Action chapter.

I've been thinking; should I be recommending some kind of music to listen to when big/important fights are going on?

I dunno. If you want, I could include the name of a song that fits the fight at hand from now on. Till then, I'll leave it to your discretion.

Anyway, this chapter's kind of a reference to how you should be careful not to take on bosses that are over your level. RPG's, huh?

Enjoy!


"Kirijo speaking."

"Thanks for answering on such short notice, Mitsuru-san. I'm assuming sending Sho over was your plan, or…?"

"It wasn't, actually. I only approved his mission after Labrys came to me. He's much better than how he acted during the P1 incident."

"So, I can trust him?"

"Well...the best assurance I can over you is that he won't attack you."

"Too late for that…"

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing. Thank you for sending him to help."

"Will that be all? I apologize, but I have a meeting I must prepare for."

"Hm...does Labrys have a phone?"

"She doesn't need one. Her UI acts as a communicator; it accepts cell numbers just as well as any phone. I'll email you her number?"

"Thanks. I'll let you go now."

"Alright. It was good to hear from you again, Souji-san."

"Likewise. Good luck."

Souji pocketed his phone but fished it back out as it chimed to let him know he received an email. He looked at the phone number included in Mitsuru's email and nodded approvingly. Naoto walked into the kitchen just then, fetching a piece of cold sushi from the fridge and eating it. "All ready to go?"

She chewed for a moment as she mentally listed out everything she needed, then nodded. "Mhm. I'm bringing extra pencils if I'm not going with you today."

"Sorry."

"Please, don't apologize. It's for the best if you switch party members out."

Souji nodded absently as he checked his phone, unaware that Naoto had silently walked up to him. He blinked at her in surprise but otherwise said nothing. "Are you okay with going back in again? It's only been a day."

Souji watched her for a moment before reaching behind her neck and pulling the hoodie over her head. She gave him a strange look as he shrugged and said, "I was curious. It's a good look for you."

She was in the process of putting the hood down but stopped dead as he leaned down to her eyes, put a hand next to his mouth and whispered, "Or should I have said I wanted to keep your beauty hidden from the eyes of the world?"

He took her hand and planted a kiss on the back of it, smiling at the rosy blush that flared across her cheeks at his showiness. "My Detective Princess."

She pulled her hand away and hastily threw the hood back, glancing at her hand and back to Souji as she muttered, "W-what are you on about now…?"

He snickered slyly as her focus went from fixing her hair and back to him; some things never change. "I'm serious, though. If you need to rest, we can have someone else go."

He looked at her again, smiling and putting a gentle hand on her shoulder at the concerned shine in her eyes. "Don't worry about me. I'm used to the workout."

"Just...don't overdo it?"

His hand found hers and squeezed gently, the other reaching out to open the door. "I'll do my best."

Naoto knew he wouldn't say 'I promise'; with present circumstances, that was almost impossible to guarantee. His best would have to do for now, so she smiled and thanked him as they made their way out of the apartment.

[- - -]

"Oh."

"...Oh."

Sho looked up from whetting his sword blades, the twin weapons shining faintly as he treated them with loving care. Souji mused briefly about how swords got more respect from Sho than he did, but ignored it in favor of a short nod of his head. "So you showed up."

"Yeah. I did. I, uh...probably should explain why I'm here."

This was new; his behavior was far less aggressive compared to the overt threats and outright tantrums of the past. His tone still held a bit of irritation at the whole ordeal, but it was still a...welcome change. "If you're willing."

"I'm not. But I don't really have a choice."

Sho sheathed his swords and placed them in his belt, adjusting them until they were comfortable before continuing. "Kirijo caught wind of your little problem. She's busy doing nothing, so Lab-...so the toaster said she should send me."

"Why you?"

"Wish I knew. Said it'd be a good chance to show I've 'changed for the better'." Sho practically spat the words out before muttering quietly, "Stupid girl."

Souji sensed no real aggression behind the last part, furthering his theory that the lone wolf had somewhat been tamed. "Did anyone show you around the war room?"

"Tch…'war room'...no. I'm keepin' my stuff somewhere else. Don't you worry about it."

"...Alright, then. Naoto…"

He turned to see that Naoto was already tinkering around with her equipment at her bench, a multitude of tools provided by Teddie (and arguably, Yosuke) lined up neatly in a row. "...never mind."

Sho chuckled darkly, adjusting his swords again and messing with his collar. He sat on the floor outside the room and waved Souji away as he said, "I'm heading in there with you, so just holler when it's time to go."

"...Right."

The rest of the team greeted him when he entered save for Naoto, for obvious reasons. She was fiddling now with something that looked like a larger cylinder for her revolver. Souji clapped his hands once as he made it to the info board, only briefly scanning the contents before turning to his friends. "Nothing new to report other than the proxy has a name- Dao."

"..."

"Good talk. Anyway, I'll be heading in today with...Rise-"

"Whoo! Finally!"

"Yosuke…"

"Huh. Sweet."

...and Sho."

"WHAT?!"

Souji swore he felt some of his hair being blown back by the opposition of his decision. Yosuke was the first to speak again, gesturing frantically to the door. "What do you mean you're bringing him?"

"He's not here to kill me-"

"Not yet, at least!"

Souji sighed and shouted towards the offender who happened to be sitting outside. "You, pipe down!"

He looked down for a moment, and, after taking a deep breath, continued. "I have to gauge him somehow. He's not immediately dangerous, so I can work with him. Okay? Besides, I have an idea."

"...Gonna elaborate?"

"Nah," Souji leaned closer to his partner, "He'll hear. Trust me, it'll be good."

Yosuke saw the mischievous grin on Souji's face as he whispered to him, and that was enough assurance that he'd handle Sho just fine. "Fine. Good thing I'm going; I gotta see this."

"Yep. Get ready, we'll be going soon."

Souji patted Yosuke's shoulder as he walked past, motioning to Rise to follow his past the info board. Curiosity practically emanated from the idol as she watched him stop and turn on his heel, sly grin still present. He bade her come closer with a hand, leaning over to whisper something. Naoto watched for a moment before smiling, shaking her head, and packing her tools away. Taking a pencil, she also picked up a pen and briefly contemplated which would be better to use. "Sho, get in here!"

The redhead walked in and looked around with curiosity that was lazily hidden, his sight focusing on the info board, then the arcade cabinet in the corner. "Huh. Not bad."

"...Thanks. We're heading in."

Rise went first, followed by Yosuke. Souji lingered for a moment to gaze at Naoto, who cocked her head inquisitively in response. "Yes?"

He took his hand off the TV to shrug, smiling softly as she put her writing utensil dilemma to the side. "Wish me luck?"

Naoto considered his question, then smiled. Walking over, she pulled him down by his collar and kissed his cheek, whispering, "good luck," as she let him go. She took up a pen and walked over to the info board, intent on updating the information, but she turned again as he stood watching her for a moment. Making a little shooing motion and with a gentle smile, she said, "Go on. Don't let me keep you here."

Sho grabbed Souji's shoulder and pulled the lovestruck leader along, growling, "Great, you got her damn blessing, now come on!"

There was no reaction as Sho practically hurled him into the TV, sticking a foot in as he turned his head to Naoto and said, "You got the moron wrapped around your finger, don't ya."

Despite the past with him, Naoto was still polite to almost everyone, and all she did was shrug as Sho fitted the rest of himself into the portal.

[- - -]

Dao played idly with his mask as he felt the air somehow grow lighter. Just as his guest arrived, he slipped it back onto his face and rose. "Ah...Dao."

"Old man."

"...How have you been?"

"Skip the pleasantries. I've been having a damn blast! Destroying the embodiment of one's mind, y'know.? Gives you that little jolt."

"I suppose it is too late to tell you that what you're doing is not the way."

"I don't care. My way is mine, alone. You taught me that in the past."

The light fog in the area cleared slightly, allowing Dao to see the man with the immaculate suit and walking cane more clearly. Somehow, seeing him again made him want to throw up. Ignoring the twist in his gut, Dao leaned forward mockingly and said with a sardonic tone, "Isn't that right, Igor?"

The man in question flashed one of his rare frowns and tapped his cane on the floor. Dao simply smiled and materialized his glaive. "What? Did I offend you? Remind you of something?"

Igor simply watched as Dao dashed towards him, glaive raised over his shoulder as he roared from behind his mask. "HUH?! ANSWER ME!"

[- - -]

Sho landed near the other three who were exploring, shaking his head of the dizziness from the fall; it had been awhile since he threw himself into weird monster world. And in far more different circumstances…

"Okay! Now before we set off, I want to lay down some ground rules."

"What is this, a field trip?"

"Not exactly."

Souji and Rise grinned deviously at Sho, which only furthered the man's worry about where exactly this was going. "Now, just to make sure I can trust you, I'm gonna have to make sure you won't hurt my friends."

"So...you're fair game."

"Eh...you can't beat me anyway."

"What?! I'm gonna-"

Souji crossed his arms and leaned to the side a bit as Sho drew his swords and advanced angrily. "Rise."

"Got it."

Sho cocked his head quizzically before he jumped with literal shock as Kouzeon electrocuted him with a sentinel bit. "Gah-ah-ah-ah-ah!"

He glowered at the two angrily as smoke rose from his body, and his shouting was accompanied by frenzied gesturing. "What the hell was that for?! I didn't do shit!"

"Hahahahah! Oh, you were not lying at all!"

Souji raised an eyebrow at that, and Sho dialed back his tone somewhat. "...Yet."

Meanwhile, Yosuke was doubled over with laughter, and Souji noticed that Rise was keeping her own laughter back valiantly. The leader patted Sho's back and wafted some smoke off his hand afterwards, but smiled regardless. "That's better. Let's go."

"Ugh- you motherf-"

"Rise?"

"NO!"

[- - -]

Igor felt sparks fly past his face as Dao's attack was intercepted by one of the Velvet siblings. Dao simply growled and pressed harder against Theodore's palm. "Get out. Of my way."

"That I cannot do."

The two broke the clash and skidded a few feet apart as Igor neatly sidestepped, both parties facing each other with barely contained anger. "You would show your face to us again, only to attack the Proprietor?"

"I'm not gonna tell you again. He and I have a score to settle."

"I bear no ill intent towards you, Dao. I only wish that you stop attacking the Attendants."

"What? Not gonna preach to me about how you wanna defend your boy? That hero, Souji Seta?"

Igor remained silent as Dao raved, his slow walk forward breaking into a run towards Theodore as he did. "No? Fine. I'll send him your regards!"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small mask ornament; he crushed it in his palm and let the dust run from his fingers before attacking Theo again. "Let's see how he stands against king and queen!"

Theodore and Igor's eyes widened as they realized just what Dao had done, the former pushing him back with a powerful palm. Dao simply chuckled and swung at Theo again, forcing the man to lift his foot and sweep the ground with a powerful kick using his other leg. "You would send them after the boy…?"

A knee smashed into Dao's chin, sending him flying back a few feet. He recovered with a neat roll and flexed his neck, stifling a laugh as he ground his next words out. "Damn right I would. Let's see if your favorite patron is as powerful as I expect."

[- - -]

Souji redirected a Rainy Brother into a Rainy Sister that Yosuke kicked at him, the two dashing into the colliding shadows and impaling them from both sides. They drew their weapons out and stood back-to-back as Rise bounced out of the way of an attack.

"Dance, Kouzeon!"

Rise cheered as she smashed her mic staff into a Primitive Idol, sending it into slightly the air as her Persona used a magic bit to blast it with beams of light. She grinned as an Intrepid Knight loomed over her, and she whirled and struck a pose as Kouzeon cast Tetrakarn on her. The shadow was blasted back as its own attack was rebounded onto it, only to be finished off by Sho sinking both swords into its back and using it as a launchpad, flipping and pulling his swords free as he flew forward. He brought both blades down onto a pair of Crazy Twins, continuing the onslaught with a series of slashes that went in every which way, making dodging practically impossible. He stabbed each respective twin with a sword, using the handles for a boost to jump and grab their faces. "Disappear."

Tsukiyomi appeared behind him and raised his hands in front of him, engulfing the Twins in dark fire. Sho retrieved his swords as they disappeared, his Persona following suit in a flash. He spun them both and sheathed them smoothly, prompting Souji to remark as he hefted his katana onto his shoulder, "You've changed a lot."

"Huh?"

"I dunno...I haven't heard a lot of maniacal laughter. Or, y'know, the word 'die' repeated over and over."

"Well, I think-"

BOOM-

The four were blasted with a cloud of dust from a building farther away splitting apart and collapsing. It looked like shards of ice had encased the debris, completely shattering the pieces as they fell. Souji broke into a cold sweat as the sky darkened and the ground started to thump rhythmically, as if heavy footsteps were disturbing it. His necklace started to hum slightly against his chest, as if warning him that something ominous was coming his way. Looking from Rise to Yosuke, he swallowed nervously and made his decision. "Rise! You have to go- now!"

"Wha? But, Senpai, I-"

Souji caught a glimpse of something metallic over the horizon, the sight leading him to frantically search his pockets for the spare Goho-M he always carried. Running over to Rise, he forced it into her hand and grabbed her by the shoulders. The idol watched him, wide-eyed, as he imparted his instructions to her. "Whatever that...thing is, it's too dangerous. You have to go- I can't risk you getting hurt!"

"W-what about you three?"

"We'll handle it. I'm sorry, but you can't take as much punishment as us."

Rise watched the almost-panic in his eyes before relenting and taking a step back. "I...fine. But you better not go dying on us! Naoto-kun would kill me."

Souji smiled despite the nearing threat, his expression turning serious as he waved her off and started off towards the new enemy. "I promise. Now go!"

He started off on a run towards the towering shadow, Yosuke following him soon after. Sho was already farther ahead, facing down the street they were standing on with swords in each hand.

"Senpai!"

"Rise? Did you make it out?"

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I'm leaving you guys behind! We're going back as a team."

Souji chuckled breathlessly, mentally thanking his lucky stars for having such loyal comrades. He was finally able to see what was causing all the destruction as it turned the corner onto the road they were guarding; a shade was walking towards them. It was a towering hunk of intricate looking metal, but closer inspection revealed that there were two sides to this coin.

Literally.

Its head was double-sided, a mask on each 'face'. One side was sharp and rough, with masculine features emphasized; a half a crown rested on top. The other side's was adorned with softer features, half a tiara sitting on its head. The shade's body was much more ambiguous; it wore a metallic robe, with frills that looked like blades on the ends of its sleeves. A cloth fluttered proudly off its back, oddly enough looking like a cross between a shawl and a tattered cape. It held a grand greatsword easily in its right hand, while the other held a strange looking orb.

"Senpai, I have a bad feeling about-"

Whatever she was trying to say fizzled out, as the shade raised its left hand and let the orb crackle with lightning. Alarm bells went off in Souji's head as he saw Yosuke start to panic a bit. "Izanagi."

Souji raised his sword, imploring his Persona to do the same just as a powerful Maziodyne spell was released. Their blades acted as a lightning rod, absorbing the lightning and restoring some of Souji's energy as he redirected it back to the shade. The feminine mask (Souji decided to dub it the Empress, in regards to the Arcana trend), whirled to face them, and the shade's body simply accepted the counterattack without any real damage. Sho wound around it and used Tsukiyomi's scythe to cleave into its back; the black blade cutting deep into its back. Before he could react, however, the shade dropped its sword and reached unnaturally behind it to grab him. "Dammit- !"

Sho tried to stab its hands with his own swords, but it had raised him and threw him through a window of one of the surrounding skyscrapers. Souji took a defensive stance and cast Rakukaja on both him and Yosuke. "Kouzeon scanned Sho. He's...down for the count, but he's stable. You two are going to have to manage for now."

"Huh. That leaves you and me, buddy."

"Yep. I can't take tosses through buildings very well, so...that might be a slight problem."

"I got you. Just keep out of the range of its-"

He had no time to finish; the shade had stormed forward with the Emperor mask facing forward, easily closing the distance between it and its prey despite its size. Yosuke darted to the side and Souji raised his katana to stab the shade's mask just before its fist reached him.

[- - -]

"What's that for, Nao-chan?"

Naoto looked up from the supplies she was gathering and neatly arranging in a little red bag with a white cross emblazoned on it. "Hello, Teddie. This is a first-aid kit. I was thinking that we should have at least basic care on hand just in case."

"...That's smart."

"Thank you. Are you alright? You're acting sort of...off, today."

Teddie smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head; a habit he picked up from none other than Souji himself. "I dunno. I guess I'm kinda worried about Rise-chan."

"Don't worry. Souji-kun can protect her."

"But...isn't Sensei more reckless than some of us? I mean, you must be worried that you can't be setting him straight right now!"

Naoto smiled as Teddie elbowed her arm with a sly wink, gesturing for him to follow her into the war room and to her workbench. "I know. But I trust him to make the right decisions. There's a reason he led us with minimal incident during the case."

"You're right there. He's got a knack for leading, huh?

"True."

Naoto dropped the first aid kit on the table near her workbench and turned to Teddie with a small smile. "Souji-kun also has a knack for throwing himself into the fray."

[- - -]

"Oof-"

Souji was sent flying back by a heavy blow, skidding along the ground for a few feet before coming to a stop. Yosuke was sent flying after him, but Izanagi caught him and deposited him on the ground before disappearing. A quick check saw that Yosuke was unconscious, too, but there was not time to revive him as Souji felt his feet being frozen to the ground, futilely raising his katana in an attempt to block as the Emperor's fist slammed into him. The impact sent him flying from his low prison, bouncing once before coming to a stop, He blinked as his cheek rested on the earth, Rise's desperate plea echoing in his ear. "Senpai! Please, stand up!"

...

Damn, I'm...losing consciousness. We bit off more than we could chew this time...

Am I too weak?

Souji tried to rise, but the effort was in vain as he fell back down. The momentum threw the mask coin out of his shirt, leaving him lying on the ground as he eyed it warily. "You've gotta….be kidding."

His fingers reached out to touch the coin, feeling the metallic texture warm his skin. It felt oddly...inviting. He gasped as he felt his mind dulling, hastily grabbing the coin and forming the 'II' mask. He had scarcely placed it on his face when his vision inverted for a moment; his focus restored and he found his way to his feet before long. His posture allowed him to slouch lazily before righting himself and forming a card in a raised palm. His voice both belonged to him and didn't when he spoke, but the echo did its job nonetheless.

"You're going down."

Souji rose slightly into the air as Magatsu Izanagi appeared behind him. He clenched his fist in front of him as the Persona roared, a blast blowing the Emperor back as Souji felt his energy being renewed. The Chariot mask now adorned his face, letting raw power course through his veins as his feet touched the ground. The Emperor called a large assortment of shadows to surround Souji but he simply dug his feet in and raised his katana in an offensive stance, muttering. "Fine. Step up if you want to die!"

[- - -]

Dao was sent flying back by another heavy kick from Theodore, landing neatly on his feet as he dropped his glaive. "I can do this all day."

Theo put one hand behind his back and let his other one dangle lazily in front of him, ready to attack Dao if need be. "Come then. I will down you as many times as I must."

The two dashed towards each other and were about to meet fists again, but an attack intercepted Dao and dragged him off to the side. He got a good look at the perpetrator and grew even more annoyed. "You…"

Margaret stared him down, ignoring the mask in favor grabbing his hood by the nape and slamming him into the ground. She teleported back to join Theodore, the two siblings taking an alert stance back-to-back. Dao laughed loudly as he lay grounded, performing a nip-up and putting his arms akimbo as he walked towards them. "Margs! I missed you!"

The secretary glared at him, stepping forward as Theo circled around. "I cannot say I feel the same."

"Aw...as cold as ever." He blocked an axe kick from Theo with a raised arm and an elbow to the stomach with his knee. "Aah, this attention. Makes me feel loved."

His threw his hands up to throw them both off balance, stomping the ground to blow them back a few feet. He slouched forward a bit in a lazy stance and chuckled. "Come on. Let's dance."

[- - -]

Souji batted away a Large Basalt, grabbing it out of the air and hurling it like a baseball at a small contingent of Hableries. Turning, he kicked a Sleeping Table's leg out and dropped his katana, planting both hands under it and flipping it straight onto a Grand Magus. He grunted as an Almighty Hand punched him in the back, but his snatched up his katana and dispatched it before it could attack again. The mask was almost burning against his face as his muscles were starting to groan under the strain of all the fighting, but he spun with his eyes now intent on a single target. "Senpai, be careful!"

The shade saw Souji begin to swing his blade, changing its orientation so the Emperor was facing him. His eyes flashed from behind the mask, and he crossed his hands in front of himself, only to tear them back in a blast that forced the shade orientation back to its original. A hefty kick dented its side, and it was sent reeling by another foot straight to the mask. The material cracked and splintered under the crushing impact, and Souji used the boon to bring his sword over his head and carve the Empress mask in half. His eyes glowed faintly as the Emperor loomed over him, beckoning with one hand and resting his katana over his shoulder. "C'mon. I'll show you who the real king is."

[- - -]

"Hmm...exceptional fighting ability….powerful Persona- I'll note that down later -and…"

Naoto scowled at the updated picture of Dao and continued writing with deeper impressions than before; it was a wonder that her pencil wasn't splintering under the pressure. "...and enough strength to knock someone unconscious in one hit."

She considered the last line for a moment then shook her head, crossing it out soon after. "That won't help anyone."

Now came the interesting part.

"Souji-kun told me the Persona's name was...Ouroboros? Hmm...a snake biting its own tail…"

Naoto's hand worked unconsciously as she called on her knowledge of the serpent. "Aside from the references...it seems to have a tool for every situation."

Her drawing was coming together rather nicely, but she drew more simplistic versions of the same snake, only these were doing more complex maneuvers based on information given. "He could, uh...use it to attack all around him when Yosuke and I were fighting him."

"Alright…there."

Naoto decided to take a break just then, putting her pencil down and leaning on the table. She accepted a bottle of juice from Chie with a quiet thanks, taking a sip as the fighter asked her, "Were you mad that Souji-kun didn't bring you with him?"
"No? I don't have any reason to be."

"You trust him a lot, huh?"

This time Naoto smiled, nodding and looking at the TV, as if Souji would come shooting out at any moment.

[- - -]

A katana fell from numbed fingers as Souji staggered towards the remains of his overkill. The clouds in the sky gradually cleared into a dull grey as he stopped, a heavy breath tumbling out of his mouth. "Senpai? Are you okay?"

"I'm...fine- gah. Can you…"

Souji pulled off the mask as his mind lurched, the strain finally kicking in as his adrenaline rush wore off. The shade lay in a rapidly dissolving heap, lightning still crackling around its remains as the Emperor mask lay on the floor untouched. The halves of the Empress mask lay scattered about, waiting to be collected. He wobbled slightly, almost threatening to lose his balance, but he still was forced to take a knee as the 'II' mask fell from his fingers. "...get us...out of here."

"S-Senpai? Senpai!"

He fell on his back as his vision grew dim, and his eyes slowly slipped shut as he felt sleep overtake him completely. The last thing he felt was light engulfing him as he was lifted into the air slightly. Ah...she heard me.

...Good.

[- - -]

"Thank you. I'm glad you were able to take him in on such short notice."

"It's no trouble, really. He only needs some good rest and he'll be good as new."

"That's...good to hear."

"I'm sure. Please, call if you need anything, anything at all."

"Thank you."

Souji opened his eyes wearily, looking around as his vision adjusted to the the light. He tried to rise from where he was lying, but a gentle hand on his chest pushed him back onto the sheets. He blinked once as his eyes found Naoto sitting on the side of the bed he was in, concern showing in her eyes as she smiled softly at him. "You're awake."

"Ugh-...yeah, I am. Where, um...where are we?"

Naoto kept smiling, but the sentiment didn't reach her eyes as she looked away and to the door of the room they were occupying. "The hospital. We had to admit you here...I'm sorry, but it was necessary."

Souji was puzzled by this; he felt just fine. A little tired, but still well enough to function. "What for?"

She looked at him again and reached over to take his hand as he reached for hers. "Exhaustion. Whatever you did pushed your body a bit too far. No other serious injuries, so I must thank you for not getting hurt too badly."

"What about Yosuke and Sho? Are they-"

Naoto put a finger to his lips and shushed him gently. "Shh. Rest for now. They're both fine. It won't be long till they're both on their feet again."

"Oh...good."

He sighed and relaxed, taking in a deep breath and wincing a bit. She gave him a worried look as he tried to shift a bit onto his side, pulling the blanket he was under over his shoulders. "Souji-kun…?"

"...Mm?"

"What...what happened?"


So. Souji kind of has an Overdrive mode. Hope it was interesting, at least. I took focus off his fight to divide it among other scenes going on along with his fight. I hope it wasn't confusing because of the three different scenarios, but I wanted to experiment a bit.