010 | my reflection wraps and pulls me under

[mortal_son]

(( OOC: Please read the warning post for this plot before tagging.

This one is especially heavy on the suicidal ideation, the negative self-talk, and themes of abandonment. ))


[ ACTION ]
[ Catch-all for the TV World ]

(( OOC: Please note for the dungeons I DO NOT expect these to be threaded out blow-by-blow. Tags can be about the aftermath of the dungeons, or reactions going in, if you want to use those prompts at all. Handwaving is encouraged. ))



[ OUTSIDE THE ARCHWAY ]

There are probably a Guardian and some deputies here. They might have some issues with people gathering here, or trying to get in.



[ INSIDE THE ARCHWAY - CROSSROADS ]

In the fog, there's a crossroads with four paths branching off.

The widest path leads to a building, which kind of looks like the apartment Shinjiro and Akihiko share right now in Genessia. That door is locked with three keys.

The path to the left leads to a building Akihiko would find familiar. It's an orphanage.

The path to the right leads to a structure which seems to be a mashup between the highschool in Iwatodai and the dorms that SEES lived in.

The narrowest path leads right past the building. It appears to go into a warren of alleyways.



[ INSIDE THE ORPHANAGE ]

Right when you get in, you hear a woman's voice saying, "You're just too much trouble." It's not a voice Akihiko would recognize.

The first floor is filled with whispering adult voices, harsh and judgmental. They're not clear enough to be heard right away. When you find the stairs, they've resolved themselves at last. "Undesirable." "Troublemaker." "Thief." "Bully." "Too aggressive." "Looks suspicious." "Not that one."

The second floor is distinctly hotter than the first. The rooms begin to fill with smoke. There's crying of children in the corridors, and by the final room - which has the first key - the whole dungeon is on fire.

In that last room, when the chest is opened, they can hear Shinjiro's very young voice. "I didn't really want this to happen. I didn't. It wasn't my fault!"

This dungeon drops a lot of Goho-M and Revival Beads.



[ INSIDE THE SCHOOL + DORM ]

When you open the door, you hear the principal say, "Delinquent."

The first floor appears to be just the school. But the corridors are tight, growing tighter, and the ceilings seem to get lower and lower. A shadow eventually can easily block the entire hallway. All around are whispers and snickering, and disapproving coughing. This building doesn't appear to have any distinct voices, one way or another.

By the time you get to the stairs, you almost need to crouch.

The second floor is the dorm. These appear to be spaced just like the actual dorm hallways, and the ceilings are the right height, too. But there are shadows everywhere.

Eventually, one will knock you into a wall. The wall completely collapses, and the sound it makes is a mix of Mrs. Amada and Ken Amada's screams.

After the first wall, the corridors seem to narrow exponentially. Knocking down more walls causes repeats of those screams, but. At least it's easier to move around over rubble?

The final room has the voice of Shadow!Shinji call out - "No, no it's not possible - no -"

This dungeon drops a lot of Goho-M and Revival Beads. It also drops an axe. (Not funny, TV World.)



[ INSIDE THE ALLEYWAYS ]

This is a straight-up labyrinth, single floor.

It's freezing in the alleys. Shadows seem to come out of nowhere and ambush the party easily. There aren't distinct voices here - just shouts, and laughter, and indistinct pleading.

As they go through the alleys, it gets colder and colder. It also grows darker. It gets even harder to see the shadows, and eventually, you'll need to find the light of your cell phone to get by.

This dungeon drops a lot of Goho-M and Revival Beads. The shadows also seem unusually fond of casting Marin Karin on the party.



[ INSIDE THE SAFEHOUSE ]

This is Shinjiro and Akihiko's apartment, all right. Except the floor is littered with empty prescription pill bottles, hundreds of them. It's hard not to step on them. The door to Akihiko's room is locked. The bathroom is trashed, the mirror smashed.

Shinjiro's room is where you find them both, Shadow and Persona-user. This room is also pretty wrecked. Here the empty prescription bottle count is highest.

Shinjiro is tied up, back against the wall, sitting on his bed. The Shadow is pacing the room, kicking about empty bottles as he goes. His eyes are red, like he'd been crying, but he looks furious. He's holding an axe, and gesturing with it at Shinjiro.

"I'm not going to let you! I'm not, I'm not, I'm not!" the Shadow shouts, sounding a mix between anguished and furious.

As a counterpoint, Shinjiro almost looks bored, slumped in his bindings against the wall. He doesn't look at the Shadow. "Can you just get it over with?"

But then he notices you all there, in the doorway, and his eyes go wide. "Shit."

The Shadow turns, looks at you, and almost looks ... hopeful?

Or maybe he just hopes to use his axe. He runs a thumb over it, thoughtfully.

(( OOC: The boss fight will be "unlocked" in this thread after a) a character calls out what Shinjiro is denying about himself, and b) Shinjiro denies it. Actual fight can be handwaved. ))



[ AFTER THE BOSS FIGHT ]

(( OOC: Descriptive text will be unlocked in a post below after the boss fight. ))

Comments

[ OUTSIDE THE ARCHWAY ]

[mortal_son]

[ OUTSIDE THE ARCHWAY ]

[southpaw_senpai]

[Akihiko was a man on a mission. He was going into the archway, and nothing was going to stop him. In fact, it would probably be best if people just kept out of his way. As he neared the archway, he threw open his cape and began rolling his shoulders.]

[k2so]

[Unstoppable force, meet immovable object. Kay saw the young man approaching ans stop straight, rising to his full weight.]

Sir, it's forbidden to get closer to the archway than this.

[initia_nova]

[Just as Scott told Cassian, he came to check on how things where doing. He had seen enough mutants hurt by mobs and police alike only because they feared what they were dealing with. He won't get in the way of the Guardian or their deputies, but he will keep a close eyes on them.

And so, anyone there would see a serious looking teen, staring there in silence, watching and waiting.]

Let me know if this is okay!

[leekspins]

[Orihime arrives at last, gaze fixed on the subarchway, but she remains a respectful distance away to keep from getting underfoot. Under her arm she has a black bundle of cloth wadded up. What it was for, she'll never tell.]

[Finding her spot, she folds her arms tightly, looking as if she's cold from the morning chill...or perhaps just doing her very best to hold herself back. It's a few moments before she notices Scott fairly close by, and her serious expression eases somewhat before turning into an awkward smile.]

Did you know Shinjiro-san too?

[Small talk might help take her mind off of the countless frantic worries spinning around, and pass the time as she waits for her friend and his rescuers to emerge.]

[koishi_komeiji]

This would be Koishi's second time in the TV world. She approached soon after getting the message on her phone, and just moments after the others entered, taking several moments to tighten her belt and smooth her sleeves and dress before approaching. She knew exactly what the world would do to her.

She was drifting rather nonchalantly, her third eye swaying from side to side. She would glide past anyone guarding the entrance unless the someone watching was a robot. Her powers wouldn't work on a mechanical mind or eyes.

[k2so]

After the night they're all having (or very early day already, depends on who you ask) Kay is in a terrible mood. It doesn't exactly show since he can't emote properly without a real face, but he is standing straight in a way he normally doesn't do and his optics are brighter than usual. The joints of his right arm are still acting funny after being electrocuted by that thing Akihiko summoned.

As he is running a diagnosis on his systems, from the corner of his optics Kay spots Koishi approaching the subarchway and lets out a sound akin to a soft sigh before moving towards her.

"Koishi, hello. Where are you going?"

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Guarding the archway, first trying to figure out what do, and then once the team is inside the long wait being unable to do anything. Except for his short Moonbucks run, which is of course exactly when all the action happens.

Caution: Care and feeding of your Guardian is harder while he's grumpy. ]

[leekspins]

[After speaking with Scott, Orihime is far less tense and anxious about the whole situation than before. She's also got a coat. She picks her way through the area, nodding her thanks to the policemen that have instructions to let her pass, so she can find Cassian.]

[When she spots him, she can see the same rigidity in his form that she carried. Maybe he should talk to Scott and score a free jacket too.]

Andor-san?

[She's tipped slightly to one side, as if she wants to be clear she's addressing the right person first. Once it's confirmed, she smiles and straightens.]

I just wanted to let you know I was here in case you needed my help. Reporting for duty!

[No one looks hurt so far, but there are probably other tasks she can assist with. And who knows, someone might be nursing a broken nose or something where she can't see.]

[spacepeterpan]

[Don't worry, you won't get bored, because this guy's come to investigate. Of course, he's not one to pick a fight to get by. Why pick a fight, when you can just walk right up to the front door (metaphorically speaking) and talk your way through nine times in ten?]

Oh, hello, Captain Andor, wasn't it? So it said on your announcement, anyway, we spoke briefly, pleased to meet you properly, though, I'm sure, Captain-

[He casually whisks something from his jacket pocket that almost looks like a slightly midgety lightsaber, but it just makes a chirping sound and lights up the tip when he points it at the arch apparently harmlessly--maybe some sort of scanning device?--then chirps it at Cassian indicatively.]

-sorry, what sort of Captain was it, again? Guessing not a pirate.

[The question's deliberately just a bit personal and prying yet offhanded to buy a couple of seconds as he waves his device back at the archway, pointing in an arc from one side of the base, upward, and down to the base of the other leg, then peers at the side of his widget.]

[ OUTSIDE THE ARCHWAY ] - [ AFTER BOSS FIGHT ]

[mortal_son]

[ Several hours after the initial post, there was finally movement coming from the Subarchway.

First to emerge was Akihiko, looking tired but in good spirits - shouldering the taller form of Shinjiro.

Shinjiro looked absolutely exhausted. He was much paler than usual, his expression even a little green, and it was quite clear without his friend's support, he probably wouldn't have walked out of the portal under his own power.

But walk out he did, and he squinted a bit in the morning sun.

Honestly, he had accepted the consequences of what he was doing ... well, before he accepted himself. It's just the consequences were going to be different than he'd thought they'd be.

Time to face the music. ]


(( ooc: I'll respond to each people reacting to him individually, rather than in one long thread chain. <3 ))

[ OUTSIDE THE ARCHWAY ] - [ AFTER BOSS FIGHT ]

[leekspins]

Shinjiro-san...!

[Orihime rises from where she was crouched and sitting on her heels. Others are already moving forward, so she doesn't join the surge. She doesn't want to crowd him. But she does try to move, craning her neck for a better view. He seems tired, but as far as she can tell, there are no signs of injuries.]

[That's good.]

[Orihime settles back onto her heels with a small smile. In the end, it seems she really wasn't much help at all, and there's a little ache of guilt that throbs in her heart. But as long as he's alive...as long as he's not hurt.]

[Step by step, walking backward, she withdraws. He's got a lot of people close by that are worried about him...people who know him better, people he'd count as friends. It's best to let him be fussed over so he knows they care. After all, he was right. Shinjiro and Orihime barely knew each other. She'd just quietly do what she could to support him in secret until he was feeling better.]

Koishi is half-hidden and not part of the persona gang. If someone wants to point her out feel free.

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi stumbled out soon after, visibly shaking and holding her head. She retained her monstrous form, though she quickly started to fade from perception. She could still clearly be felt however, her presence as a youkai on display for those around her.

She slumped down next to the archway to catch her breath, finally relaxing as the pressure her instincts had been putting on her mind slowly dissolved.

Still, she was improving quickly. It would only be a few minutes before her aura improved and her features started to return to something more human-looking.

For now though, she would rest.

"I really don't like that place. Even if there is lots of food there."

[initia_nova]

[Much like Orihime, Scott waits until things clam down a little before approaching Shinjiro. The Guardian and Deputies wanted to ask questions of their own and Scott doesn't want to overwhelm the other teen when he clearly could use some space. When Scott finally approaches him, it's with a small smile and a clam voice.]

Ey. Good to see you, Shinjiro.

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Cassian waits until their healer has taken her turn, pacing and seething and doing his best not to give in to his indignation. That doesn't mean he is any less furious. As soon as he gets the opportunity he stalks over to Shinjiro, sizing him up with hard eyes. ]

Give me one good reason why I shouldn't arrest you and leave you to rot in a cell until your trial.

[ He sure would love to throw him into a cell. ]

[ INSIDE THE ARCHWAY - CROSSROADS, ORPHANAGE, SCHOOL, ALLEYWAYS ]

[mortal_son]

[sup_dude]

[Junpei was on standby at the Crossroads, waiting for the others to be ready as well. Of course, gotta wait for their leader as well. He had his Evoker in one hand, at rest at his side while having is oversized katana resting across his shoulders.]

Heh, my Persona's begging to be used. Think there are other shadows here?

[southpaw_senpai]

[Akihiko was already in, just catching his breath and taking a long drink from his water bottle.]

There should be... this place... [Deep steadying breath.] This place is sort of like Tartarus. Keep your guard up.

[Arrival & The School]

[koishi_komeiji]

Arrival & The School

Koishi's arrival was quiet and without fanfare. Lacking an ego meant she also lacked a proper shadow and, likewise, a persona. But that didn't mean that the world could not affect her. And it didn't mean that it wouldn't force certain less desirable traits out of her.

She ran her fingers through her hair as she surveyed her surroundings. A shaky wood with half-formed trees. Familiar and old. A cave that led to nowhere. She ignored it mostly, mentally testing her focus; her abilities; her control. All seemed well. At least, until she stepped forward. From the corner of her eye something moved, peeking out from behind a fallen tree. Something wispy and primal, covered in scraggly hair and a fanged mask.

Koishi let out a long breath, turning toward it and stepping forward. "I didn't expect to see you so early." It vanished momentarily, slinking closer, perched in a tree. "I'm sorry but I have to ruin your hunt. Please come down here. We both know how this will end."

Making a displeased hissing noise the creature hopped down, approaching cautiously. Koishi didn't seem phased, reaching out and placing a hand on her less civil counterpart's shoulder. The presence relaxed, losing form and wrapping around her wrist, gradually winding up her arm. She had expected this. It had happened last time, though not quite so quickly. Though sitting by the door like an eager puppy is something she would certainly do.

She pressed forward, trying to ignore the unpleasant grinding sensation as the presence stripped her of her human guise. She didn't fight it this time as she was forced to reveal her claws and teeth, her darkened sclera, within moments breaking the suppression of her true nature.

She flinched as her left eye flickered and went out along with half of her night-vision, the visible nerve damage creeping down her cheek. She didn't have time to worry about that though. She was here for a reason. Even if her own primal cravings were starting to scratch at the corners of her mind.

It didn't matter what direction she went in. She would to the crossroads one way or another.

------
[Koishi's Interactions at the Crossroads]
------

After making it through the crossroads, the little youkai wandered down one of the paths, finding herself at the school. She crossed the yard, walked up to the front, and pushed open the doors. She paused at the voice, cocking an eyebrow and surveying the area.

She was hyper aware of her own power. If she had teammates with her she would stick back and support to avoid aggravating her instincts further. With her absurdly high evasion, shields, and status effects mixed with a touch of dark, she would prove to be a solid ally.

If alone... well... That's a lot of dark damage. And even more almighty. No need to worry about collateral. Not when the very nature of this world drip-fed her nature and ensured she could keep her sp(mana) topped off.

[sup_dude]

[Junpei volunteered to go with Koishi. Or rather, someone decided to be an ass and said, "Iori would like to volunteer." So, fhl, here he is, playing teammate to the most horrifying thing he's seen since both Yukari and Mitsuru in a bad mood.

Junpei allowed Koishi to take point as they entered the school...]

Man... This shit's spooky. And it really is like Tartarus... 'cept we're walking into a school-school and not a school-turned-into-a-blood-soaked-tower-full-of-Shadows school.

[ INSIDE THE SAFEHOUSE ]

[mortal_son]

[ INSIDE THE SAFEHOUSE ]

[southpaw_senpai]

Akihiko was the first into the room. It made the most sense to take point here considering it was the apartment he shared with Shinji. He stood in the doorway for a moment before stepping in, looking a bit more rough around the edges than normal. He'd been through hell and back with this labyrinth. After all, he'd insisted on going to the Orphanage alone. As such his cape was even sporting black scorch marks as he slowly lifted it over his head and stepped into the room.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Shinji." As he made way for the others to enter the room, he began to crack his knuckles and neck. "Had to work some kinks out. Couldn't show up here and give anything less than my best, after all."

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi glided in behind Akihiko, looking even more shadow-like than she had awhile back. Her claws were twitching restlessly. This place was getting to her. It was getting to her badly.

Stay focused!

"Hello there Mister. I said I would come. I found your friends too and they followed me around. So now they're here too." She gestured to the rest of the party. "We can talk if you want. That's why I said I would come..."

[ AFTER THE BOSS FIGHT ]

[mortal_son]

[mortal_son]

Once the miasma around the defeated Shadow had settled, it was just the younger looking Shinjiro looking at the real one, again.

This time, though, the older Shinjiro was ready. He reared up, and headbutted the Shadow right in the face.

"Ow! What the hell -"

Shinjiro glared. "Shut it. It's my turn now, drama queen."

Sitting back down on the bed, he sighed, and looked at the ceiling. "You're right, okay? You are right. Every single one of you."

"Especially him. Especially me." He sighed. "Before I met up with Ken ..."

"... I think I would have been okay with this. No, I know I would have been okay with this. Just, lettin the pills finish me off. Or lettin someone just kill me. Protecting Ken, making it worth something, that seemed like the best way to go, even if I never planned it that way."

"But once I was talking to him?"

Looking rueful, Shinjiro ducked down his head, staring at his knees. "I realized, somewhere deep down, that I did have a lot of regrets. I didn't want to admit to it. I didn't want to say I was scared, or that I was afraid of dying. I didn't want to be wrong about me."

He looked at the Shadow, finally. "Cause so much of my life was built around people callin me trash. I said I didn't care what they think, and I still kinda don't. But I guess you can only swim in so much toxic shit before it gets in your own system."

Then, Shinjiro shrugged. "Thinkin that I wanted to live, somehow, even though I thought you were gonna kill everybody I cared about - even though I knew the pills I was takin, to stop that, were gonna kill me - even though I know even now I'd still save Ken's life given the chance -"

"- That was even more frightenin than accepting I was going to die."

Some steel entered into Shinjiro's features. "But. Not anymore. You're right. I'm sick of this shit. And I've already died, anyway."

"I want to live."

There was a flash of light.


[ The strength of heart required to face one's self has been made manifest ]

[ The resolution in Shinjiro's heart has awakened a new Persona ... ]

[ Castor has given rise to Aeneas! ]

Aeneas is tall, in black armor, save for a shining, swirling part on his chest - where the spear from Castor used to be. He holds a short gladius in one hand, and a cracked shield in the other. His cape is also black, but the skin underneath his helm is a shining ivory. His form isn't exactly human, however - it's much more robotic, like many Persona.

.... When the very brief image of it disappears, Shinjiro slumps backwards, dizzy and suddenly incredibly exhausted.