TK and Kari wandered the barren streets, trying to identify their location.
"Where do you think we are," TK asked.
"I'm not sure, but my gut is telling me that we should follow this route," Kari replied, pointing down one of the possible roads.
"Any particular reason why?"
"I believe something or someone is over there, although I'm not sure what exactly."
"It's better than nothing. Let's hope what's on the other side is friendly rather than an enemy."
TK and Kari continued down the road selected by Kari until they spotted a distant figure that ran about.
"Did you see that," TK asked.
"Let's follow them and see where they lead us," Kari replied.
As TK and Kari chased after the figure, it stopped, turning towards them.
"Who's there," the figure asked, concerned.
"I recognize that voice," TK said.
TK and Kari recognized the figure as they closed their distance with them.
"Rise, you're here," Kari said, surprised.
"TK, Kari, thank goodness you're safe," Rise replied, relieved.
"I thought you could not return due to work," TK stated.
"Although I am busy, Inaba is still my home. I happened to catch the last train home, but I didn't expect anything like this to happen. By chance, do you know what's happening here? Has the TV World merged with the Real World," Rise asked.
"I'm not sure, but the P1 Climax, the continuation of the Grand Prix, is happening in the Real World," TK answered.
"Are we continuing with the P1 Grand Prix? Now the summoning of my Persona made sense," Rise replied.
"I wasn't aware that we can summon our partner. I should have assumed so if this tournament is happening," Kari said.
"I'm actually heading to my school right now. I sensed a powerful presence coming from there. It's turned into a bizarre tower," Rise explained.
"That's the same tower we saw at the inn. That was your school," TK asked.
"If the abnormalities emanate from there, I'm sure everyone else will be there to deal with it. Let's head to the tower together and figure out the reason behind this mess," Kari replied.
The three of them nodded and headed toward the tower.
Episode 11
The three of them eventually arrived at the tower. As Rise mentioned, the mysterious structure stood on what was once a high school. Dozens of P1 Climax posters were scattered all over the school gates and walls like the decorations inside the TV World during the Grand Prix.
"Is this Yasogami High? What happened to it," Rise said, looking around her corrupted school.
"It looks familiar," TK pondered.
"Isn't it the same school we saw during the Grand Prix? Whoever is portraying General Teddie must have orchestrated both tournaments. The tower is a new addition. What is its significance," Kari asked.
Rise looked at the posters of her Investigation Team members and additional acquaintances she was familiar with.
"I didn't know Mitsuru and her group had posters as well. Let's see. 'The Impervious Queen of Executions?' Mitsuru does look like someone who does that, but that's a harsh statement. It looks like they have posters of your team, too," Rise informed TK and Kari.
"Please don't look at my poster. It's embarrassing," TK replied.
"Rather than focusing on the posters, maybe we should focus on gaining more intel on the tower. Rise, I remember your Persona was a search type. Do you think you will be able to scan the tower and see what is inside," Kari asked.
"I'll try my best," Rise said.
"Stop right there," a voice shouted.
Rise, TK, and Kari held their ground as they turned to the voice in question. Standing at the school gate was a young woman wearing a flashy pink costume. Her bow and arrow pointed towards them. From her position, she could easily catch them and cause them serious harm.
"Who are you three, and what is your relationship to these series of events," the young woman said.
"Please, listen to us. We mean no harm," Kari replied.
"She's cute as long as she doesn't point her arrow at us," TK said.
"Can't you be more serious about this for once," Kari sighed.
"Wait, I know that costume. Are you Featherman Pink, like the real Featherman Pink," Rise asked, surprised.
"Are you Risette? You are so small and cute. It's almost criminal," the young woman said, jumping from the gate and walking towards us.
"Do you two know each other," TK asked.
"No, but I've heard how hard they've been working on filming for their shows," Rise explained.
"It's nothing like that. I know that idols like you are working hard, too. I've heard that you are starting your comeback tour soon. I'm sure your fans are looking forward to it. I'm just a model who happened to stumble upon the role of Featherman Pink," the young woman replied.
"So, you are the actual Featherman Pink. That's amazing. You look stunning. Do you also have to watch what you eat," Rise asked.
"Yes, and it's a chore to count everything. I wanted to go to this cafe during my last shoot," the young woman replied.
"I hate to break your reunion, but we really should focus on saving Mitsuru and her group," Kari stated.
"That's right, I almost forgot. This isn't the time to reminisce, isn't it," the young woman said.
"Wait, Mitsuru and her group have been captured," Rise questioned, surprised.
"I'm afraid it's true. An unknown entity ambushed Mitsuru and the others en route to Inaba. We were following a lead on a potential suspect who may have had connections to the events that have taken place in this town. However, I lost track of him and ended up at this tower," the young woman explained.
"Are you related to Mitsuru in any way," TK asked.
"Sorry, I completely forgot to introduce myself. My name is Yukari Takeba. I'm part of the same group as Mitsuru, but I'm on call in case of emergencies. There were three other members with me when we arrived in Inaba. We should have a fourth additional member, but I told him to stay at the train station as we monitor the current situation," Yukari continued.
"I heard that the Kirijo group was a dominant corporation. I didn't expect so many Persona users within the group," Kari replied.
"Only a select few take care of Shadow-related activities; otherwise, we continue our normal lives as usual. I know that Rise is both an idol and a Persona user, but I don't think I recognize you two in any of the files I've read," Yukari said.
"Right, we should probably introduce ourselves, too. I'm TK, and this is Kari. We're not Persona users, but we have a means to fight under these conditions," TK informed.
"I see. Well, any assistance to rescue Mitsuru is appreciated," Yukari replied.
"Do you think you can scan the tower and see if you can find any of the captured members or locate the mysterious culprit Yukari mentioned," Kari asked Rise.
"I'll give it a try. Come, Persona," Rise shouted.
Rise shattered the card before her, summoning Himiko, an elegant maiden in a pure white dress and a satellite head. Himiko placed a visor on Rise as it scanned the area for her. As Rise concentrated, she started hearing voices in her head.
"Help... someone... please...," the voice creaked.
"I hear someone in distress. This person sounds like she's in pain," Rise said.
"Can you figure out who it is," TK asked.
"It doesn't feel like Mitsuru or Aigis. I feel a sense of kinship with her like we share similar powers," Rise explained.
"That must be Fuuka. She's also our navigator, just like you are. Are you able to pinpoint where she is," Yukari asked.
"Yes, I have a rough idea where she is. Follow me," Rise said.
Rise, Yukari, TK, and Kari ran around the school and headed inside the gymnasium. Stacks of chairs stood delicately around the gymnasium walls. One false move could make an entire stack fall abruptly. The camera stands mangled around the chairs to get a good shot at the center of the gymnasium.
"Who would even find the time to do something like this? It's such a horrid sight," Kari said.
"Rise, do you know where Fuuka is," TK asked.
"She's beyond that door over there. We must hurry. She could be in trouble," Rise said.
"It is possible that there would be a trap before us. I'll take the lead to make sure the coast is clear. Cover me if something goes awry," Yukari said.
Rise, Yukari, TK, and Kari stood by the door mentioned by Rise, cautiously planning their next move. When everyone was ready, Yukari opened the door, readied her bow, and surveyed the scene. When Yukari gave them the signal, Rise, TK, and Kari popped into the room.
"Wait a minute, this is Club Escapade. Why is this here," Rise asked, confused.
"Wait, you know this place, Rise," Yukari asked.
"I was supposed to have a performance here at one point, but the power went out, so it had to cancel."
"Did you say the power went out? By chance, did your concert here happen three years ago?"
"That's right. How did you know?"
"We were fighting against a Shadow that drained the power at Paulownia Mall a few years ago. That may have been the cause of it."
"There's someone over there," Kari said, pointing at the stage.
An elegant woman with a white dress and hair braided towards her side hung on a cross with a tortured look.
"Is that Fuuka," TK asked.
"She's tied to a cross, but why," Kari questioned.
"That cross is draining all of her energy," Rise explained.
"We have to save her now," Yukari said, rushing towards her.
"Yukari, be careful," Kari shouted.
"Yukari... no... don't... stay back... it's a...," Fuuka gasped.
"Don't worry, Fuuka. I'm going to get you out of there," Yukari replied.
Just as Yukari was about to assist Fuuka, arrows flew at Yukari's feet. Although they missed her, the arrows triggered a series of explosives underneath the stage that overwhelmed Yukari.
"Yukari," TK screamed.
Yukari remained motionless on the ground as the smoke settled. A cackling voice reverberated around the stage.
"That's what the fake hero deserves. The power of friendship is only for idiots like you," the voice chuckled.
A mysterious figure jumped from the lighting grid and gracefully landed on the ground. It was wearing the same uniform as Yukari.
"Another Yukari," TK said, surprised.
"That must be her Shadow," Kari replied.
"What did you do to Yukari," Rise asked Shadow Yukari.
"I gave her the just desserts she deserved. A hero must take down false prophets who preach that bonds are a source of power. It's utter hogwash. Power is power. Bonds are brittle, useless, and a burden to carry. You can only obtain true strength when you sever the bonds that tie you down," Shadow Yukari replied.
"Bonds are a source of strength capable of creating miracles. You will never understand that because you are a Shadow," Kari remarked.
"If we don't share the same ideology, then we are enemies. Showbiz Fiend, Two-Faced Host, Deviant Curator, I, Feather Pink, will strike you down in the name of Justice. Persona," Shadow Yukari shouted.
Shadow Yukari summoned a winged Egyptian figure carrying a red mirror.
"That's her Persona," TK questioned, surprised.
"I sense a strong power coming from it. Everyone, be careful," Rise said.
"Blow them away, Isis," Shadow Yukari demanded.
Isis summoned a large gust of wind that pushed TK, Kari, Rise, and Yukari off the stage, through the auditorium curtain, and back out to the gymnasium. TK caught Yukari just as she was about to hit the ground.
"TK, are you alright," Kari asked, walking towards him.
"I'm okay. Any day to be a landing cushion for a beautiful lady is a plus in my book," TK replied.
"If you can joke like that, you should be fine," Kari sighed.
"It's about time we get the cameras rolling. Bring on the ring," Shadow Yukari yelled.
TK handed Yukari over to Kari, pushing both away just as a red pillar separated them. Three other red pillars fell from the ceiling, creating a ring within the gymnasium.
"TK, are you alright," Kari asked.
Kari attempted to check on TK, but an invisible wall blocked her way.
"Invisible walls," Kari pondered.
"This does start to feel like the Grand Prix. Wait, where's Rise," TK asked.
"Over there," Kari said, pointing at Rise, who was trying to get her bearings straight.
"Hey, Rise, are you okay," TK asked, walking towards her.
"I'm fine; I'm just a bit dizzy," Rise replied, slowly getting up.
"Picking you apart one at a time is one of the many strategic advantages a true hero should apply. Since there are two of you, it is only fair I get to call upon my sidekick. Hey, come on out here already. Don't you do performances here? At least appear at your gigs occasionally," Shadow Yukari said.
"Don't treat me like I'm a lapdog. I'm allowed to do whatever I want whenever I feel like it," a voice mumbled.
A bassist eventually dragged himself out of the curtains and entered the makeshift arena.
"Matt," TK said, surprised.
"Be careful, TK. That must be his Shadow. Why else would he be helping her out," Kari replied.
"Well, Matt is quite the ladies' man. I'm sure he'd help any girl if they asked him politely," TK explained.
"He's not a flirt like you," Kari sighed.
"You must be my useless younger brother. Remind me again why I must waste my time performing for someone like you," Shadow Matt.
"Shadow or not, that's no way to treat family," Rise said.
"Besides, family drama is an overrated TV trope. People want to see blood. Let's get this shoot started. Ready, set, action," Shadow Yukari shouted.
Shadow Yukari fired her bow, aiming directly at Rise.
"Persona," TK quickly shouted.
TK shattered the card before him, donning his new attire and summoning his trusted companion. Before TK could greet his old friend, he rushed ahead of Rise to block the attack with his staff, but the arrow knocked him over.
"TK, are you alright," Patamon asked, flying down towards him.
"I'm sorry, TK. If I had reacted sooner, I could have responded to that attack better," Rise said.
"Don't worry about it. Besides, your Persona is a support type, right? Leave the fighting to me. I'll take them both out," TK replied.
"I will not let you battle alone. My Persona can fight, too. Come, Himiko," Rise shouted.
Rise shattered the card before her. This time, Himiko had long red hair, a free-flowing dress, and multiple orbs floating around it.
"That's so cool," Patamon replied.
"I won't be a burden to anyone anymore. I still stand my ground," Rise declared.
"That means I have to respond in kind. Let's show those fakes what we can do, Patamon," TK said.
"Of course, TK. Patamon, Star Arcana Digivolve to... Angemon," Patamon shouted.
"Great, more annoying extras to deal with. Hey, don't you have something to counteract that angel? Hurry up and summon it already," Shadow Yukari told Shadow Matt.
"You can't rush art. I have my setlist to follow, and I don't plan to break the flow unless necessary," Shadow Matt replied.
"As long as you don't get in my way, you can do whatever you want," Shadow Yukari answered.
Shadow Matt summoned a giant bear equipped with giant metal claws.
"That's the Digimon we saw on TV," TK said.
"I think its name was DarkGrizzlymon," Kari replied.
"So, you know the performance that we rehearsed. That's a bummer. We need to change the script to keep the excitement going," Shadow Matt remarked.
"DarkGrizzlymon, Dark Digivolve to... DarkWaruMonzaemon," DarkGrizzlymon shouted.
"It can Digivolve, too. That is so not fair," TK said.
"TK, you can make Angemon stronger, too," Kari replied.
"Right, let's kick this battle up a notch," TK informed.
"Angemon, Four Card Arcana Digivolve to... MagnaAngemon," Angemon shouted.
"Now, we're cooking," TK said.
"It doesn't matter how many of you there are. There's a target in all your bodies, and I plan to expose each one. Come on out, Isis," Shadow Yukari declared.
Isis emerged behind Shadow Yukari and summoned a large tornado at MagnaAngemon and Himiko. MagnaAngemon and Himiko dodged the attack as Himiko showered Isis with multiple lightning bolts from her miniature satellites.
"Gate of Destiny," MagnaAngemon shouted.
MagnaAngemon fired a beam of light at Isis. As Isis moved out of the way, MagnaAngemon focused on Isis and followed it with its light. Meanwhile, Shadow Yukari fired more arrows at TK and Rise, who moved out of the way just in time before the arrows struck.
"You know, instead of standing there, why not do some work for a change and back me up," Shadow Yukari told Shadow Matt.
"You can't rush art," Shadow Matt informed.
Shadow Matt summoned two large speakers next to him. Shadow Matt wailed away at his bass. The speaker amplified its distortion, giving everyone a headache.
"Hey, I'm on your side, too," Shadow Yukari yelled through the noise.
"I guess that means I must take the lead, as always," Shadow Matt sighed.
"Heart Break Attack," DarkWaruMonzaemon shouted.
DarkWaruMonzaemon fired multiple black hearts at MagnaAngemon and Himiko.
"I won't let those touch us," Rise stated.
Himiko fired multiple pink music notes, dissolving the dark hearts into tiny particles.
"You're ruining my music. That's not cool," Shadow Matt groaned.
Shadow Matt fired invisible strings from his bass at Rise, immobilizing her.
"What's going on? I can't move," Rise said, trying to break free.
"This will give you a shock," Shadow Matt announced.
Shadow Matt rapidly strummed his bass, sending a wave of energy to Rise.
"Rise, watch out," TK shouted.
TK used his staff to block the incoming attack and redirected the electricity to himself. TK fell to his knees from the shocking pain.
"TK, are you alright," Rise asked.
"I'm okay. I've been through worse," TK replied.
"Bear Claw," DarkWaruMonzaemon shouted.
DarkWaruMonzaemon ran over to Rise and TK and prepared to swing at TK with its massive metal claw.
"Shield Counter," MagnaAngemon shouted.
MagnaAngemon quickly rushed over to TK to cover him. Blocking DarkWaruMonzaemon's attack with its shield arm, MagnaAngemon swung its sword in retaliation but failed to connect.
"Hey, you, how can you consider calling what you made music," Rise questioned Shadow Matt.
"Art is based on the ear of its listener. Someone drowned in the false and frilly pop lifestyle will never understand real music," Shadow Matt responded.
"I'll show you how real I can be. Watch me," Rise declared.
Rise rushed over to Shadow Matt, who tried to distract her by continuously playing distorted music.
"How is she powering through this noise? Unbelievable," Shadow Yukari said.
Enduring the pain, Shadow Yukari fired multiple arrows at Rise. TK rushed over to protect Rise by knocking away the arrows with his staff. Isis prepared to fire a gust of wind at Rise, but Himiko chased after Isis to break its concentration. DarkWaruMonzaemon charged after Rise, but MagnaAngemon pushed it down, preventing DarkWaruMonzaemon from coming closer. Shadow Matt continued to riff on his bass, but Rise pushed forward. Shadow Matt tried to fire invisible strings at Rise, but Rise was too close for Shadow Matt to make his move. Rise pushed Shadow Matt off the platform he was on.
"It's my turn to show everyone my resolve. Rise's premature comeback tour starts right now," Rise declared.
Rise began singing and dancing onstage, using the large speakers to her advantage. The speakers emitted a soothing and cheerful aura, dazzling everyone who heard it.
"Just because the emotional kid stopped playing doesn't mean you have the advantage," Shadow Yukari said.
Shadow Yukari prepared to fire an arrow at Rise, but TK trusted his spear at her gut, dropping her to the ground.
"Sorry, but this is one performance you cannot disturb," TK informed.
DarkWaruMonzaemon pushed MagnaAngemon out of the way to chase after Rise once more.
"Soul Vanisher," MagnaAngemon shouted.
MagnaAngemon slammed his blade on the ground, creating a shockwave that cut DarkWaruMonzaemon cleanly in two.
"Stop this noise. It's driving me insane," Shadow Matt cried.
"Not until you hear my grand finale," Rise announced.
Himiko created a ring of electricity around Shadow Matt and Shadow Yukari, shocking both during her final beat. When Rise finished performing, the red pillars shattered, and the invisible walls disappeared. Shadow Yukari and Shadow Matt dissolved into black blobs as golden particles drifted into the air. As they dissolved, Yukari slowly got up.
"Yukari, are you okay," Kari asked, slowly helping her to her feet.
"I'm fine, but that sudden attack came out of nowhere. What just happened," Yukari questioned.
"Your other self and my fake brother tried to prevent us from escaping, but we took care of them thanks to Rise," TK explained.
"They turned into black goo, which has me concerned. What was that all about," Rise questioned.
"We can focus on that later. We need to save the woman on the cross,' Kari reminded.
"That's right; we need to head over to Fuuka immediately," Yukari stated.
Rise, Yukari, TK, and Kari returned to Club Escapade. Carefully, they freed Fuuka from the cross and lowered her to the ground. Although she was breathing heavily, Fuuka remained unharmed.
"Fuuka, can you hear me? Please respond," Yukari pleaded.
"She seems so exhausted. She must have suffered significantly during her abduction," Rise said, concerned.
"What she needs is some resuscitation," TK replied, preparing to apply CPR.
"Don't even think about taking advantage of the situation," Kari yelled, pulling him away.
"I was joking," TK responded.
"Were you," Kari questioned, unfazed.
"Partially," TK admitted.
"Unbelievable," Kari sighed.
Slowly, Fuuka regained consciousness.
"Fuuka, thank goodness you are okay," Yukari said.
"Yukari, everyone, are you alright," Fuuka asked.
"That's what we should be asking you. You're the one clenching in pain," Kari replied.
"But you were ambushed," Fuuka stated.
"Don't worry. We dealt with those Shadows that attacked us. Everything is okay," Rise explained.
"Now that we're here, there's nothing to worry about," TK said with his chest puffed up.
"I don't think you have the right to announce that," Kari sighed.
"I'm sorry, but I don't recognize the two of you. I've read about Rise in our files, but not you two," Fuuka said to TK and Kari.
"My name's Kari. He is TK. We assisted with protecting Labrys during our time in the TV World," Kari explained.
"I see. Mitsuru mentioned another set of teens that helped them during the Labrys incident. Speaking of which, have any of you seen Mitsuru, Akihiko, or Aigis," Fuuka asked.
Fuuka tried to get up but stumbled to her knees.
"Don't push yourself too hard. We're still in the middle of searching for Mitsuru and the others. We believe they are hidden in this tower somewhere," Yukari replied.
"I was careless. Even though I was with Mitsuru and the others the whole time, I could not sense the looming threat that occurred. After the attack, we were immediately captured and chained up like this. I feel so useless. It is all my fault," Fuuka cried.
"No one is blaming you, Fuuka. We all know the perpetrator is to blame for all of this. We will ensure that Aigis, Akihiko, and Mitsuru are safe. Then, we will find the one that did this to you and stop them for good," Rise reassured.
"It seems we have a plan. Let's explore this tower and rescue Mitsuru and the others," TK said.
"We can't leave Fuuka alone in her condition. There's a chance that additional Shadows would roam the tower and harm her," Kari replied.
"I'll stay here with Fuuka. I need to redeem myself for that ambush from my other self. This time, I will be alert and ready for all adversaries that come our way," Yukari proposed.
"You sound like a real superhero with the speech and costume," Kari said.
"I think I'll stay here, too. I heard you have a support-type Persona, Fuuka. I have one as well, so I'm sure I'll be able to help you in that regard," Rise replied.
"That's right. I've read that you have similar powers to mine, yet you can use your Persona for combat. That is incredible," Fuuka said.
"You never told us how your Persona could change between its search and combat mode," TK stated.
"Before meeting you two, I bumped into an eccentric figure with an exotic outfit. This woman started attacking me without reason, but my Persona felt my resolve and transformed into a figure that could fight alongside me. I am grateful for my encounter with her. Now, I can be of use to support everyone again," Rise explained.
"I'm glad your feelings reached out to your Persona," Kari said.
"I guess that means Kari and I will venture deeper inside the tower. I was stuck in one location the last time I was here, so it's nice to look around and see what this tower is like," Tk replied.
"TK, we're not here to sightsee. We have important work to adhere to," Kari scolded.
"In that case, allow me to assist in some way. Rise, can you help me," Fuuka asked.
"Of course," Rise replied.
Fuuka and Rise joined hands as they summoned their Personas. Together, they scanned the tower, hoping to find clues about their friends and whereabouts.
"This is amazing. I'm sensing so many people. I even found members of your team," Rise said to TK and Kari.
"That's reassuring," TK smiled.
"I'm glad they made it here safely," Kari replied.
"Mitsuru, Akihiko, and Aigis appear safe from harm for now. I'll search further to see where the other teammates could be," Fuuka replied.
As they monitored the tower, a sharp jolt immediately separated them, flinching and releasing their hands.
"Fuuka, Aigis, are you alright? What happened," Yukari asked.
"Just a second ago, I felt something dangerous noticing us," Fuuka explained.
"I believe it came from the top of the tower, although I'm not sure what it is," Rise continued.
"Could it be the perpetrator," TK asked.
"I don't think so. The power I sensed was way beyond anything I've ever felt. It's on par with the demons we faced towards the end of our school year last year," Rise replied.
"If we're dealing with a powerful demon, we might need to change our strategy," Fuuka replied.
"Are you sure you should be moving around, Fuuka," Kari asked.
"Don't worry; you two should go and find your friends. Fuuka, Rise, and I will take it slow and navigate our way to the rest of our team," Yukari responded.
"I'll try to provide support as much as possible while Yukari and I assist Fuuka. If you find your friends, please warn them about the imminent danger this tower will face," Rise told TK and Kari.
"Alright, we'll leave Fuuka in your hands," TK replied.
"Don't be afraid to contact us if something goes awry. We'll help you as soon as we can," Kari responded.
TK and Kari left Club Escapade as Rise and Yukari held Fuuka up on their shoulders and took their time leaving the quiet nightclub.
*To be continued*