The 27th chapter of the Shakugan no Shana X: Eternal Song manga series.
Despite his injuries, Illuyanka exerted himself one last time. Mathilde began to be overwhelmed by Merihim.
Summary[]
Merihim was shocked at the mortal wound to Illuyanka, his comrade. As his flames spouted out from his wound, Illuyanka praised Wilhelmina for setting up the vast ribbon Unrestricted Spell during the battle. Below him, Wilhelmina was using more ribbons to tow him further down the spire. Though Illuyanka could no longer muster a large scale use of Wall of Miasmal Screen, he still wanted to be of use to his master. Illuyanka used his smoke to hold down Wilhelmina, who was standing on his body, by the ankles, and twisted his body in order to snap the reinforced spire. Wilhelmina plummeted to the ground along with Illuyanka and rubble from the spire.
Merihim and Mathilde stood at the summit of the snapped spire. The ribbon tied to Mathilde's arm, which had been connected to Wilhelmina, was now severed. Merihim was angered at the mortal wound done to Illuyanka, but still wanted to fulfill the promise he had made with Mathilde. Illuyanka understood him, and like he had previously said, his master would welcome Mathilde to their side. Mathilde commented that this was due to Asiz harboring a love which overcomes races and births, like Merihim now did. Merihim stated that he wouldn't tell her to surrender, as she would never do so.
In an instant, Merihim was right in front of Mathilde. Mathilde blocked a sword swing as she jumped back, but was in pain from bracing herself with her injured leg. Merihim was assured that Mathilde would lose. Mathilde struck back but was quickly overwhelmed by Merihim's swings and was on the defensive, quickly manifesting another sword after being dispossessed. She found Merihim's strength remarkable, as he was supposed to be exhausted as well.
The seven Merihims surrounding Mathilde.
Merihim locked swords with Mathilde, now on the edge of the spire, and stated that with her current stamina and injuries, defeating Asiz was impossible. Her defeat was decided the moment she had faced the "Pair of Wings". Merihim was angered when he felt the presence of Alastor, who had changed his mind about saying something and remained silent. Merihim proclaimed his love for Mathilde again, making her blush. Due to his love, he had to stop her there or she would be killed by his master. Mathilde wondered why his feelings were never directed at Wilhelmina but to herself, boorish and knowing only of battles. She was suddenly flung forward due to Merihim withdrawing his sword. Mathilde was bewildered as seven Merihim clones formed a circle at the edge of the spire, each at an equal distance from her. The single Aeria flew above them.
Illuyanka disintegrating.
Below the spire, Wilhelmina crawled out from the rubble beside the motionless Illuyanka and picked up the cracked Persona mask. She was wounded and needed to recover her stamina quickly and help Mathilde. Wilhelmina said goodbye to her old enemy and Illuyanka's last words to her were a suggestion to give up on "him"; it was only causing her pain. Illuyanka bid farewell to Asiz and his body was reduced to embers which scattered away. Though Wilhelmina said that Illuyanka's statement was nosy, Tiamat thought it was valid. Wilhelmina hit her mask in annoyance.
Characters[]
- Illuyanka
- Merihim
- Wilhelmina Carmel
- Asiz (mentioned)
- Tiamat
- Mathilde Saint-Omer
- Alastor
Powers and Abilities Used[]
Unrestricted Spells[]
- Ribbons - Wilhelmina
- Wall of Miasmal Screen - Illuyanka
- Knights - Mathilde
Locations[]
Quotes[]
- Illuyanka (thinking): "She set up an Unrestricted Spell this vast during the battle—— splendid!"
- Merihim: "I won't tell you—— to surrender. You would never agree to. But know this, Mathilde Saint-Omer, my beloved. In the end, you will be defeated."
- Merihim: "I love you. Therefore, I won't let you go and get yourself killed by my master. I'll stop you here."
Mathilde: "If you restrict me too much, you'll give me an excuse to run away."
Merihim: "That doesn't matter. I won't let you get away." - Illuyanka (to Wilhelmina): "...Give up on him... it will only... cause you pain..."
- Wilhelmina: "...That's none of your business, indeed."
Tiamat: "Valid opinion."
Trivia[]
- Merihim acknowledged his previous conversation with Mathilde about their promise, in chapter 07.