04/30/2012, Phenex Castle, Afternoon.
The air within Phenex Castle hums with anticipation, thick with the promise of celebration. Today marks a momentous occasion, a day etched in history. The grand dance hall, adorned with opulent and exotic decor, awaits the arrival of esteemed guests. Soon, the union between the illustrious House Gremory and the noble House Phenex will be sealed, binding their fates together in a historic ceremony.
"Riser, how are the preparations going?" says Blazalon Phenex entering the room where his son is now adjusting his tie. "Look at you, a proud devil ready to take charge of the future relationships between two Pillar Houses. I am proud of you son".
"Thanks... Father" briefly replies Riser, a bit taciturn.
"Are you still feeling unwell? Do you want me to call a doctor?" asks Blazalon reacting at the shaken demeanor of his youngest son. Riser's been like this since the last time he had a 'talk', if you can define it as such, with the Reverse Phoenix.
"Don't worry Father. I will manage" answers Riser dismissing the topic with haste. "You can get back to greet our guests".
Hearing his son's words, Blazalon turns on his heels and strides out of the room without a word. Now finally left alone, Riser exhales heavily, running a hand through his blonde hair as his gaze falls upon his reflection in the tall mirror to his left.
The image staring back at him is calm, composed. "Everything's fine" he murmurs to himself, his voice steady but tinged with relief. "That thing is gone. Truly gone. Just breathe Riser".
He takes a deep breath, as if expelling the last remnants of unease, and straightens his posture, ready to face the upcoming party.
A Persona is the reflection of one's personality, the manifestation of your thoughts and ideals. When this process is forced it takes a huge toll on one's mind, as such creating the same effects Strega had as Artificial Persona Users.
However, when it is not a Persona which is forced into one's mind, but a Reverse One the after effects can be disastrous.
It's akin to receiving a blood transfusion of the wrong type. Your body rebels, fighting the foreign - alien - fluid with every ounce of its strength. The same struggle unfolds with a Reverse Persona, but the battle is not waged within the body. Instead, it is the mind and soul that rise in defiance, locked in a desperate, internal war to resist the invasive force trying to consume it.
In other words, Riser Phenex would have died in a couple of hours if the Reverse Phoenix wasn't sealed by Nyarlathotep. Such was the danger posed by a Reverse Persona to one's mind.
A knock is heard on the door. "Who's there?" asks Riser recomposing himself. "Lord Riser, it is a pleasure to speak with you once more. Your Lord Father told me you might need help" says the voice of Mr. Jun.
"Mr. Jun" Riser opens the door revealing the elegant black-haired man. "To what do I owe your visit? I admit you have done an excellent job with the suit you tailored". Riser tries to distract himself from reminiscing that by talking with the eccentric tailor.
"I like calling myself a master of my art. However, the pathway to artistic greatness isn't by any means finished for me. There are still many aspects of people I have yet to uncover. There are still many things I have to create to be satisfied".
Riser smirks liking the response. "A fascinating prospect on life" comments Riser.
"I am obliged. But, cut the cackle, I am here to congratulate myself with you for your wedding and to deliver a special gift your Father commissioned me".
Mr. Jun offers Riser a bracelet made of gold encased with feathers-like shapes reminding the ones of a phoenix.
"I wanted to give it to your Father so he could give it to you personally, but I saw him busy with the pleasantries. Therefore I am doing it in his place" says Jun.
"A gift from my Father?" a smile appears on Riser's lips. All his life he has been trying to show himself as a worthy son. As a son not inferior to his elder brothers. The bracelet he now holds in his hands and the words of his Father from before warm Riser's heart.
"Thanks for it Mr. Jun. I wish you will have fun during the ceremony" says Riser. "Oh, I'll most certainly will Lord Riser".
Nyarlathotep is now descending the stairs of the Phenex Castle towards the hallway leading to the room designed to host the ceremony. 'Everything is set. Only the guest of honour is mis-'. The Crawling Chaos' trail of thought is stopped as a huge smile appears on his lips. Accompanying Rias Gremory's peerage there is Makoto Yuki, the Universe. The Messiah.
"We meet at last, Makoto" murmurs Jun. "I am sure you will enjoy what I prepared".
04/30/2012, Velvet Room, Morning.
"Rias, are you ready?" asks Elizabeth sitting on one kf the Velvet Room's tables in front of the Gremory Heiress.
"I am a bit nervous. What if this doesn't work out? Are we even sure Riser isn't doing this by his own accord?" asks Rias. "Could he be working in tandem with Nyarlathotep?".
"Don't worry Rias. Trust Makoto, his instinct never wrongs" says the Velvet Room attendant.
The door of the Velvet Room is opened revealing Makoto along with Rias' peerage.
"Let's revise our plan" immediately starts Makoto, without even greeting Rias or Elizabeth, sitting besides the latter. "Our goal is simple: we want to free Riser from the Reverse Phoenix and discover Nyarlathotep's plans by doing so". Everyone nod their heads.
"Rias did you inform Grayfia and Sirzechs of what we are going to do?" asks Makoto to which Rias nods. "Yes... they know" she says with still a bit of resentment towards her brother in her voice.
"What was my role? Miss Grayfia yesterday told me to burst through the main door of the Phenex Castle! D-do I really have to do it?" asks Irumi causing everyone to frown at her and turn to Makoto.
"Yes... I don't like it either, but I see why Sirzechs proposed it. It would be too drastic if I was the one doing it. Instead, if it is the Red Dragon Empress challenging a Phoenix things would change. Or so said Sirzechs" says Makoto scratching his head.
'A coward move if you seek my opinion' says Odin. 'The Devil speaks reason. It is better if the Universe stays as hidden as possible' points out Kohryu. 'Draaaig better not do anythiiing dangerous for the Magiiiician' screeches Fafnir.
"Irumi are you sure? It's very dangerous I don't want anything bad to happen to you" says Rias. "I don't want be the cause of more troubles for you...".
"Shut up President. None of this is your fault!" protests Irumi. "Ito's right. We'll resolve this together" says instead Kiba. "Moreover if things get bad Senpai will save me. R-right?" Irumi seeks for Makoto's confirmation.
"Of course".
"I already spoke with Serafall and Sirzechs on how to assure the safety of the ones present in case Nyarlathotep decides to strike" says Elizabeth. "And of even that isn't enough Zekram will come to our aid".
"You spoke with him?" asks Makoto turning his head towards the Attendant. "Blame Lucifer, not me" defends herself the woman. 'It was my idea Universe' says the Morning Star. Makoto sighs, but decides to let it be.
"What about the rest of us?" asks Koneko. "To fool Nyarlathotep we have to make it pass like your own plan. So you will cover Ito by keeping the guards occupied".
"Oh, I like the sound of it" says Akeno smiling creepily. "Senpai how will you 'exorcise' Riser?' asks Kiba unsure on how to call that.
"The answer is very simple: we will create the perfect conditions for a normal Persona Awakening, namely, we will cause an emotional stress in Riser big enough to force the Reverse Persona to manifest otself" says Elizabeth before Makoto can say it himself.
"It is not wrong to say the Reverse Phoenix wants to be exorcised. A Reverse Persona is incompatible with a normal human - or devil in this case. In other words it hurts the Reverse Phoenix as much as it hurts Riser. The Magician will provoke its summoning and Makoto will deal with it. Fast and simple" ends her explanation the woman in blue.
"I AM THE BAIT!?" shouts Irumi. "Yes... that's why I don't like this plan" says Makoto. "Oh come on it is completely safe. Using the Magician will surely capture Nyarlathotep's interest and Mercurius will be ready to intervene immediately" explains Elizabeth.
"And we have to make it believable, right?" asks Kiba. "Indeed".
"It prospects to be a fun ceremony after all" comments Akeno. "We can take it back from that burnt bird" says Koneko, the defeat taken from Riser still burning inside her. "Riser is not the enemy. Nyarlathotep is" corrects Makoto standing up.
'If I was in you Universe, I'd get ready to terminate him. Just like the Priestess said he could be in cahoots with Nyarlathotep' says Yoshitsune.
'You are too negative!' whines Cendrillon. 'Things are not black and white. Riser Phenex is a victim too!'.
'Either with us or against us, there is no in between when speaking of Nyarlathotep' says Apollo. 'Bullshit'.
The Personas silence up hearing Makoto's stern response. 'Let's get this done quickly' says the Messiah after some seconds of dramatic pause.
04/30/2012, Phenex Castle, Afternoon.
"Lord Lucifer, what a pleasure and an honour to have you present at this ceremony" says Blazalon Phenex shaking Sirzechs' hand.
"This is my sister's wedding after all. And as Lucifer I obviously have to attend such an important event for our race". Sirzechs shakes back Blazalon's hand. The fake smile on his lips is one trained with many years of practice and useless pleasantries. "As much as I would love to continue talking with you, Lord Phenex. I am sure your agenda is full".
When Lord Phenex offers his salute, Sirzechs's warm smile falters, vanishing from his lips in an instant. His sharp gaze flickers toward the entrance, drawn by the arrival of Makoto, who steps into the hall accompanied by his sister's peerage, though notably absent is the Red Dragon Empress.
"Sorry Rias, your brother had to rely on your friend... how shameful I am" murmurs Sirzechs as he turns back to speak with the lords and ladies attending the ceremony.
'You look like Thanatos, Makoto' jokes Messiah commenting Makoto's clothes.
In fact, the boy is clad in a tailored dark blue suit, its sleek design accentuated by a row of silver buttons running down the right side. His black trousers are both elegant and functional, featuring a discreet pocket stitched into the side of his lap, perfectly concealing the evoker. His hands are sheathed in pristine white gloves, their sleeves extending to cover his forearms.
'I found it in the closet in the Velvet Room, I think Liz put it there' informs Makoto. 'We are not here to judge the Attendant's sense of fashion' harshly comments Lucifer. 'True'.
'Ryoji do you sense anything?' asks Makoto. 'No, not yet' replies Thanatos.
"We split here" says Makoto. "When Ito will... well, do what she has to do you'll know is your turn. I will be right here". Rias' peerage and Makoto separate with the formers joining the party and the latter standing aside from the festivities.
However Makoto's intentions are soon shattered by Sona. The Sitri Heiress, who's wearing a formal attire appropriate for the social context she's in, waves at Makoto. "Yuki, it's been a while since we've seen each other. How are you?" she asks to break the ice. "Fine..." replies Makoto in a whispered tone. "You are here too?".
"Obviously, Lord Phenex made sure to invite the aristocracy of the Underworld. Heads of the clans and their successors" explains the girl adjusting her glasses.
"Heiress Sitri! It's rare to see you in the Underworld" booms a voice belonging to a muscular young man with short black hair and purple eyes. "It's good to see a friend after so long!"
"Heir Bael, the feeling is reciprocal" says Sona. "Who's this guy? I don't think I've ever meet him. A new member of your peerage? Nice to meet I am the heir of the Bael House, Sairaorg Bael". Sairaorg offers his hand in a firm handshake, which would have probably broke a bone or two to most people.
'This young man has a strong handshake, one common to warriors' comments Yoshitsune, already taking a liking to Sairaorg. 'Pfft I don't like brute force' whines instead Cendrillon.
'My plan of not being noticed has already fumbled' thinks Makoto sighing internally. 'It's difficult not being seen when you are... well you, Universe' says Cendrillon. 'We are like the Sun after all' confirms Apollo.
"Makoto Yuki" replies the boy. Sairaorg smirks, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "My intuition was right! You are indeed strong, you didn't even flinched when I shaked your hand" says Sairaorg.
"Lord Sairaorg please refrain from getting too excited in such a context" says a feminine voice. A blonde girl puts an hand on Sairaorg's shoulder hinting at him to calm down. "I know Kuisha, I too can behave like a noble, I was just took by my curiosity after seeing someone strong" says Sairaorg in a much calmer tone.
'He reminds me of the Star' comments Odin.
'Undoubtedly too much people'. Makoto takes a side glances to his surroundings searching for anything that could lead to the presence of Nyarlathotep. 'You are being paranoid Makoto' chastises Messiah. 'I am being cautious' he retorts.
"I want to correct you Sairaorg. Yuki here is not my servant. He is a friend".
"It seems I jumped to conclusions then, but whose peerage are you part of if not Sona's?" asks Sairaorg, his voice filled with curiosity while in his head many theories are already starting to form.
"He is a guest, young Sairaorg". To Makoto's help, who was starting to feel uncomfortable, comes Sirzechs. "Lord Lucifer! A guest you say? then I apologize for my rudeness, but if it's possible, I'd like to see you again. I never pass on meeting someone strong" says Sairaorg.
'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 Strength Arcana'.
Meanwhile Rias is waiting inside one of the many changing rooms. "This should be an engagement party, however this is a wedding dress. Why is it?" asks Rias annoyed looking at the white dress the maids of House Phenex made her wear.
"That's right". Riser appears in the middle of the room, his hands shoved in his pockets.
"Lord Riser, you shouldn't be here. This place is prohibited to the men" one of the maids says, but Riser ignores her with a gesture of his hand.
Rias crosses her arms and frowns at the Phenex. "I am not a bride yet Riser, why this dress?".
"It suits you just fine" says Riser looking at Rias. "Today we are showing the strengthened bond between Gremory and Phenex. And more importantly the dress you'll wear for the eventual wedding will be far more prestigious" says Riser, already turning towards the exit without even wasting too much time to look at Rias.
'He's being too quiet and introvert for being Riser Phenex and he didn't even touched me... something is really bothering him' thinks Rias immediately noticing Riser's strange behaviour.
Riser doesn't waste anymore time in chatters and disappears as fast as he arrived. Rias bites her lip, realising she has maybe been to harsh on judging the man. He is arrogant, self-centred and lustful. A man who only saw Rias for her body, but he wouldn't work together with Nyarlathotep.
Riser is back again in his changing room, his heart beating fast. "Only a few hours" he murmurs taking his chest. "Fuck. That being is trying to resurface again...". Riser tries to control himself by taking long breaths.
"I am an immortal Phoenix, I won't succumb for some pai-" growls Riser when he feels an intense feeling of vomit.
Unable to control himself he throws up gasping for air after he's finished. "How is this possible..." Riser's voice is feebler than before and he's now starting to feel light-headed.
"Lord Riser, everything is ready" informs a servant from outside the room.
"Thanks. I'm coming" manages to say Riser without seeming too unwell.
04/30/2012, Castle's Entrance, Afternoon
'Come on Irumi you can do it!' tells to herself the Red Dragon Empress standing in front of the Castle's Gates. 'Those guards look kinda intimidating tho'.
The girl looks at the many devils assigned to guard the main entrance. 'What were Senpai and the President thinking? I can't do it!'.
'Partner use your brain. Do you see how often they are changing patrols? I'd say there is the hand of that Lucifuge woman so you can have a safe way in'. Ddraig points out the weak points in the security, highlighting one of the balconies where the door-window has been left, completely by chance, open.
'I didn't know you were also a spy Ddraig!' mindly replies excited Irumi starting to make her way towards the balcony. 'I am a dragon, but that doesn't mean I would lead you to certain death in an unwinnable battle'.
'Don't put it like that, it sounds a bit too pessimistic for my likings'. Irumi manages to climb the columns of the Castle with ease, the physical training she complained so much about now finally turning useful.
'Ok. Now's time to get in'. Trying to be as quiet as possible the Red Dragon Empress enters inside the building on tiptoes. 'They put less people inside' notices the girl as she sees only a couple of more guards on the stairs leading towards the innermost parts of the castle.
'How do I even get there without being seen!?'.
Irumi looks up towards the hanging chandeliers lighting the corridors. 'No partner. Don't' reprimands Ddraig already imagining Irumi's intentions. 'Yeah I figured as much'.
Instead of betting on using the chandelier as a platform, Irumi goes for taking the careless way. 'The dance hall should be at the end of this corridor. Ok. One deep breath and LET'S GO!'. Irumi lets out a battle cry in her head and heads straightforward against the guards.
04/30/2012, Dance Hall, Afternoon.
"Esteemed and renowned Lords and Ladies of the Pillar Houses. The House of Phenex is honoured of having you here, present in this historic day".
The figure of Riser appears from a whirlwind of fire in front of the Underworld's nobility, his arms open towards them.
"Without further delays I present you my future wife: Roas Gremory!".
Following Riser's announcement Rias too appears from a whirlwind of fire beside the Phenex.
From the other side of the hall a wide smile appears on the lips of Mr. Jun which looks at the quiet blue-haired boy in the back of the room.
'Shall I be the one to commence the party?' asks himself the Crawling Chaos. He then pivots his head towards the newly arrived Riser and then he takes another look to the presents. 'The Priestess, the Hanged Man, the Devil, the Empress and that boy is the Strength? Truly marvelous'.
Everyone, including Nyarlathotep, is taken by surprise when the entrance door is burst open by Irumi.
"Who do you think yo-" tries to say Riser before he's silenced by a feeling of dread inside him. 'Silence Mangy Bird. The Great Master is amused by all of this' spits the Reverse Phoenix who reawakened.
"I am Ito Irumi, member of the Occult Research Club and pawn of Rias Gremory! I will strike you down where you stand Riser Phenex! I can't tolerate assertive people who impose themselves on others and take their freedom from them!" shouts the Red Dragon Empress showing the Boosted Gear on her right arm - the sight of the famous Sacred Gear causing many devils to start chattering about it.
"What is happening!? Stop this madness right now!" shouts enraged Lord Phenex. The guards however don't do anything after being ordered to not interfere by a wave of the hand of the Great King - who has been assisting the scene from the start.
"I thought some entertainment would be ideal" says Sirzechs calming down Blazalon Phenex.
"L-Lord Lucifer what does it mean?" asks Lord Phenex. "Lord Phenex, the Rating Game of your son has been very interesting. However against my sister, without experience and with only few pieces at her disposal it was... underwhelming".
"Are you not satisfied, my lord?" asks Riser, unsure on what to say. On one side he has that being metaphorically breathing on his neck, on the other he has Sirzechs pushing him. "No. After all, one word and I could make the Rating Games disappear. And my former family would be dishonoured by this" calmly tells the crimson Satan.
"I want something exotic for my sister's official engagement ceremony" he continues. "You there, girl. I want to see with my own eyes the power of the dragon you wield. The preparations are already done".
"I understand..." starts Riser. "A match between Phoenix and Dragon" finishes Sirzechs.
'Oh, this was truly an unexpected turn of events' thinks Nyarlathotep looking at the evolution of the events. 'Is this your doing Makoto?'. Nyarlathotep looks at the calm expression on Makoto's face, in drastic contrast to everyone else's.
'I should have imagined you would have not left the Priestess alone. Fine, I'll play along. How do you say in these cases? It's showtime'.
Everyone's eyes are on the screens showing Irumi facing Riser.
'Makoto be ready. I can feel the Reverse Phoenix inside Riser's mind' says Messiah. 'As soon as it appears I enter and take Ito and Riser out of there'. Makoto brushes his hand against the hammer of the evoker.
'Good luck Makoto, show me the results of my experiments'. Mr. Jun smiles before muttering something who no one care to hear. "Reverse Phoenix: Feast".
04/30/2012, Irumi and Riser, Afternoon.
'Partner relax. Your job is almost done' says Ddraig noticing Irumi's nerves are ready to explode. 'I-It's difficult standing here after I made myself a fool in front of a ton of people' she whines. 'Did you mean your words?' asks back Ddraig. 'Yes! Obviously!'.
'Then you everything you had to do'.
Suddenly, a burst of light erupts from Riser, its brilliance blinding Irumi as an intense, scorching heat washes over her skin. She grits her teeth, a pained grunt escaping her lips as the sensation threatens to overwhelm her. But before the heat can inflict lasting harm, she is whisked away, finding herself safely back among the rest of the Peerage.
The timid light of the artificial sun of the Underworld, created to make the reincarnated devils feel more at ease, shines on the tip of Makoto's sword.
'I wonder how a Reverse Persona fights' says Odin. 'Just flatten iiit Universe' screeches Fafnir a feeling of killing intent in his voice. 'A Reverse Persona is different from a shadow, being reckless will only cause more problems' Izanagi chastises the Metallic Drago.
The Reverse Phoenix thrashes in a furious frenzy, its massive form twisting and rolling violently as rage consumes it. The sheer speed of its movements ignites the air around it ablaze, spiraling into a roaring tornado of fire that rages with unrelenting fury, a blazing testament to its wrath.
"Mangy Bird! WHERE? WHERE ARE YOU?". The Reverse Persona's speech loses reason, its sunken eyes searching for anything to devour. To obey Nyarlathotep's command is to live for the monster. Feast.
Dozens of sparks explode from Makoto's sword as he barely manages to block the Reverse Phoenix which dived towards Makoto at almost indiscernible speed, aiming its talon at Makoto's neck.
'It is fast. Faster than any other shadow I've fought' thinks Makoto. Once again Makoto's steel clashes with Reverse Phoenix's talon. Following another deafening screech the bird-like monster goes for beaking Makoto while relentlessly assailing him with its taloned feet.
Thanks to Yoshitsune's prowess Makoto deals with most of the Reverse Persona's attacks with the rest being blocked by the everlasting defence of the Omnipotent Orb.
"Bufudyne!". Jack Frost creates a statue of ice which shatters against the Reverse Phoenix creating distance between it and Makoto.
The Reverse Phoenix crashes to the ground, letting out a shrill, pained squeal as frostburns mark its fiery form. Yet, almost instantly, the injuries begin to mend, the icy coating from the Bufudyne melting away under a surge of crimson flames that erupt from its body.
The healing fire dances across its feathers, sealing the wounds and restoring its fearsome vitality.
'It heals rapidly, too rapidly' observes Kohryu. 'You have to take it our in one hit, Universe' instructs Izanagi.
Makoto pulls put the evoker from the pocket in his suit. 'Which one?' his mind reviews every theurgy at his disposal, there aren't many able to do enough destruction. 'Don't even think on using Martyr's Doom Makoto' chastises Thanatos remembering theast time he used it against Shadow Azazel.
'Alright, I can only hope no one will get in teh crossfire'.
The Reverse Phoenix has thrown itself against Makoto again, but the interference of the Omnipotent Orb prevents it from stopping Makoto. The trigger is pulled.
"Armageddon!".
Helel and Satan join together in the announcement of the final sire of Creation. Good and Evil creating something that crosses the normal definition of 'power'.
04/30/2012, Phenex Castle, Afternoon.
Riser collapses on the ground holding himself feeling as if he has just been under a surgery without anaesthetic. He immediately throws up.
"Riser! Lord Sirzechs I demand an answer to this!" shouts Lord Phenex, no one is currently paying attention to the fight - as it isn't even being shown anymore, courtesy of Grayfia.
Lord Phenex then turns towards Irumi, his eyes burning with rage. "What have you done!? What has a worthless low-class devil done to a noble!?".
"Lord Phene-". Sirzechs' words are stopped by the same Lord. "This is an insult to our costumes! This was all planned, a conspiracy against House Phenex".
'It seems you didn't expect Reverse Phoenix to appear so suddenly' thinks Mr. Jun looking at the now black screens which showed the fight just few minutes prior. He then turns his head towards Riser. 'A wake of heart? Interesting'.
Medics surround Riser trying to understand what happened to him . "Father, stop" says Riser, standing up at his Father with newfound courage. "R-Riser?".
"The Red Dragon Empress has nothing to do with this, I swear it on my name as a Phenex". Riser's proclamation surprise the presents, swearing on one's House is - obviously - something to not joke about for the devil society.
"What does it mean? What happened? Riser tell me!".
"It seems young Riser needs a moment for himself, Lord Phenex" says Sirzechs putting order to the situation. "Thank you my lord. Now, I... want some time to think". Riser turns around ignoring his father's screams, but before leaving he faces Rias and bows his head.
"Rias Gremory, I tell you my deepest apologies. This contract between our Houses equals to spitting on your right as an individual. Our current society is based on repeating the same errors of arrogance, we are devils but this doesn't mean we can't change for the better" tells Riser with a wisdom that shocks Rias.
Gone is his childish attitude, the arrogance born from his own insecurities. The devil, no, the man she has in front of her is a new Riser Phenex. A Riser Phenex who learnt from his mistakes and has now the courage to speak for himself.
"Riser!?" Rias doesn't know how to answer. "Thank you".
"If I were in you I would brace myself" the voice of Mr. Jun makes everyone to turn towards him, but then a ln earthquake shakes the ground and a loud explosion breaks all the windows of the castle.
And then a voice is heard, a voice which is subconsciously recognized by all the devils. The voice of Lucifer.
04/30/2012, Makoto vs Reverse Phoenix, Afternoon.
Makoto coughs up some blood after using the theurgy.
In front of him the once lush garden surrounding the Phenex Estate that made green with envy all the other Houses is now a barren wasteland with huge craters scattered around.
"Lord Yuki are you alright?" asks Grayfia who lands beside Makoto. Despite his looks says otherwise Makoto nods his head. "Yes... sorry for the trouble".
"No one was injured I made sure all the personnel was evacuated beforehand" explains Grayfia. Using the 'invasion' of Irumi as an excuse Grayfia, helped by some officers of the Devil Army sent by Falbium Asmodeus and- to her surprise - personal servants of the Great King, evacuated the area surrounding the Phenex Estate.
'We didn't discover anything on Nyarlathotep' says Lucifer. 'Morning Star! The Universe won just be happy for it!' shouts back Cendrillon. 'It's true tho, we still don't know anything about the Crawling Chaos' confirms Izanagi.
A towering pillar of fire erupts from the earth, its searing flames clawing at the heavens. From this infernal fountain, glowing embers and molten debris cascade like a deadly rain, scattering across the Estate in a blazing storm. At the heart of the chaos, the Reverse Phoenix rises, its fiery wings unfurling as it is reborn, its very essence fed by the raging conflagration.
"Damnit! Enduring Soul..." curses Makoto. "Grayfia get put of here!". Makoto covers Grayfia, the Omnipotent Orb protecting both of them.
'I don't have any way of damaging it...' thinks Makoto, his mind starting to race due to the weight placed upon it. His ears are ringing, his breath fatigued. 'You were right Izanagi... I've been too reckless' says Makoto to his personas who aren't able to answer him back.
Makoto's bet is on eventually winning by attrition. The Reverse Phoenix can't hurt him as long as he has the Omnipotent Orb, he just needs to play around it.
'It is weak to ice... Grayfia was competent in it, right? This isn't a lesser shadow... Can she even harm a Reverse Persona?'.
The Reverse Phoenix dips its talons into a shimmering, golden liquid - a substance drawn from the trapped fledglings imprisoned within its hollow ribcage. Their anguished cries, born of pain and the devastation surrounding them, crystallize into this radiant essence: the Reverse Phoenix Tears, created not to heal and bring life, but for death and destruction.
With its claws now gleaming, the beast surges forward, plummeting toward Makoto with the speed and precision of a falcon in its deadly descent.
Grayfia, immediately understanding she's just being of hindrance decides to fly back. Looking behind her she sees a man she has never seen before. Brown eyes, black hair that cover his right eye and light blue elegant clothes.
The man, Mr. Jun, retrieves a bottle of Phoenix Tears from his pocket, its contents glinting faintly in the light. He tosses it lightly in his hand, letting it bounce a few times with a practiced ease, like a baseball player preparing for the perfect pitch. His eyes narrow as he takes aim, the bottle poised in his grip, ready to hurl it straight at Makoto.
"Catch, young man!" shouts Mr. Jun, his voice brimming with amusement as he revels in his own antics. 'This will be the start of a great friendship, Makoto, a friendship destined to shake the very foundations of worlds' thinks the Crawling Chaos.
Makoto's eyes lock onto the bottle hurtling toward him, its trajectory precise and unerring. He barely manages to deflect a vicious strike from the Reverse Phoenix's razor-sharp talons, the golden liquid coating them not triggering the Omnipotent Orb's defensive response.
The Reverse Phoenix overwhelms Makoto's fencing, its relentless assault leaving him little room to maneuver. Without Yoshitsune, wielding the sword to its full potential becomes a near-impossible task. The monster's talons strike like lightning, one piercing deep into the boy's arm. Yet, instead of delivering a fatal blow, it aims to disarm him, as if toying with its prey, savoring the struggle rather than ending it outright.
Gasping for air, he summons the last of his strength and plunges his sword deep into the monster's chest, buying himself a fleeting bit of time. With a desperate lunge, he throws himself to the ground, catching the bottle of Phoenix Tears between his teeth. In one fluid motion, he tilts his head back and swallows its contents, the liquid burning like fire as it courses through him.
'This concoction is wondrous' observes Kohryu, his voice tinged with awe. 'Cendrillon back on stage everybody!' shouts the dancer excited.
"It is time. Universe, finish it!" shouts Apollo, though his voice wavers, betraying the fear he fails to conceal. "I've already lost my truest self to Nyarlathotep, I can't lose you too!" His words, choked with tears, strike a chord deep within Makoto. Fueled by the newfound energies, Makoto kicks the Reverse Phoenix with all his might, creating just enough space to pull the evoker's trigger, the sound of glass shattering echoing like a final verdict.
"COME FORTH! LUCIFER!" shouts Makoto opening the path for the King of Devils to return to his homeland.
"I am thou, thou art I. From the Universe in thy soul I am born. I, who have stood unyielding against the God of Law Himself. Gaze upon me now, and bear witness to the majesty of the Demon Lord Lucifer".
04/30/2012, Phoenix Castle, Afternoon.
"Rejoice Devilkind! Our rightful lord and master has returned" announces Zekram Bael, his voice booming through the halls of the Castle.
Every single devil feels it deep inside themselves, even the strongest ones. What scares Sirzechs, however, is not the presence of Lucifer, which obviously is shaking the other lords. What he fears is Zekram's reaction. The reaction of a fanatic.
'Yuki really doesn't realise how much power he has over the foundation of our entire society... no, our entire race' thinks Sirzechs.
"The original Lucifer? Ah, really an interesting friend Sona" manages to joke Sairaorg feeling a strange sense of drill in his heart.
Lucifer raises his hand toward the heavens, his power surging as he channels his immense magic. Above him, the very fabric of time and space distorts, tearing open to reveal a colossal sphere of blinding white light. Its radiance devours all other sources of illumination, casting the entire Phenex Marquisate into an eerie twilight as it eclipses the sun, a harbinger of unimaginable power.
"Morning Star" declares the Bringer of Light, his voice a low, resonant hum. With a gesture, he sends the miniature star hurtling towards the Reverse Phoenix, its brilliance cutting through the darkness like a divine judgment. The collision is cataclysmic, the Morning Star meets the monstrous bird in a blinding explosion of light and force, unleashing a shockwave that rips through the air.
When the battlefield is visible again and the effects of the Morning Star are gone with, Lucifer vanishes delving back into Makoto's mind. 'Rotting creature' says in disgust Lucifer. 'I always enjoy seeeeeiing iiit' comments Fafnir. 'And you always say I AM the one with problems at containing herself' whines Cendrillon. 'You are girl. You suffer of attention-seeking' states Odin. 'Pfft'.
'Ryoji is it dead?' asks Makoto to which Thanatos immediately answers. 'Yes, it couldn't resist Lucifer's attack' says Thanatos.
Makoto sighs in relief.
"Kudos, young man" says Mr. Jun, a faint smile playing on his lips as he steps towards Makoto. "It seems bringing that bottle of Phoenix Tears was a stroke of genius... though I must admit, it was a rather nerve-wracking gamble."
"And you are? It doesn't really matter. Thanks you saved me there" says Makoto. 'It managed to deceive the Omnipotent Orb...' thinks Makoto reminiscing the battle.
'We were lucky that beast wasn't experienced with its own fighting style. Or else things would have gone for the worst' says Izanagi. 'If Nyarlathotep creates more Reverse Persona we must take them down. Immediately'.
'I think we all owe Apollo some apologies' starts Kohryu. 'We underestimated the threat the Reverse Phoenix posed'.
"My name is Jun. It is nice to meet you, young man".
"Makoto Yuki, nice to meet you too".
'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 Jester Arcana'.
'Jun?' Apollo tries to say something, almost like he should know the name, but it is like the memory doesn't even exists. Almost like the name 'Jun' has been erased by history. 'You want to cry more Sun God?' asks Lucifer laughing. 'Oh I found it so cute!' says instead Cendrillon. 'Just... no, nothing'.
'Jester Arcana? Another new Arcana after the Councillor. How many new bonds are there?'.