[Chapter 27]
Shadow Boxing
(Part I)
September 1
Wednesday
Early morning
I woke up a bit better as I finally stand up by myself but I could still feel the sore from last night running which made me feel out of shape. I sigh at the big mistake and began on changing into my school uniform and go to sleep expecting some excitement for everyone today. The thought of my friend unleashing their other self is rather excite and I drool at the awesome time we will have. I quickly made some work toward school as I meet with Kae at our usual spot and a thought occur to me.
"Hey, are you feeling a bit better now?" Kae ask.
"A bit better now." I laugh nervously. "Anyways! I told everyone to use their Shadow form on school time so we can understand each other a bit better and I remember that you weren't there so…now you know." I explain, as I scratch my head.
Kae narrow her eyes at me as I speak about my plan but sight since everyone has already being told by me.
"And that includes me, right?" Kae sigh.
"Yup, but don't worry, I will also use my other self too so you don't have to be left out." I smile.
"If you say so, I don't mind this little activity of yours since I am kind of new with this new power and curious to see it for myself. How do you summon your other self again, shattering our gem?" Kae answer.
I began on explain the process of Shadow mode and others thing she needed to watch out for while we began walking to school. As we wait patiently in the train, my Shadow and Persona began chatting inside of my head. I close my eyes as I began to focus on their voices so I could join in and hear their voices.
"I think you made a grave mistake."
Huh? What do you mean a mistake? Are you referring to the little Shadow exercise?
"Yes, Shadow are a very delicate thing that you can't easily mess with and it will only lead to trouble."
But the Shadow has already being control by their owners and beside, they already fought with each other side by side before.
"That's would make sense in theory.."
"He is right, Shadow are no different from your enemy. They had a common enemy back in the Hotspot but, what would happen if such common enemy wasn't present during their awakening?"
….
I quickly open my eyes as I slowly turn to Kae with a nervous smile in my face and she quickly notice something is off.
"You don't have to tell me, I could tell from your expression this little activity was no good from the gecko." Kae spoke.
"Yeah…" I nod.
"So, what's the plan now? You do have a plan B, right?" Kae ask, seriously.
I notice Kae's serious gaze glaring at me and causing me to panicking to have an idea. I smile as I stroke up an idea and this could fix the problem with the other's Shadow running loss among the school.
"Got it, we could use our Shadow to calm down the other if they are in bind. Although, I don't know if you have full control of your Shadow yet like I am.." I instruct.
"Did you just come up with that plan now?" Kae sigh, as she grabs her head.
I laugh at Kae trying to not make her mad and we left the subway as we climb the stair so we can reach the upper floor where the school entrance is. I look around to see no panic happening nor people running away screaming which is a good sign.
"It looks like nothing major has happen to the outside, we must check on the others just in case." I said.
I cross my arm as I ponder at the possible location of my friends but it is difficult with their Shadow taking control.
"Oh, isn't that Ayakane?" Kae spoke.
I see Kae pointing her right hand toward the main entrance to see Ayakane happily waiting for someone and I felt tense since Ayakane doesn't act like this. She seems so cheerful about something and I knew her Shadow is active which will bring problem to ourselves by her affections toward me.
"What's wrong?" Kae ask.
"If we go there, she will start clinging into me and cause uproar with the others boys." I explain.
Kae tilt her head in confusion and turn to Ayakane as she doesn't believe such thing since she didn't witness her Shadow. In fact, she rarely seeing the other's Shadow and this club's activity could be helpful for some of us like Kae. As I nod to the brilliant plan of mine, Kae turn to me with curiosity on her eyes and questions regarding to everyone's Shadow.
"Since we will have to face the other's Shadow, could you briefly explain their common behavior, quirks, and most importantly their unique reaction to stuff that would make them go rampage." Kae ask, seriously.
"Very well, I am happy to see you curious to know more about your fellow teammates and peers." I smile.
I began to think on each person's Shadow from the little experience I had with them and gather all the information I know for Kae.
"Let's start with Ayakane since she is nearby and the most peaceful one of the bunch. Ayakane's Shadow from I can tell will cling into me since she is very afraid of our separation and will always get very pushy." I explain, as I scratch my head.
"Separation? What do you mean by that? I was curious as to why Ayakane, the idolize artist is in the team and strangely always by your side." Kae question.
I felt proud to announce our relationship to my friend and I also a bit embarrass since I had forgot to mention this to her.
"She's my childhood friend from a very long time and we have being separate for 10 years…" I trail off. "Did I forget to mention this?" I ask, laughing playfully.
"Yes, you did forgot to mention this crucial information to me.." Kae mutters, angrily.
I laugh nervously at my forgetfulness and Kae sight at my laughter since she did understand the difficulty of my time.
"Anyhow, Ayakane is childish and very flirty with me so I don't know if she act like this with others thought. Ah, also…" I pause, thinking. "She also mentions killing me if I try anything funny…" I spoke, tapping my chin.
Kae raise an eye brow to the subject of her killing me and it is rather normal to have such reaction since I am not too sure about that as well. Kae glance at the sweet, innocent Ayakane happily looking around to find me and follow my every step with unsure motive behind her action to others.
"I didn't expect such personality residing inside of her, but I guess I shouldn't be so surprise since all people have secret they don't want to share with others." Kae explain.
"Yeah, and know you know she afraid of being left alone and still hiding some stuff from others, even me." I seriously said.
We turn to Ayakane as I have to interact with her which will bring problem to herself. I sigh as I walk toward Ayakane while Kae follow me with a confuse look at my behavior. Approach the cheerful Shadow waiting for me and she quickly smiles with joy at the sight of me and Kae.
"Oh, you arrive a bit late, why the hold up?" Ayakane smile.
I became a bit nervous as she smile so innocently at me and I felt my words caught inside my throat. I gulp at the thought of her truly have the intensions of killing me but I muster the courage to speak up.
"I wanted to explain Kae the situation since she didn't join our text chat last night, remember? So we stay a while talking about that so she can we inform about our club's activity." I answer, calmly. "
"I can agree to that statement." Kae agree.
Thank you Kae!
Ayakane turn her attention to Kae with a lustful smile on her face and Kae becoming uncomfortable by her aura surrounding her.
"My, my, I don't remember Kae been so cute. In fact, she look so adorable I may just eat her up." Ayakane giggles, playfully.
Ayakane began to hug Kae tightly as she play with her and she felt confuse at what to do with the playful girl by her side. Kae look at me with a tiresome expression and I shrug at her since I have no answers for her.
"Could you please stop..I am not good with hug and such.." Kae ask, uncomfortable.
Ayakane ignore such command as she continue with her hug and teasing the silent girl but I have to intervene so I can ask some questions relating to the other's whereabouts.
"Ayakane, have you seeing the other passed by?" I ask.
"Oh? Are you perhaps jealous for ignoring my little Luck?" Ayakane happily ask.
"Please stop…" Kae sigh.
I notice Kae reaching her limit of her patience and most importantly, space awareness since she is kind of new with touching other people. I look up thinking as I have to fix this mess and free Kae from Ayakane's hug. I sigh as I have an answer to this problem from the very beginning but I refuse to use it since I don't want to reveal too much of my true self to my dear friends. I concentrate on my other self as I let him slowly take over me and suddenly, I felt a new feeling coursing throughout my body. I slowly open my eyes to see look at Ayakane with a confident gaze which she giggles at my attempt to frighten her.
"Kya! You look very scawy right now, Luck." Ayakane sarcastically said, smiling playfully. "I would be if I didn't have my secret weapon with me." Ayakane mention.
Secret weapon?
I narrow my eyes as I didn't have the slightest idea of what she is referring to since she couldn't do much her in the real world beside some few things. She release Kae from her grasp and turn to me with strong confidence as she put her finger on her lips. She smooch at me as I suddenly felt something happening to my body and I look down trying to feel something.
"You being charm, Luck. With this power I can make anyone fall head over heels with me and obey my every command." Ayakane confidently explain.
"I see.." I sigh.
I could sense Ayakane becoming a bit worry as I look at her uncharm by her ability and slightly angry by her attempt to pull such trick over me. I cross my arm while I tap my shoulder as I try to disciple my childhood friend and she knows her error.
"You need to obey. Plain and simple." I spoke, coldly.
"Why? I want to be free but at the same time, close to you while I am having fun! Don't you want me to be happy?" Ayakane ask.
I look at the tantrum of a little girl trying to sound correct but I know better for her since this will affect her image of what other people think of her or us. I sigh at the thought of telling the truth since I am not very good at that and I look at Ayakane.
"I want you to be protected; I am just worry about you." I answer.
Ayakane felt silent as she thinks a bit more of what I am trying to do for her and she looks a bit sad to hear the truth. I adjust my glasses as I want to avoid making eyes contact with her so I wouldn't see her expression.
"Just listen to the fool."
My eyes widen as both of us turn to Kae as she trying to do something nice for someone else sake. I never expected for Kae to do something like this for Ayakane but maybe, she has some respect for her due to what she mentions before.
"He may be childish and a bit annoying seeking the spotlight. Also, a bit weird, can't even wear his school properly and try to-"
"Are you trying to make me look bad or helping me?" I ask, coldly.
I cut Kae's word as I felt insulted by her poor example and she look away slightly angry at my interruption.
"I was joking, you know, the stuff I never do." Kae remark.
Ayakane quickly laugh at the both of us fighting each other and I look away unpleased by this conversation, but It did make her happy about it so I am not complaining about it.
"You two really do act so differently, so this is the Shadow of our inner self? Now I understand what Luck say when I will experience this better than the others." Kae explain.
"But of course, it wouldn't be fair if we acted like our normal self and not enjoy what I judge." Ayakane smile.
Kae became interest by the subject of judging and I could tell Ayakane is going to tell her reason to be alive in the first place.
….
"Judge? What does that mean?" Kae ask, curious.
Ayakane smile mischievously as she glance at me to which I respond with a silent respond and turn away from her gaze. She twirls around as she began to walk away and humming to a tone.
"Well, do you realize how sometime people love don't come true or, how unfair it is to watch someone you love so much ask someone else instead. Majority will give up on their love partner." Ayakane spoke sadly.
"I guess?..I don't quite follow the correlation of this and with your judgment." Kae reply, puzzle.
She took a deep breath before turning around to face us and reveal her true purpose, something no normal Shadow would even think of saying to others.
"I think otherwise! I want people to have an opportunity to be with their love one and it will be based on their love alone. I believe…" Ayakane pause. "No, I judge Love in all in its entirety and I will not bend to it! I, like many other will choose who they truly want to have in their future!" Ayakane spoke, loud and proud.
Ayakane sigh as it took everything out of her to say her hidden ideal and she became surprise by her own actions to reveal such classify information to others.
"Wow, I never knew telling people what I truly want would feel good. This could become addicted." Ayakane smile.
"Good job." I smile thinly.
"I think I can understand your point with love but what I don't get why are you so surprise and very emotion around the subject of judgment." Kae wander.
It looks like people don't quite understand our feeling and difficulty we, Shadow have to endure. I sigh as I have to explain this to her and hopefully she could understand us better, like Luck was told me.
"Shadow are very complex people to handle, you can easily make them agitate or even make them lose interest." I explain.
Kae think for a bit of my explanation as if she needed more information to go for her to fully understand the situation. Ayakane step in to continue with the subject and filling out the rest herself.
"It means we don't want to talk with others so often or even worse, never. People always fight against us and misjudge our true purpose for our other selves. This cycle of violate is what make us so vicious and unable to trust another person, not even another fellow Shadow." Ayakane states.
"I see.." Kae mutters.
Kae look like she comprehend Ayakane's speech and look at both of us a bit clearer.
"This Shadow stuff is more complicate than I thought; I am guessing that telling me your judgement is your way of saying you trust me, correct?" Kae ask.
"Ding-Ding, you are a smart little cookie, aren't you? That's correct, I have trust on you." Ayakane playfully answer.
I could sense some malice from that smile of Ayakane and she raises her hand towards Kae's throat. Ayakane smile as she slowly descends down her throat with her index finger and intimidating Kae's choices from now on.
"So, don't try anything that go against my judgment or else, okay?" Ayakane giggles, playfully.
Ayakane quickly move her hand away and Kae gulp at the feeling Luck had when thinking on the possibility of dealing with Ayakane's Shadow.
"I will keep that in mind." Kae answer.
"Okay, allow me to show you two the others, Luke is the closest one around here so I will take you to him. Follow me." Ayakane instruct.
[Kae POV]
Shadow are so strange, especially when involve with familiar people and acting so differently than prior to their original behavior.
I sigh as I have to think before I say anything that could provoke this Shadow and find out more to prevent such scenario from ever happening.
"There no need, I know where Luke is located. I can sense him." Luck spoke.
"Is that so? Then take the lead, sweetie." Ayakane smile.
Luck walk to the school building as the both of us follow his lead and I could easily sense his strong presence. The air around him oozes danger and caution as my body felt such thing coming from him. Suddenly, as we follow Luck, Ayakane giggles at my stare and slight nervous around Luck.
"What?" I ask.
"Oh, it is nothing. It is just that you just barely notice his aura and how he act different than his normal self." Ayakane said.
I glance at Luck from behind as his Shadow does greatly change his behavior and posture. He looks so different from his goofy self and screaming attention seeker like before, but this is quite the opposite. I a curious to find out why is his judgment and the cause of this Shadow.
"Of course, I was expecting the childish Luck and always jumping for attention from everyone. To see him acting quiet for once, it is soothing yes but also very…" I trial off, thinking on the word."
"Strange? Dangerous? Unsettling? Mysterious?" Ayakane recommend.
All of those four words fit his description; I began to wander of his cause and judgment like Ayakane.
"Yeah, but doesn't he have a reason to be like this and a judgment he believe like you?" I ask, curious.
"Well…" S. Ayakane struggle.
I notice Ayakane's Shadow feeling a bit hesitating to speak about Luck or anything relating to him at some point. It peek my interest to find out more as to why she act so differently, as if she is afraid of him.
"Are you afraid of him?" I spoke.
The Shadow became startle by my question and she quickly laugh at such possibility.
"Of course not!" S. Ayakane disagrees.
"Then why are you so quiet when I ask for his judgment and cause?" I demand.
Ayakane sigh as she put her right hand on her forehead and looking a bit sad of something involving Luck's Shadow.
"I am not afraid of him, I am just sad of that guy not telling that himself. I thought if I share mine to begin with, he could of also share his and granting my wish." Ayakane reply.
Wish?
I became stuck on that keyword since it look very important to me and further involve her feelings toward Luck. Out of nowhere, Ayakane's Shadow began to sob and cry from her statement which causes a lot of students to look at Ayakane. I suddenly lost hope for the male as all of them quickly pamper and became worry of Ayakane. They all ask questions of her state and becoming angry as to the person responsible for her tears. I could see for a split second a mischievous smile follow her pointing at Luck and which quickly anger all of the boys in the hallway. I felt a bit sorry for those boys since they clearly don't know who they are messing with right now.
At least, I could find out something from him.
Luck's Shadow stop to look behind him to see a group of boy glaring at him but he seems unfazed by their gaze and only looking at us.
"You little-Ugh!"
One of the boy try to tackle Luck but fail as he punch him directly into his face and pushing him back to the group. They all catch the wounded boy as Luck glare at their action and I could sense his malice aura from a far.
"Leave, or else I will make you regret you had." S. Luck said, coldly.
The boys stare at his cold eyes and quickly left the hallways as soon as Luck became angry. I became very curious as to who made Luck's Shadow appear and I could sense so much hatred to someone.
[Chapter 27 End]
Luck [Lv. 8]
Jane [Lv. 7]
Luke [Lv.7]
Ayakane [Lv. 8]
Jennifer [Lv. 7]
Kae [Lv. 8]
Stocks [4]
Lv.6
(Equip) [Fool] Agnostos Theos
Physical – Resist (Shadow Form Only)
Gun –
Fire –
Ice –
Electric –
Wind –
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear – Wks
Force – Str
Water –
Earth –
Bless –
Curse – Null
Ailments Immunity (Shadow Form Only)
Charm (Special Ailment)
Fear (Non-special Ailment)
Skills
Eiha
Cleave
Zan
Sukukaja
?
Lv. 4
[Sun] Tam Lin
Physical – Resist
Gun –
Fire –
Ice – Wks
Electric – Resist
Wind –
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water –
Earth –
Bless – Null
Curse – Wks
Skills
Zio
Cleave
?
Lv. 2
[Magician] Pyro Jack
Physical –
Gun –
Fire – Null
Ice – Wks
Electric –
Wind –
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water – Wks
Earth –
Bless –
Curse –
Skills
Agi
?
Lv. 3
[Lover] Pixie
Physical –
Gun – Wks
Fire –
Ice – Str
Electric – Str
Wind –
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water –
Earth – Wks
Bless –
Curse – Wks
Skills
Zio
Dia
?
[Stats]
[Lv. 1] Comprehension – Ignorant (+9)
[Lv. 2] Determination – Daring (+8)
[Lv. 1] Adept – Clumsy (+5)
[Lv. 1] Affection – Blunt (+5)
[Lv. 2] Beauty – Engaging (+9)