Floor 20

[the-overseers.livejournal.com]

As the seals were released, the barrier began to weaken, allowing Souji and Minato to cross through. As they entered the 20th floor, they found themselves surrounded by a swirling vortex of energy. It crackled and pulsed within the darkness, and the floor appeared to be composed of a space similar to that they had both experienced when their world was lost.

Standing in the center, although there was no visible ground for her to be standing on, was former Senior Councilor Aenathia.

"So, you have come," she said. "That you could escape the barrier was remarkable. I shall alert my superiors, your world can be saved. [Humanity] is willing to admit its mistake and welcome your world into the Fraternity. All I ask is that I cooperate. This is, after all, for the benefit of everyone."

Comments

[evokesdeath.livejournal.com]

Much like Souji, Minato is bothered by Aenathia's statement. A Persona was supposed to be another facet of yourself, so how could it be possible to create one from thin air? This thought is quickly interrupted by the blade now heading towards his chest. He quickly directs his Evoker to his head and shoots, now summoning Trumpeter (http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080816172310/megamitensei/images/thumb/d/d6/TrumpeterP4.jpg/280px-TrumpeterP4.jpg) , who attempts to block and turn Aenathia's own attack against her. Privately, he reminds himself to be more careful. Just because Aenathia had not made use of poison last time did not mean she would hold back on it now.

"...Noted." Minato informs Souji. Taking his advice, he swiftly takes a few steps back and prepares his Evoker once again, hoping Aenathia does not attack before he uses it.

[the-overseers.livejournal.com]

Aenathia twists out of the way, retreating a bit and bringing her blades to bear. Souji and Minato note that both are utterly black, coated with the soul-killing Phe-lai.

"Throughout the multiverse, many abilities exist, but they are all of the same essence. Power. Persona, like everything else in the multiverse, are no more than a means to gain greater power."

Holding both blades low, Aenathia charges.

[punches-fog.livejournal.com]

Souji shakes his head. "And that's how I know you're going to lose. Even if you kill us, you'll lose."

"On three, Minato. One two...PERSONA!"

Helel appears once more and launches a double-power Megidolaon at the charging Aenathia's face, hopefully in concert with Minato's.

[evokesdeath.livejournal.com]

Minato gives Souji a nod, agreeing to his plan. "Worlds do not exist simply so you can get power off them." He pulls the trigger, hoping that his attack will be able to stop Aenathia's charge.

"PERSONA!"

Minato focuses on summoning Lucifer, who sends another Megidolaon at Aenathia, timed so it would strike at the same time as Souji's.

[the-overseers.livejournal.com]

Aenathia responds by summoning her own Persona, both of whom take the attack for her. As the smoke clears, however, she notes to her dismay that the Persona now have large holes in them. As they begin to dissolve, you can see the edges where the attack hit fraying and evaporating, a clear indication that the spirits are unstable and not likely to survive much more use.

[evokesdeath.livejournal.com]

Minato does not waste a single second. Immediately after realizing Aenathia still stands, he raises his Evoker once more, preparing to summon Lucifer again. He looks at Souji and nods, as if confirming another unison attack.

[punches-fog.livejournal.com]

Souji nods in return, focusing on Helel one more time. He'd felt the resonance with Lucifer, the two Personas' voices echoing within his subconscious that there's only one way to deal with people who'd use the world as a toy or a tool.

Souji visualizes his card one more time, smashing it in unison with Minato's mock gunshot to call down Armageddon on Aenathia and her false gods.

[the-overseers.livejournal.com]

Aenathia raised her hand, ordering her own Persona to cast a spell, but it was too late. Both attacks hit in unison, obliterating the Persona from existence. It may just be a figment of your imagination, but as they dissipate you both hear them say "thank you."

"Damn," Aenathia hissed. Raising her arm, she snapped her fingers and a huge vortex appeared before her. It hissed with crackling red energy, before stabilizing.

"Well played, Enforcers of Confuto Ordinatio. I will return your world to you, but you will not take me. What you witnessed here was but a mere fraction of [Humanity]'s might, and I will take exquisite pleasure in introducing you to it at a later date."

With that, she hurled herself through the portal and was gone. What appeared within misty veil of the portal was the town of Inaba, a TV flickering with static in the background.

[evokesdeath.livejournal.com]

Minato does not let his guard down just yet. He still finds it hard to believe that they truly won after battling such a fearsome enemy. In fact, it takes a few seconds until he allows himself to lower his Evoker. However, their victory, coupled with Aenathia mentioning their world would be returned (Even if she was not exactly trustworthy), causes him to allow himself a small smile.

There were so many questions going through his mind right now. What was this 'Humanity' Aenathia spoke of? How had she made use of such powerful Personae, and why did one of them feel so familiar to him? Would his world remain intact after such a long disappearance? ...Despite all of these inquiries, Minato decides to ask the only question that currently seems to be ahead of him.

"What's that?" He asks Souji, now gesturing towards the portal's contents. He isn't really expecting an answer, and is merely trying to make sure the other student is seeing the same thing as he is.

[punches-fog.livejournal.com]

"A quiet town that doesn't need another murderer running around in it," Souji says, expression determined.

He quickly sheates his katana and stows it under his uniform jacket, knowing they're going to be heading into a civilian area. "When we get there, I'm going to look around for her," he says. "She might be well away by now, or she might not. You can head on back to HQ and let everyone know the good news."

Souji's expression softens from his 'leader-mode' mask for a moment as he reaches out a hand to shake Minato's. "Thanks, man," he says simply.

[evokesdeath.livejournal.com]

Minato nods, fully agreeing to report on what just happened. He returns his own sword to its sheath and holsters his Evoker, deciding to hide them to the best of his ability once they cross over. He then directs a look at Souji.

"Happy to help." Minato shakes Souji's hand, feeling every bit as grateful as him. It had been a tough battle but, strangely, Minato was not dwelling on it any longer. With his hopes now restored, he can only think of how good it is to know his friends, both the ones here and the ones back home, are finally safe.