>Rui: 3/4
>Matthew: 4/4
>Akane: 4/4
>Sato: 3/4

>Shizuka's Shadow, Kyuubi: 10% HP

The spell attacks from Sato and Matthew proved to not make a clean mark, but that was due to the shadow's footwork avoiding them, however it was as planned. Rui swept the floor with a Gale Slash as soon as the fox shadow had finished another evade, striking it's feet, not dealing much damage, but the entire room felt a heavy thud as the shadow fell unceremoniously.

With little reprieve, Akane was already upon her with her Persona Setanta using Vile Assault, diving on top and smashing the shadow with it's spear, before one-handed wailing on it, striking it several times before kicking it down the aisle, appending into a two-handed wide spear swing. As soon as the shadow smashed up against the wall Akane was quick to charge at it, running it at at the same time as her Persona did a leaping attack, with blade over her head both she and her Persona struck the shadow at the same time. From even across the room, the power of the simultaneous strike could be felt, but it seems it was not enough, just one final push.

It was time for an All-Out Attack.

"Give it everything you've got!", he ordered.

---

>Kami: 4/4
>Kotori: 4/4
>Alexei DMG1: 4/4
>Riku: 4/4

>Masahide's Shadow, Loki: 5% HP
>Fafnir: 0% HP

Kami and Alexei made it to the shadow first, Kami with a quick strike from his Persona, and then Alexei with the heavy, but Riku was going for the charged attack. Power Charging behind everyone, before he and his Persona did a sprinting start. As soon as Kami and Alexei's attacks were over, Masahide's shadow did a hand swipe with one hand, while calling a spell barrage around him with the other, sweeping Kami and Alexei back, but as soon as it finished that, it was open. The ground spewed purple and gold sparks as Riku's Persona did an upward sweeping attack, sending the shadow into the air a little bit, before Riku leaping off of the top of his own Persona, smashed it back into the ground with his fists, sending it into a kneeling position. Upon landing he uppercuts the shadow the in face while his Persona Lu Bu spun it's halberd overhead, and using the momentum for a wide Power Slash, sending it skidding along the ground.

He then turned to his side as Kami also caught onto what was happening at the same time. Riku's brutal assault dealt a decisive blow, and soon enough that the regenerating dog was still doing just that.

"Focus down the dog once more, and then we deal the final blow to the shadow", again, Kami was the first to move to his own orders as he summoned Zeus to charge again.

---

>Tadao: 4/4 SPD UP
>Ryan: 4/4 SPD UP
>Sieghardt: 4/4 SPD UP
>Chiaki: 4/4 SPD UP

>Mako's Shadow, Yama: 88%

Sieghardt had the right idea by increasing everyone's speed, with Tadao taking the brunt of the shadow's aggravation, it bought time for everyone to use what they had, with Chiaki trying out Bufula, which was not so effective. However, it's aggression switched to Ryan as soon as he landed the Garula. It seemed to feel that. Upon taking the hit, it turned it's eyes slowly over to Ryan, before taking to the air and attempting a diving attack with flames trailing around behind it. Tadao began to move to defend Ryan, but it looks like he'll need to deal with this attack at least before Tadao can get in the way of another attack. Seighardt had the freedom to use what he wished to attack, or help the team, but with the Sukukaja buff on everyone including himself, he can probably get in two actions rather than just one without much sacrifice.

@Sho Minazuki@floodtalon



Feeling energized and seeing others energized as well he watched Tadao blocked a hit and Chiaki attempt to use ice on it with no real effect, but Ryan's had one and now he was on the top of the smash list for this guy. Tadao rushed to block the creature from attacking Ryan, but he wouldn't make it in time so Ryan had to deal with it. Sieg then thought of something to do and could only hope Ryan distracted the shadow long enough. "Saturnus Tarukaja." Sieg said softly to which Saturnus obliged and raised its own power. "Now get behind it and give it a might swing for me." Sieg asked to which Saturnus remained silent and would adjust it's hat for the task and would take off readying his weapon. Ready to swing and crack it right upside the shadow's head. 'Come on Ryan distract it for me man....This is all I can do to help, I can't use range attacks, all Saturnus knows is Agilao.'

@Sho Minazuki@oblivion666

Tadao had successfully keeping the Shadow's attention on him for a bit, letting everyone get a few attacks on it. Chiaki's attack did nothing, Ryan's attack definitely got it's attention though. The Shadow took to the air and divebombed Ryan, ready to pound him for the crime of existing. Ryan got ready to dodge out of the way but suddenly stopped when he saw Saturnus going after Yama from behind. He sighed and looked at Erec behind him.

"Erec, get ready to take the blow!" With the order given, Erec got into a defensive position with his rapier and moved in front of Ryan, preparing to take what was sure to be the most painful hit ever. Ryan got into a defensive position as well, ready to keep Yama's attention until Sieghardt did what he had to do.

Kotori Shirohane - Hall of the Slain: Floor 1 | Sunday

Following the casting of the lightning spell, Kotori took a brief moment to catch her breath from the continued battle as she watched her companions launch their attacks against the shadow. Hope sprouted for a second that they might even be able to end the fight right then and there - but even after Riku's heavy blow, the shadow still managed to pull itself back onto its feet and even finish the revival process on the dog-like shadow. Slightly dismayed, Kotori nonetheless readied herself for the still ongoing fight as everyone retreated from the pair of shadows - especially after Kaminari and Alexei had both just barely escaped from a wild barrage of spells on behalf of the shadow.

Kotori looked questioningly between the two - but neither showed any immediate need for any healing, despite her increasing worry thereof. Unfazed, Kaminari already gave the orders for the next strike - once more focusing on the dog-like shadow before going for the main creature; likely hoping to finish both off back-to-back. Kotori quickly nodded in agreement to the plan even as Kaminari already summoned Zeus to enact his words. She did much the same with Kikuri-Hime, calling upon the flowery persona before extending her hand toward the renewed hound: "Zionga," Kotori called; her words punctuated once again by roaring thunder as a lightning bolt came crashing down - and leaving her breathing a little harder as the strain of the repeated castings was starting to make itself more readily apparent.

Akane Hanazawa // Mirror World // Super Magical Runway F2
Sunday, June 28th, 2015

While it wasn't exactly enough to knock it out completely, the combined attacks of her and Rui still did a good amount of damage. And Akane was happy about the result because this meant that she got to wail on it once more. With Rui's call, it signaled the final stretch. Time to finish it.

Using herself as bait again, Akane faced the shadow, raising her katana as she charged right at the shadow while she summoned Setana once more and had him do a Kill Rush from another direction, not giving the shadow a chance to rest.

While it was disappointing, Sato knew it was predictable that the shadow evaded his and Matt's magic attacks with ease. They merely grazed it at best after a few volleys, but luckily, the team's true attack started not with it being hit by one of their magic attacks, but with it dodging one of their magic attacks. While it was busy moving out of the way of an Agi from Matt, Rui came in with a sweeping Gale Slash. Unfortunately for the shadow, it had committed to its leap when it dodged the fire blast, so Rui's persona connected with its feets, knocking it straight to the ground.

While Sato closed the distance, Akane leapt onto the shadow and started pounding on it with her persona's spear before launching it down the aisle, skidding past Sato and into the wall. Akane followed with an slash just as her persona plunged into it from above with its spear. It was a powerful blow, but even after a strike that pushed Sato back a bit from a distance, the shadow still wasn't quite out. It didn't have much fight left in it though, so it shouldn't be able to counter anything they threw at it.

With that, Sato summoned his persona, who dashed over to the nearly incapacitated shadow. Swinging its scythe above its head, Chronos generated a small wind current before doing a flip forward and impaling the end of its scythe into the shadow's body at a high velocity.

>Rui: 3/4
>Matthew: 4/4
>Akane: 4/4
>Sato: 3/4

>Shizuka's Shadow, Kyuubi: 0% HP

Slumped against the wall was Shizuka's shadow, transforming back into it's human form in the very visage of Shizuka. Looks like it was the home stretch, the battle seemed fairly simple, it looks like it didn't perform the best against physical damage, but shrugged off magic like it was nothing. Still, there was one last thing... He turned around to where Shizuka was, it was her turn to come to terms with her shadow, like just about everyone here had.

"The battle's over... But you'll still need to come to terms with this, otherwise this won't end. Though I'm sure you can accept this part of yourself", Rui stepped aside to let her walk to her shadow.

"And be sure to thank Matthew, he was the most worried for you", he made a passing comment as she stepped out to her shadow.

---

>Kami: 4/4
>Kotori: 4/4
>Alexei DMG1: 4/4
>Riku: 4/4

>Masahide's Shadow, Loki: 0% HP
>Fafnir: 0% HP

The battle was over, with Riku and Kami rushing the main shadow, and Kotori safely zapping the hound from afar with Alexei circling like a vulture, the battle was swiftly ended by a single decisive assault from Riku, following into a finishing blow for the whole team. With a new breath of fresh air the party watched as Masahide who had witnessed something incredible, now be made to come to terms with the shadow before him... Or not. The monstrous gentleman creature that was Masahide's shadow dissolved into black particles, now revealing once more it's human form.

"Go on, it's not always easy... But remember no matter what, bad or good, you will always be you", said Kami.

---

>Tadao: 3/4 SPD UP
>Ryan DMG1: 3/4 SPD UP
>Sieghardt: 3/4 SPD UP
>Chiaki: 3/4 SPD UP

>Mako's Shadow, Yama: 65%

Ryan neglected that Masukukaja would allow him to evade, as a result the fast yet somewhat frail Persona he had took a hard hit, going with it some of his Persona's durability. The demonic visage of a shadow swung around and attacked Ryan along with anyone who got close, which included Seighardt's shadow, and Tadao himself, both going in with a Mighty Swing, while Chiaki fired off a Poison Arrow from afar, along with a Bufula. Followed up by Tadao moving quickly in front of the shadow and defending Ryan.

"Ahhh yes I see. Strike out it's legs or wings, I see that the wings are a little soft, and the legs seem less sturdy than the rest of it", so the answer was to nip it's mobility.

As it flew off again and sped around the arena, this seemed to be a difficult ordeal... But seeing what happened with Ryan just now when it managed to connect a clean hit and commit, the answer was clear.

"I will draw it's attention, use that chance", said Tadao, before he charged forward into it's sight with his Persona beside him.

@Sho Minazuki@oblivion666

Ryan was sent skidding back a bit and definitely felt the hurt from that. Tadao quickly moved in front of him to defend and made an observation about crippling mobility. Ryan took a few deep breaths and shook his head. "I don't think I'm doing that again. Erec, Media!" Everyone would feel some slight healing and feel better in general. Ryan felt his wounds disappear and he smiled in response to the relief.

Tadao was gaining Yama's attention so Ryan decided to capitalize on that. Erec shot a Garula at Yama, aiming for the wings to disrupt it's flight.

As the final blow was struck against the twisted visage of Masa's shadow, the creature would groan audibly as it fell before the group- still and silent. After a moment, movement would return to the body as it attempted to stand, talking once more through the face that adorned the collapsed wolf's head.

"Glorious! Simply Glorious! You all offer quite the show, and for that I'll grant you a swift end." The creatures voice boomed as it rightened itself, readying itself for another round with the party. Meanwhile, Masahide could only look on in a mixture of confusion and horror, the words of his doppleganger now resonating on a level that he had all but ignored till this point. Was he truly so vain that his efforts to help the city were for nothing better than bragging rights? Is it true that he felt above all the others that merely lived their lives without giving as much as him? Clenching his teeth and fist, Masa felt the anger rising in his chest. At Kami spoke, Masa felt the truth in his words... And it was then that it all became clear.

"You're right..." Masa spoke in a hushed tone, his vision lowered with hand still clenched into fists.

"What?" The shadow spoke, turning his attention immediately from the group before him to his double just behind. It was clear that his once confident voice had waivered slightly, seeming more alarmed and unsure at the creature narrowed it's eyes.

"Is it wrong to want to be remembered for what I've done? Sure, I want to help others, but is it really so bad to want a mark to be left behind?" At this, Masa lifted his head as his vision locked with that of the creatures. It was then that he felt that familiar heat of anger, urging the boy to shout out his proclimation, "I want the world to remember my name. I want people to speak of my name with fondness and respect- just as they did with my father." It was then that his voice softened... And again he looked inside himself.

"Surely you don't mean to tell me you're ready to admit y-"

"You want me to spell it out? Fine. There is a sense of vanity behind my actions that I'm not proud of, but it's there. So, congradulations, you've won. You and I are one and the same."

As soon as the words left Masahide's lips, a supernatural light began to shine through the creatures being, encompassing it for a moment and elevating to an almost blinding level. With a quick turn of his head and lifting of his arm to shield his eyes, Masa diverted his gaze, clenching his teeth as the frustration of all these unexplainable events came to a boiling point. As the light subsided, he round with his hand falling to his side. He opened his mouth to speak, but fell silent as his eyes fell upon the image of a tall and slender figure, who's face was obscured by what seemed to be the head of a wolf. Despite the rather simple attire that adorned his upper form, his legs were guarded by rather robust ivory greaves, and one hand replaced with a long and menacing cleaver. For a moment, Masa could only stare on in silence as the anger that once welled within him fell to silence.



And with that, the creature began to fade before Masa's eyes, the echoing voice still ringing in the boy's ears as he reached out for the being who named himself as Tyr. It was odd, but Masa felt a strong connection to this being... But he didn't have time to question it as his vision turned to those about the room before going black, falling unconscious on the stone for a combination of emotional and mental fatigue, coupled with his already weary body.

Kotori Shirohane - Hall of the Slain: Floor 1 | Sunday

As the wolf-like shadow began to stir once again, the lightning bolt struck from above; sending it back down to the ground and unable to come to its master's immediate aid. The shadow in turn came under a final assault as both Kaminari and Riku rushed forth to take mighty swings at the creature whilst Alexei kept a sharp eye on both the shadows; ready to step in should any make a move - but as it turned out, the combined assault finally managed to overwhelm the shadowy creatures. Slowly, inky blackness seemed to rise off of both as they seemed to evaporate before everyone's eyes - leaving only Masahide's golden-eyed double standing in the shadow's place; a familair scene by now and a sign of relief for Kotori who quickly used the opportunity to catch her breath - though not before asking Kikuri-Hime to cast a "Media" upon the group to take care of any scrapes and bruises they might have acquired.

All that then remained was for Masahide to step forth with the encouraging words of Kaminari. Kotori could offer little more than a what she hoped was optimistic nod - even as once again the fear of what may happen if Masahide didn't accept his other side crept up inside her as his shadow began speaking once more. Luckily however, this fear quickly subsided when Masahide spoke in turn - agreeing that he was indeed doing things to leave an impression. However, upon admitting this he seemed to realise that just because he wasn't being selfless when he helped others didn't mean it was a bad thing - bringing a small smile to Kotori's lips as he seemed to reconcile both the good and bad parts of himself in a hopeful conclusion.

With those words spoken, the shadow began to emit a increasingly familiar glow - growing in intensity before releasing an almost blinding yet soothing flash as the malevolent shadow transformed into a new form: A wolf-headed humanoid, adorned with heavy armored boots and simple clothing whilst wielding a long blade. The figure remained for a mere few moments before vanishing out of sight, leaving Masahide to turn towards the group - just in time for the fatigue of the ordeal to catch up with him as he wordlessly fell to the ground in a sight all too familiar to those present. Luckily, that also meant that they were fully expecting it - and with Masahide thus successfully recovered, Kotori gave a sigh of relief.

As always, she was happy that they'd managed to rescue a kidnappee - and equally so that they had in turn managed to confront the troubles that plagued them and come to accept them rather than be consumed; even if being subjected to someone's innermost thoughts did leave her as uncomfortable as ever at the unintentional and uninvited prying - and even more so when the person in question happened to not be a stranger, but a classmate as well. In the quiet after the battle, preparations were quickly made as to who would be bringing the unconscious boy to the hospital and who would remain behind in case any of the other groups required any help - even though Kotori hoped that that wouldn't be necessary; the arduous experience of the last time she'd had to face two shadows back to back not exactly being the fondest of memories.

However, considering who'd been kidnapped, Kotori was willing to put up with that if it meant she'd be able to help rescue a classmate or fellow Agriculture Club member.

As the imitator transformed into something entirely different from her, the hazel eyes of Shizuka could not take her eyes off of the outrageous scenario. Just what was happening? Is this reality or some kind of dream? How did she end up in this situation? .... What was going to happen to her?

The team of four who had just arrived immediately sprung into action once the transformation sequence was over. "Do-Don't come any closer, i-it's too dangerous...!" While the maiden had no idea whatsoever of the capabilities that the fox demon had but if her intuition from games and anime were right, it was bound to have tricks up its sleeve. What she didn't know was that the four had their own unique abilities as well.

As her rescuers stepped forward, they summoned blue cards, out of nowhere, just to be shattered into pieces, triggering some kind of figures. Shizuka could not comprehend what was going on but this sort of scene felt all too familiar to her. Was it an anime she watched? Perhaps a game she played? She couldn't figure it out in the midst of such a mess and before she knew it, Rui and Matt were before her glass case, where the poor girl was trapped in.

Slash. An opening on the glass case was formed thanks to one of the figures they controlled. Before the fox demon would turn its attention back to her, Shizuka ran along with the two, Matt firmly holding her hand to lead her to safety. Once they were far enough from the enemy, the upperclassmen were about to dive back into action. Before they left, Shizuka cheered them on with a worried tone, "P-Please come back safely, senpai!" The brunette upperclassman turned back towards the maiden for a moment to flash a melancholic smile, one which she could not see the emotion behind. Was it because of what her fraud had spoke about? Feeling guilty whether or not she admitted it as true, Shizuka could not help but return the gesture with a frown.

Both Rui and Matt had gone back into the battle as things became more intense, especially how the fox demon had easily dodged their attacks in dancing steps. Shizuka didn't want to admit it but how the fox demon gracefully made each step with the swaying of her hips, arms and tails was visually appealing. But this was not the time to be amused by the enemy's movements. If this was no dream, they were putting their lives on the line for her sake. There was nothing she could do but hope for the best outcome and keep out of their way.

After figuring out a possible weak point, the battle went down smoothly and the team was able to topple the imitator down, causing her appearance to transform back into the familiar figure. Watching her struggle to even attempt to get up pained the girl's heart a little. "But you'll still need to come to terms with this, otherwise this won't end. Though I'm sure you can accept this part of yourself." As Rui stepped aside to let Shizuka pass, she gave a hesitant nod before approaching her other self. His last comment as she passed caused an ache to her chest, but her feet continued going forward. Before any appreciation was to be given, they deserved to know the truth.

"Um..." Shizuka knelt down to the shadow's level, seemingly unsure how to form words to express how she felt and what she wanted to say. "It... It is as you say. I-I've always been living in my own de-delusional world." Releasing a deep sigh, Shizuka continued reluctantly, "It must've began when mother and father... started drifting away from me. I-I've always held back from saying how truly lonely I felt... But instead, I indulged myself in my new found hobby."

"...But we wouldn't have known that that new hobby would turn out to become an unhealthy obsession." The magical girl dressed figure frowned at her own words, which also caused Shizuka to frown slightly.

"Yes... I-It was true. All that you've said. Because of the deprivation of attention from my parents, I... I sought out attention from upperclassmen and po-potential love interests as a shoujo manga protagonist would have done." Hazel eyes lowered themselves down as teardrops started to fall from the corners of her eyes. Lips trembled as the tone of her voice became softer and shaky. "I-I hadn't meant any harm bu-but I see now how my se-selfish actions brought pain to pe-people who are dear..."

Shizuka sobbed in between her words, making it difficult to understand unless one listened to her carefully. As more streams of tears rolled down her cheeks, a hand wiped away the tears on her left, then the right cheek. Blinking in surprise at the gesture, Shizuka stared at the figure similar to her as if wondering what had happened to her hostility. "Now, now. A crying face doesn't suit a shoujo protagonist, does it?" Despite the pain the imitator had endured throughout the battle, she managed an encouraging smile upon her lips. "You might have been a selfish shoujo protagonist but you've still brought smiles upon people's faces too, right? Making people happy, that part of you is what makes a true shoujo protagonist."

Realizing the truth in her shadow's words, the maiden smiled slightly, tears ceasing to fall as she responded, "I still have long ways to go, it seems. But... Thank you. I'm unsure whether or not people will still accept me as I am but being honest is the first step I've decided to take. _{Um... And lessen my unhealthy obsession with otaku things as well.}" The imitator giggled at Shizuka's whispered last comment, followed by Shizuka's own giggling.

A blinding light started to envelop the other self, startling Shizuka to her feet. Just what was going on this time? Was it another transformation sequence? If it was, the light which surrounded the other self this time felt gentle and gave off a warm aura. The light dimmed as a figure within became clearer until it resembled another fox figure. While it was another image of a fox like the earlier one, this figure didn't seem to give off any hostile aura. In fact, it gave off a familiar, kind aura instead. Shizuka was still shocked and confused at everything that had happened in the past couple of minutes but she felt that she did what was right in accepting her. A bright smile adorned her features as a voice spoke,



The voice faded along with the fox figure, leaving behind a shining blue card with an image of the Temperance arcana. The spinning blue card landed upon her open hands before it shattered into pieces, igniting a flash of blue light, wrapping Shizuka in a gentle, blue light. After a moment of letting what had just happened sink in, Shizuka turned to face the team of four, an apologetic expression upon her features. "I-I truly apologize for... a-all the tro-... trouble I've ca-caused.... But.... t-tha.... --ou....."

.........

>Tadao: 3/4 SPD UP
>Ryan DMG1: 3/4 SPD UP
>Sieghardt: 3/4 SPD UP
>Chiaki: 3/4 SPD UP

>Mako's Shadow, Yama: 50%

As Tadao shielded the next attack head on, everyone began their counter-attack. Right before the shadow could take flight once more, blasts of wind and ice assaulted it and Seighardt's Persona going in for an attack struck it in the wings and legs, preventing it from rising into the air, as it crashed to the ground. The wings were injured, and the legs not as much, but now the shadow quickly went onto all fours to try and adapt to it's predicament.

"Those wings seem to be healing up, this is our chance to dish out some serious damage", Kazuki pointed out.

"All of you, watch closely for it's charge, it's legs are weakened, so it won't have as much force in it's next attack", so... They can parry the next attack, if they time this properly. If they can do that, this can be ended quite soon.

Matt || Super Magical Runway F2

Finally, the battle was finally over but Matt only felt partially relieved after the fight for probable obvious reasons and as hard as it was Matt still tuned in when Rui told Shizuka how the next part of it all worked.
“Didn’t have to say that last part damn it” Matt mumbled as he watched Shizuka move towards the shadow, so many thoughts were going through his head at the time but also couldn’t think of anything. His mind was so jumbled with both complicated and simple thoughts.

Listening to the acceptance Matt clicked his tongue with annoyance, not at the situation but at himself.
Loneliness huh, the boy remembered the foolish king and all the foolish actions made due to loneliness.
But as long as you move forward things can work out… looks like even I learnt a lesson from then huh….

"I-I truly apologize for... a-all the tro-... trouble I've ca-caused.... But.... t-tha.... --ou....."

Matt’s train of thought was broken when Shizuka addressed the group, he saw her sway, knowing what would come next and before he knew it Matt was running towards her and got to Shizuka before she completely fell.
Tch.
Another click of the tongue due to the realisation that he moved without thinking… and another realisation.

Picking up the unconscious girl Matt addressed the rest of the group.
“Guess we should get Shizu out of here now it’s all over.”

@Sho Minazuki@oblivion666

When Tadao shielded the next attack, everyone had let loose with a onslaught of elemental spells, seeking to ground the demonic Shadow. Their efforts were rewarded when Yama's wings were shredded and the Shadow was forced to walk upon four legs instead of the divebombing it had been doing.

Kazuki called out for everyone to wait for it to charge and Ryan nodded solemnly. This was the final clash if they hit it properly. The tension in the air was palpable. What an introduction to the group.

>Tadao: 3/4 SPD UP
>Ryan DMG1: 3/4 SPD UP
>Sieghardt: 3/4 SPD UP
>Chiaki: 3/4 SPD UP

>Mako's Shadow, Yama: 0%

Leaping and vaulting around in front of them, trying to get a proper angle, the shadow became manic and unpredictable, but everyone stood back and waited, Tadao moving his position based on where he could defend everyone best. The shadow ignite into flames and charged out of nowhere, the flames were unexpected, and what did they entail? Every step it lit the ground beneath it, and as it drew rapidly closer, a flaming path was laid behind it. Tadao braced his Persona's shield, but rather than holding back and defending, he smashed it right into the shadow. The flames burst over Tadao, dealing some hefty damage to him, but he avoided the physical brutality of the charge thanks to his persona. The shadow was hurtling back, clearly no longer in control of it's movement. This was it.

"Now!", he yelled, swinging the shield around as he and his Persona began their charge.

The charge was ruthless, the Masukukaja was about to fade, but they only needed it for this one move. Everyone poured two helpings of the strongest spell and attack they had onto the shadow. It tried to stand up and bear the attack, but within moments it was forced to it's knees, before finally collapsing upon the ground. It's demonic form fading as it gave way to it's human form.

@Enterthehero

==~==

Mako stood, shakily, looking out over the carnage that that... creature had wrought. The flames slowly died down, leaving nothing but char and embers in their wake. He walked through the haze of smoke, eyes focused on the collapsed form before him as it stirred, beginning to force itself to its feet. It finally rose, looking Mako in the eyes, though differently than it had- where once there was malice and vitriol, the thing's gaze now seemed appraising. Perhaps even anticipating something.

Heh. "Creature." "Thing." Am I still that much of a coward? Can I still not see what's happening here?

No. Not anymore. Mako stared himself in the eyes, unwavering. Himself. His doppelganger, his... Shadow. Everything he'd run and hidden from. Everything he hated or feared about himself. His hands curled into fists as he tried to order his thoughts, trying to find the words he needed to say to his other half.

"...Fine. Goddammit, fine, okay? You win. I admit it. You... you are me."

He raked his fingers through his hair, still trying to calm down. "I... I was scared. Who wouldn't be? When Haku died, something... something broke inside me. The feelings I had- the rage, the frustration, the hatred- I couldn't make them stop. I couldn't make it go away. I wanted to- to hurt them. Make them suffer. Can you imagine...? Me, a kid, wanting to kill his own parents he was so angry. Can you imagine looking inside of yourself and seeing this, just itching to come out? It was horrifying.

"So I ran. I just ran. My parents were deemed unfit to keep me around after Haku died, and I was sent to live with my uncle here in town. I was... relieved. Ecstatic, even. Here was my chance- to flee those thoughts and feelings, to start anew. I tried to throw myself into my new life as much as possible. I ignored... all of this, burning and festering and growing inside me. I thought that if I could live hard enough, run far enough away, pretend I was happy for long enough, that maybe you'd just... go away."

He laughed. A bitter, joyless sound. "What a fucking joke, right? Problems don't go away if you ignore them. They just... get worse. And every time I lost control, it was just another reminder of what an idiot I was to keep part of myself locked up, hoping I could pass as normal for just one more day. You just kept building and boiling and... I could never keep you down for long. No matter how hard I tried, you were always there. And I'm an idiot for not admitting this sooner."

His face hardened, then, a look of resolve passing over his face. Despite the pain and exhaustion, he stood straight and tall. "You know, you're not wrong... But you're not exactly right, either. You're a part of me, yeah, but this isn't everything that I am. I... We can be so much better than this. We can be the person I was trying to be. For real, this time. Because now that I can face what's wrong with me... Now I can finally change for the better. The right way.

"So here it is. The truth. I am you. You are me. And... we can be so much better than this."

The Shadow stood silent for a moment, then grinned, much warmer than before. He clapped, a look of pride on his face.

"Well said."

And then the Shadow changed, but differently this time. Instead of a twisted version of Mako's flaws, the Shadow became a being in green and gold samurai armor, wielding a long trumpet like a lance or spear of some kind. Mako winced as a voice suddenly thundered in his mind.

I am thou. Thou art I.
I am Israfil, the Trumpeter.
Harbinger of tidings both glad and ill.

The being vanished, and Mako felt a warmth suffuse his chest. That being... it was like the ones he'd seen being used earlier- the beings they called forth to fight his Shadow. Persona...

So... This is mine, then? My power? Heh. So... this is that destiny... she talked about...

His thoughts slowed to a crawl, exhaustion suddenly hammering down on him like the weight of the world. He fell to his knees, already pitching forward onto his face. He laughed internally.

Haha... Gonna have... one hell of a headache... when I wake up.

...All of you... I'll see you guys later.

And then, there was nothing but the black of unconsciousness.

Shortly after Kami emerged from Masahide's dungeon with him in tow, Tadao returned with Mako. Matthew had already left to deliver Shizuka to the hospital, and Megumi went with them out of worry. Of course, it was both Tadao and Alexei who would take Masahide and Mako to the hospital too. Soon as they left, a voice was heard from the end of the hallway. Rui recognized it. The voice belonged to a detective, he met him some time back. The brown scruffy coat paired with the well kept, yet messily worn suit underneath was a strange combination, he had short hair and a stubble, in black, his face was gaunt, some age, his gaze was intense, and by the looks of his figure he was a man that commanded a great deal of physical strength too.

"I knew it was you kids... You all seem to know something we cops don't", he began. Kazuki was the first to get defensive and took a stance like he was ready to fight, as did a few others.

"I'm sorry if I caught you off guard, but I saw you all step out of that giant mirror behind you... Whatever the story is behind these kidnappings, I'm afraid no one, even me, would be able to believe it...", he sighed with frustration, stepped to look off to the side.

"Years of being a detective and trying to help people, and some case comes up without answers, turns out I couldn't do anything about it at all... Top it all off, one of my colleagues' son is involved, though I doubt his father knows anything about this. By the way, that's how I found this little setup. You're really good at finding things kid, but you're not so good at covering your tracks", he was referring to Kami, who tried not to look surprised.

"It was... Necessary...", was all he could say.

"No worries, I have men twice your age who would take longer digging up some of those files and connections. So that old cult is involved right...? And you guys somehow trace it to... Whatever this mirror is. Don't worry, I'm not here to bring you all in or anything... It's just as a responsible adult, I'm worried... One thing I know about these cultists is that at the flip of a hat they would kill someone in their way. So watch yourself when you're chasing them, even if I told you to leave it to us cops, you guys would probably still go off and do it huh...? Anyways... Don't be afraid to call the station, if we can help somehow... My break ends pretty soon, so I must be going. Stay safe kids", and with that he turned and left... Seems he was a good man, but you could feel his frustration too.

"Well... That was a little unexpected... We should all probably go home and rest. We'll mull over everything another time", Rui suggested. Everyone seemed to agree. As they all walked off, the warning the detective gave them stuck with him... He would not figure out why it ate at him, until that day a few months from now.

---

"Welcome, to the Velvet Room", their eyes slowly came to. It was an unfamiliar room with an unearthly yet elegant blue decor, they sat at what they could only assume was a long, fancy dining table, and most of the people sitting here seemed to be mere black silhouettes save for two others as each of them could see.

Mako was the first to notice his outfit, mostly since it felt stiff and formal, and made him feel like a businessman. Even his glasses seemed to go under a stylistic change. One thing that stood out however was the blue and black thematic of the outfit, which matched the room they were situated in. The decorations upon his suit spoke "fancy dinner event", a blue rose lapel pin, and the ever-difficult eldredge knot for his blue satin tie. The suit was a navy with a matching black shirt as well, the buttons however were gold.

On the other end was Masahide, a dark blue striped shirt alongside a black suit jacket, what made this in particular stand out was the pocket square, a deep blue handkerchief that stood out from the otherwise plain outfit. As he raised his hands, he would notice he was wearing blue gloves matching the pocket square, and gold-blue cufflinks for the jacket.

Shizuka who had come to last noticed she looked dressed for a ballroom dance party, strangest to her was that she came to while holding what looked like a parasol, intricate blue black lacing patterns, and her clothes in a pseudo gothic lolita to match and compliment the formality of her dress. It seems to flare out more towards the bottom too. High gloves that went up to near her shoulder that seemed to be held up by a lacy pattern.

"I am Igor, this is a place that exists between mind, and matter, dream, and reality", he began. The long nosed man was distinct, even from across the room, that long nose would be the most defining feature to identify him.

"Only those who have signed a contract, are allowed in here... I'm sure you all recall the reception?", a strange dream from months back, but yes there was such a thing...

[color=royablue]"In any case, it appears you all have been saved by your friends from a most terrible fate"[/color], only their dungeons would come to mind... Was that real? Was this even real?

"You... Have drawn the Moon Arcana", he began. Mako immediately realized what the "Moon" symbol in front of him meant. It was his arcana.

"The symbol of inspiration, creativity, and the ability to be attuned with their surrounding world without the need for signals... But all the same, it comes with manic illusions, fears coming to life when there should be nothing to fear... The delusions of a madman. You appear to have narrowly avoided the latter", he said. He drew yet another card from the deck in front of him.

"And you, the Tower Arcana. It represents pride, arrogance, and an ironic downfall as a result. I am sure you are familiar...? However with the help of your friends, or new friends, the painful fall has been avoided", like before the man named Igor drew yet another card.

"And finally, the Temperance Arcana. Those who draw this, often find themselves having difficulty balancing the things in their lives, a balance so delicate if it falls far on one end, then it could be disastrous. Such misfortune for you seems to have been avoided, and now you find harmony beyond it", and with that the cards were put away.

"You will all return here of your own volition in the future, for now I leave you this key", he clicks his fingers, and the lady standing next to him begins walking around, and placing keys in front of each of the guests.

"But until then... Farewell", and with that, they lulled back into unconsciousness, to wake up in their hospital beds shortly after.

The team's all-out attack was beyond successful, and Shizuka's shadow disappeared into a dark fog before reappearing as her clone again. The battle wasn't over, however. Everyone turned to Shizuka, who still had to take care of her yellow-eyed doppelganger. Sato worried for a moment as she waited for Shizu's response to what Rui had said, but that concern faded away quickly when she gave them a nod. All that was left was to watch as Shizu accepted her shadow, acknowledging what she'd been doing wrong, what she'd been trying to run away wrong. Listening to people accept their shadows like that always left a kind of ache in Sato's chest, but it always faded before long. Maybe it was an insulin spike from how sweet it was, or maybe it was a bitter feeling of remembering who he'd been. Sato didn't know how far he'd come since he had to face himself, but...

Who knows what tomorrow holds. Sato gave a wry smile as he watched predictably Matt catch Shizu once she had obtained her Persona. With that done, the slender teen felt a weight lift from his chest, as they had finished what they had come to do and successfully saved Shizuka from, in a way, herself. Sato himself felt like passing out the same way Shizu had, but the thought of the others still fighting brought him back to his senses. The night wasn't done until both the rescue team and the victims were back in the real world, safe and sound.

The team hurried back to their warehouse base with Shizu in tow, the navigators greeting them as they stepped through the mirror portal. It appeared that the other two squads had finished up their business safely at roughly the same time, and were just returning. All that was left was to deliver the collapsed victims to the hospital, a task Sato wanted to take but unfortunately couldn't do to being smaller than both of the guys. Matt had already left the scene with Shizu before Sato could even step out of the mirror world...

In any case, Sato set his minimal equipment to the side just as an unfamiliar voice came from the hall. He turned to see who it was, but the man he saw was a complete stranger to the third-year. A brown coat and suit, combined with the tired stubble on his worn face, gave a good detective-y vibe. This guy was clearly associated with the police somehow just from how stereotypical he looked. A few of the others reasonably took defensive stances, and as if to put them at ease, he apologized and introduced himself in a roundabout manner.

A co-worker of Kami's father was not who he expected (mostly because Sato didn't remember Kami's dad was a police officer or whatever), but he was in fact a detective, so Sato's intuition proved somewhat correct. He'd read enough mystery novels to know the look... More concerningly though, was the fact that the detective had just witnessed them going in and out of a magical mirror portal. The man seemed to understand they were helping though, fortunately, so Sato took a relaxed stance as he listened to the conversation, leaning against the edge of the table of their weapons.

In the end however, all the man seemed to be there for was to warn them (as a concerned adult, apparently) of some of the real world dangers they were faced with, and that they could always ask for help from the police if needed. The second thing Sato doubted they'd ever necessarily call upon considering the abstract nature of the case, but the first point was... interesting. For some reason, Sato realized, he'd neglected to even think about the idea of being targeted by the cult again in one way or another. Sure, in the mirror world, he could take them down. They'd even proven it before. But, his persona ability was useless in the real world and he didn't carry any kind of self-defense measure around with him.

Suffice to say, it was food for thought as Sato made his way back home in the darkness of the evening. Maybe it wouldn't be bad to invest in something to keep himself safe with. Just in case.

---

JUNE 29TH 2015, MONDAY
Afterschool
The bell resounded through-out Warakuma Highschool, and with that, the footsteps of hundreds of teens filled the rooms and halls. Sato had barely been listening to the last lecture of the day (it probably wasn't important), as he'd been so focused on remembering to go to the hospital ASAP that school seemed to move in one-quarter time. Honestly, Sato didn't even remember if it was practice or not. The night before had seemed to never end, and before he knew it, the morning sun was shining through his window... Had he even slept at all? Probably, as he managed to avoid every body that almost bumped into him in the hall as he made his way straight to the school entrance.

The trip from the school to the hospital felt like a second compared to how long Sato waited in the lobby. For some reason, the courage to go up and ask for visitation to either of the victims he knew fled before he could use it. Eventually the front desk attendant finished what she was doing and looked up at Sato, raising one eyebrow. "Who are you wanting to visit?" She guessed, looking back down at her desk.

Sato looked away from her as he walked up to the desk. "Uh... Moritomi Mako."

A few minutes of questioning later and the attendant sent Sato off with a sticky-note with the location of Mako's room written on it. He lowered his brow as he walked through the halls, trying to figure out why he instinctively chose him out of the options. It was probably because he knew that Shizu could count on Matt coming to visit her as soon as possible, and Sato didn't even know Masahide. Not like it mattered, though, as Sato found himself looking at the correct room number on wall, the same as the one written on the note. Peering in through a slightly open door, Sato made sure that nobody was currently talking to Mako at the moment before he pushed the door open all the way and entered.

"Umm... H-hey, Moritomi. It's me." Sato said, hands awkwardly pressed to his side. He cursed himself for not bringing... something. A card, or flowers, or a teddy bear? They all seemed weird, like something he'd give to a girl. Not Mako. "I just came by to check on you. Y'know, because some people in my class heard about it, and they were worried."

==~==

"Welcome to the Velvet Room."

Mako's eyes opened. He felt... surprisingly energetic, considering what had happened the last time he'd been awake. He looked around the room, eyes drinking in the blue-and-black coloring, the dinner party aesthetic. His eyes caught the other two individuals sharing the room with him, both dressed in immaculate formal attire. Which, come to think of it, he did feel rather stiff... He looked down at himself, admiring the suit he found himself in.

...Okay. Nice. I could get used to this. He glanced at the head of the table as he heard the voice from before speak again. And then did a double-take.

My god... that is the longest nose I have ever seen. Why...? How...? He wisely decided not to voice his observations as the long-nosed man went on, talking about a contract, or some such. Contract... yes. The dreams. That must be what he was talking about. Mako smiled, feeling pleased with himself at being proven correct in his assumptions.

"You..."

Mako jumped as he realized the long-nosed man- Igor- was addressing him.

"...Have drawn the Moon Arcana." Mako raised an eyebrow, looking down at the Moon symbol in front of him. Arcana. As in Tarot? Is that what this is about? Some sort of motif for those of us who've been chosen, or whatever? He didn't know much about Tarot, to be honest- barely enough to know that the Moon was an Arcana, not enough to know what it meant. Luckily, Igor went on to explain to him. Mako shrank under the critique- or perhaps what he imagined as a critique- nodding silently at the man's assessment as he remembered his twisted other self. "Delusions of a madman." Appropriate, I suppose, but I'm going to fix that.

He sat silently through the other two's assessments, only reacting when the woman he'd been seeing in his dreams began passing out keys, placing one in front of him. He picked his up, scrutinizing it, wondering how he'd be able to return here. Perhaps in his dreams. Well, other dreams, assuming he was correct in calling this a dream.

Igor finished speaking, bidding them farewell as Mako's vision swam, fading into blackness once again. He was getting tired of how often that seemed to be happening to him lately. He closed his eyes as darkness closed in on him...

==~==




==~==

...and opened his eyes in the hospital. He looked down at the hospital gown he was clad in, sighing softly.

Hm. Wish I could have kept the suit. He leaned back in his bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about everything that had happened. If, indeed, it had happened, and he wasn't merely suffering some sort of psychotic delusion. He concentrated slightly, extending his awareness of himself. Including the strange, warm sensation in the back of his head, and the minor burns on his palms and knees from the flames his Shadow had released. No, this wasn't a delusion- that had all happened after all. Which meant... what exactly?

It was funny- now that he had the answers he'd sought, he had even more questions about this whole mess. Where had he been taken to? Where, aside from the obvious, had his Shadow come from? How did the others- and now him, he supposed- use their gifts, their... Personas? Personae? Stands? He shook his head. He'd get nowhere speculating on his own. Better that he get his answers from someone who knew, who could actually set the record straight for him.

The four who came to save me. I should have a word with one of them. Pity I don't know any of their names- it would be easier to talk to someone I already know, and have some sort of rapport with.

No sooner had he thought this than his door opened, admitting one Sato Hashimoto into his room. Mako blinked, unsure whether or not the universe was doing him a favor, or simply continuing to kick him in the balls. It was probably something to do with the latter, given his luck as of late.

"Umm... H-hey, Moritomi. It's me," said Sato, shuffling nervously as he stood there at his door. "I just came by to check on you. Y'know, because some people in my class heard about it, and they were worried."

Mako couldn't help it- he smiled, even chuckled weakly. It was rather... cute, yes, fine, cute- that he was being so coy about coming to see him. And especially about why and how he came to know he was here. Mako raised an eyebrow, still smiling warmly.

"Heard from your classmates, eh? Those... those wouldn't happen to be the ones who came and saved me... would they?" He paused for a second before continuing. "I'm not off-base in saying that, am I? That you know what happened to me? Because... because it's what happened to you? It's all conjecture, I admit- inferences and such. But there's too many coincidences, too many things that are the same. There's too much I can't ignore about what happened to the both of us, so I'm going to assume that your kidnapping happened in much the same manner as mine did?"

He frowned then, realizing something. "The... the other two. The ones who were with me at the cafe, when we were taken. They're okay, right? They're alive?"

Even as consciousness returned to him, Masahide was hard-pressed to find such an event a blessing. Instead, his thoughts kept hearkening back to the events of the throne room, and the words exchanged with his 'shadow'. Even now, his embarrassment was unbearable, a wound on his pride larger than any of his failures. Not only was his innermost thoughts exposed, but those very ideals put several others in danger. As his eyes began to open and take in the sights of the Velvet Room, the shock of the prior events dulling his reaction to a mere raise in his brow. A peculiar place, complete with a peculiar duo, and two others that seemed around his age dressed in attire matching the venue- including himself. It was only when the man named Igor began to speak, that Masa turned his attention from his surroundings to the nose that spoke to him... Or rather, that's how it would seem. Still, the boy stood in silence as the man spoke, taking his key in turn before idly running his gloved hand over the metal. All at once, the words of Igor began to drone on, a dark curtain begining to fall around Masahide's vision, and before he knew it- he was unconscious yet again.

As his eyes opened to a more familiar venue, the blue suit that once adorned his person was replaced with a typical hospital gown, the subtle and rhythmic beeping of monitors relaying his vital signs through a rather simple display. Turning over, Masahide felt sore throughout his entire body... But oddly revitalized in a completely different fashion. He felt at peace, or at least alright with his current situation, though a bit of confusion couldn't be dodged. Instead, now he focused on learning the truth... There was more going on then what had been spoken about in whispers and rumors. As he attempted to raise himself from the bed, he felt his body resisting the movement, resulting in only him sitting in his bed. Looking about, he made note of the door and the table at his side, the brightness of the sun outside the window and the familiar chill that hospital rooms most often held. Even now, he couldn't help but chuckle at his situation, sitting in silence as his smile quickly faded.

"Tyr." Masahide muttered under his breath, glancing down at his hand which once held the key to what he assumed was the Velvet Room.