Between Joined Hands
Premiering on December 28, 2020, this was an Aura Gate SP event, taking place in a randomized dungeon made to look like an office building or the grey interior of a school.
The event was used to showcase Ardha and Angra Mainyu for the game's third anniversary, the latter of whom had not seen a fully formed design in any art books outside of the sprite work of Shin Megami Tensei If... and its manga counterpart.
Prologue
> On distant Mount Kailash...
> A medidating Shiva slowly opens his eyes.
Shiva: This feeling... The evil thoughts of Man...
Shiva: Oh how it has grown in its intensity...
Shiva: Evil's return is imminent, but his counterpart has yet to awaken...
Shiva: Then I shall descend to the human world and give aid.
Shiva: Angra Mainyu... He must not rise again.
> At a certain high school in Japan, a crowd of students is gathered around a single male student.
Schoolgirl 1: Hi Haru, how about we have lunch together?
Schoolgirl 2: Hey, not fair! You should eat lunch with me, Mr. student council president!
Male Student 1: Let's all have lunch together! Problem solved! Right, Haru?
Schoolgirl 1: We want to eat with Haru, not you!
Haru: *Chuckle* Alright everyone, just calm down. I already have an appointment today, so...
Fuyuki: Haru!
> Someone is calling to the student named Haru from outside the ring of people surrounding him.
Haru: Fuyuki! What took you so long?
Fuyuki: Ahaha, things happened and I was delayed... But everything's been taken care of!
Schoolgirl 1: Haru, you're having lunch with Fuyuki again?
Haru: Yes. After all, I made a promise.
Schoolgirl 2: Seriously, what is it with you and him though? Don't you think you're a bit too close?
Haru: Well, we've been friends for ages. What's wrong with us hanging out?
Male Student 1: Yeah, the friends for ages thing... But you two are actually more like...
Fuyuki: What is it, Haru. Are you going to have lunch with these people today?
Haru: No, I'll be with you in a minute. After all, I made a promise.
Haru: Sorry guys, maybe next time!
> After school.
> A certain student is surrounded by a bunch of other students.
Schoolgirl 1: Hey, what's your relationship with Haru anyway?
Schoolgirl 2: Even if you had an appointment, you kept him waiting! Who the hell are you to keep the student council president waiting?
Fuyuki: I-I...
Schoolgirl 1: What? I can't hear you. Speak up.
Schoolgirl 1: I don't know why Haru would hang out with you. You're so lame.
Male Student 1: Or did you think hanging out with Haru would make you cool?
Male Student 1: That's what you're after, right?
Fuyuki: N-No!
Fuyuki: I just thought it'd be nice if I could help Haru out a bit......
Fuyuki: So umm... This wasn't about me...
Schoolgirl 1: I told you to speak up!
Fuyuki: S-Sorry...
Schoolgirl 1: Don't you know you're not good enough to be around Haru?
Fuyuki: It's not about being good enough, we're just friends...
Fuyuki: Even though I'm like this, I can still...
Haru: Fuyuki! There you are!
Schoolgirl 2: Oops...
Male Student 1: Oh shit...
Haru: Hi guys. What are you doing here with Fuyuki?
Fuyuki: H-Haru...
Fuyuki: I just wanted to do something for you, so...
> Fade to black.
??? (Inner voice): (So it has awakened. The Evil within.)
> Back to the classroom...
Fuyuki: You... You're...
??? (Inner voice): (Yes, fill yourself with hatred for him. Show them just how great your hate is.)
??? (Inner voice): (Unleash the darkness you have nurtured for so long. Hit them with all you have pent up inside.)
Haru: Fuyuki...?
Schoolgirl 1: What the hell's wrong with him? What a freak.
Fuyuki: Y-Your light shines so bright, that's why I... I...!
??? (Inner voice): (Bond with me, and take your revenge...! Be one with Angra Mainyu!)
Fuyuki: *Scream*
Angra Mainyu: (Hehehe... Hahahahahah! That's it! Give in to me!)
Angra Mainyu: (The seed of Evil planted by my minion the serpent has finally bore fruit!)
Haru: Fuyuki! What's the matter?!
Haru: Fuyu-
Fuyuki: Fuck off!
Haru: ki...?
Schoolgirl 1: This doesn't look good. Let's get outta here.
Fuyuki: Where do you think you're going?
Schoolgirl 1: Wha-
> Before the girl can utter a word, Fuyuki makes his move.
Schoolgirl 1: Ugh...
Male Student 1: Oof...
> Everyone there except Haru is rendered unconscious...
Haru: Fuyuki, what are you doing...
Fuyuki: Stay away from me, hero wannabe.
Haru: Wha-?! I didn't mean to... Don't you recognize me?!
Fuyuki: ...
> Ignoring the pleadings of Haru, Fuyuki grabs the unconscious students and disappears...
> Immediately afterwards, the entire school is enveloped by a strange atmosphere.
Haru: Why? What happened, Fuyuki...?
> But Haru does not notice.
??? (Voice): Greetings, Son of Man.
??? (Voice): Son of Man, Haru!
Haru: W-What?! There's a voice...
??? (Voice): I am Shiva, god of destruction and rebirth.
Shiva (Voice): The human you call Fuyuki has been possessed by an Evil deity.
Shiva (Voice): If this Evil is not defeated, the human Fuyuki will be lost.
Haru: No! G-Gods and Evil...?! What are you talking about?
Shiva (Voice): I too, wish to defeat this Evil. The god called Angra Mainyu.
Shiva (Voice): If we do not stop him, the world will be filled with malice, and the world will quickly come to an end.
Haru: What am I supposed to do? I'm just a normal human being...
Shiva (Voice): I will aid you.
Haru: Huh...?
Shiva (Voice): All you need to do is let me use your body to manifest in this plane of existence.
Haru: If you do...
Haru: If I do that, will Fuyuki be saved?! Will I be able to save him?!
Shiva (Voice): Yes.
Haru: ...Alright then. I'll lend you my body.
Shiva (Voice): Good. Then we have a pact.
> A white smoke rises up around Haru and takes on the form of a demon...
Shiva: We shall defeat Angra Mainyu, the epitome of Evil.
> In the Liberators hideout, Akihabara branch...
Seiran: Everyone's here, I hope?
Megakin: That's right, Gatekeeper! It's not like you to be this serious though, so what's wrong?
Seiran: That's a rude thing to say. I'm always serious.
Megakin: Just kiddin' aight? My bad.
Megakin: So what's the matter at hand? You said you felt somethin' strange.
Seiran: Guys, don't you feel that people in general have been kind of on edge lately?
Ririn: Not just lately, it's been like that a long time now.
Seiran: It's kind of a sad thing to be agreeing with, but yes you're right.
Seiran: To us though, that is very troubling.
Seiran: Am I right, Taro?
Megakin: Yeah. And I get what you're trying to say, Gatekeeper.
Megakin: In recent weeks, there have been a lot of small conflicts happenin' all over town.
Ririn: Oh, I noticed that too!
Ririn: These days, I see customers arguing with each other a lot when I'm working at the cafe.
Ririn: Things like that used to happen from time to time before, but it's way worse now.
Seiran: I'm sure we all noticed little things like that, and I think the cause of it is... The Dragon!
> Within the darkened hallway of a school...
Ririn: This school becoming an Aura Gate? Wasn't expecting that...
Gakuto: You know this school?
Ririn: Yeah, it's kinda famous for giving the students a lot of freedom. It's their sales pitch.
Ririn: Like even though there's a uniform, you don't really have to wear it. You can just wear your own clothes to school if you want.
Gakuto: That is pretty unique.
Gakuto: But deciding what to wear is a pain in the ass anyway, so I'd prefer the uniform.
Ririn: I'd go with the uniform too. Less laundry!
Gakuto: I'm not sure that's how a high school girl should think...
Ririn: Got a problem?
Ririn: So... Dragon, huh? You know what that's about, Mister Meat?
> With Seiran guiding their way, the Liberators find themselves in a high school turned into an Aura Gate.
> The team is now searching for survivors.
Gakuto: Heck if I know. Maybe we kill one?
Seiran: If only it were that easy.
Seiran: Even though it's called the Dragon Stream, hearing a dragon's voice is anything but normal.
Seiran: But lately, a dragon's voice can be heard sporadically coming from the Dragon Stream.
Seiran: And it's getting louder.
Seiran: Then there's this new Aura Gate that mysteriously appeared around the same time...
Gakuto: Yeah, they're definitely connected.
Seiran: My thoughts exactly. So, let's keep searching.
Gakuto: Got it. The thing is, we haven't found a single...
Ririn: Hey look! Over there, Mister Meat!
> You look where Ririn is pointing...
Haru: Haaaa!
Shiva: Annihilate!
Demon (Tiamat): D-Damn you...!
> There is a male student fighting side by side with a demon.
Gakuto: Hmm, he's pretty good.
Ririn: That's not the point! Normal boy! Demon!
Gakuto: Oh yeah, now that you mention it... Hey kid! Yeah, you!
Haru: ...Who are you people?
Gakuto: We're umm... I guess you can say we're here to take care of this situation.
Haru: This situation... So you know what's happening here?!
Ririn: That's a no. We just started the investigation.
Haru: Oh, I see...
Gakuto: Do you know something about this place, though?
Haru: This place...
Haru: I think it has something to do with my childhood friend's transformation.
Part 1
> Haru takes you to a place where the survivors are gathered.
> You keep your distance from the scared teachers and students as not to be overheard, and Haru begins to tell his story.
Gakuto: I see, so your childhood friend's being controlled by this Evil god?
Haru: Yes. After that, I gathered up all the people I could find in this transformed school and led them here...
Ririn: You fought while protecting them? Alone.
Gakuto: You were able to manage all these people? You must be one hell of a leader.
Haru: I'm the student council president, so I was in a good position to protect them.
Haru: But protecting them is not enough. I must find Fuyuki and the others.
Gakuto: There are a lot of demons out there, and you're just one guy. Kind dangerous, don't you think?
Haru: There weren't that many before, but their numbers just keep growing. I don't know what to do.
Shiva: This is a precursor to Angra Mainyu's return.
Shiva: Angra Mainyu is a creator god from whom all evil things were conceived.
Shiva: He created the 16 scourges, and among them are the evil spirits.
Shiva: If we do not seal Angra Mainyu away now, the world will become infested with demons.
Haru: Well, there you have it.
Gakuto: So all we have to do is find this Angra Mainyu guy and defeat him?
Ririn: Count me in.
Haru: Really?
Ririn: Well, it's what we're here to do anyway.
Shiva: To help vanquish Evil is a good deed unto itself.
Haru: I can't thank you enough. Now Fuyuki will...
Fuyuki: I'll what, Haru?
Haru: Fuyuki?! You're back!
Fuyuki: Yeah. Everybody's here, right? Why shouldn't I?
Haru: Oh, yeah. Right. You're...
Shiva: No!
Fuyuki: Humph!
> Shiva manipulates Haru's body to get away from Fuyuki.
Haru: Shiva, what are you...?!
Shiva: This is not the "Fuyuki" that you know.
> Haru turns to see Fuyuki with a distorted expression on his face.
Fuyuki?: He got away... I see your power is not yet completely faded, Shiva.
Shiva: ...Just as I suspected, Angra Mainyu.
> A black smoke rises to cover Fuyuki as he takes on the form of a demon.
Angra Mainyu: Am I really the one you should be worried about right now?
Shiva: What?
Angra Mainyu: Look behind you.
> You turn to look at the gathering of people behind you.
Teacher: What's this smoke?! N-No! Stay away!
Schoolgirl: Eew gross! Hey! OMG, this is awful!
> A black smoke emerges from a corner and starts latching onto people.
Shiva: Everyone hide behind me! Do not breathe in the smoke!
> Shiva/Haru steps between the people and the strange smoke.
> Creating an invisible shield, he pushes the smoke back into a corner.
> But...
Teacher: Ugh... Garrrr!
> One of the teachers goes berserk after falling behind and breathing in the smoke.
> And...
Teacher: *Croak*
> After groaning a bit, falls to the ground and stops moving.
Schoolgirl: *Scream*
Gakuto: ...! Hey! What the hell did you...?!
> You turn all your attention back to Angra Mainyu, but he is already starting to vanish.
Gakuto: Stop!
Haru: Fuyuki! It's me, Haru! Look at me, Fuyuki!
Haru: Fuyuki! Fuyukiiii!
> Haru's shouts fall on deaf ears as Angra Mainyu vanishes completely from sight.
Haru: Fuyuki... Why...?
Shiva: Listen Haru, that is no longer Fuyuki.
Haru: But his body... I still think that was Fuyuki...!
Ririn: (Haru gets so emotional when it comes to Fuyuki... Is it possible that...?)
Shiva: Hmm...
Gakuto: What was that weird smoke anyway? Some kind of biological weapon?
Gakuto: The condition of the corpse is very similar to the biochemical weapon victims I've seen.
Shiva: I would presume that it is the embodiment of fatal illness.
Gakuto: Did he create that too?
Shiva: Yes.
Shiva: He has yet to awaken to his true self, but the time for that draws near.
Shiva: If he is completely restored, sickness and death will be spread through the world.
Gakuto: We can't let the world turn into a Hell like that. We have to stop him.
Gakuto: Let's start by finding that Fuyuki guy.
Haru: And what are you going to do with him when you find him...?
Gakuto: ...Whatever we do, if we don't stop the world from going to Hell, then there's no getting him back anyway, is there?
Part 2
> You continue to explore the school that is now a maze.
Gakuto: Hey, you said you were looking for missing people too, right?
Gakuto: How many are still missing?
Haru: Around 10 people if you count the teachers.
Ririn: Hey look! Somebody's lying over there!
Gakuto: Speak of the devil! Here's missing person number one...!
Haru: Fuyuki?!
Fuyuki: ......
> Seeing Fuyuki lying face down in the middle of the corridor, Haru runs to him.
Ririn: Hey wait!
Gakuto: Stop! We don't know if that's really Fuyuki...
Haru: It doesn't matter! I have to save Fuyuki!
Gakuto: You okay with that, Shiva?
Shiva: ......
Gakuto: Shit! Come back Haru! Don't be so hasty!
Haru: Fuyuki! You okay? C'mon, wake up! Fuyuki!
Fuyuki: *Murmur*
> Clutched in Haru's arms, Fuyuki slowly opens his eyes.
Fuyuki: H-Haru...?
Haru: Fuyuki!?! It's really you!
Gakuto: It's really Fuyuki? That was unexpected.
Fuyuki: Hehehe. You're so silly Haru.
> Fuyuki chuckles, then...
Fuyuki?: You still can't tell the difference.
> ...tries to stab Haru in the throat with a knifehand.
Haru: ......!
> But Shiva stops him just in time.
Fuyuki?: You saw through my guise.
Fuyuki?: Even in this dimension, your power still remains.
Shiva: I do not need the full extent of my power to see through your tricks, Angra Mainyu.
Fuyuki (Angra Mainyu): Hehehe...
Angra Mainyu: Of course, I never expected to succeed in slaying the host of one as great as you like that.
Angra Mainyu: After all, I am not yet fully restored.
Shiva: Then I shall vanquish you here and now, even if I have to kill your host in the process!
Haru: What?! Shiva!
> Manifesting his Trishula (trident) into existence, Shiva lunges at Fuyuki with Haru's body.
Angra Mainyu: No, I can't have that.
> But Angra Mainyu stops it with his fingertip.
Shiva: Tsk...
Angra Mainyu: What a cruel thing to do, making one friend kill another.
Shiva: It is but a small thing compared to stopping your return.
Haru: No... Shiva...
Angra Mainyu: Poor Haru... But you need not worry.
Angra Mainyu: Fuyuki will not die. He cannot die.
Haru: What do you mean...?
Angra Mainyu: The darkness that resides in this boy's heart, the evil thoughts brewing inside its deepest depths...
Angra Mainyu: It is very cozy. The most soothing cradle.
Angra Mainyu: Therefore I will protect him myself, until I am fully restored.
Angra Mainyu: This boy will become the foundation of my resurrection in a short while.
Angra Mainyu: For now, I will withdraw. But we shall meet again.
Shiva: Halt!
> Disregarding Shiva's order, Angra Mainyu and Fuyuki disappear into the shadows...
Haru: The darkness inside Fuyuki...? No, I don't...
Haru: It... doesn't matter! I have to find Fuyuki!
Gakuto: Just hold it Haru! Stop!
> All of you restrain Haru, who is trying to run off without you again.
Ririn: That's right Haru!
Ririn: You almost got killed back there, remember?!
Haru: B-But Fuyuki...
Gakuto: I know he's your close friend, but there's no need to risk your life...
Haru: Fuyuki's more than just a friend to me!
Haru: We were together ever since we were babies.
Haru: And above all, he's my hero.
Gakuto: Your hero?
Haru: Yes. One day, when we were on a trip to the countryside, we encountered a snake at a local shrine.
Haru: When it attacked, Fuyuki shielded me from it and got bit, but he still smiled at me, even when he was in a fever from the venom...
Haru: So I aspired to be his hero too.
Haru: It's what I've been striving for in life...
Ririn: To be a hero, only for him.
Haru: But these days, just being with him causes people to interfere...
Haru: I try to brush it off, but I'm afraid of causing trouble for Fuyuki...
Haru: But even so, I want to be with Fuyuki! So I can't wait. I have to find him as quickly as...
Ririn: You really care for Fuyuki a lot, don't you Haru?
Ririn: More than the word "friend" can describe.
???: A-Aghh...
> Haru is about to reply, when a strange voice rings out near him.
Ririn: What the hell was that disgusting sound...? Meat Balloon...
Gakuto: It wasn't me!
Ririn: I meant to ask you whether you heard it too.
Gakuto: Oh, right... Ahem!
Gakuto: Yeah, I did hear something odd. From this classroom maybe?
> Gakuto points at the classroom right beside where Fuyuki lied in the hallway.
???: C-C-Cold... Brrr...
> A faint but distinct groaning can be heard coming from it.
Ririn: A demon maybe?
Gakuto: I don't know, but...
Gakuto: Let's take it out. Better be safe than sorry!
> Gakuto kicks open the door.
Teacher: ......
> You find a terrified man inside.
Haru: Wait, he's a teacher!
Gakuto: One of the missing people?
Haru: Yes. He must've taken refuge here. I'm so relieved to find him.
Teacher: ......
Gakuto: Wait Haru, something's wrong with him.
Haru: He's just a bit shook up, which is normal since he's been hiding here alone all this time.
Haru: C'mon, let's get you somewhere...
> Haru takes the teacher's hand to pull him up.
Haru: Whoa! That burns!
> The teacher doesn't respond. He shudders for a moment...
> Then falls forward to the ground, breaking into a million tiny pieces on impact.
Haru: What?
Gakuto: Don't look!
> Gakuto cuts in to shield everyone else from the sight.
> Then frosty cold air comes pouring in from the side of the classroom where the teacher was!
Gakuto: Shit...! Everyone out! Now!
Haru: But the teacher...
Gakuto: Now! Or we'll all die!
> Fade to black
Gakuto: *Pant* Is everyone... Alright?
Ririn: I-I think so... Whoa! Meat Balloon! Your back! It's frozen!
Gakuto: Oh, that. No problem, I'll survive.
Gakuto: Good thing we got outta there in time though. That was close.
Gakuto: Yo Shiva, was that...?
Shiva: Yes, that was Winter, another one of Angra Mainyu's scourges.
Gakuto: That's what I thought.
Gakuto: Why do this? It's like he's pulling them out of his hat one by one.
Shiva: I do not understand his motive either.
> His eyes closed, Shiva looks troubled.
Shiva: Let us make haste, lest he grows stronger.
Shiva: We have to do this deed, even if we have to take that boy's life as well.
Part 3
Haru: Is this the place?
Shiva: ...The feeling of Evil is so strong here, I do not need any powers to detect it.
Shiva: This is the place.
> With Shiva's help, you were able to track down the location of Angra Mainyu.
> It is the Student Council room, a place where Haru is very familiar with.
Gakuto: Okay, we're going in. You guys ready?
Ririn: Yep.
Haru: Yes.
Gakuto: 3, 2, 1...
Gakuto: Go!
> Gakuto kicks open the door.
> But...
Male Student 1: P-Please...! No more...!
Male Student 1: Fuyu...ki, why...?
Angra Mainyu (Fuyuki): Why? You are asking me why?
Male Student 1: Eeek!
Angra Mainyu (Fuyuki): If you want me to spare you... Here, eat some of this.
> Angra Mainyu points at a corpse.
> It has been ravaged by gigantic ants beyond all recognition...
Male Student 1: But that's... That's a human... B-body...
Angra Mainyu (Fuyuki): So?
Male Student 1: Huh?
Angra Mainyu (Fuyuki): I just said that if you want to be spared, you will have to eat it.
Angra Mainyu (Fuyuki): Do you not want to live?
Haru: How...
Haru: How dare you do such horrible things in Fuyuki's guise!
Ririn: Oh shit, what the hell is that...?
Gakuto: Tsk! Don't look at it guys. It ain't something you'd want to see.
Shiva: Corpse eating ants. Another one of your scourges?!
Angra Mainyu: So you noticed.
Angra Mainyu: I am manifesting the scourges on victims of Fuyuki's choosing.
Haru: Fuyuki's... choosing?
Angra Mainyu: Yes.
Angra Mainyu: These people are the reason Fuyuki chose to become one with me. He wants them dead.
Haru: No, it can't be...
> Haru closes his eyes, trying to remember something.
Gakuto: You know what he's talking about?
Haru: The people who were killed... The people in this room...
Haru: They were all involved in Fuyuki getting bullied.
Gakuto: ...So that's what it is.
Haru: We tried talking to the teacher that got frozen, but we got no help.
Haru: And the students here...
Haru: They're the ones that Fuyuki... No, they're the ones Angra Mainyu first took.
Ririn: So there's a reason behind all this...
Ririn: I mean, I hate bullies too. Personally I think they should all go to hell.
Ririn: Especially those who bully cute girls. Simply unacceptable!
Ririn: But all that feels kinda irrelevant after seeing this nightmare scenario...
Haru: Even so!
Haru: Even so, I don't believe Fuyuki would ever want such a thing...!
Angra Mainyu: How much do you know about Fuyuki really? Do you read minds?
Haru: I...
Angra Mainyu: I thought not. Then I'll tell you how Fuyuki feels.
Shiva: Don't listen to him, Haru.
Gakuto: That's right. There's no way of knowing what he says is true or not. So don't listen.
Angra Mainyu: Who are you people to decide for him what he should or should not do? Let the boy decide for himself.
Angra Mainyu: How about it, Haru? How do you feel about this?
Haru: ...Tell me.
Ririn: You sure about this?!
Gakuto: Haru!
Haru: I want to know. I want to know how Fuyuki truly feels.
Angra Mainyu: A noble sentiment. Annoyingly noble.
Angra Mainyu: Fuyuki's true feelings towards you can be described with one word.
Angra Mainyu: Jealousy.
Haru: Jealousy? Fuyuki's jealous of me?
Angra Mainyu: Well of course he is.
Angra Mainyu: You have become the protector he always desired to be.
Angra Mainyu: That feeling of defeat and jealousy just eats him up on the inside.
Angra Mainyu: The praises and appreciation showered upon you by others was supposed to be for him.
Angra Mainyu: But it was all taken away by his close friend.
Angra Mainyu: That jealousy had been festering inside him all along, even as he stood beside you.
Haru: No... I... I took away Fuyuki's dream...
> Haru is visibly shaken by Angra Mainyu's words.
> Shiva gives Haru a sideways glance and turns his attention back to Angra Mainyu.
Shiva: There is no time. We have to stop him before all the scourges are manifested.
> After saying this, a ring of flames surrounds Haru.
> Haru's feet also start to tap in rhythm.
Ririn: Whoa! What are these flames?!
Gakuto: Haru, you okay?!
Haru: H-Huh? Shiva, what is this?!
Shiva: I am unleashing my full power as god of destruction to annihilate Angra Mainyu along with this entire place.
Gakuto: This entire place? What'll happen to everyone inside?!
Shiva: If Angra Mainyu's manifestations escape this place, the world will be devastated.
Shiva: These are just minor sacrifices that must be made to stop that from happening.
Ririn: B-But if you do that...!
Angra Mainyu: Hmm, this is a dire situation for me as well.
Angra Mainyu: Very well then, let me lend you a hand.
Angra Mainyu: Be grateful for my generosity, humans.
> Angra Mainyu raises his hand, and one by one demons are summoned into the room...!
Angra Mainyu: Now, if you wish to live, join forces with me to defeat Shiva!
Ririn: W-What...? Meat Balloon, what should we do?!
Gakuto: Shit... We'll take out the minor demons first!
Gakuto: I don't care whether you're a destroyer or a creator, we're not gonna just sit here and let you have your way with us!
Epilogue
Gakuto: We can't let him harm Haru and Shiva...
Ririn: But if we don't stop Shiva, we're dead.
Gakuto: Haru! Can't you stop this?!
> Haru is still dancing under Shiva's control...
Haru: I can't! It's like my body's not my own...!
Haru: Shiva, please stop! I don't want to do this...!
Shiva: No! The destruction of evil takes top priority.
Haru: But...
Shiva: No.
Haru: But I... I don't want to kill Fuyuki!
Haru: Even if it means sacrificing others, I want Fuyuki to live!
Haru: I want to save Fuyuki!
Haru: I want to save him so we can be together again!
Haru: If he dies, that'll be impossible!
Shiva: ......
> Haru shouts, but his feet still dance.
> Unmoved by Haru's words, Shiva just stares at Angra Mainyu.
Angra Mainyu: What a cold hearted god you are, Shiva.
Angra Mainyu: You need to be more relaxed, like me... Agh!
Angra Mainyu: What...? How can a mortal...!
> Suddenly, Angra Mainyu doubles over in agony, and his summoning begins to ebb.
Gakuto: What's going on? He's slowing down...
Angra Mainyu?: Ha... ru...?
Ririn: Hey! You hear that?!
Haru: Fuyu... ki? Is that you, Fuyuki?!
Fuyuki: Haru... I...
Fuyuki: I don't... Want this...
Fuyuki: Hurting people... Haru will... Be disappointed in me...
Fuyuki: I want to be... with you too...
Fuyuki: I want to live... By Haru's side...!
Haru: Fuyuki!
Fuyuki: What Angra Mainyu said... is true...
Fuyuki: I think I was... Jealous of you... But even so...
Fuyuki: Haru, I want to live by your side! I want things to go back to the way they were...!
Fuyuki: I love you Haru! I have for a long time!
Haru: Yes! Me too! I love you too Fuyuki!
Angra Mainyu: Insignificant mortal, how dare you...
Angra Mainyu: Have you forgotten it was I who fulfilled your wish...?
Angra Mainyu: A-Agh!
Haru: Hey, what's that?
> Suddenly, a small light appears on Angra Mainyu's chest.
Angra Mainyu: What is this light...? It is inside me...!
Shiva: ! That light! Can it be?!
Haru: Whoa...
Haru: Hey, I can move my body!
Haru: Fuyuki, can you still hear me?!
Fuyuki: Yes, I hear you...! Haru's voice!
Angra Mainyu: Ugh, back off human...! You are weak!
> Each time Haru and Fuyuki call to each other, the light grows stronger.
Shiva: Yes, that is the great light of Shakti! There is no doubt!
Shiva: I can feel it! The aura of my consort Parvati!
Angra Mainyu: What...! Aaaagh!
> Just as Shiva shouts Parvati's name, Angra Mainyu's body shines brighter...!
Shiva: Now Haru! Take the one called Fuyuki by the hand!
Haru: Take his hand?!
Shiva: It is the only way to save the people here!
Haru: I'm not sure I understand... But this will save everybody, right?!
Shiva: Yes!
Haru: Well then...!
Haru: If this can save Fuyuki...!
Gakuto: Ririn, cover Haru!
Ririn: Got it Mister Meat!
Angra Mainyu: You shall not...!
Gakuto: You shall not! Pin him down!
> Angra Mainyu attacks Haru with Fuyuki's body, but Gakuto's demon blocks the way!
Gakuto: Now Haru!
Haru: Fuyukiiii!
Fuyuki: Haru...!
> Haru's hand touches Fuyuki's, and a bright light fills the entire space.
> A childhood memory springs into Haru and Fuyuki's mind...
Child Haru: C'mon Fuyuki! Quick!
Child Fuyuki: W-Wait for me Haru!
Child Haru: C'mon, over here!
> Haru waves his hands wildly, unaware of the snake descending from a tree branch...!
Child Fuyuki: Haru! Watch out!
Child Haru: Huh...?
Child Fuyuki: Ya!
> Just when the snake is about to strike Haru, Fuyuki shields him from it.
Child Haru: Fuyuki?!
Child Fuyuki: Ouch... Are you okay Haru?
Child Haru: I'm okay, but you're...
Child Fuyuki: I helped my favorite person in the world, so I'm okay.
Child Haru: You're the most important person to me too, so I don't want to see you get hurt...
Child Fuyuki: *Chuckle* You're so nice Haru.
Child Haru: So are you Fuyuki!
> The light envelops the scene of the forest...
Gakuto: Whoa, what's going on?!
Ririn: It's so bright, I can't see. But this light... It's kinda warm...
> After a while, the light subsides.
??? (Ardha): This form... What is happening...?
??? (Ardha): What happened to us...?
??? (Ardha): The two of us have truly become one, as have you two.
??? (Ardha): My name is Ardha, Ardhanarishvara in full.
Ardha: I represent perfect unity. I am the perfect being.
Ardha: Ardha...? This body?
Ardha: This is what we are now...?
Gakuto: Those voices... Are you two in there?!
Ardha: Yes! I don't know why, but I can feel Haru's presence close to me!
Angra Mainyu: Tsk, I did not anticipate being driven out like this...
Ririn: Huh?! Why's Angra Mainyu here?!
Ardha: When we became one, he was driven out of our union as a foreign object.
Ardha: I am Ardha, the Perfect One.
Ardha: You are imperfect, so you cannot win.
Ardha: Return to the depths of darkness from whence you came, Absolute Evil.
Angra Mainyu: *Cackle* What an unexpected ending.
Angra Mainyu: But not even you can erase me from existence, no matter how deep you bury me in the abyss.
Ardha: Begone!
Angra Mainyu: Aaaaaaaargh!
Angra Mainyu: One day, my time will come again!
Angra Mainyu: See you then, Shiva... Or should I say... Ardha!
Ardha: It is done...
> Another flash of light...
Haru: Whoa...
Fuyuki: h-Huh?
> Ardha blinks, then Haru and Fuyuki appear hand in hand.
Ardha: You have my thanks Haru. You as well, Fuyuki.
Ardha: My union would not have been possible without you.
Fuyuki: But I... I...
Fuyuki: Haru was all I really needed, but I became jealous. I wouldn't even admit it to myself...
Fuyuki: I am weak... Do I really...
Fuyuki: Do I really deserve to be with you Haru? Am I allowed to love you?
Haru: I don't care about those things.
Haru: As long as you're with me, I'm happy.
Fuyuki: Haru...
Ardha: The feelings you have for each other, that is the great light of Shakti.
Fuyuki: Huh...?
Ardha: Your feelings and your harmony is what summoned me. Have pride in it.
Ardha: But...
Ardha: It is a sad thing that the world of Man has yet to achieve perfect harmony, so people may shun your relationship.
Ardha: Nevertheless...
Ardha: My perfect union must be achieved in order to manifest.
Ardha: Your love for each other is true, my manifestation is a testament to that.
Ardha: Travel your own path, and find your own answers.
Ardha: Farewell, ye of gentle Harmony.
> Ardha shines again, and is gone in an instant.
Haru: I don't think I understand...
Fuyuki: Me neither. But... I'm glad.
Haru: Huh?
Fuyuki: Because now I know how you feel!
Haru: Fuyuki...
Ririn: Hey guys, I'd hate to break this up but...
Gakuto: Time to haul ass! This place is gonna fall apart!
Haru: Yessir!
> A short while after the incident with the evil god and the perfect deity who sealed it...
> Back at the Liberators hideout, Akihabara branch...
Haru: Hello everybody.
Fuyuki: H-Hi guys.
Gakuto: Haru and Fuyuki! What brings you here?
Megakin: Even though it was only for a short while, they were under the influence of Shiva, Angra Mainyu and Ardha.
Megakin: You never know what that can do to a person, so they'll be under the custody of the Liberators. Not here of course.
Ririn: Oh, I see.
Haru: And umm, we're officially a couple now.
Ririn: No surprise there.
Haru: Do you think it's... Odd?
Ririn: Oh sorry, that's not what I meant! I don't think it's odd at all!
Ririn: I mean, I'm into girls, so... Cute ones, to be exact.
Ririn: Maybe that's a bit different from what you guys have...
Ririn: But I know what I like and so do you, so I think it's great.
Gakuto: When I was a student, similar couples would hide their relationship from others, because they knew how they'd be treated if people found out.
Gakuto: Now a lot of countries and laws seem to be more in line with the times.
Gakuto: Not that that should matter. I just think you should do what you feel is right.
Gakuto: There are places in the world though where people still look upon these things negatively for religious reasons and stuff.
Megakin: That god Ardha said it too. The world's not a harmonious place.
Megakin: This could be what Ardha was talking about.
Seiran: But even in a world like this, everything'll be alright if you can find your own path.
Seiran: Someone once said, always be yourself. Always express yourself. Have conviction in yourself.
Seiran: Remember what Ardha said. Find your own way, travel your own path.
Haru: Yes... That makes sense!
Fuyuki: But...
Fuyuki: ...After we announced it, some people blatantly started avoiding Haru.
Fuyuki: But I guess that's not a bad thing cuz it gives us more time to be together.
Jeng Yun: That's a great way to think! Very positive.
Jeng Yun: If you guys ever feel lonely, I can always keep you company...
> Jeng Yun is just about to put his arm around Haru's shoulder when...
Fuyuki: ......
> Fuyuki swiftly takes him by the arm and gives him a nasty stare...!
Fuyuki: Just kidding.
Ririn: Dang! Don't ever do that again! I thought I was gonna have a heart attack!
Jeng Yun: Hahahaha! Nice moves Fuyuki!
Fuyuki: Aw, thanks!