Last Dawn

"Last Dawn" (最後のヒノデ) is the one hundred and twenty-first chapter of the Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign manga series, written by Takaya Kagami and illustrated by Yamato Yamamoto.

Synopsis
Yu and Mika drive to Mt. Fuji since Yu wants to climb it. In locating a hiding space, Yu also says they are about to start a battle that might get them killed so he and Mika should make some last memories. Considering it, Mika agrees to smile along with Yu.

Reaching the summit, they are about to save the world yet enjoy the view together at the same time. Happy, Yu means to see the dawn too and in doing so Mika states he will never forget what they looked at. They decide to bring everyone back and enjoy themselves to forget all the bad stuff they went through.

The vampire progenitors have subjugated Shibuya. Both Kureto and Shinya are imprisoned. Basteya oversees progress on spell circles for a thousand year plan involving the First. Urd observes Saito telling the imprisoned First that he is going to look into his past. Elsewhere, Yu and Mika are also ready to delve into the past.

Characters
List of characters in order of appearance:
 * Mikaela Hyakuya
 * Yūichirō Hyakuya
 * Guren Ichinose (unseen, mentioned only)
 * Ky Luc
 * Lest Karr
 * Urd Geales
 * Kureto Hīragi
 * Shinya Hīragi
 * Basteya Irclu
 * Hyakuya Sect Scientists
 * Shikama Dōji
 * Saitō

Summary
As Yu drives through what appears as a small town, Mika asks him where they are going. Grinning that it is a secret, Mika considers this. After Yu says for him to look forward to it, Mika answers he is looking forward to it, literally. The so called secret destination is looming in-front of them, and Yu is genuinely impressed that Mika already figured it out. Asking what is there to "figure out" Mika claims it is stupidly obvious as Mt. Fuji towers before them.

When Yu expresses his amazement how huge Mt. Fuji is, Mika says for him to use his inside voice. After Yu mentions how they say it is the biggest in Japan, it is something Mika knows, where he raises whether Yu realizes that. Right now however, Mika addresses how they cannot afford to draw attention to themselves, before also asking Yu what is with him and climbing to high places.

Mentioning how it is supposed to be a good hiding place too, Yu asks Mika whether he knows about the Sea of Trees at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Registering there is that, Mika questions is that a good hiding spot. Feeling probably, Yu details how Guren said something about how the magnetic fields there are pretty wacky, and that stuff goes weird with spells for some reasons. From the sound of it, Mika feels Yu does not remember a thing. While Yu comments how he never was that good with spells, Mika is also of the view that hiding in the forest sounds good, and they need time if they are going to pull that off.

Stopping at a few buildings nearer to the base of the mountain, Yu's keenness is picked up by Mika who says for him to hold on. Mika accuses him of clearly attempting to climb the whole mountain, to which Yu replies well, yes, they came this far so who wouldn't. Replying he wouldn't, Mika asks Yu does he remember the situation they are in, and who would climb the mountain right now.

Seeing his commence the walk, Mika questions whether Yu is seriously doing it. Hoping he is kidding, Mika asks why even bother. After Yu answers because it would be way more memorable if they did, Mika then asks why the hell do they need memories of climbing Mt. Fuji. In response, Yu details how they are about to start a battle that might just get them both killed, so why not make some last memories.

The gravity of the overall situation sinking in, Mika speaks the last memories words mentioned. Where it dawns on him, Yu talks enthusiastically for them to both have a blast climbing Mt. Fuji. Running back to the car, Yu thinks to bring some snacks before calling for Mika to come. Where Mika is quiet, Yu encourages him to smile.

Going along with it, Mika agrees to return Yu's high five. Walking along the trail together, Yu munches on some snacks as he and Mika head up Mt. Fuji. Along the way they speaks amongst themselves, where Yu points to something with Mika happy to engage with him.

Where there is the view of clouds in the sky around Mt. Fuji, nearing the summit Yu marvels how it is awesome. When Yu remarks it is so beautiful, Mika agrees it is pretty. The Mt. Fuji Summit Sengen Shrine is a building in the area which Yu prays before with Mika beside him. Mika asks Yu who does he pray to at this one. Yu answers god, probably, and Mika wonders which one. While Yu does not have a clue, he knows it is not the First. Having an idea, Mika suggests they pray to the First's enemies and they complete the namu invocations as part of that.

Knowing what to do, Yu leaps on top of the Shinto shrine, as Mika observes, to announce they made it. When Mika asks is he sure jumping up on that is not sacrilegious, Yu points out they have already been hit with all kinds of divine punishment. The whole world is wrecked too, so what does it matter. Feeling that is just like him, Mika finds Yu is always optimistic, which he agrees with.

They are about to start the fight to save the world, and keen on the idea, Yu shouts aloud to the sky to just watch, god, or angel, or devil, whoever it is, they are going to do this but good. Feeling he has a point, Mika notes how they cannot get any more cursed than they are already.

Saying for Mika to come up as well, Yu states the view is awesome. Happy to do so, Mika joins Yu atop the shrine. Sitting together, Yu says for Mika to look. Before them is the vast expanse of sky. Mika sees it and Yu beams whether he is glad that they came now. He is, and Mika adds he got to see Yu happy after all.

After Yu observes that he looks happy too, Mika guesses it has been a while since they had some fun. Bolstered, Yu adds if they have got to live might as well have fun, which Mika says is a good point. Framing it as saving the world while having fun, Yu continues to add that by the way he is staying up here until he gets to see his first dawn too. Wondering if he is serious, Mika checks if he is kidding. Speaking together on what only they can hear, Yu and Mika are happy.

True to what was wanted, the sky over Mt. Fuji darkens, before dawn rises as Yu and Mika remain beside one another. Content in watching the dawn rise, they witness the rising sun amongst the clouds before them. Saying Yu's name, Mika does not think he will ever forget this scenery they looked at together for the rest of his life.

Having a different view, Yu states they are going to win this fight and live so long that they will totally forget today. Continuing to raise Mika's spirits, Yu details how they will bring everybody back to life and have so much fun they will completely forget all the bad stuff they went through. At ease, Mika feels sure, if they can, yet Yu knows they can, where Mika comes to agree. Rising to his feet, Yu jumps into the air and announces they are going to do this. Before the rising dawn, Yu and Mika triumphantly raise their fists in the air.

Elsewhere in Shibuya, the capital of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army, the bodies of soldiers are spread across the ground. Motioning for their attention, Ky Luc calls for the humans to listen up. Survivors included the wounded are kneeling nearby as Ky Luc declares they have no interest in them. As long as they do not resist, Ky Luc affirms they will not kill them. After saying but, Ky Luc casts his hand back to send a force that slices through a building. As the upper building begins to slide down, soldiers are stunned. Ky Luc clarifies for every one human who resists, a thousand of them will die. After questioning if he is understood, Ky Luc reiterates his question. When the soldiers confirm yes, Ky Luc appears satisfied.

Having been watching this scene nearby, Lest Karr heads into a building to find Urd stood alone in the shadows. Lest Karr informs Lord Urd that Shibuya has completely fallen. Signalling the acknowledgement by raising his hand, Urd walks past prison bars.

Handcuffed and inside prison cells are Kureto and Shinya. After Urd makes his way past them, Shinya speaks to Kureto how this looks really bad. At this rate, humanity will be wiped out and Shinya thinks they need to find a way to contact Guren. As Kureto sits without a word, Shinya on the other side of the wall seeks a response and says for Kureto to not tell him that he is dead. Ordering him to shut up, Kureto claims he is thinking.

Stepping through some sliding doors, Urd enters a large spacious room. There are spell circle designs covering sections of the floor with Hyakuya Sect staff present in the room with a cage. Speaking with those gathered there, Basteya requests updates concerning progress on a section of the defensive sigil. It is complete, and after Basteya checks for another update, the people tending to that specific area respond that they are ready.

Addressing a member of those involved with this process, Basteya tells them to remember that the one they are fighting as a research subject is a god, it will be quite the battle. Any mistake will get all of them killed, and Basteya adds failure is not an option. If the Demon Army has any promising researchers, Basteya directs for them to be added to the Hyakuya Sect. Everything they have fought for over the last thousand years was for this moment. Stood nearby is Urd, who listens to this exchange conclude as it is said how the best effort is expected.

Turning, Basteya informs Lord Rigr that the defensive sigils are complete as the multiple spell circles begin to shine. A light apparently shimmers around the cage at the end of the room which Urd focuses on. A spike through his hand are one of many through the First's body that keep him pinned to the floor. Inside the cage with him, Saito stands above the head of Shikama Doji.

At the Sea of Trees, inside a cabin sits Yu with his eyes closed as Mika monitors him. When Mika asks if he is ready, Yu answers yes. Apparently concurrently, back in Shibuya at the First's cage, Saito tells him he is going to look into his past. Shikama Doji listens as Saito explains he will discover what he wants to protect, what his ultimate goal is, and is then going to destroy it. Crouching down and placing his hand above his face, Saito mentions that is the only way they have of escaping this curse that is Shikama Doji.

Intervening, Urd cautions Rigr to be careful which he pays attention to. Saito means to begin. From where they are, Mika places his hand on Yu's chest as he states it is time. Yu and Mika close their eyes with the intent to go to the past.

Quotes
"I am looking forward to it- Literally. It's looming right in front of us."

- Mika guesses the secret destination is Mt. Fuji after Yu mentions it is a secret that he can look forward to.

"Yes. I know. You do realize that. But right now we can't afford to draw attention to ourselves, right? And what is with you and climbing to high places?"

- Mika is aware Mt. Fuji is the biggest in Japan, then addresses how they need to avoid others tracking them, also a question given that Yu also wanted to climb Tokyo Tower.

"But I want to climb it. Just look at it! Wouldn't anybody want to?"

- Yu's enthusiasm for climbing Mt. Fuji.

"It's supposed to be a good hiding place too. Do you know about the big Sea of Trees at the foot of Mt. Fuji?"

- Yu has another reason for heading to Mt. Fuji and is aware of the surrounding location too.

"Guren said something about how the magnetic fields there are wacky... ...And that stuff goes weird with spells for reasons."

- Yu recollecting what Guren said about the area around Mt. Fuji.

"Well, hiding in the forest sounds good. We need time if we're going to pull that off."

- Mika supports entering the Sea of Trees around Mt. Fuji as a good plan considering their circumstances.

"Well, yeah. We came this far. So who wouldn't?"

- Yu was clearly trying to climb Mt. Fuji.

"We're about to start a battle that might just get us both killed. Why not make some last memories?"

- Yu without fear is conscious of what is ahead yet intends for him and Mika to enjoy themselves anyway.

"We've already been hit with all kinds of divine punishment. The whole world's wrecked too. What's it matter?"

- Yu unafraid of curses given that they have already been cast, and free being happy at reaching the peak of Mt. Fuji as he liked.

"That's like you, I guess. Always optimistic."

- Mika after asking whether Yu jumping on the shrine was sacrilegious, who responded they have already been affected by divine punishment.

"Just you watch! God or angel or devil or whoever you are! We're gonna do this, but good!"

- Yu is jubilant at reaching the peak, and calls to the sky to add to powerful entities in general that he and Mika are going to succeed.

"C'mon up here, Mika! The view is awesome!"

- Yu invites Mika to join him to view the scenery.

"Yeah. I am. I got to see you happy, after all."

- Mika is glad they came to Mt. Fuji and also heeds Yu's joy.

"There, see? If we've gotta live, might as well have fun."

- Yu in response to Mika observing it has been a while since they had fun.

"Yep! We're gonna save the world while having fun! By the way, I'm staying up here until I get to see my first dawn too."

- Yu's intention for the long, and short term where he will enjoy it as well.

"Yu? I don't think... ...I will ever forget this scenary... ...We looked at together for the rest of my life."

- Mika having sat beside Yu and watched the sun rise across from the height of Mt. Fuji.

"What? C'mon. We're gonna win this fight and live so long we'll totally forget today."

- Yu speaking to reassure Mika they will have further experiences ahead.

"We'll bring everybody back to life and have so much fun we'll completely forget all the bad stuff we went through!"

- Yu speaking to Mika on the path ahead.

"Okay! Humans! Listen up! We have no interest in you! As long as you don't resist, we won't kill you."

- Ky Luc assumes charge of the defeated soldiers of the Demon Army at Shibuya.

"For every one human who resists, a thousand of you die. Understood? I said... Am I understood?!"

- Ky Luc questioning Demon Army soldiers having cut a building in two.

"Lord Urd. Shibuya has completely fallen."

- Lest Karr reports to Urd having observed Ky Luc address the humans.

"This looks really bad, Kureto. At this rate, humanity will be wiped out. We need to find a way to contact Guren."

- Shinya imprisoned speaking to Kureto close by.

"Remember. The one we're fighting as a research subject is a god. It will be quite the battle. Any mistake will get all of us killed. Failure is not an option."

- Basteya aware of the plans for Shikama Doji guides others to enact plans.

"If the Demon Army has any promising researchers, add them to the Hyakuya Sect. Everything we've fought for over the last thousand years was for this moment."

- Basteya thinks to bring in defeated enemy researchers as they remain comitted to a plan long in the forming.

"The defensive sigils are complete... ...Lord Rigr!"

- Basteya updates Saito when the spell circles are activated.

"I'm going to look into your past... ...First. I will discover what you want to protect... ...What your ultimate goal is... ...And then I'm going to destroy it."

- Saito speaking to Shikama Doji who is restrained, and apparently able to access his past memories.

"That's the only way we have... ...Of escaping this curse that is you."

- Saito meaning to destroy Shikama Doji's plans and referring to him as a curse.

Cover Details
The feature image for Chapter 121 involves an in-universe scenario, it takes place three pages into the story. Yu and Mika are driving, where Mt. Fuji is prominently featured both for the image and to answer where the so-called secret destination was. Within a different vehicle than the one seen in the previous chapter 120 "The Price of Appetite" this location has been sought as a hiding space, of which changing vehicles helps throw off any pursuers. Yu and Mika drive past what appear to be terraced houses on either side of the road. Shrubbery and sign posts are features. There are many decorative lanterns present, styled with presumably Mt. Fuji mountain designs on top of each of them. What may be signposts overhead in the road would have their directions viewable to those driving away from Mt. Fuji. The mountain itself directly ahead is capped with snow.
 * After escaping from Guren and Shinoa squad, it is shown that Yu and Mika have headed to Mount Fuji.
 * Where the Seraph of the End world is based on that of the real world, the location of Mt. Fuji is seen in the series.
 * The Sea of Trees, also known as Aokigahara is also introduced to the series.
 * Although not seen, at some point in the past Yu and Guren had a conversation about the area around Mt. Fuji.
 * Where magic exists in the Seraph of the End world, it is commented how the magnetic fields and other factors are irregular around Mt. Fuji with spells also affected by such forces.
 * It is revealed that the Sea of Trees around Mt. Fuji has been chosen as a hiding spot for Yu and Mika to explore memories of the past in their goal to resurrect all of humanity.
 * A sign reading Mt. Fuji 5th Line Station Entrance shows the pathway Yu and Mika take to the summit. The elevation is shown to be 2,400m (7,874ft).
 * This is the second time Yu desired to climb something, the first being in Chapter 119: "Our Goals". On this occasion, Yu wanted to create potentially some last memories with Mika given a battle that might result in their deaths was anticipated.
 * Unsure why Yu would want to climb the mountain more so when they should remain inconspicuous, Mika seemingly realized their situation after Yu mentioned the amount of memories they could make might be limited.
 * One of the snacks apparently acquired from the food storehouses in Ikebukuro has English like text resembling "SOYBOY" on its package. A company named SoyBoy produces tofu based products.
 * Around the summit of Mt. Fuji is the Sengen Shrine. Where other buildings throughout the world have sustained at least some form of damage, the man-made structures around the top of Mt. Fuji are unscathed.
 * Finding himself before the shrine, Yu begins praying. Given that he answers he was praying to god probably, Yu may have had his hands together in a moment of calmness rather than outright praying to a specific deity.
 * When asked which god, Yu had no idea but rejected the idea he would pray to the First, Shikama Doji.
 * Although there is the idea to pray to the First's enemies, if such beings are known, real or not, their names are not mentioned.
 * Mika joins in Yu in praying to the First's enemies.
 * The "Namu" words spoken are words of praise in Japanese Buddhism.
 * When Yu stands atop a shrine to enjoy the view and take delight in reaching the summit, he has no concerns of sacrilege given that divine punishment has already been enacted before on the world. He is happier enjoying himself in the moment and being committed to the plan to save the world.
 * Mika comments how Yu is always optimistic.
 * Yu speaking aloud to a god, angel, or devil is perhaps not an indication he is addressing one, rather displaying his enthusiasm for how he and Mika are going to succeed in their plan.
 * Mika is also glad he joined Yu in the Mt. Fuji climbing venture as he got to see him happy. Yu is also attentive to how Mika appears happy.
 * For all the bad experiences they have endured, Yu not only means to save the world but also have fun doing so.
 * Where he wanted to do so, Yu indeed stayed the night on Mt. Fuji to see the dawn.
 * Viewing the sun rise, Mika spoke how he would never forget such scenery that he at Yu looked at together for the rest of his life.
 * From the First stirring in Shibuya in Chapter 76: "Age of Immortals" to the Hyakuya Sect attack on the city in Chapter 80: "Lightning over Shibuya" although the Japanese Imperial Demon Army led by Kureto in Chapter 91: "Orphan Prince" were seemingly victorious in having the Hyakuya Sect retreat with the First sealed, the city would fall to another faction, that of the vampire progenitors led by Urd. The Demon Army is at the mercy of Ky Luc, Lest Karr, and Urd, who are all more concerned with Saito's plan for Shikama Doji.
 * Evidently Ky Luc was tasked with establishing order over the humans in Shibuya, where Lest Karr relays the development to Urd.
 * Ky Luc's method of ensuring no one rebels is to threaten to kill a thousand for every one human who resists.
 * Both Shinya and Kureto are seen again, having last been unconscious and prisoners of Urd in Chapter 106: "I Am Your...". Both conscious yet imprisoned, Shinya thinks to contact Guren out of concern that humanity will be wiped out.
 * Where Basteya was last seen unconscious in Chapter 81: "Fallen Wings" they are present and active again in chapter 121 assisting with Saito's plan for the First.
 * Perhaps knowing more about Saito's plans than any others seen so far, Basteya is aware they are against a god in Shikama Doji in a plan prepared over the last thousand years.
 * Promising researchers from the Demon Army are to be added to the Hyakuya Sect. This direction comes from Basteya who operates at a level where they can enact such a plan for an enemy force they recently went to war against.
 * Shikama Doji remains pinned to the floor as he was when being transported in Chapter 117: "Of Monsters and Demons"
 * There exists a cabin in the Sea of Trees that Yu and Mika have based themselves in. Yu gathers himself for him and Mika to check the past together.
 * In saying that he is going to look into Shikama Doji's past, Saito appears able to do this in a manner that does not seem to involve a demon. Furthermore, it is a means that can access the First's past.
 * Destroying what Shikama Doji wants to protect is Saito's means of freeing himself from the curse that is the First himself in his words.

Gallery
Manga panels provide a visual overview of the events of chapter 121 with depictions of the characters, Seraph of the End world and scenarios.

Overall
To view the events of chapter 121 in the overall Owari no Seraph story view Owari no Seraph Manga Story by Chapter: Chapter 121