507Book III: Fictional Edification
Chapter XIII: Entry to a Vein Society
Yoyogi Park (代々木公園)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/February 25, 2020 (2020年2月25日) (Reality: February 25, 2022)/8:45 PM (JST)
"Ok, we're here!" Skyler announced.
"Where?" Hifumi asked, her field of vision was blacked out with a blindfold.
"Hang on. Ok, Io, do it."
With that, Io undid the blindfold and uncovered Hifumi's eyes. The woman scanned the familiar open forested area and the fountain spring spewing water out of the park's lake as it crashed back into it.
"This is Yoyogi Park."
"Yeah."
Turning to meet him, Hifumi blinked. "But, we've been here many times."
"Yes, but this time for an extraordinary reason."
"Like what? What are you up to, Skyler Jones?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest and meeting him with a suspicious gaze.
Turning over to Io, Skyler beckoned her to hand him a small black box. Eyeing the black box, Hifumi gasped. As he approached and knelt in front of her, Skyler opened the box. Hifumi's immediate response was genuine astonishment.
"I know. This shouldn't come as a surprise and I should've asked earlier."
Hifumi's eyes gleamed with bliss at the proposal diamond ring shown to her. Facing Skyler, Hifumi's cheeks blushed, and she clasped her hands together. Her lips curved outward into an affectionate smile.
"Togo Hifumi, will you marry me?"
"Y-Yes, I will!" Hifumi happily responded as she embraced Skyler. She and Skyler then passionately kissed while Io watched them.
"Congratulations, you two," Io expressed her wishes for the couple's marriage.
Pulling away from their kiss, Hifumi watched Skyler put the proposal ring on her. Her eyes were transfixed on the ring fitting her finger.
"Wait until my family hears about this."
"We can tell them tomorrow. Tonight, this is all about us," Skyler said, holding Hifumi's hands.
"Yes, of course."
When the couple went for another kiss, an insidious and familiar laughter filled the peaceful air.
"Heheh, yes congratulations to the loving couple indeed!"
Suddenly, Io's golden eyes glowed as she felt something about to crash straight into Skyler and Hifumi. She quickly intervened to push them away. However, Skyler saw something heading their way and jumped up carrying Hifumi.
A powerful force crashed in the park's center, kicking up a billowing dust cloud. The sudden disturbance sent bystanders running in fear. Skyler, Hifumi, and Io landed together and faced whatever crashed near them. As the billowing smoke dispersed, a figure resembling Hifumi's Tennyo form turned around. It was the Revenant Hifumi, Jinyo.
"H-Hifumi?!" Skyler exclaimed as he looked at his Hifumi and the Revenant one. However, when he faced the other Hifumi, his eyes instinctively turned red. "No, I have my Hifumi. Who… no, what the hell are you?"
Io answered. "She has Hifumi's scent and appearance, but I sense a Revenant nature from her."
Hifumi frowned at her doppelganger. "So, she's a clone."
"Indeed, she is!" The sinister voice chimed in as he appeared next to the Jinyo.
Shocked by his appearance, the trio quickly faced Mido and Jinyo with resistance. Since last facing him, the last thing Hifumi remembered was cutting his body in two and nearly finishing him off.
"Mido!" Skyler acknowledged the Revenant mad scientist.
"Hello again, Skyler, Hifumi, and Io. It's been a few months, hasn't it?" Mido addressed them with an insidious chuckle. "I, too, congratulate you on your day of matrimony."
"Cut the crap, Mido. We knew that wasn't the last we'd seen of you. Most importantly, why is there a Hifumi clone with you?!"
Hifumi glared at the clone with disdain. "You disgust me for creating this thing with my appearance!"
Caressing Jinyo's face, Mido placed a hand under her chin. "Now why would you say such disparaging things to my favorite creation? No, my favorite daughter? This is Jinyo, your clone sister."
"Don't call that thing my sister!" Hifumi disdainfully chastised the mad scientist and his creation.
"She's everything you'll never be, Togo Hifumi. She's obedient to me, her father."
Hearing this from the scientist's disgusting mouth, Skyler rebuked. "Her father? Of course, a sicko like you'd think that."
Mido chuckled slightly, humoring Skyler. "Don't misunderstand me. She's just a clone, not my biological daughter. However, as my greatest servant, she willingly follows my command without question." He attentively faced Hifumi, but Skyler and Io blocked her presence from his sight. "She was made solely as a vessel for the endgame. Consider my Jinyo my Plan B since I failed to instill my essence into you, Togo Hifumi!"
"She's your Plan B?" Io queried.
"Indeed, I no longer have any interest in Togo Hifumi anymore for my plans. Yes, the opportunity to take Hifumi's goddess power was a viable option, but how could I have neglected my daughter I kept in captivity? I'm making it up to her. So, I'm sending Jinyo to kill you and your friends when we meet for the final battle. You can rest assured the Yami Matter will be there to witness our final battle!" The Revenant scientist openly stated and stepped aside, allowing Jinyo to pass and brandish her ko-naginata, which has a similar design but with darker colors contrasting Tennyo's lighter-colored variation.
Skyler muttered. "Final battle? He can't mean a battle right now."
Io nodded. "That's not what he implies."
Hifumi quickly protested Mido's threat. "You want to sic my clone on us?! I'll deal with her now!" With that, a white veil of light formed over her, changing her into Tennyo. Facing Jinyo with resistance, Tennyo instinctively summoned her ko-naginata. "Let's settle this here and now!"
In response to Tennyo suiting for battle, Skyler and Io followed suit. Skyler donned his Sion appearance. Readying her halberd, Io donned her Moonlight form and fiercely met Jinyo's glowing blue eyes.
Jinyo quickly sprinted toward Tennyo and clashed with her. As their ko-naginata meet, Tennyo and her clone face each other. As an evil smirk smeared over Jinyo's pale features, Jinyo's cold and lifeless gaze pierced deeply into Tennyo's fiery and determined eyes. Tennyo didn't let the maniacal grin on Jinyo's face deter her. Tennyo mentally couldn't fathom how Mido could create a Revenant clone of herself. Other than perhaps Mido trying to break her mental state.
"You're not me! You will never be me!" Tennyo yelled at her doppelganger.
"Eheheh, but I am! Father said I'm the perfected version set to replace you!" Jinyo's face twisted with a demented look. The clone's blue eyes gleamed while a Revenant mask formed and covered her mouth.
As her Revenant mask formed, Tennyo swung at ko-naginata, nearly splitting Jinyo right down the middle. Jinyo narrowly avoided being horizontally bisected. Laughing fiendishly, Jinyo goaded Tennyo to engage her in a mid-air battle. Tennyo summoned two nine-foot-tall Shogi pieces opposite from Jinyo. When the Shogi pieces closed on the Revenant Hifumi, sparks of black lightning neutralized the pieces.
Tennyo frowned over this development. "I shouldn't be surprised she's capable of that."
Watching from the sidelines, Mido folded his arms while Sion and Moonlight attacked Jinyo.
"Yes, my Jinyo has all your abilities, including your goddess powers, dear Togo Hifumi. I made her to kill you and take your place," Mido keenly assessed Sion and Moonlight defending Tennyo from Jinyo's ruthless attacks.
Much to Tennyo's surprise, a long metal tail popped out of Jinyo's back and nearly decapitated her. Using the brunt of his Regicide Blade, Sion countered what looked like his and Mia's Stinger-Type Blood Veil.
"Yes, as you can see, I coped and incorporated all four of your Blood Veils into my daughter, Sion," Mido chuckled.
Once her metal tail recoiled, Jinyo's right arm mutated into a grotesque demonic hand armed with sharp metal tearing claws.
"An Ogre-Type Blood Veil!"Moonlight exclaimed.
Moving faster than Sion's eyes could follow, Jinyo attempted to run her demonic hand through Sion, but Tennyo's ko-naginata countered what would've been a fatal blow. As his red eyes flared, Sion invoked his own Stinger-Type Blood Veil and tried running it through Jinyo's chest. Two metal hounds' heads materialized from Jinyo's back, snapping and breaking off Sion's metal tail.
Interjecting on Sion and Tennyo's behalf, Moonlight swung her halberd at the hounds' heads. However, Jinyo faced the Persona Vein, who quickly summoned sharp spikes out of the ground that stopped the hounds' advance. Summoning her Ivy-Type Blood Veil, the pale-skinned woman narrowly saved herself.
"Ehehe, you can't hold back my daughter's fury," Mido chuckled, watching Jinyo summon similar spikes underneath Moonlight.
As the spikes came out, Tennyo quickly grabbed Moonlight and pulled her away. One spike did manage to pierce Moonlight's right leg, cutting through her calf muscle. She beckoned Sion to tend to Moonlight's injury. Turning to face her Revenant doppelganger, Tennyo threw her Lightning Thorn at Jinyo. Jinyo fired a black variation of Tennyo's attack. When the two lightning blasts collided, they became interlocked in a brief struggle.
"You think you're equal to my daughter? I think not!" Mido boasted.
Intensely glaring down Tennyo, Jinyo unleashed enough strength to overpower and ultimately nullify Tennyo's attack. Crashing in front of Tennyo, the black bolt knocked her back.
"Hifumi!" Yelled Sion, who jumped up and caught her.
"Well, what do you think? My daughter is everything you only wish to become," Mido taunted Tennyo. "I think Jinyo's demonstrated why she's your superior."
"Are you still able to go?" Sion asked Tennyo.
"I am… but let me heal Io first," Tennyo offered until she treated Moonlight's injury with Panacea Essence, healing her wound.
Facing Jinyo and Mido with murderous intent, Sion rushed to attack the clone first. Jinyo ran at Sion and swung her ko-naginata. Timing the ko-naginata's precise strike, Sion sidestepped the blade. Planting his right foot down, he swerved around and got behind Jinyo. He quickly slashed her with his Regicide Blade. Putting her hand out, she let the blade pierce through her palm. Squish. The unsettling sound of flesh going through metal was music to Jinyo's ears. Unfazed by her bloody wound, Jinyo ripped the hand out. Madly swinging her ko-naginata, Jinyo went on the offense. Swinging their weapons, their blades connected numerous times.
Jinyo's fast and frenzied strikes became difficult for Sion to follow. When she tucked her head from Sion's Regicide Blade, Jinyo kicked his weapon away and palmed his chest with her hand. As her hand turned into an ogre's claw, Jinyo sunk her claws into Sion's chest. She dug so deep blood started seeping out.
Roaring with excruciating pain, Sion desperately headbutted Jinyo's face. After striking her with five consecutive headbutts, he dazed and knocked her away. He then stabbed her right shoulder with his blade and punched her forehead.
However, as she produced immense power in her hand, she repelled Sion back. Tennyo quickly jumped up and grabbed him.
"Well done making an example out of them, my Jinyo," Mido commented as the clone skillfully brandished her ko-naginata and postured in a spearman's stance.
"Ready to die now, Togo Hifumi?" Jinyo asked Tennyo. Then, without hesitation, the clone ran at Tennyo, Sion, and Io.
Preparing to fight her off, the trio readied their weapons.
"Stop!"
Mido beckoned Jinyo to halt her attack. When she did, Mido approached the clone.
"I think that's enough playtime for today. Besides, our other cohort has already encountered Ren-ren and his sweet Annie by now," the Revenant scientist stated, alluding to another possible clone meeting Joker and Panther.
"Oh shit, Ren and Ann are in trouble," Sion muttered.
"Indeed, and let's not forget my partner-in-crime and her daughter set to meet Makoto's police friends," Mido chortled. "Oh, yes. I neglected to mention that Jinyo possesses a fragment of my soul. So, in essence, you fought a piece of me."
Upon realizing this, Tennyo never felt more disturbed. If facing a Revenant clone of herself wasn't alarming enough, the notion that a piece of Mido's soul resonated inside Jinyo made her skin crawl.
"Since the first part of Tennyo comes from Tengoku meaning heaven, then the first part of Jinyo comes from Jigoku meaning hell. So, we've just witnessed a battle between the heaven maiden and the hell maiden," Mido illustrated Tennyo and Jinyo's conflict. "And since you are the Phantom Thieves's Star Confidant, my Jinyo is known as the Star of Yliaster."
Having heard enough, Sion protested. "Cut the crap, Mido! What is this war you're referring to?!"
"I'd suggest you gather up all of your friends. And I do mean everyone. This war won't be fought here, but the dimension where I came from." Mido forewarned.
Realizing this, Moonlight frowned. "Then, the world where the original Sion came from."
"My daughter, myself, and our accomplices will await you all. Let us settle this once and for all. Let's make this war an entertaining show for the Yami Matter," Mido proclaimed.
"Why tell us this?" Tennyo queried, painstakingly glaring at Jinyo while awaiting Mido's answer.
"Isn't it obvious? After gauging your abilities, I consider you three as well as Amamiya Ren to be worthy adversaries. However, I cannot say the same for individuals such as Annie. Enough so that I created a worthy opponent for Ren-ren."
Just then, Sion felt a malignant presence nearby. Motioning to Tennyo and Moonlight, the trio headed toward this other enemy's presence.
The Revenant scientist slightly chuckled. "Heheh, won't they be in for a surprise? Why don't we have a look, Jinyo?"
8:55 PM (JST)
On their way to investigate Yoyogi Park, Tori, Hiroshi, and Aslaug were abruptly halted by some expected intervention. Coming out of a distortion, Brynhildr, Kráka, Fredegund, and Ildikó confronted them. Realizing they were outnumbered, Tori and Hiroshi transformed into their Valkyria and Norse-knight forms. Aslaug self-equipped herself with Valkyrie armor and magically conjured her Sword of Ragnar.
"Get out of our way now!" Valkyria demanded as Brynhildr responded by striking her with Blood Gram. Valkyria quickly countered with her sword and briefly engaged the Blood Vamkyrie. "The secret is out! We know it's you, Kriemhild!"
Upon hearing this, Brynhildr scoffed. "I see. You learned about my past and how I acquired these Valkyrie bodies."
"We know you're working with Mido and the Yami Matter. We also know you used the Yami Matter to wipe out an entire dimension!" Norse-knight exclaimed.
Fredegund coolly smirked. "How quaint. Then, Lady Kriemhild can skip the dreadfully boring storytime."
"Sounds good to me! I'm ready to smash some heads," Ildikó maniacally smiled toward Valkyria and Norse-knight.
Aslaug called out to Kráka. "I know that we're half-sisters, Kráka! We both have the same father! I saw how kind he was!" As she said this, Aslaug noticed a slightly apprehensive look on the Morrígu Valkyrie's face. "You know I'm telling the truth! I saw how we were both born!"
"Stop," Kráka muttered as she looked away from Aslaug's gaze. Gripping her sword, she ran at the Lazarus Valkyrie and swung her blade.
Responding with a swing, Aslaug countered Kráka's attack with her Sword of Ragnar. The sisters intensely faced each other as sparks of mystic energy flared around them.
"Aslaug!" Valkyria called out as Brynhildr kicked her back and swung her red blade, unleashing a barrage of red projectiles that ravaged their surroundings. Valkyria quickly retaliated, forming a clear x-shaped projectile that repelled the Blood Vamkyrie away.
After being blasted by Valkyria's Exalt X-Slash, Fredegund interjected and opened her grimoire, summoning a small wyrm creature. Valkyria swiftly sliced the tiny serpent-like dragons apart with her sword. As Valkyria rushed for a sword strike, Fredegund cast a magical barrier, protecting herself and repelling the Valkyrie warrior away.
"Tori!" Norse-knight called out, but Ildikó intercepted him with her whip. Ensnaring him with her crimson whip, Ildikó tried to overpower him. Gathering mystic energy in his right hand, Norse-knight fired a Gaea's Blast and blasted the whip wielder back.
"Enough! Cease thine attacks!" Brynhildr called out Fredegund and Ildikó for further action. "Kráka, stand down!"
However, Kráka refused to stop and maintained her intense stand-off with Aslaug.
Furrowing her brows, Brynhildr grew more agitated than before. A black veil then materialized over Brynhildr and formed into Kriemhild's visage.
"Kráka, your mother is speaking to you! Cease your attack!" Kriemhild demanded as her authoritative tone caused Kráka to halt her attack and move away from Aslaug.
"Kráka, don't listen to her! That witch is just using you! We're sisters! We have Sigurd's blood in us! That's our link!" Aslaug openly pleaded with Kráka, who turned away and seemed reluctant to respond without Kriemhild lashing out at her.
"I shouldn't be surprised that you'd learn about me and my storied past, but it doesn't matter. It doesn't change the fate that awaits you all," Kriemhild calmly chortled, eyeing Valkyria, Norse-knight, and Aslaug. "Ah, yes, so you are Sigurd's other daughter. Aslaug, correct? Are you not ashamed that you also share the blood of the Teufelin?" She then motioned toward Brynhildr, whose body she was currently inhabiting. "Do you not shed tears for your mother? Whose body I've taken for my end goals?"
"I feel sad for her and I know she's my mother, but you have her soul. My friends and I will free her soul and the others you've taken," Aslaug stood her ground against Kriemhild. "Moreover, I am not ashamed I have my mother's blood, because Sigurd's bloodline has purified me of Brynhildr's curse! I won't be scared away by you, Kriemhild! Let my sister be free now!"
Laughing maniacally, Kriemhild replied. "You are one brave child, dear Aslaug. You certainly do take after Sigurd. Unfortunately, your half-sister obeys her sweet mother."
"No! You are scaring her into submission! She only follows you out of fear! That is how you lead by example! I've seen how many people you've manipulated and killed, Gudrun!" Aslaug passionately chastised Krienhild. During her speech, Aslaug saw Kráka touched by her words as a small tear poured from her eye.
"Well said, Aslaug. That was a moving speech fitting for a beautiful maiden," a voice belonging to Crow spoke out as he walked past Valkyria and Norse-knight. Violet was also seen with him. Standing beside Aslaug, Crow gave Kriemhild an intense glare. "Looks like we have something in common, Kráka. We both have a shitty parental figure who only values their child as a mere pawn. I speak from experience. Listen to Aslaug, Kráka. Kriemhild intends to destroy you when she sees no further use of you."
"He's right. Turn away from Kriemhild before it's too late!" Violet called out to Kráka.
Hearing another speaking out against Kriemhild, Kráka felt her hands and body shaking. A part of her wanted to break loose and rebel, but her loyalty and fear of Kriemhild held a firm well-being well being.
Having seen enough, Fredegund and Ildikó attacked Crow and Violet. Crow quickly defended himself, cutting apart Fredegund's wyrm creatures that came out of her grimoire. Violet jumped up and dodged Ildikó's whip strikes. As the two Thieves prepared to summon their Personas, Kriemhild unleashed a green, fiery wave that nearly burned and repelled them.
"Enough! Our time is short. Kráka, Fredegund, and Ildikó! We are leaving now," Kriemhild instructed as she took control of Brynhildr's body.
"Where are you going?!" Violet called out.
"Leaving so soon?! Afraid we'll kick your asses now that the odds are evened out?!" Valkyria called out Kriemhild and her group.
"No, but a grander war is forthcoming. I suggest getting prepared for it," Brynhildr stated.
"What war are you referring to?" Crow queried.
9:05 PM (JST)
Attacked by Mido's accomplice during their evening walk, Joker and Panther struggled to fight off the assailant. Needless to say, a baffled look crossed Joker's face when he uncovered the assailant's identity. Joker saw himself.
Or, rather the face of Kurusu Akira from the P5-Crimson dimension. Mixed emotions muddled his brain. He wondered: how and why was Akira doing in his world? He wondered if this was another cognition created by the Yami Matter.
As Joker fired a shot at Akira, Akira shuffled aside, avoiding the shot. He jumped high into the air and landed on a light post. Intensely glaring down at Joker and Panther, a sinister grin adorned Akira's features. Akira's wardrobe was strikingly similar to Joker's, sans the mask being dark gray and having red eyes.
Gritting her teeth, Panther tossed her whip at Akira.
Curling her lips, Panther snarled furiously. Her eyes also burned with intensity. "Whatever you are, you're not my Joker! You're just another thing created by the Yami Matter!" The memories of Cognitive Ann resurfaced, incurring the unbridled anger waiting to burn Akira in her path. "Because you can't be that other Ren we met!"
"Ren, Ann!" Sion called out as he, Tennyo, and Moonlight arrived.
Whirling around, Panther gasped. "Thank goodness you three came!"
"There! That must be the accomplice Mido was referring to!" Tennyo pointed toward Akira.
"Mido's accomplice?" Joker was taken aback.
Mido's name quickly struck an emotional cord within Panther. Narrowing her eyes, the incandescent flames within her were ready to burst like water about to destroy a dam. She quickly turned to Akira and swung her whip, sending a trail of fire. Akira dodged and jumped far back.
Just in time, a portal opened behind Akira. Mido and Jinyo walked out to pick up Akira.
"MIDO! YOU BASTARD!" Panther snapped. Before she could so much as release her unrelenting fury, Joker stopped her.
"So, you're behind this?" Joker responded with a fierce stare.
"I see my Akira Replica gave you quite a melee. Or, should I just call you Akireplica, my loyal clone?" Mido assessed Akira's tussle with the two Phantom Thieves.
A conniving smirk formed on Akireplica's face. "Whatever you wish, Mido. I accept Akireplica. I am bound to fight for you." He pointed to Joker, who hadn't shaken off his resolve. "You can continue the tough guy act, but I know you still feel guilty over what you did to my world." He shot a disdainful look at Tennyo. "Yeah, your goddess healed all the shit you did to my home, but that still doesn't change the fact you killed all of those innocent people, but most of all Makoto!"
Being reminded of this dimensional dumpster fire of a mess, Joker felt guilt grip him. He and his friends only wanted to neutralize the Yami Matter, but they fell for the entity's trap. Joker saw the burning hatred in Akireplica's eyes.
As his demeanor became unhinged, Akireplica then fired back. "And just so you know, things have gotten rougher for me! Don't think I'll ever forgive you and your friends for this, Amamiya Ren! When I'm done with you…" He gritted his teeth hard and screamed. "I'LL TAKE YOUR PLACE!"
"Don't listen to him, Joker! That's not happening!" Panther quickly cut Akireplica off. "You're not taking anyone's place, you fake! You're not even the same Kurusu Akira we met!"
Mido chuckled. "Hehehe, you're right. However, while he is a mere clone of Akira, he does not have a fragment of my soul. He means less to me than Jinyo, but his hatred for you is good enough for me to keep around." While purposefully ignoring Panther's presence, he addressed Joker, Sion, Hifumi, and Moonlight. "And with that, the three of us make up the Yliaster Trinity. Amamiya Ren, Skyler Jones, and Togo Hifumi, we await you and your friends in my native dimension. The dimensional coordinates are Akane-no-Mai-Vein. We shall await you all for the final war and the prelude to our Yliaster Utopia."
With that, the Yliaster Trinity passed through the portal.
As the group reconvened, Joker rubbed Panther's back shoulders.
"You can relax. He's gone."
Panther sighed. "Why did you stop me?"
"We needed information and got it, but what is this Akane-no-Mai-Vein?"
"The dimension where the original Sion came from," answered Sion. "Mido is the only one from that dimension that's crossed over here. And he's the only one with all his memories intact."
"And he wants to resolve our conflict there. I'm relieved the war won't be fought here. So, our families, friends, and innocent people here will be spared," Tennyo said.
"But, if we don't defeat him, Mido will likely come back here and manipulate the Yami Matter to destroy this physical universe," Moonlight reminded them of the repercussions in the event they lost this forthcoming war.
"Like what happened to that Wulf-Edda dimension. Yeah, I'm not letting that happen," Sion resolutely vowed.
Joker turned to Panther. "Call Makoto and Haru. Let them know we're on our way. We can find someone to look after our child."
Nodding, Panther smiled. "Yeah, I can handle that."
Sion added. "Good idea, Ren. Let's gather everyone and meet at Meiji Shrine." Just then, his cell phone rang a text message, which he read and his mouth widened in shock. Tennyo and Moonlight noticed Sion's distress.
"Is something wrong, Skyler?" Tennyo asked him.
Suddenly, Moonlight felt a pulsating ache in her head and screamed. Sion and Tennyo quickly tended to the pale Revenant and checked her condition.
"What's wrong with her?!" Panther asked them.
"And what did the message say?" Joker queried Sion.
"It's been destroyed…" Moonlight muttered painfully.
"What's been destroyed?" Panther inquired as her and Joker's concerns grew.
"Leonard just contacted me. The Bloodspring it's been…" Sion clenched his teeth as his face contorted with anguish and anger.
9:20 PM (JST)
After revealing the exact dimension coordinates Mido told Joker and the others, Crow, Violet, Aslaug, Valkyria, and Norse-knight learned about the forthcoming final war.
Watching Kráka leaving with Brynhildr and the two bodyguards, Aslaug called out to her half-sister.
"Wait, Kráka! Please!" The Lazarus Valkyrie cried.
"Stop. This won't be the last time you'll see her," Valkyria said, holding Aslaug back from reckless action.
"But…"
"Don't worry. We'll save her somehow," Norse-knight said.
"Listen to your big sister and brother, Aslaug. We'll get another chance to defeat Kriemhild and bring Kráka to her senses," Crow gave Aslaug a reassuring smile. "But if Kráka doesn't want to listen, are you prepared to strike her down? And are you prepared to do the same with your mother?"
Clenching her hands and wiping her tears, Aslaug firmly nodded.
"Good girl," Crow said.
"I just hope it doesn't come down to Aslaug having to kill her though," Violet said rather worryingly, feeling sympathy for Aslaug's situation.
As the portal closed, the last face they saw was Kráka, who showed Aslaug shedding another tear.
Just then, Violet received a message from her cell and relayed Joker's message.
"Joker is calling for a meeting at Meiji Shrine. Let's meet where he wants us," Violet said.
"I wonder if it has anything to do with this war that's been alluded to," Crow surmised as the group headed off to the same destination. Along the way, Crow whispered to Violet. "Did you see that book that sister used? It's the grimoire."
"The same one Grimhildr used and now Kriemhild has?" Violet replied.
Nodding, Crow scowled. "Yes, and I have no doubt those two guards were created from Kriemhild's essence. If we can destroy that grimoire, we may be able to cut Kriemhild's power source."
"That's a good theory."
"I guess we'll see if I'm right," Crow said.
Underground Facility/Shinjuku, Tokyo ( 新宿区, 東京 )/10:30 PM (JST)
Ren and Skyler's groups saw the other Revenants awaiting them. Sion saw Leonard embracing Catherine, who was seen crying over her brother's shoulder. Rachel, Kaito, Jacob, Madeline, Megumi, Owen, Rebecca, Miranda, Cynthia, Anthony, and Theodore were seen amassed near the Bloodspring's ruins. Ren and Skyler's groups met with Makoto and Haru, who came with Leonard.
"It's bad, guys," Makoto said, pointing them toward the ruined Bloodspring. It was completely burned to the ground coupled with every trace of Blood Beads turned to ashes.
Upon seeing the Bloodspring's ruined scenery, Io fell to her knees and cried on Hifumi's shoulder. Clenching his hands, Skyler never felt more angry and helpless. He noted each Revenant shared the same sentiments.
"I think we all know the culprit behind this. We won't even entertain saying his name," Leonard muttered with contempt for this guilty individual. He punched a hole in a wall near him. "Damn it! We can smell that bastard's scent! He was here! First he takes Iris away and now our main food source!"
"Without the Bloodspring, we've lost our fresh supply of Blood Beads for good and this was our only one," Miranda stated.
"And without Blood Beads to sustain us, we're going to frenzy eventually," Kaito said.
"I'm not going to let that happen to us!" Jacob yelled with determination.
"All we have left are some leftover artificial Blood Beads, but those aren't going to last us," Rachel said. "The last thing I want is to lose myself and turn into a Lost right in front of Shiho!"
"Or, me turning right in front of Sumire and Eugene!" Megumi cried out.
"I don't want to turn into one where Shinya, Reiko, and Li-Ming can see either!" Owen yelled, fearing what he'd do to his friends if he turned into a Lost.
"I'm scared, sis. I don't want to lose control and turn into a Lost!" Owen exclaimed fearfully. "I don't want to end up hurting my friends!"
"You won't have to, Owen," Leonard spoke up. "Not unless…"
"Unless we go back to our native realm," Io addressed.
"Your native realm? You mean…" Ren realized as Io finished.
"Yes, where we Revenants live and can find fresh patches of Blood Beads from the Weeping Tree," Io stated.
"And it'll take a long time for Miranda and I to build a new Bloodspring here. We can't be asked for Skyler, the Successor of the Blood, to make a new one without draining him. And I, the Successor of the Heart, don't have enough to make it possible now. By the time we finish, it'll be too late for us," Catherine said, referring to their unfortunate fates becoming Lost.
"Then, this is a sign we have to leave soon and face Mido on our home turf. Or, at the very least the home where our Revenant selves live," Skyler said.
"Then, let's hurry and get to this world," Hifumi said, holding Skyler and Io's hands. "Let's Mido, his entourage, and find the Weeping Tree to sustain you all."
"Then, there's no time to lose," Ren nodded.
"Right, let's go to Meiji Shrine for an emergency meeting. All available parties should be at hand," Makoto added.
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/11:42 PM (JST)
Later, the group gathered the other Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants near the shrine. With help from Io, Anastasia, and Nadia appeared with Akechi, Sumire, Tori, Hiroshi, and Aslaug. The Spiritual Gamblers were summoned by William and the spirits to attend tonight's meeting. The subject of Mido's return was debated. The Thieves and the Revenants unanimously agreed to join the fight.
"I presume this is everyone?" William scanned the large crowd. Nekomata, Hanzo, Okatsu, Tokichiro, Hide, and Mumyo appeared next to him.
"It appears so, William," Nekomata scanned every available member of the Thieves, Vein Remnants, the Spiritual Gamblers, the Advent Eight, and other allies.
"It's getting quite crowded and lively here!" Tokichiro exclaimed.
Scanning the renowned Japanese spirits, Aslaug was awestruck. "Wow, look at all of them! They're spirits just like Odin and the others!"
"They're famous and historical Japanese figures, Aslaug," Makoto explained.
"Yeah, some of them were Yokai slayers," Tori said.
"Wow, they sound so cool," Aslaug responded with awe in her tone.
Hiroshi whispered to Tori. "But, can you believe we're able to see ghosts?"
"I know. Before we gained these abilities of ours, I don't think we would've seen any spirits," Tori replied.
"Some of us have already seen spirits if you're spiritually gifted like I am," Cammy interjected as she, Lance, Marty, Andrea, Huey, and Samantha arrived to meet with Tori and Hiroshi.
"Looks like the Advent Eight are seeing action again so soon," Marty said.
"Yeah, it looks like there's a big war ahead for us, or at least that's what Tori and Hiroshi told us," Andrea said.
"It's true," Hiroshi verified.
"We're gonna need all hands on deck now," Tori added.
As she looked around the crowd, a certain Compulsive Gambler squeed delightfully. "So, we're all here! Good to see you again, sacred spirits!" Yumeko casually greeted them.
"C'mon, be a little more formal," Ryōta tried to calm the Compulsive Gambler.
"Don't even bother, Ryōta," Mary shrugged. "Anyway, if we're being called here, it has to be serious."
"Hifumi!" Yumeko waved over to the former Shogi champion.
"It's good to see you all here," Hifumi greeted the Spiritual Gambler trio.
"You're all looking well," Skyler said.
"So, what's going on?" Yumeko asked them.
"We've got a serious situation, but the spirits also called us here to speak with us," Hifumi said.
"And you're all looking well," Mina interjected as she, Kyosuke, and Maria confronted them.
"Hey, it's good to see you three!" Yumeko enthusiastically greeted them.
"And you're still as energetic as ever, Ms. Jabami," Kyosuke said.
"It appears all of the spirits are here," Maria noted William and the other spirits.
"Yes, William contacted me and asked us to meet here," Mina said, eyeing the spirit of her predecessor and the other honored spirits.
"Thank you for being here, my friends," William quickly spoke up, bringing immediate silence. "I wish to say that another spirit has come to meet with you all," he said as he motioned over to Nekomata.
Facing the Thieves and Yumeko, Nekomata's face became disheartened. "Now for this spirit. You all know him very well." He then pivoted over to Skyler. "And I'm sure you're well aware of who this individual is based on what you've learned from the previous Sion's memories."
Shutting his eyes, Skyler sighed. "Yeah, I do."
Hifumi grasped Skyler's hand. "It'll be ok, Skyler. I doubt he has any more ill intentions after we beat him."
"Not quite. This is the spirit of the Osakan soldier Kanashī Seishin who'd later become Datenshi, the Angel of Control, whom you defeated," Nekomata clarified.
"He's here," Mina muttered as she, Kyosuke, and Maria backed away, giving room for the new spiritual guest's arrival.
Starting as an orb of clear light, the orb expanded into a ray of light. Inside this ray of divine light, a spiritual entity materialized before everyone. Shock overcame the Thieves, Skyler, and Hifumi when they faced Kanashī Seishin, a mere shadow of their former enemy Datenshi.
The Osakan soldier has a fair complexion and long, black back-length hair. The man's face has bristles of black and grey hair covering parts of his face. He has a thick black mustache and beard. He is garbed in black and white Shogun body armor and thick, black legwear. Golden shoulder armor, with signs of wear and tear, framed his upper body. Black open-toed sandals cover his feet. In contrast to Datenshi's usually calm and confident exterior, Seishin has a crestfallen look. He had become someone who lost everyone and everything in his life.
Ren slightly frowned upon meeting Seishin's gaze. "It's you."
"This is really the same Datenshi you all fought? I recall Louis' memories and this Datenshi looked more formidable than this man," Leonard glanced at the broken-down soldier.
Makoto corrected him. "Remember what Nekomata said, this is the Osakan soldier who'd become Datenshi."
Haru showed him pity. "He looks so broken and tired."
Rachel concurred. "I kinda feel sorry for him."
Yusuke added. "I would be too if I was forced to live out the rest of my existence as a wandering spirit."
Nekomata openly stated. "Seishin traversed from the dimension where the man known as Mido came from."
Upon hearing this, Skyler's expression slightly darkened. "I see, so you came directly from the original Sion's world." He approached Seishin. "I remember all the original Sion experienced. When I regained all of Sion's previous memories, I remembered you. Well, to be accurate, I remember Datenshi. He killed Hifumi and as a result, she awakened and became Shin-Io the goddess."
The Osakan soldier glumly responded. "Yes, I must admit I'm not proud of what I, as Datenshi, tried to do to you and your friends."
Hifumi kindly addressed the soldier. "But, if you hadn't killed me, I wouldn't have been revived and awakened with Shin-Io's powers." She glanced over toward the Vein Remnants. "And because of that, I used my power to restore reality."
"I remember vividly based on Yakumo's experience when he and the Revenants helped you fight Datenshi," Kaito said, recalling nearly everything from the Datenshi conflict.
"It's still fresh in my mind. Eva was there, too," Madeline added.
"Datenshi was a difficult enemy for us, but thanks to Shin-Io, we were able to turn the tide against him," Jacob said, recalling Jack Rutherford's experience based on that specific battle.
"Who the heck is this Datenshi?" Tori asked.
"He was a bad guy that we fought against," Yumeko said. "And it was the last time the original Sion was with us."
Mary nodded with a sad look. "Yeah, it was sad for us to lose him."
"So, he's not a Revenant like Mido is?" Hiroshi asked.
"No, Datenshi was a container for the Angel of Control Yaldabaoth," Hifumi verified.
Just then, Seishin interjected, cutting off their conversation. "Please listen and this especially goes for you, Revenants. Yes, I know you are merely human counterparts who've inherited the memories of these Revenants. So, you are not them, but you carry on their legacy. These same Revenants live in a separate reality from this one called Akane-no-Mai-Vein. Thanks to Shin-Io's power, several human counterparts gained these Revenants' natures, abilities, and memories." He turned toward the Vein Remnants. "All of you are mere stand-ins for them in this reality, but that's only because the Yami Matter helped Juzo o to infiltrate this reality."
Io addressed the soldier. "That's correct and it was I who granted them powers and memories originally based on the Revenants they are taking over for."
"Then, we're just substitutes for these Revenants. That makes sense, especially since the real deals don't exist here and a group was needed to fight against Mido and the Yami Matter. Speaking of Mido, I was stunned to find out he is the real one and he knows all about the Revenants who opposed him," Skyler clarified with the soldier.
"Yes, and now that Mido knows you've inherited these Revenants' abilities and memories, he will work extra hard to eliminate you. You must also know what you're dealing with in the Akane-no-Mai-Vein dimension." The Osakan soldier turned and faced the Phantom Thieves and Hifumi. "You all must go into this world with extreme caution. This is not like the Metaverse you've been accustomed to."
"We've already had our fair share of battles against real enemies and not mere cognitions. We learned after fighting you, the Yami Matter events, the Vamkyries, and Mido," Ren stated.
"Yes, I am well aware of your recent battles. The Yami Matter has certainly tested each of your resolve. However, every Yami Matter-related event up to now has been mere skirmishes. Once you enter this dimension, you will be fighting a war not just against Mido, but his cohorts. That even includes contending with the creature called Kriemhild. Even exploring the society of Vein will be dangerous. You will encounter hundreds of Lost armies." The Osakan soldier forewarned of the dangers ahead for the Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants.
"The society of Vein is that bad, huh?" Futaba asked the Revenants.
"Based on Yakumo's memory, Lost is commonly spread out in underground areas," Kaito recalled based on Yakumo's full memories.
"Humans are rare inside the society of Vein. So, you guys will be a sight for other Revenants," Leonard informed the Thieves.
"They'll be more surprised to see a talking cat," Rachel giggled, looking down at the tiniest Thief member.
"Wait until they see what I can do," Morgana boasted.
"What about us?" Tori asked. "We're humans, but certainly not normal."
"Revenants will still view you as humans even if you have special abilities. You need to be extra careful since they need human blood to survive," Jacob stated.
"That is if they don't already rely on Blood Beads," Madeline said.
The Osakan soldier continued. "Be careful, Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants. This war will be your most daunting task up to now. Even the battle the Thieves, Sion, and Hifumi had against me will pale in comparison. Mido and his entourage have dubbed this forthcoming war, Ragnarok Vein."
Skyler scoffed. "Ragnarok Vein? How oddly appropriate since we know he's aligned with Kriemhild after seeing what happened in the Wulf-Edda dimension."
"Yeah, we just encountered Kriemhild while you were fighting Mido's daughter and that fake Joker," Hiroshi said.
"We witnessed Kriemhild's presence ourselves and let me tell you, she's every bit as cunning and dangerous as Mido," Akechi said.
"If we don't stop that evil witch, then we won't be able to save Kráka," Aslaug said.
"We will defeat Kriemhild, Aslaug," Sumire reassured the young Valkyrie.
Hifumi addressed the Osakan soldier. "Can Shin-Io's power make a difference?"
"There's only one way to find out, Togo Hifumi."
"Don't worry, Hifumi. We're in this together," Ren reassured the Shogi champion. "We are the pieces on the board. You, me, and Skyler are the generals leading everyone."
Hearing this from Ren, his words brought a comforting smile to her face. She was happier that Ren remembered their Shogi matches and the lessons she taught him.
"That's right. We are the generals of this board," Skyler cut in as he grasped Hifumi's hand. "Let's give Mido and his crew a beating they'll never forget."
Facing Seishin, Ren gave him a small smile. "And it was surreal seeing you again, but thank you for warning us."
"You and your colleagues earned my respect, Amamiya Ren. I never would have imagined you would have defeated Yaldabaoth's power again, but yet you did. If you can do that, I have no doubt you will stop Ragnarok Vein."
"But, that's ok, because we'll get to stay here and learn from you three," Ryōta added.
"Yeah… wait, hold on. We're not going with you, guys?" Yumeko realized, turning and facing the Thieves and the Revenants.
"It's probably best we do. This sounds like something way out of our element." Mary stated.
"Aw?! That's some bullshit!" Midari vented out loud.
"That's because someone has to stay here to defend this dimension while the Thieves and the Revenants are away," Nekomata informed the Spiritual Gamblers.
"I guess that's where we'll fill in for you, guys," Tori informed the Spiritual Gamblers.
"Oh, well. I guess that makes sense," Yumeko said. She walked up to Skyler and Hifumi, quickly grasping their hands. "Please be careful, you two."
"Thank you, Yumeko," Hifumi nodded.
"He's right. We'll need to stay just in case Mido sends Lost and Yokai here. Some of us have to stay here to stop a likely invasion." Ryōta concurred with Nekomata's suggestion.
"Astute assessment, Nekomata," Akechi stated.
"Yes, having an available party here to deal with Mido and the Yami Matter's forces is a good idea," Sumire concurred.
"And you count on us to help you, guys," Tori said.
"I'm ready to go fight the good fight," Aslaug nodded.
"Akechi, listen, you've proven your worth and didn't backstab any of us," Jacob said as he confronted him.
"I'm glad I could help alleviate any concerns you've had," Akechi replied earnestly.
"Well, don't tell me that. Tell her," Jacob said as he pointed to Madeline.
"Right, I'm sure you heard me, miss," Akechi addressed her.
"I did. I still have my eyes on you, but I'm glad to know you're not a total scumbag," Madeline frankly spoke. Hearing this, Akechi sighed with relief knowing Madeline won't end his life.
"I think Akechi is still scared of Madeline," Futaba whispered to Ryuji.
"Heh, yeah I've never seen him sweat like that."
Jacob overheard them and added. "You know what they say, fear is a great motivator."
"It's time. Togo Hifumi, will you do the honors?" Seishin addressed her.
With that, Hifumi nodded and raised a hand. Before using her goddess power to open a portal for the Thieves and the Revenants, she turned around.
"Are we all sure about this?" Hifumi asked her colleagues. "If there's anyone not up to the task, this is your chance to drop out."
"No way, we're ready," Skyler firmly nodded along with the other Revenants.
"You bet we're all in this until we kill Mido and his cohorts," Kaito resolved.
"There's no turning back for any of us either," Makoto affirmed as she and Haru held hands.
Clenching her fists, Ann scowled. "Any chance to get my hands on Mido, I'll take it."
"Us Advent Eight are in, too," Marty spoke up on his group's behalf.
"Don't forget us. There's no way you're leaving us out!" Megumi yelled out as she, Catherine, Miranda, Rebecca, Anthony, Cynthia, and Theodore approached near the portal.
"I'll have my chance to fight and avenge my dear daughter Iris," Theodore openly vowed.
"Don't forget us, Ren!" Shinya shouted as he, Owen, and Reiko joined the Thieves and the Revenants. They turned and saw Li-Ling behind them, who decided to stay.
"Be careful you three!" Li-Ming called out to Shinya, Owen, and Reiko. "Don't worry, I'll help the Gamblers defend our turf! Owen, please!"
Owen smiled at the Chinese teenage girl. "We'll be back safely."
"I'm ready!" Aslaug declared as she ran over to Tori and Hiroshi.
"Of course, you can't leave us out," Nadia said as she and Anastasia joined Hifumi and Skyler.
"Don't worry, everyone. Leave defending our home turf to us!" Yumeko called out as she and her Spiritual Gambler friends waved them off.
Ren nodded to Hifumi. "We're all ready. Do it."
With nothing holding her back, white light formed around Hifumi's hands. When she focused, she converted the white light and formed a portal in front of everyone.
"This will take you all directly into the dimension Akane-no-Mai-Vein. Be careful and I wish you all well." Seishin gave a prayer for the group.
"We'll be waiting for you all, friends," Yumeko smiled, watching the Thieves, the Revenants, the Elven Princesses, the Advent Eight, Shinya's crew, and Aslaug enter the newly conjured dimensional portal.
For a moment, Hifumi, the Thieves, the Vein Remnants, the Elven Princesses, the Advent Eight, Shinya's group, and Aslaug sensed the wisping air coming from a dry atmosphere and the scent of the dead filled their nostrils. Upon smelling the stench of dry blood, the Revenants' eyes instinctively turned red.
Taking a few deep breaths, Hifumi backed off, but Io stepped in and grabbed her hand.
"It'll be ok, Hifumi. We're going in together," Io's reassuring tone calmed the young woman.
"That's right. Let's keep our heads high, sweetie," Skyler said in a loving tone.
"Yes," a genuine smile formed on Hifumi's face. She expanded the portal, allowing the Elven Princesses, the Thieves, and the Revenants to pass through. Hifumi, Skyler, and Io were the last ones to jump through the portal as it closed behind them.
The Spiritual Gamblers lowered their heads and prayed for their friends' hopeful return.
"Be careful, dear friends," Yumeko muttered.
?-?
Upon passing through a distortion between dimensions, Hifumi, Skyler, Io, the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Elven Princesses floated through a stream toward another portal. Falling straight into the portal, the group reached their destination.
As the portal closed, a distorted and vague voice muttered. "I've been bested by you twice, Phantom Thieves, and you've resisted my power to control humanity. Now, you and your new allies prepare to do the same against a being with a greater potential to bring ruin to multiple worlds. Trickster, had you accepted my deal, your world would've fallen into ruin and become the world of Code Vein. However, you chose wisely and because of that decisive choice, half of my power ended up with Togo Hifumi." A shadowed presence similar to Yaldabaoth's shape surfaced on a dimensional wall. "May you achieve victory and prevent any more ruin." With those parting words, the Demiurge vanished, seemingly leaving no trace of him as if he wasn't there to begin with.
Chapter Soundtrack:
Memory of the Lost (Happy) - Code Vein - Skyler's proposal marriage to Hifumi and the development of the ongoing arc of Persona 5 crossovering with Code Vein that's about to reach its end.
Shin Megami Tensei IV OST - Pluto Castle - - vs. Jinyo and Akireplica.
Odin Sphere OST - Battle in the Twisting Streets - vs. Brynhildr/Kriemhild, Kráka, Fredegund, and Ildikó.
Resident Evil: Biohazard OST - The Sad Truth - The discovery of the ruined Bloodsprings and a loss of the Revenant's food source. The fear of frenzying and becoming Lost grips the Revenants.
Shin Megami Tensei IV OST - End Credits - - Meeting the spirit of Seishin from the Code Vein dimension, Datenshi, as he tells the cast information of Akane-no-Mai-Vein before the cast head to that dimension for the sixth Yami Matter.
Shin Megami Tensei IV OST - Reverse Hills - - The cast learning the horrors and ominous feeling of the Code Vein dimension.
Dead Can Dance - How Fortunate The Man With None - The cast's passageway from Akane-no-Mai to Akane-no-Mai-Vein. Along the dimensional transition, they hear the voice of Yaldabaoth (Akane-no-Mai, the main version, it's simply a hallucinated voice and not the real deal.) giving comments before disappearing.
A/N: Yaldabaoth wishing our heroes well? Wow, the threat of Mido and the Yami Matter is so severe that a former enemy has to root for our heroes to win.
After a couple of long chapters, it's refreshing to return to shorter formats. This chapter had two brief battles and interactions with the Osakan soldier Seishin returns to warn the group about Ragnarok Vein. Aslaug, Akechi, and the others get a glimpse of Kriemhild's presence and Aslaug tries to cope with the faintest hope she can save her half-sister.
As said in the story's context, Jinyo and Tennyo are opposites: hell and heaven. Jinyo is Mido's clone daughter (on top of possessing a portion of Mido's soul in her). Akireplica is a clone based on Kurusu Akira from the Crimson fanfic story. So, we have two dangerous adversaries for Hifumi and Ren.
Then, we have the horrible situation where the Revenants were left. Their Bloodspring has been burned to the ground by… you guessed it. If the Revenants need more reason to go to the native Code Vein dimension and fight Mido, this is it.
And with that, the stage is almost set for Ragnarok Vein. Mido and Kriemhild's endgame is upon us.
To help those wondering who's participating in Ragnarok Vein, let's review:
Hifumi/Tennyo and Skyler/Sion
The Phantom Thieves (10) (duh)
The Vein Remnants (6) (Leonard is leading them) (duh again)
The secondary Revenants (7) (Megumi (Rin), Catherine (Karen), Miranda (Aurora), Rebecca (Emily), Anthony (Davis), Cynthia (Coco), and Theodore (Gregorio))
The Advent Eight (Tori, Hiroshi, Marty, Andrea, Lance, Cammy, Huey, and Samantha)
Aslaug
The Elven Princesses (Anastasia and Nadia)
Shinya's crew (Shinya, Owen, and Reiko) (3)
Sounds like a big line-up and it is. Some had to be cut (namely the Spiritual Gamblers, Mina, Kyosuke, Maria, and Li-Ming) and will stay behind to fend off Lost and potential Yliasterite threats. However, fear not. This won't be the last time you'll see any of them, including the Gamblers. They'll be part of the final event.
With this and the next chapter, we're drawing ever closer to the Sixth Yami Matter Event/Ragnarok Vein.
Until the next chapter, see you soon!