While Noboru was taunting it, Rui used Sukukaja on himself to make sure he was able to move quickly enough... Or at least, try to keep up with the mantis. The mantis though didn't really take Noboru's taunt too kindly, and before he could do a thing, he was struck with a deep slash across his body. Intense pain, followed with relief was what Noboru experienced as Leiko was ready to heal anyone who got struck, the first person just happened to be Noboru. Matthew attempted to carpet bomb the area with a Maragi, but somehow the mantis avoided most of it, and took minimal damage. With Sukukaja cast, Rui attempted to go in and strike it down, but each of his attacks were evaded, and he only managed to just barely avoid the mantis' counter-attacks. It didn't look good, the mantis was able to almost immediately take them down with a single attack, and it didn't seem to have used it's stronger moves yet. Although good news had come.

"I got it! It's weakest when it attacks, and it depends on slashing rather than power, if you block it's attacks, it should stagger", she informed. Rui knew who to look to for this. He turned to the man with the fists,

"Noboru, you're up", taunt and parry basically. It seemed to be responsive to taunts, though as is, Noboru wasn't fast enough to see it coming. He immediately cast a Sukukaja on Noboru too, to ensure he could.

It was only a matter of seconds until the waiter (Tanaka, was it?) had arrived at their table, sopping up the spilled coffee with a towel. Sato looked back over at Otonashi, concerned over if she was scalded by the spill. Based on the shriek of pain and stain on her white (oh god) dress, it was rather obvious that the girl had not gotten out unscathed from the incident. He felt like he needed to help with something, but all he could do was stand away from the table, his fingertips throbbing, as the two teens before him cleaned up his own mess.

To Sato’s surprise, Otonashi inquired about his well-being, despite herself taking the brunt of the accident. He couldn’t help but frown. ”I’m fine, just a bit of a singe.” Sato shuffled some of the books on the table away from the blast zone, just to feel like he wasn’t just watching. ”I doubt you’re as well-off as I, Otonashi. I’m, sorry. Again. Really sorry. I’ll compensate if your dress is ruined, if you want.” Ergh, he felt so bad. And everything was going so smoothly, having so casually played off his apparently false assumption and everything. ”You should probably make sure there isn’t any kind of serious burn or anything. N-not here, obviously, but even though it’s just coffee…” Sato rubbed his hand subconsciously, the waiter’s offer of using the back sink ever so tempting. But he wasn’t the one that needed it. But, well, it’s not like Otonashi could put her thighs under a running tap in a public café without getting a bit more than stares…

It was as Sato was visualizing how awkward it would be to wash your thighs in a sink did a large man burst out from behind him and the waiter, pushing both of them out of the way as a result. Sato nearly stumbled back into the table, which would have likely have caused the mess to get yet larger. It took the teen a minute, but he recognized the man as a fellow third-year from Warakuma High. They’d met at Drama practice. Sato couldn’t help but remember that cigarette smell as he watched Alexai whip out some kind of powder that was apparently going to help with the scald and stain. Sato turned back to the waiter, brow furrowed. ”It was my fault I knocked it over. I’ll only fair that I’m the one to pay for a new one. My apologies for causing such a disturbance.”

Noboru recovered quite quickly from the staggering attack. He raised his arms and walked forward again, chuckling while he did so.

"Ahahaha. Awwwww. Who's a good little bug? Ahahaaha."

Noboru braced himself, now barely able to keep speed with the mantis. The mantis turned to respond to the taunt, dashing forward with the impending doom of being slashed. At the last second, he dodged backwards, setting the mantis off balance and giving him a chance to counter attack.

"DEAD ON!" Noboru, yelled out, bringin up his persona to slam its fists downwards onto the mantis, pinning it in place, even if it was for only a few seconds.

"CMON CMON CMON CMON HIT IT!" Noboru attempted to keep it down while the rest of the group readied an attack.

Toma Tanaka - May 3rd | Shinza Shopping Square - Yoshida Book Cafe

Toma bit his lip as he finished wiping up all the coffee that hadn't landed on anyone. He eyed the stain on the girls lap, and saw the discomfort in her face, but he wasn't sure how he should help -- he couldn't exactly wipe it up for her, after all. At least not without coming off as a pervert.

Alexei, thankfully, came barreling through, and seemed to know exactly what to do, something that Toma was extremely grateful for.

He nodded, more to himself than to anyone else, upon hearing the big man's words -- they needed water to treat burns, obviously, so Toma decided he should get some to her. He quickly went back behind the counter, grabbed a bucket, and placed it under the sink, turning the cold water on to fill it up. While waiting for that, he took another towel and ran it under the stream of water before bringing it back to the girl.

"Here you go, Miss," Toma said as he held it out, an easy smile on his face to try to help keep everyone calm. "You can clean yourself off and cover any burns with this." Despite how relaxed his voice and body language was, there was a touch of concern that bled through.

Toma looked over at the young man and gave a small laugh. "Don't worry about it, accidents happen. And I'd say you've already paid enough for yours," the red-haired said with a sympathetic smile, giving the other boy a light tap on the shoulder. "I'll get you another as soon as we make sure she's okay."

With that, Toma went back to the sink, turning off the faucet and picking up the full bucket. He brought it over and set it down on the table next to the girl, for her to soak the towel in whenever it lost most of its water. He took a step back to give her and Alexei some space, the extent of what he could do to help being done.

Sunday, May 3^rd, 2015

Warakuma Park

"Just like this" Rikimaru said as he tossed him one his weapons. "The basics are simple, hit them with the pointy end." It was clear that Gen hadn't ever held a weapon before today.

There was so much to teach, how to stand and move, striking with your body verse your arms. The list was endless. Still no matter how good you get or how strong you are, the basics always win out in the end.

For the next while, or until Gen says anythung about it, Rikimaru would teach until Gen Either got it or he couldn't take any more information in.

Sunday, May 3^rd, 2015

Warakuma Park

"Wait, what do you mean hit the- ah!" Being tossed a weapon is never a nice thing, especially for someone who has never held one. Gen dodged it as best as he could, landing on his backside and with the kama resting at his feet. A close call. Good thing the grass was soft; spring has saved someone's derriére once again! Still, Gen looked a bit wary now. "You could've handed it to me..." He pouted, taking the handle and raising it up to eye-level.

A swing was all it took. Gen brought slowly slashed the air in a horizontal motion, his arm extended yet not fully so in order to avoid clashing with Rikimaru. It was a trigger. The weapon triggered a succession of thoughts locked inside Gen's mind. The kama was a weapon, weapons are used to kill. Kill. Kill like those cowardly thieves that kill his father, letting him to die, bleeding on the floor after protecting his own son from death, embracing it himself instead.

The first year's eyes widened as much as they were allowed to, and his hand loosened its grip on the kama, letting it once more to fall on the soft grass. A frightened gasp escaped his mouth as his knees were about to give, his legs wavering back to the picnic table. His widened gaze was fixed on the killing object, its sharp end thristy for blood, demanding its favored drink with the most malicious voice that had ever been heard, crackling with laughter. Gen's body started shaking, his breathing ragged and irregular. "I... I..." He closed and opened his mouth several times, but could not find the proper way to say it. What was he even trying to say? I am sorry? I cannot go on? I have to leave? "Rikimaru-san, I... don't like those things."

==~==

Mako decided today that he needed coffee something fierce. Something strong, preferably. It had to be someplace new, though- he'd already gone to the Cosplay Cafe multiple times in the past few weeks, and they might be getting tired of him by now. So it was that he found himself wandering around Ferrero Mall, looking for someplace new to satisfy his caffeine craving. One place in particular, finally, caught his attention.

A book cafe? Mako wasn't much of a reader- not because he was unintelligent, but he preferred other avenues of entertainment over books most days. Still, he was somewhat lacking in said other avenues at the moment, and there was always the chance that he'd find one of the rare books that really interested him. And, more to the point, coffee. He walked into the shop, and was confronted with a rather awkward scene. He winced slightly in sympathy for the girl's predicament- depending on how hot that coffee staining her clothes was, the stain itself was likely the least of her worries.

He recognized Sato and Alexei, helping the unfortunate girl out, though he was less certain about whether or not he knew the girl or the waiter. The girl did look familiar, though... hmm. Maybe he was just seeing correlations where they weren't there. Regardless, he should allow the staff and customers some space to get their affairs in order. He took a seat some distance away, but he still couldn't help glancing over at the debacle. One member of the group in particular.

He didn't understand why his mind was so fixated on Sato since the incident at the other cafe- he still felt the need to apologize for the situation that had occurred, despite his attempts to convince himself that he had nothing to apologize for, that it was that other bastard that had caused the situation to turn uncomfortable. And yet... maybe he was just... concerned? Maybe he wanted to make a show of support?

...Maybe he should just wait for someone to come take his order and stop fixating on people he didn't really know.

Jun looked up from her book when she heard a shrill shriek pierce through the silence of the cafe. Some girl had spilled coffee on her clothes and gotten scalded, it seemed. While the staff were cleaning up the mess and tending to her, Jun removed her jacket and headed over.

"If it helps, Princess, you can have my jacket to cover the stains." She offered, bowing slightly with a charming smile, her Casanova mode engaged. "I hate to see such beauty marred by a mere stain. I would offer more had I anything else to give."

With words that might have belonged to the Drama Club rehearsing their plays, Jun passed along a jacket and returned to her table. As she passed by her stalkers at their own table, she offered a smirk and a condescending glare that seemed to taunt them about their lack of game.

With the chance Noboru had given them, the party laid into the Mantis with all they had, it's blades broke, it's shell cracked and shattered, and it's entire body lit aflame. It stood no chance once it was caught. After some moments it shrieked in agony, before turning back into shadowy dust.
"Good work! The way should be clear now", and it was so. The party agreed to keep moving, and they moved onto an area filled with portraits, or rather, a straight hallway upstairs. The entire path also looked a little like a runway... As they stepped through, the party could hear a voice.

"Take this for good luck, with it, I'm sure you'll pass the audition! ... I'm proud of you...", after the 'I'm proud of you', there was an inaudible mumble, like a name... In any case, they would find out who it was they are rescuing at the end of this.

"This is... This is to the final floor",

"Understood, entering now", the party wasn't going to stop. As they ascended the stairs, they were met with a new sight. Rui facepalmed himself as he recognized who it was in the center of this camera-filled room. It was that girl, Chiaki, and now he remembers where he saw her before that, she was a model and he'd seen her a few times in magazines. But it looked like something was going down between Chiaki and... Another Chiaki? Likely her Shadow.

The party had arrived, they were just in time for the grand finale. A girl turned around to greet them all, that girl was Chiaki...?

With a happy smile she waved to them all, rather happily.
"Oh good gracious me! Ya'll all came to save me?! Quick! That evil beastie that tried to capture me is restoring is pow'as in that bulb right there! Ya'll better kill it while its vulnerable right!? C'mon, make it quick! Then lets all get outta this wretched place, hehehe!" She pointed at a glass bulb like object. It seemed as if somebody was inside. It wasn't exactly clear who though.

The party looked hesitant.
She started to tap her foot with impatience.
"Come ooooooooon! I don't have all day!"
She rolled her eyes and began to sing.
"Hanging, beheading, firing squad, boiling, drowning, electrocution,
burning, live burial, poison, stoning, sawing, or crucifixion,
just pick the one you like. ♪

As long as you hurry it and execute that li'l' wretch. It can't be that hard, just use your fancy pants powers and hop to it already."

Raising her gaze towards the blond teen from her stained skirt, Shizuka waved her free hand in a negative gesture to his apologetic offer for replacing her dress. "I-It's alright, there is no need to. I-I can easily replace the skirt area since I sewed this dress myself." While she soaked the tissues onto the excess, dripping coffee to prevent further damage, she directed her arm towards the counter with the sink. "Um... It might just be a bit of a singe, but please help yourself to the sink ahead. O-Oh, of course, I'll inspect it in a more private setting later, perhaps a nearby bathroom." Slightly embarrassed from the other's equally flustered suggestion, the female student quickly turned her gaze back to cleaning up her own mess.

Before too long, Alexei, Toma and a girl she knew not of, who Shizuka felt would have looked great cosplaying as a male approached with objects to offer help to the raven haired girl. A talcum powder, towel and bucket filled with water, and a jacket. Bowing and thanking each one with a grateful, "T-Thank you for your kindness!", Shizuka cleaned up the coffee stain on her dress as much as she could with the towel and water from bucket, covering the affected area with the talcum powder, and tying the jacket around her waist to hide the light stain. Dealing with her possible burn on her thighs can be done later, maybe buying an ointment to help with burns at the pharmacy later was a good idea.

After the clean up of the mess, Shizuka started to tear a little at how generous these strangers were, rubbing her hand at her hidden eyes. It might be the second time that Alexei may have given her assistance but the other two were total strangers, one of whom even offered her own jacket to hide the stain. Sato might have caused the little accident but he seemed genuinely concerned and apologetic, in contrast to the indifferent girls back at the Golden Week sale. She might have been a little too emotional but her feeling of appreciation was there as she turned herself towards the individuals who showed her kindness. "I-I'm truly grateful for what you've done for me, I-I hope to return them in kind if I may."

The teen wasn't sure how she could do so, maybe pay for their bill or book purchase? Whatever it may be, it was up to them if they wanted to take up on her offer while Shizuka waited, beaming a gentle smile.

Alexei shook his head at her words and dismissed them with a strained smile. "There is no need to return anything, it was no favor. Just genuine concern, should you need help in future don't hesitate to ask." he said gently before leaving the table to give them more space. The rice would have cooked till now, he checked on them and then put the seaweed on boil. It was time to cut the fish which had been kept deboned and cleanly.

Sharpening two knives against each other like some restaurant chef, he quickly and expertly began slicing the fish as rice were transferred into a pot of vinegar.

Meanwhile, a new customer had walked in and Elena had noticed him.Just then the guy she was waiting on decided to throw the onus on her, her eyebrows twitched at the response but she displayed no emotion on her glass face before smiling a bit with a nod of agreement. He was probably like those people who couldn't decide on one thing. Watching videos over the internet and practicing in the club she was in, Elena had a fair idea of Latte art, she thought that maybe that would be a good surprise for the male.

She sauntered over to the new boy and asked politely in her honey sweet voice.

"What would you like to order, sir?"

---

Raising a brow curiously at the girl's lack of response, Masa would merely match the nod as his attention returned to the event transpiring within the café. It was rather entertaining, seeing the unfamiliar faces go about their routine as they were. Though near the same age as himself, their actions felt foreign to him. How was it they had time to enjoy themselves in such a manner? Even one of them held a job here, and he was not as ragged and worn as Masahide was- even now. Despite how hard he tried to wrap his head around it, nothing made sense to the young man. With an annoyed sigh, he'd shift in his seat- his eyes idly scanning over the other patrons.

It was then that he noticed something... The one who had called her Shizuka had several others attending to her. Why, he wasn't exactly sure, but all he could is chuckle under his breath. Still, his attention gravitated to the male from earlier, the one currently attending the others. Despite his calm and collected nature, Masa couldn't help but feel compelled to provide assistance. But how? And in what way? Seeming agitated at first, an idea came to mind... Subtle though it was, he would help. Standing from his seat, he'd reach down into the pockets of his pants as he withdrew his wallet, stepping up to the counter, he'd idly lean against it as he began taking stock of the place around him.

Of course, this wasn't his true intention, as he lifted from his position. As he turned to make his way to the exit, one would be able to see some 5,000 yen upon the counter. He'd taken care to place a small coin over the bill(s) to keep it in place, finding himself walking past the scene from earlier. Idly he'd pat the red haired waiter on the shoulder, his gaze falling to Shizuka. He seemed oblivious of the events that had transpired, having zoned out shortly before everything happened. As such, he'd offer a polite bow of his head, uttering "It was nice to see you again," before heading towards the door.

As he approached the door and the new comer who had entered, he'd take a moment to address the one who had taken his order earlier, "Scratch that order. I'm going to be heading out," and with that, he'd make his way to the door and began his trek away.

==~==

Mako jumped slightly at the voice that sounded near him, as he was quite clearly ignoring his own edict to mind his own business. He turned to see a waitress, patiently waiting for his order. He paused as his brain rebooted, then started slightly as he came to his senses.

"Oh! Uh..." He paused again, momentarily, as he thought about his order. "Um, I'll take an Americano, if you've can. Maybe a cortado...? No, yeah, the Americano sounds more my taste today." He paused again, glancing over at the group gathered around the suspiciously-familiar girl.

"Er... do you think... they need help with anything? I feel kinda callous for being the only one not going over there to lend some assistance. Then again, looks like they have enough people, I'd probably just be crowding them..." He turned back to the waitress. "What do you think?"

Ryan Alon: Outside of Book Cafe

May 3rd, Sunday, 2015

Ryan stared at the book cafe with apprehension. Was he really ready to just dive headfirst into the world of making friends again? It seemed like every time he did he failed miserably. Everything was just taken away. Why should he even try anymore? "Forget it. I'm just going to go in for a drink. No friends needed." Ryan said to himself with a sad smile. He wiped his face of any sadness and opens up the door. The cafe looked pretty packed but there were a few tables for him. He went to an empty table and sat down to wait for a waiter. 'Heh. Waiting for a waiter. Good one.' Ryan giggled a little to himself.

He watched an amusing scene involving some friends and spilled coffee and laughed. Quietly of course, he didn't want to draw attention to himself. 'I wonder what I'll order? Probably something iced. I don't want to get burnt like her.' Ryan pondered what he would drink and decided on an iced cappuccino. 'I hope they accept debit cards. Actually, I have money on me.' He pulled his wallet out and frowned. 'Why do I have American money with me? Damn I need to think things through more. Oh wait, here's the yen.' Ryan looked at his watch and sighed. Service here was slow. And he was getting bored. 'Maybe I should get a job. It looks like they need help around here judging by the lack of waiters. Or is it servers around here? Japan is a strange place.' Ryan took another look at his watch. And he waited.

Rui didn't say a word, but he was sceptical. He looked at the figure in the bulb, and then back to... This girl. She looked like someone, but she didn't seem like she needed 'rescuing'... In any case, the figure inside the bulb was still a matter of concern. He approached it carefully as the shadow was talking... Until she mentioned 'fancy pants powers'. In an instant he turned and summoned his persona to slash down on the girl's position.

"We didn't use our Personas at all this floor... There's no way an actual person would know about these yet", he said. He turned and busted the bulb open, freeing the girl within... He recognized her. It was Chiaki.

"Guys watch out!", everyone felt an overwhelming presence, but the shadow had not yet transformed, she was striding towards Chiaki who was recovering on the floor, taunting her as she did. Everyone jumped when they felt the pressure, even their navigator felt it, but then again, feeling that was her job. In any case, it looked like things were about to be decided, whether this was going to be another fight... Or not. It was likely going to be another fight, so Rui prepared himself as did the rest of the party.

Noboru sat in shock the entire ordeal. He couldn't believe it. It gnawed at the back of his mind that it was Chiaki, but he doubted that little whisper the entire time, even when the facts were laid out in front of him. He froze in place, unsure what to do. He knew the Chiaki that layed inside the glass bulb was real, and the one that talked was fake. He still doubted it though. Even when Rui went to free the real Chiaki, he flinched, wondering how close Rui was cutting the slice. He would've done it himself but he was too frozen in place, unsure of what to do. His mind raced at the speed of sound, unable to think clearly. Noboru shakily readied himself, ready to fight, if it called for a fight.

Memories of her past were flooding into Chiaki, situations of embarrassment, horror and sadness. She began to deeply remember the reason she hid her true feelings and self away from anyone she had ever met. It felt like an endless nightmare.
Her emotions began to well up inside of her when suddenly her dream shattered and she awoke. Quickly regaining her consciousness, she found herself in a horrifying place, was she still in a nightmare?

"Sheezus, ya'll are finally awake? Some princess you are, sleeping around while your friends come to save you." Said an ominous voice, when her vision has finally cleared, she was horrified to see the voices come from... Her own mouth. The being in front of her appeared to be just like her in everyday, the accent aside.

"Whe-"
"Where am I? What's going on? Won't somebody please help little ol' me? Geez get a grip you loser. It's not like you're close enough for anybody to care about you. Nobody cares where you are, or what's happening to you!" The being began to taunt her with harsh words... Words Chiaki felt were honest and true. They were hard to hear. Slowly crawling back, Chiaki managed to distance herself and find the strength to stand up. Glancing around, she noticed a few other people were here, she recognized some of them, Rui, Riku, that pervert Matthew and... Noboru?! What on earth were they all doing here?

The accent drifted away. The being stopped its charade, it began a full assault on Chiaki and her emotions.
"What on earth are you gawking at? These loser aren't here to save you! They had no idea you were even here. No matter how much you try to make yourself known, nobody will understand, care or notice you. Your parents never did. Ahaha! What kind of a daughter are you if your parents don't even love you? A failure and a nobody of course! Ahaha!" Pressing her hands on her ears Chiaki closed her eyes and refused to listen. "No! Stop! You don't have a clue what you're talking about! My parents love me! I'm close to everybody I meet!" The being laughed rather loudly and walked to the center of the room. Raising up its arms it dazed into a bright spotlight that shined down on itself. "You haven't figured it out yet? Geez, what a dip. I'm you, and you're me. I'm a shadow. Except, I'm the one hundred-percent real you, and you're just a hand me down fake, that makes you the real shadow sweety. The eyes of the Shadow gleamed gold, its costume faded away, the dress that was once there fell apart and it became quite bare, it now was wearing nothing but a black rose bra that is tied by thorns. adorned bottoms that are a thorn bush with black roses. Its hair became a single braid that contained dying flowers in it.
"Feast upon me with your eyes! This is what you all want right?! I know it is! My body is the only reason anybody ever had faith in me! Even that old bat that kicked the bucket knew as much!" Chaiki opened her eyes and ran in front of the shadow, stretching her arms out to hide the shadow behind her. Looking at Noboru, she pleaded with them to turn away.

"No! Don't look! Don't listen! I'm not like that at all! It's not me... Please..." Chiaki turned her head to look at the shadow. "You're not me! You're nothing like me and can't ever possibly resemble me!"

A small smirk grew on the shadows face. "Ahahaha, these words. Oh how I've longed for them! Aw, sweetie! As If I even wanted to be you, I'm ma own person now honey!" The shadow began to laugh psychotically. A strange black and red aura began to burn around it. Its' form shifted into something enormous.

"AHAHAHA! I'm going to crush you like the measly garden worms ya are!
Once I'm done here, ya'll better believe everybody will rememba' every inch of me! I'll finally stop pretending to be such a ditzy retard!"

The shadow began its assault on the party.

Noboru blinked. He blinked once and twice and a third time. What was happening? Was this real? It had to be a dream of some sort. Or more of a nightmare. One which he was unable to wake up from. Chiaki didn't really have anything to hide did she? He never found any faults when he talked to her. Noboru was shocked. He couldn't even think of anything witty. What was he to say to her? He couldn't insult her, but he couldn't think of any encouragement. What was he to say to the girl he liked, without mucking it up. He only thought of one thing. His head turned towards Chiaki, and he spoke up.

"Listen. We're here for you. No matter what that piece of shit says, it ain't true. Relax. We can handle this."

He took a stance for himself, ready to fight and take orders from Rui.

Everyone began to back up away and get a better position, but surprisingly Noboru had stayed timid. Or rather, he was less hot-headed than other instances. It looked like he had some relationship with Chiaki. In any case...

"Me and Noboru will take the front lines and spread out. Leiko stay on support and healing, Matthew assault it with spells from long range", he ordered. As he rushed in with Noboru alongside him he gave a brief bit of advice.

"We don't know what it can do yet, be ready to evade or defend", he said, proceeding to run to a flank while casting Sukukaja on himself. This shadow was large, so it was likely to use large area of effect skills, or similar... Staying spread out meant they had the best chance of avoiding as much of that area of effect as possible. On the other hand, it should have ways to defend itself being largely stationary, so they had to be cautious.