The battle dragged on, with the party dodging with relative ease and someone occasionally making futile attempts at attacking it. It wasn't until Ayano finished her anaylsis of the shadow did they finally have some kind of plan. Now that Sato looked at the shadow more closely, he noticed the key sticking in its cuffs. Rui had the greaty idea of just kind of hitting it.

It worked through, because, through Rui's barrage of attacks boosted with the swiftness of a Sukukaja, the key seized up the shackles. The shadow fell to the ground, a tremendous crash, as it was too restricted by the now tightened shackles. As Rui ordered them to attack ASAP, Sato took note of the key's fidgetting. If they hadn't locked it early enough, could the shadow have opened it further? That would of been scary to say the least, considering the amount of power they felt behind its attacks.

Regardless, it was their time to strike now. Sato summoned his persona, swinging his arm in an overly dramatic fashion. "Chronos!" He breathed, and a violent gust of wind struck the shadow. In combination with the flash of lightning, their assault took that breath away.

Upon believing that she was finally out of Mako's range of sight, Shizuka released a sigh of relief. But not a moment later, she caught her breath when it seemed that no one was currently attending the cash register. As if on cue, a familiar voice spoke from behind the troubled teen which caused her to jump slightly in response before turning to face the very person she was attempting to avoid. "Um... I-I'm quite alright, t-thank you for your concern." The voice was soft, too soft compared to the tone of voice she used when speaking as a waitress in the cafe.

With gaze lowered towards the ground, the raven tresses hid most of her features from the other teen. The manga was wrapped around her arms tightly before her, arms squeezing together in anxiety. Shizuka's lips parted once more and added, "T-The cashier seems to be unavailable, s-so..."

The party's focused attack was a success. The shadow heaved over, the key just barely keep it restrained, it was time for the final blow. Rui charged straight at the shadow, summoning Askr as he did so, the team loosed another volley of spells at the same time, synchronizing the attacks with his charge, slashing the shadow across the chest with a Mighty Swing. The attacks found their mark and the shadow was defeated, slumping to the ground before disappearing into a black mist, like all other shadows.

Ayano's navigation would tell her that the room ahead was where she was sensing their rescue target, whoever it was. After everyone caught their breath, they wasted no time to keep moving.

As they entered the doors that led to the final room, or rather, it led first to a hallway. They spotted a hallway leading left. Ayano fed them information that that was the pathway she picked up before they entered the dungeon. Apparently it leads to the other dungeon... Convenient, strangely so, but there was no use questioning it. If they were done soon enough on this end, they could immediately go and reinforce the other team.

Regardless, the party moved onto the final room... What they saw before them was an office, more specifically the warden's, it said so on the door. It was a pretty spacious office too, big enough to fight in without worry... The party looked towards the center of the room, and there their target was, sitting there... There was no mistaking that hair, Rui recognized who it was. It was Ryan, from the manga club, and as expected in front of him was his shadow.

@floodtalon



After a grueling battle, the party finally managed to take down all the shadows, it took quite some time, so they were worn out...


"Maybe you should take a quick rest first... There's no rush, it appears Rui's team has managed to make it to their target already. If they finish soon enough you guys can get some help from them",

"Ugh... Fine...", Kazuki didn't seem to like the prospect, but it appears he knew still what was best. So it was time to rest for the time being... Kazuki wasn't exactly the best leader, but he was a great fighter, very self-driven. He jumps into the thick of battle often, it might just be a different leadership style, because Riku who is one of his usual party mates seems to do the same... In any case, after resting the party got back up again, and headed backstage. There was no other way forward, other than what appears to be back stage doors. It first led into a well-lit hallway, looked a tad fancy, still old fashioned like the rest of the dungeon though.


"Ah... That hallway to your right leads to the other dungeon, but there's no reason to go there now",

"Understood... We'll keep going as planned", he seemed calmer now as he led everyone up the stairs. As they walked up, they eventually came to a door, and upon entering were met with a pretty fancy suite. At the far end was their target. He was from the Drama Club... Seighardt. Or rather as expected, there were two of him, the second one was sitting in a chaise sofa, or rather, laid back in it.

@oblivion666

Ryan awoke slowly and began looking around the room. ”What the hell… Where am I? Who did this to me, how did I get here?” His words began getting faster as he slowly processed the situation around him. He felt himself sitting down and he began to get up, but was pushed down by a blurry figure in front of him. He heard laughing coming from the blurry assailant and felt hands on his shoulders keeping him down. The assailant was talking, but it sounded weird. Like there were two voices talking at once. Ryan then began to focuse on the actual words that were being spoken.

”Wow, I can’t believe I’m really this annoying. This is just dumb.” Ryan’s vision cleared up and he finally got a good look at his assailant. His eyes widened and he began sweating in fear. "It took you this long to figure out who I was? Jesus, you’re stupid!” There, was a perfect clone of Ryan, standing right in front of him with an annoyed expression on his face.

”W-what!? Why do you look like me? Who are you!?” Ryan was beginning to panic and his eyes were darting all over the place.

”I am a Shadow, the true self. But I guess I’m going to have to use baby talk with you, considering how idiotic you’re being. I’m you obviously!” The doppelganger took his hands off of Ryan and turned towards the group of Persona users, grinning at all of the people who showed up, laughing a little as well. ”Oh look, we have an audience! How wonderful! They get to see how pathetic and weak we are! But let's focus on us right now, they don't matter.” The Shadow giggled a little more and focused his attention back to Ryan.

”Yes, we’re very pathetic. Always trying to make friends, form bonds, get to know people. And after all of that, we just let it get snatched from us, we move away to FUCKING CHINA! AND THEN JAPAN ON TOP OF THAT! AND AFTER ALL OF THAT, OUR MOM HAS THE AUDACITY TO BELIEVE THAT SHE WAS DOING THE RIGHT THING, NOT EVEN BOTHERING TO ACTUALLY RAISE US! HERE'S SOME MONEY FOR THE MONTH, HOPE THAT MAKES UP FOR THE LACK OF A PARENTAL FIGURE IN YOUR LIFE!” The Shadow screamed and shook the chair Ryan was sitting in as it grew angrier and angrier. It took a few deep breaths and laughed.

”But that’s in the past. Now is the time for decisive action. Or decisive inaction in this case. No more BS. We tried to make friends, we failed.” The Shadow shrugged with that statement and adjusted his uniform, trying to straighten out a few wrinkles on his sleeves.

”What’s that supposed to mean?” Ryan asked as he began to get up out of his chair.

”It means give up obviously! That’s what you want right? Why bother, you don’t have a choice in the matter. Everyone sucks anyways, you hate their guts, why bother being “friends”." The Shadow made airquotes with his fingers as he said friends. "It just results in utter misery!” With this statement, the Shadow pushed him back into the chair, doing so dramatically.

”Shut up! That’s not true, I like people! I’m joining clubs, I’m making friends!” Ryan shouted as he got back up, only for the Shadow to push him right back down.

”Don’t lie to yourself. You know that you’re barely even trying. You literally RAN from an opportunity to make friends. You hate people.” At this point the Shadow was grinning with glee as he leaned over Ryan. ”You wanna know how I know that?” The Shadow tipped the chair over, knocking Ryan out of it.

He sat back down in it and his face returned to a bored looking stare. ”Because that’s how I feel. I. Am. You.” The Shadow shrugged and stared at Ryan.

”NO YOU’RE NOT! You’re nothing like me! I don’t run away from problems, I want to make friends, I want to try to be the best I can be! SHUT UP YOU FAKER!” Ryan's eyes were full of tears and he had a angry expression on his face.

The shadow began laughing quietly, progressively getting louder as a dark aura began to emanate from it. Ryan’s face morphed into one of primal fear as he got up and backed away from the Shadow. He felt so tired, he felt so scared, why was this happening?

'Why is this happening?' With those final thoughts, Ryan passed out and his Shadow began to transform.

Sieghardt Kasumi- Play of Control

They would see Sieg standing up straight staring at this figure appearing to be him in almost every aspect. Hell it would look just like him if it wasn't for those eyes of his and weird ass voice. So when these strangers showed up, both would look at the group with the real Seighardt being confused on who they were. While the shadow looked positively pleased to see them. "More people now? Would you guys know where I am, this stunt double won't give me a clear answer." Seighardt asked the group only for the shadow to start laughing as he waved his finger at Seighardt, as if he was acting like a bad puppy.

"Asking politely? Why goad yourself into such a fake personality? Demand for the information like you wish too! You're of higher class than them and they should obey like the cattle they are! Why fake act nice to some strangers, mostly when its a group consisted of a act first, think later male, someone who reeks of plants, a man disguised as a woman, and a dwarf! Be true to yourself! You wish to question these people on why they are here, no not question. Demand. Isn't that right?" The shadow Sieghardt said in the weird double voice, folding his hands over his lap as he leaned back and flashed them a smile.

"What? No thats not true at all. If you are going to be a stunt double then you sh-" Yet before he could finish he was cut off by his shadow, who stood off the couch now and stomped his foot.

"You fool! I told you not to goad yourself into such bullshit thinking! You can't lie too me, I am you after all! I'm just your true self the one you push back because you are afraid of what others will think, when they see the tyrant you truly are! You live for control, you need control, you were born for control! You put on the act that you don't care about your parents nobility and the perks it comes with, after all you are just like everyone else right? ..... Do you truly believe the shit that comes out of your own mouth? Do you truly think you are this grand ol actor who can fool everyone?" The shadow asked cross his arms as he stared at himself, smiling though. As if he know how this will pan out.

"Do you truly believe your own? Who is the one forcing me to stay here? You are nothing more than a stalker and kidnapper. You are just a really pathetic one if this is all you are doing." Sieg said which made the shadow snicker at what Seig just said right now. Almost as if that was the weakest way of denying him.

"No wonder you can't make friends naturally, no wonder you have to use your class to make them. Its the easiest way, and no matter how many stupid things you say, they always eat it up and proclaim you are the best around. Yet what better way to make them buy your shit than to join the drama club right? After all who expects anyone of bullshit when that's what they have to convince others of believing? Admit it, you are all money, all class, and nothing else."

Sieg grit his teeth and clenched his fist at the words being said. He just remained silent as he glared at the shadow who was smiling and now pacing back and forth in front of the couch.

"Oh did I hit true? Is that why you are being silent, or is silence your way of still denying me and our lovely audience here the truth. You will have to excuse my fake self, carnival group. He is having issues accepting the truth currently. Yet what else is new? He lives in a fictional world where he believes if hes just nice enough, that others wont see him for his money. Thats delusional right? After all thats why you plebs are here right? You were probably offered money to come rescue mom and dad's precious little boy. Its the only reason you ever truly notices us." The shadow said moving closer to the group looking down at them, shaking his head and walking back sitting back down on the couch.

"Shut up!" Sieg said shouting at his shadow who was still very much smiling. "Shut up you fake! I don't need to control anyone! I don't need my parents class! I don't need to demand anything! I don't need any of the bullshit you are saying! So shut up and leave me alone! You are not me!!" Seig continued to shout at his shadow who just laughed and laughed for almost minutes on end. A darker aura began to cover the shadow as he grinned at Seig and the group.

"Know what? For once in our life, you are correct. I'm not you. I the true self will live on, while you my fake... will die right here. Well everyone take your positions for act four scene five. In this scene a group of imbeciles stand by and watch me slaughter a man masquerading as the true self. Don't blink~ It will be a doozy!" The shadow started laughing as the dark aura covered him entirely as he started transforming.

"W-what is this crap...." Seig said before collapsing on the ground, leaving the group to begin their fight with the shadow Sieghardt, who was just finishing his transformation.

As Ryan's shadow transformed, so did the room, or rather, the very back of the office. As Ryan's shadow took on a more shadowy figure, and it's clothes changed, the entire back wall and roof of this room was destroyed, as a gigantic humanoid loomed high overhead the party. It adorned a prisoner's outfit, and chains seemed to keep it tied down, though it had enough freedom of movement to attack the party. Ryan's shadow suddenly made a motion as if issuing a command, and the shadow followed, going for striking the party. It's gigantic fist cratering the ground as everyone just barely managed to avoid it.

Just how were they supposed to beat that? Well... The shadow might be the key, but it was probably more difficult than simply taking out the commander...

"Ayano, begin scanning Ryan's shadow, not the colossal shadow. The key might be there", he requested.

"Everyone else, split up. If we cluster up, it becomes easier for it to attack us", with that command he immediately fanned out to the center-right, and watched for the next move.



As the party watched the scene unfold, and the expected outcome occur, Sieghardt's shadow transformed, although mostly only it's own body changed, along with clothing. It appeared to be a little underwhelming, but the party spotted something in it's hand... Money? As soon as the shadow appeared to 'hand it out', a shadow instantly appeared beside it, and accepted the wad of cash. And as soon as that transpired, several other shadows appeared too, all wearing suits, they all seemed to have their own themes too.

"What?! No way...",

"What? What is it?", asked Kazuki.

"These aren't simple minions... Each one of these shadows are strong, and it looks like this shadow can call them up on will... I'll keep scanning to see if I can find an opening", she said. So each and every one of these shadows were going to be a pain, even on their own... There was a large one, that looked like a frontliner and bodyguard, the ones in dresses looked like they wielded magic, and there were ones with guns and another set with swords... It was a pretty varied set, but them individually was probably not going to be the biggest problem, it was their combination. They all balanced each other out and complimented each other.

"Alright... Guess we'll try and take this slow", a reasonable decision. At least until Megumi was done scanning.

Kotori Shirohane - Corporate War Zone: Floor 2, Warden's Office | Sunday

The combined attacks upon the restrained giant seemed to work to unbalance it and making its attempt at freeing itself that bit harder - just enough time for the group to pour another volley into it whilst Rui kept the shackles bound. The key was precariously close to turning however - but with Alexei's heavy blows, Sato's howling wind and Kotori's lightning strike, the enemy was soon reeling. Rui, however, seemed to see this as a chance and chose to go in for the kill rather than play it safe - which, luckily, paid off as the slashes of both his and Aksr's swords brought the enormous shadow down; much to the relief of Kotori who had been afraid they might have to once again try to dodge an enraged shadow's hefty charges.

Taking the moment's respite to catch their breath - something Kotori was most thankful for - Ayano wasted little time in scanning ahead and soon enough informed them that their target was nearby and up ahead. Though still breathing a little more quickly than she'd have liked, Kotori nodded nonetheless when Rui checked to see if everyone was ready to press onwards - she didn't want to slow everyone down nor leave whoever was caught in this whole dungeon mess to have to stay at its mercy any longer than necessary. As such, the group soon headed out - though not before Ayano informed them that a hallway to their left would lead to the other dungeon. Given the ever more bizarre architecture of these places, it didn't even seem all that strange anymore - instead, Kotori was just glad to have at least some convenience for once which would make it easier for either group to aid the other should the need arise.

Once again, they came to a door - this one leading to the warden's office, according to the words upon it. Peering inside before they stepped through, it seemed rather spacious - not that dimensions seemed to matter or make all that much sense most of the time - and as such they entered the room. Kotori nervously glanced about, though she found nothing to warrant it - before settling her eyes on the person in the middle of the room. The figure seemed familiar once again - but she only recognised the prospective Agriculture Club member on a second glance, seeing as he'd only very briefly showed up before vanishing just as quickly.

However, he was not alone - standing before him was once more a doppelganger of sorts which had just noticed the party's arrival. Much as before, the shadow - which was which was not hard to tell from the sheer venom in its voice - began to speak, nonchalantly speaking of Ryan's past. However, the shadow's voice quickly grew in both volume and anger and before long was practically screaming as it spat out words of resentment at his parents. Uncomfortable at hearing another person's secrets being laid out without their consent, Kotori didn't know whether to listen or not - though the voice of the shadow made it hard not to either way; especially when its words about running away from other people sounded more than a little familiar. However, she looked up again when Ryan suddenly shouted at the fateful words that the shadow was not him.

A dark laugh resonated around the room as shadows converged on the other Ryan; signalling its transformation into a more monstrous form - or rather, the room's transformation. It seemed to draw in the shadows of the office's back wall; tearing it apart in doing so - and revealing behind it an enormous humanoid figure; much like their previous adversary but even larger still. It too was clad in prisoner's clothing and much as before its arms were clasped in cuffs. However, there was little time to be taken aback or wonder about any meaning as the shadow wasted none in pointing at the party - which the giant seemed to take as command and brought a fist crashing down. Everyone only barely managed to get out of the way as the ground itself shook and the huge fist even left a crater where it had struck the floor. Kotori was increasingly anxious whether her healing spells would be able to undo the damage from such a devastating attack - or, for that matter, whether she'd be able to withstand one herself.

However, now was not the time to dither and worry - instead, she simply had to prevent that possibility from occurring in the first place; even if that thought sounded a lot less confident that she might have liked. Rui meanwhile had already ordered Ayano to scan the smaller figure of Ryan's shadow and then told them to split up - not a bad idea, considering the sheer strength and area of attack this giant possessed. Taking up position roughly in the middle left, she quickly glanced about to make sure everyone else was definitely uninjured before focusing her attention on the giant - were it not for the calming presence of both Kikuri-Hime and the other three group members, she wouldn't feel even half as confident. Now, however, she decided to focus on dodging any incoming attacks and, if necessary, heal any incoming damage whilst anxiously awaiting the completion of Ayano's scan.

Akane Hanazawa // Mirror World - Play of Control - Stage > Backstage Penthouse
Sunday, June 21st, 2015

After a long while, they finally managed to put down the shadows, though quite exhausted afterwords. They weren't exactly strong but had quite the endurance, while it went on longer than she had hoped, it gave Akane quite the work out and let her blow off some steam. With the fight over, Megumi suggested that they'd rest, which she was more than happy enough to agree to, though, she didn't particularly didn't like that last sentence. Akane wasn't exactly fond of people getting involved in her fights without her say in the matter.

With a sigh, she got off the ground she was relaxing on and stretched. With the team having finished resting, they headed backstage and came some backstage doors which led to a well lit hallway. According to Megumi the hallway to the right lead to the dungeon the others were in. So they're directly connected, hmm? Kazuki, having calmed down from earlier, led them upstairs where they found a door leading to a fancy suite, there they found their target. She didn't know this one as well but apparently he's a member of the Drama club.

Shortly after the show, as usual, the shadow transformed, though to be honest, the change was quite underwhelming. It got kind of strange when they noticed a wad of cash in it's hands. Shadows have their own currency now? It got even stranger when another shadow appeared soon after and was handed the money with more shadows appearing soon after. What is this, some low-class gangster movie? According to Megumi, the shadows are quite strong and from the sounds of it, the main shadow boss has some kind of shadow summoning ability. In short, this battle is going to be a pain in the ass if dragged out.

With not knowing exactly they were dealing with, Kazuki made the call for them to take the battle slow and be cautious until Megumi finishes scanning them. "Well, in that case..." Summoning Setanta, she called for a Rakukaja to raise her defense to ready herself for the long haul.

Soon enough, the towering shadow fell and Ayano let out a sigh of relief as the party emerged victorious, however their respite would be cut short when they realized they were not over just yet. The next area was a hallway, in typical video game fashion it was empty and could obviously lead into nothing else other than the boss room, judging by the little information tidbits her screens were giving her, this was the pathway from before, but it also lead to another dungeon? She scratched behind her head, first it was World War with Shadows and office equipment, then it was Silent Hill 2's prison level, what was next? Her thoughts were answered when the party came to a door with the words "Warden's Office". Beyond that door she could feel an ominous presence, one that was more powerful than the giant before it, there was no doubt that the person they were sent to rescue was behind this door, as well as their shadow too.

Steeling themselves for the upcoming battle, they entered to see a wide-open office space, yep this just screamed "Boss Battle Area" all over it. In the center of it all was...Ryan? Ayano couldn't believe it, it was that Ryan kid from the Anime and Manga Club! And obviously, his shadow was there, taunting him with words that were pure and utter exaggerations of the bitter truth, it wasn't long before Ryan's temper couldn't hold back his aggression and shouted those three words, triggering the transformation of the shadow. Ayano gulped as she prepared for the worst, what were they going to fight this time around?

What greeted the party was another towering giant that looked like it could easily crush the party under it's hands, a feat it demonstrated by creating crater with its fists. Accompanying this shadow was a smaller one dressed in a policeman uniform, looks like big boy takes commands from the little one. Nodding at Rui's request, Ayano begin to tap away at her keyboard, her screens shifting focus from the fight to both of the shadows, a big yellow danger sign was displayed across the screen with the giant shadow, displaying that it was invulnerable to damage. On her right screen however, the policeman was very much weak and susceptible to pretty much any attack the party might throw at it. However, judging from the feed she was receiving on her center screen, the behavior of the colossal giant made it apparent that it protects the smaller shadow from harm. Without hesitation, she began to send the information to the party.

"The smaller shadow is pretty puny, I bet if you guys pile on it, it'd fall in a matter of minutes. But don't waste your time defeating the giant shadow, it's invincible, but you can make it flinch with enough firepower. I suggest you guys stun the giant first, otherwise you won't get a chance to hit the smaller shadow."

The sheer force of their attack brought the shadow to its knees, and as it fell, Rui was ready. He rushed in, Askr appearing beside him, and deliver a decisive hit as the rest of the team threw their strongest attacks at it. With a thump, it evaporated into a black mist when it hit the ground, and that was all she wrote.

Sato took a moment to catch his breath before following the rest of the team down to another set of doors. Rui, ever the leader, threw them open, and they were greeted with a hallway. Another hallway branched off to the left, which Ayano informed them was the passage to the other dungeon, if they ever needed to go there from where they were. Sato wondered if it meant anything, like if the victims were connected in any way. There was, of course, no way of truly telling, especially since they didn't even know who the victims are.

Through another set of doors was what seemed to be a dead end labelled the "Warden's Office", but upon noticing the two teens standing in the center of the room, Sato knew it was quite the opposite. Sato didn't recognize the boy, but he assumed at least one of the others did. As expected, the victim and his shadow were arguing in the same way everyone else did, including Sato himself. He listened to the conversation, barely picking together the boy's past. Sato's expression grew grave as he quickly realized that the boy's mental state was deteriorating fast, and that meant...

When it transformed, the familiar suffocating feeling of a person's shadow filled the room. The back wall blew apart, and as did the roof, dust flying. From behind the shadow came a colossal version of the shadow, who remained standing in front of it. Similar to their last battle, chains were attached to the giant's wrists, but they didn't seem to constrict it nearly as much as it had the last shadow. Almost immediately, the gigantic shadow's fist came crashing into the ground, Sato just barely getting out of the way with a dive. A crater was left behind as the fist slowly lifted, visual proof of the sheer power behind the colossus's attacks.

Rui commanded Ayano to start scanning the smaller shadow, and ordered the rest of the team to fan out. With the team split up, it'd be unlikely for it to target more than one person at a time, which was good for obvious reasons. Sato stood to the right of Rui and opposite of Alexai, meaning he was the furthest away from Kotori. Before he could contemplate the dynamics of that team positioning, Ayano's voice started explaining what she found out about the shadow. Predictably, the smaller one is about as strong as any of them, while the larger one was practically invincible. If the only thing protecting the smaller one was its puppet, then they just needed to distract it so someone could get in and do some real damage.

It was probably going to be much more easily said than done. Sato summoned Chronos behind him, watching the shadow carefully, occasionally glancing at Rui. Their best bet to stun it was to concentrate their attacks all at once, like they had done with the last shadow. Sato was ready to sling a spell as soon as needed.

As the party moved around avoiding the giant's attack, they were waiting for the right signal to strike, and pretty soon it came. Rui motioned towards it's fists.

"Strike it's hand just as it attacks. We should be able to make it swing out of control just for a moment", he said. They weren't going to get it to move on their own power alone, other than Alexei, none of them had anything that could deal enough concussive damage, so they needed some momentum to work with. And pretty soon, the giant would go for another strike,

"Now!", he yelled, as he swept around to the side, and struck at the giant's hand with a Mighty Swing.



A defensive strategy would soon become a bad idea, as the party's fight went on. Even as they slew one shadow after another, another one popped up in it's place, Kazuki alone was able to take on the swordsmen fairly easily, it was fencing they fight with, something he was quite familiar with it seemed, and along with his Persona, he could easily go for cheap strikes as if he was double teaming someone. The large bodyguards were a pain since they protected the main shadow, while the gunners and the ladies pelted with bullets and magic from the back. It was annoying, and they could replenish on their own... Noboru's head on tactics and Matthew's magic didn't seem to be enough, because the gunners would shoot Noboru off before he could get a hit in on the bodyguards, and the magicians would block Matthew's magic attacks.

They were going to need some real level of coordination here. It appears the shadow hands out money to the other shadows as if hiring them too... Maybe they could try and prevent it from handing more money over? But with those bodyguards, getting a clear shot would be a little difficult...

Long moments passed before Rui gave the signal, the shadow heaving to attack them. Sato rushed to the side andwhipped out his bow, his persona behind him creating a wind storm to guide the darkness-imbued shot straight into his target, a mixture of both a Garu and a Poison Arrow. The shot hit a split second before a flash of lightning lit the room, the crack of thunder. Combined with Rui and Alexai's physical assaults, there was no doubt in Sato's mind that they could do this. Unfortunately, as much as he would like to have been ever on point, Sato took a moment to pick himself back up. The wind around him took a second to dissipate as he jumped up from the floor from whence he dived to. Being cool had its price, and that price was ending up flopping against the ground.

Akane Hanakawa // Mirror World - Play of Control - Backstage Penthouse
Sunday, June 21st, 2015

"There's no end to them." Akane growled with obvious irritation. Her defensive strategy backfired and it clearly showed. To defeat these enemies they needed to go on the offensive and fast. If they were going to make some headway in this battle, they needed to stop that shadow from handing out that money of his. "We need a distraction, someone to draw their fire, hold up the body guards long enough for one to get in and stop the money transfer."

If they manage to cut off the shadows hands, will it help? Or will the shadows regenerate them? Turning to Kazuki, "I'm more than willing to be the bait if need be." She offered. If Matt and Noboru deal with the other enemies while they deal with Bodyguards and main shadow....might help. Either way, they needed to come up with something until Megumi can get a proper scan on them.

Needing more firepower, she cast a Matarukaja to give everyone a much needed boost.

Kotori Shirohane - Corporate War Zone: Floor 2, Warden's Office | Sunday

Thankfully, they didn't have to wait long for Ayano's scan as she soon enough informed them that the giant shadow was about as vincible as one would expect from the sheer size difference between them whilst the smaller one was both the its director and weakpoint. Though without at least temporarily taking the former out of commission it would likely be somewhat difficult to actually land a strike on it - which meant that they somehow would have to stun, disable or otherwise distract the enormous shadow. Neither of those ideas appealed all too much to Kotori as she looked between the shadow giant and the crater it had left in the ground.

Thankfully though, Rui spent less time fretting and more waiting for the most opportune moment - as Kotori anxiously kept an eye on the slow raising of the giant's fist for another strike in order to dodge a potential attack in time, the group leader declared that they should strike in time with it in order to unbalance the huge foe. Kotori gave a quick nod as she took a deep breath and prepared for Kikuri-Hime to unleash a Zionga attack on the mark; hoping she'd be able to make at least some difference in the devastating attack's course when the time came. At Rui's cry, Kotori released the lightning strike; a thundering crack echoing as the bolt struck the giant's fist just as Sato shoot the bow, Alexei threw his attack upon it and Rui's Askr struck a Mighty Swing at it. Kotori hesitantly hoped that it might be enough with the combined strikes - if not to unbalance the giant, then at least to shift the path of its attack away from any of the party members.

The attack succeeded, and the Warden was vulnerable now, the giant prisoner's arm swung in a wide arc as the party blasted it with all they had, causing it to flinch away. Now was the time to attack.

Rui led the charge with a Gale Slash, to ensure they would even get a hit in.

"Now again! Everyone charge!", if they were lucky, they could possibly end this in this single attack. Though the Warden didn't look completely helpless, and while very vulnerable, it still wielded a police baton. Still nothing to a Persona's spell, but if anyone wanted to get close they might have to be careful.



The fight was becoming grueling, the problem for Megumi was she needed to scan each one individually, it became clear pretty soon that the swordsmen were simply weak, while fast, they went down quickly, but they moved quickly too. The gunner and mage were a simple fare too, but the biggest problem was the bodyguards. They just seemed like a big thick wall, Megumi's scans weren't coming up with much. The team needed to coordinate against this.

"Hrgh...", Kazuki finally slew yet another swordsman shadow.

"I guess that's worth a shot. I'll get ready to get in on the opening, Akane you lead on as bait", his orders were made. It was time to see how this plan would pan out.

Kotori Shirohane - Corporate War Zone: Floor 2, Warden's Office | Sunday

As it turned out, Kotori's worry was unwarranted - the combined strikes of the four managed to blast the giant shadow's fist wide; sending its attack far off course and unbalancing it enough to give them a brief window of opportunity. She quickly glanced around to assure herself that no one got caught in any suprise attack before Rui headed the charge; calling for everyone to focus their fire on the far smaller warden. Though it appeared tiny compared to the enormous shadow behind him and almost frail, it was still a person's shadow - which had always proven to be a foe to be taken very seriously in the past. Though Ayano hadn't foreseen any hidden attacks from the warden, Kotori couldn't help but remain fearfully wary as she called for Kikuri-Hime to unleash a Zionga attack on the warden.

A brief flash and thundering echo accompanied the magical attack as the lightning bolt struck home; leaving a by now more heavily breathing Kotori to nervously glance between the warden to see if their attacks had any effect, the giants to be prepared for when it was ready to strike again as well as the other three group members should they require any assistance to due counter-attacks or other such surprises.

Through the combined force of all their attacks, the giant shadow's arm was blown back, staggering backwards. With the giant out of the way, they could go in for an attack on the weaker shadow. It wielded nothing more than a police baton, which presented literally zero real threat to Sato. With a flick of the wrist, Sato commanded Chronos again. This time, a circle of light lit up beneath the shadow, exploding into hundreds of cards when a strike of lightning hit the small warden. Rui charged in after Sato and Kotori's attack, and Alexai was there to give it what he got. Hopefully this shadow wouldn't last long, because dealing with the bigger one another time wouldn't be very fun.

The attack was a success, a hail of blade and magic rained upon the small shadow. Despite it being in the visage of a little boy, there was no mercy shown for the shadow. Although it didn't seem like it was enough. As the little shadow faltered then fell to the ground unconscious, the shackles on the large shadow broke, and it turned into a raging giant. The party was assaulted once more, Sato and Kotori were forced to back away while Alexei jumped forward, finally intersecting with one of it's fists, holding it with his Persona. Rui didn't waste time thinking about what was just happening, a burst of green wind surged around him as he cast Sukukaja on himself, and jumped over Alexei and run up the giant shadow's arm, his Persona flying behind him as his blade was unsheathed, both Persona and user slashing the path in front of them. As he reached the shoulders, the shadow was leaning back onto that arm in pain before Rui leaped up above the shadow's head, sheathing his sword mid-jump, doing a side-roll as he came back down, his Persona following his move as he severed the giant from head to wherever it met the ground.

The giant fell back into the abyss, and now all that was left was for Ryan's resolve.

"The rest is up to you Ryan", he said, sheathing his sword. That was right, even if they slew the beast, the shadow still remained. All that was left was for Ryan to give it his answer.

Akane Hanazawa // Mirror World - Play of Control - Backstage Penthouse
Sunday, June 21st, 2015

"Got It." She nodded as she charged in. As she moved closer, Matt and Noboru went on the attack against their respective foes allowing Akane to focus on the bodyguards. Now within range of the bodyguards, it was time for her part of the plan. Well, here it goes nothing. Tasked for distracting and holding them off enough for Kazuki to slip past, there was only one attack that could do the job.

Calling for Setanta once more, she called for a Kill Rush as she went in herself to provide support.

Ryan woke up in the middle of the fight, in awe as the party used other monsters to fight the guy who was pretending to be him. He backed away a bit more as the giant monster broke free, but let out a sigh of relief as Rui did a cool thing with his sword and beheaded the monster.

Ryan was still pretty confused about everything and he really wanted to know where the hell he was and what the fuck was going on. Suddenly Rui turned on him and told him one of the last things he expected to hear.

"The rest is up to you Ryan."

Ryan pointed at himself in confusion and looked around at everyone else. He sighed and walked over to the Shadow, looking at him with a neutral expression.

"You weren't completely wrong. I don't hate people, I'm just scared of losing them. And yeah, I do resent mom for taking me away from everything I knew."

"But you know what? Giving up won't change that. If I give up, I may never feel hurt again, but I won't feel anything else either. I won't get to feel happiness when I go out with friends, I won't get to fall in love one day, I won't get to know the satisfaction from beating a friendly rival in something. That's no way to live in my opinion. And as for mom... yeah, she took me away from everything, but she also gave me the chance to start a new life. And no matter how much I dislike not having a choice, she's still my mom. And I love her."

"Do you think you can change? Do you think you can stop being so afraid?" The Shadow asked quietly, looking into Ryan's eyes.

"I can change. It's a choice only I can make after all." Ryan said with a chuckle as he hugged his Shadow. The Shadow laughed as well as it became enveloped in a blue light. Ryan looked up as the Shadow morphed into a one winged knight with a rapier, looking down on him with what seemed to be approval.

"Thou art I, I art thou. I am Erec, the enduring lover.

The figure dissipated quickly, leaving Ryan with the rest of the group. He breathed out heavily and looked at everyone. He felt some sort of strange new power coursing through his body, he felt stronger than he's ever felt in his life actually! He clenched his hands and looked up at Rui, preparing some questions.

"Where exactly am... I?" He began to ask, when he suddenly felt very tired. His eyelids fluttered and he collapsed to the floor, exhausted from his gaining his newfound power. His vision went black for the second time that day.