how to do it" pleads the blonde clinging to his newly made sword.
The weapons created by him during this spar all had their base on his iconic Flame Delete, but every new sword has a new small detail :a new improvement aimed to create a perfect weapon to both cut through flames and freeze the enemy. "Winter's Outburst!" shouts Kiba, a miniature snowstorm circling around his right arm, and from it a new demonic sword is summoned after the snow is dissolved. The new sword in the knight's hand is yet another bastard sword with its grip as an hexagonal shape made of light blue wood, almost resembling porcelain from the colour and lucidity of it. The pommel and the guard are in the shape of a snowflake with the blade itself being entirely made by a pristine white steel with crystals of ice on the blade. In the center of the hilt there is a rune encased in it, the same rune on Gungnir. The rune meaning is simple yet exhaustive for the sword's purpose: frost.
'Clever boy. He managed to create something at the end' says Odin. 'I told you he would turn out as a surprise' tells Yoshitsune. Kiba rushes towards Makoto and swings his blade, missing him on purpose, from the edge of the Winter's Outburst he sends a burst of ice against Makoto triggering the omnipotent orb to destroy Kiba's attack. However Kiba doesn't yield and jumps back to get some distance before making an ascendent cutting blow to send another wave of ice towards Makoto. Once again the omnipotent orb is triggered. Kiba grits his teeth, decided more than ever to land an hit oblivious about the omnipotent orb's nature. So he jumps again wielding the hilt of his sword with confidence and prepares to strike again.
'He's overworking. Stop him Universe' says Yoshitsune with Makoto agreeing with him. When Kiba is closer to him he makes to disarm the knight by hitting the Winter's Outburst with the spear, but Kiba surprisingly sees Makoto's movement and springs backwards, changing the hand he's wielding the sword with, putting it in his left one. 'It seems the blonde has plenty of fighting spirit still left in him. It would be disrespectful to let him down' comments Yoshitsune. 'Still finish this off Universe, Gungnir is becoming unstable' informs the All-Father. 'Unstable? What does it me-' asks Makoto, but before he can receive an answer Kiba stops him. "Sword Birth!" shouts the blonde creating thousands of minuscule daggers, not made to harm but to block his opponents' view.
'He created swords so tiny that they aren't recognized by the omnipotent orb as a threat' points out Makoto in his head. Kiba emerges from the cloud of daggers the point of his sword pointed towards Makoto, like a drill. 'Universe I see you need the help of little old Loki! Let me help! Oh, can I tell you a joke? It starts with us KILLING EVER-'. Makoto tosses Gungnir away before turning towards Kiba and, just like few days prior, pulling him to the ground by his collar after the Winter's Outburst is destroyed by the omnipotent orb.
'Was it that what you meant Odin?' asks Makoto still shaken by the God of Mischief's sudden yell. 'Yes, Loki placed a curse on Gungnir long ago. When it is used too much it calls to him' tells the All-Father. "Kiba are you alright?" asks Makoto turning back to see the blonde punching the ground. "I didn't manage to even scratch you Senpai... I thought my training has given some results, but... it was all useless". "Don't downplay yourself, it's been partially my fault too. I was using the Omnipotent Orb so you couldn't do anything to me at all. I am sorry..." answers Makoto feeling bad for having used his defensive trump card. "Omnipotent Orb? That's why each one of my attacks seemed to be useless? Thanks Senpai, if you used that it means you were taking me seriously. I'm thankful, really" says Kiba, finding pride in the fact that Makoto gave his all in their spar.
"Rest now blonde. You deserved it, both me and Odin were gladly surprised by your performance" tells Yoshitsune summoning himself. "Thanks Master!" shouts Kiba bowing, small tears falling down from his clenched eyes. 'I am the blade of the President, I won't be defeated easily anymore!' he declares. He lost against Sothillis, he almost died against Kazan Ishikagawa and now he has the chance to prove himself worthy. 'I will make all of them proud! Not only the President. Not only the Club! They also will me proud of me! All of them live inside me... and when time will come I will avenge them!' his mind then goes to the friends he lost in his childhood. During the Holy Sword Project's experiments of the Church.
04/23/2012, with Akeno, Afternoon.
The Queen of Rias' peerage is flying in the sky dodging the gusts of wind made by Cendrillon as the dancer hits the air again creating a large movement of wind she sends against Akeno. "You are doing great Akeno! I'm getting excited!" shouts the dancer. "No! Don't lose control Cendrillon last time you risked to destroy the forest!" shouts back Akeno remembering with horror her first day of training with Cendrillon. "It's enough Cendrillon, hee hoo. It's Jack Frost's turn now, hee hoo" tells Jack Frost, his head popping up from the trees as he has just returned from looking over Koneko's training.
"Already?" whines Cendrillon gracefully walking towards the demon doll. "Please Jackie just five more minutes!" whines the dancer taking up Jack Frost like a proper doll and shaking him vigorously. "This is not a game, hee hoo" points out the doll uncaring about being shaked by Cendrillon like a cocktail. "Fine" says pouting the Ash Princess as she puts Jack Frost back on the ground. "Akeno our playtime is over... it's Jackie's turn now" she says reluctantly like a young kid while Akeno is landing.
"Oh what a cute doll" says Akeno as she crouches to pat Jack Frost's head. "I appreciate the compliment, hee hoo. But I am your trainer now, hee hoo. I suggest you to run girl!" proudly proclaims Jack Frost with a wide smile on his face, stunning the queen. "Now. Bufudyne! Hee hoo!" he shouts, causing Akeno to pale in front of the seemingly harmless doll's spell, the word seemingly doing a lot of work. Jack Frost just created a large statue of himself made out of ice which immediately explodes in thousands of shards before Akeno can react. However it was just a preventive attack as no shard of ice manages to reach Akeno or harm her at all. "Don't underestimate me just for my appearance girl, hee hoo. However you are lucky, hee hoo. I know when to listen unlike Cendrillon, hee hoo" says Jack Frost making a jump to reach Akeno's shoulder and pat her with his white hand, smiling satisfied at himself.
"Jackie! Why are you being so mean with me?" laments Cendrillon looking saddened at the demon doll. "I just said the truth Cendrillon, hee hoo. I meant no offense to you, hee hoo" apologizes Jack Frost. "Enough with chit-chatting, hee hoo. Akeno, Cendrillon trained your body and spirit, now it's my turn to teach you magic, hee hoo" says Jack Frost, enthusiast about the incoming training.
04/23/2012, with Koneko, Afternoon.
Makoto is watching the young nekomata exchanging fists with Apollo, with the greek god forced to seriously block the girl's punches to not risk having his 'beyond elegant' red and white uniform dirtied. "The Hanged is doing good. Although I would prefer if she used everything in her power, but I can see it's too difficult for her for now. Maybe in the future she will be able to overcome the obstacles of her past and defeat her inner demons" says Izanagi-no-Okami standing right besides Makoto.
"We can't hope to resolve everything now, we could risk to only cause her more harm. The important part is that Koneko's feeling better now" says Makoto. The messiah and the Creation God observe Koneko training with the bored Apollo which, however, doesn't dare to say anything back to the nekomata after being scolded, very harshly, by Jack Frost once again just few minutes ago. The demon doll's rage surprising even Izanagi-no-Okami by the share intensity of it, despite Jack Frost's tiny body. A loud battle cry is heard from Koneko as she throws another punch at Apollo which decides to avoid it instead of blocking it. Koneko's fist, instead of hitting Apollo's hand, collides with a tall and wide tree behind destroying the trunk easily, making the tree to fall down.
"You wanted to punch me with something like that Hanged? My poor glove would have been seriously bruised if that was the case!" whines Apollo, preoccupied for the condition of his clothing. Koneko puffs at the god's antics, but she exploits the seconds of rest and Apollo's distraction to catch her breath. "Why did you call me Hanged, Lord Apollo?" politely asks the rook, not wanting to test Apollo's strange personality. "Because you are the Hanged Man Arcana" replies Apollo, in a complete different tone compared to the one he used when the training started. Makoto seeing the situation is going on smoothly decides to turn around to go towards the Mansion and check up on Rias. "I'm following you Universe" says Izanagi-no-Okami delving into Makoto's mind.
When they leave the woods, where Koneko and Apollo where sparring, the light of The Wanderer appears in front of Makoto's eyes with Elizabeth, Quicksilver and Susano'o arriving. "Universe I am sorry! Heek!" crows Mercurius running towards Makoto. "Mercurius?" asks Messiah surprised by the roman god's form. "Elizabeth didn't I ask you to remain in Kuoh Town?" questions Makoto looking at his attendant. "A little visit can't hurt" replies nonchalantly the woman. Susano'o looks stunned at Makoto, like he's seeing a ghost. Noticing this, and understanding the reason why, Elizabeth makes a step back to let the god of storms interact with Makoto.
'Susano'o' says Izanagi-no-Okami to Makoto. Without uttering a word the japanese god walks towards Makoto, when he's in front of the blue haired boy tears, plenty of them just like a broken dam, start to fall down the god's eyes. "F-father" cries Susano'o, his bold, proud and smiling warrior's face now completely gone, replaced by grief and rancour for himself. "I-I... I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO APOLOGIZE FATHER!" shouts Susano'o falling on his knees almost as seeking forgiveness to Makoto. "I WAS A STUBBORN AND FOOLISH KID! YOU WERE RIGHT FATHER..." roars the japanese god trying to kick out his guilt from his heart. Makoto looks at the suffering god, letting him to vent. 'Izanagi, do you want to speak with him?' asks the Messiah. 'Yes'.
"WHEN I DISCOVERED YOU DIED... Defending us... Protecting all of Japan... I COULDN'T COME TO FORGIVE MYSELF! Even when my exile from Takamagahara was abolished, even then I never came to apologize, I was too prideful. I never tried anything to mend our relationship until your death... I tried everything to cope with it... Everything! I blamed the Christian and their damned war that forced you to fight the Heavenly Dragons... I blamed sister and brother to let you go alone! I just tried to blame someone for your death! I was just blind to the truth, I refused to admit the fault was mine and mine only" says Susano'o before catching his courage and looking at Makoto in the eyes. "I missed you, Father" admits the god of storms.
Makoto summons Izanagi-no-Okami, the God of Creation crouches down putting a fatherly hand on Susano'o shoulder. "Don't cry kid. I am not the father you know and you are not the son I know. However what is certain is the truth of your words. The truth of your heart. I can see your sorrow Susano'o and I am honoured you are telling all of this to me" says Izanagi, a bit harsh with his words but completely truthful to Susano'o.
"I know" replies Susano'o, despite he already knowing this Izanagi-no-Okami telling him he's not his father still hurts a bit. "But, hearing your voice is... Argh, I don't know how to express it! It's relieving I guess. You have the same voice as my father. The same presence and way of speaking. Ah, you didn't even try to tell me some reassuring words. You immediately told me how the things are and that's probably why I didn't have the best of relationships with my father. All of this, it is just like you Father. That's more than enough for me to call you as such, even if it sounds stupid or delusional" says Susano'o with a bittersweet smile on his face. The Father he knows is very similar to the Persona in front of his eyes, only the appearance being different. Both of them never sugarcoat their words. They always manage to convey their message no matter what.
"Stand up Susano'o. You have no reason to feel guilty, your father died because he was ready to face whatever he had against himself. Even if he never told you so: he never hated you. He would have accepted you back despite of Yamata-no-Orochi death by your hands" says Izanagi-no-Okami. "How can you tell it with so much confidence?" asks Susano'o.
"Personas exist in the hearts of every living being with consciousness, the same goes for you Susano'o. Every being with a spark of self-awareness ever existed influence us. I am at the same time every instance of the god of Izanagi and no one. You too fuel my existence. Maybe I am not enough to satisfy your desire to make amend with your Father, but when arriving in this realm all of us, even if by a small margin changed. If we want to help the Universe save your world we must adapt. I accepted it immediately, I am not the type to refuse change: I gladly accept it as the course of things, without letting it taking over" says Izanagi-no-Okami. "So know this Susano'o. Even if you don't consider yourself a worthy son a real father, I, will never refuse my own blood" states the God of Truth with his solemn voice.
Izanagi-no-Okami then delves back into Makoto's mind leaving Susano'o to reflect. Silence falls, the god of storms gets up calm and collected. He then suddenly offers his hand to Makoto. "My name is Susano'o-no-Mikoto, proud Shinto god of storms and sea. Child of the Creator God Izanagi-no-Okami. I promise I won't let down my father's legacy and help you on dealing with whatever this Nyarlathotep wants to do with my world. I offer you my allegiance Makoto Yuki. Takamagahara and all of Shinto will be ready to support you, this I promise" tells the warrior god, no smile on his mouth only dead seriousness.
"The power of a Wild Card is not to harness godly powers. Their true power is to create bonds, the bonds which strength their hearts making them to be able to face everything. Even if Makoto relinquished his Wild Card to Aigis he remains one. You were truly right sister. Only now I understand that Makoto isn't who he is thanks to the Universe, he is who he is because he has the strongest power of all. Connecting people" whispers Elizabeth, thinking back to Margaret's words she told her. "I once again underestimated you Makoto" she whispers again. "Have you said something Attendant, heek?" asks Mercurius. "Yes. Remember when Lord Susano'o talked about cooking some yakitori? Isn't this a perfect occasion to try some roasted roman god?" she asks with a playful tone sending shivers all over Quicksilver's feathers.
Makoto shakes back the hand of Susano'o. "I look forward to working with you then" he says. Susano'o vigorously shakes Makoto's hand snickering. "Perfect! A toast is needed then! What do you prefer? Sake? Shochu? Or umeshu?" asks the japanese god. "Nothing. I can't drink I am still 17" replies Makoto remembering his age to Susano'o. "Oh right I forgot" tells Susano'o. "When you make 18 years old then remember I will be the first one with whom you will drink ok?" requests with a smile Susano'o.
'I am Thou. Thou art I. Thou hast established a new bond. Thou shalt have the Universe blessing when choosing to create personas of the Tower Arcana'.