Warm water splashed against her bare frame. Letting a sigh of relief pass through her lips, Mitsuru smiled, the tension leaving her sore and stiff muscles. After stepping back into reality, the two immediately made their way to the Hotel suite. Both immediately finding their beds to crash and sleep the hours away.
The fatigue causing them to sleep until early afternoon the next day, Mitsuru groggily getting out of bed and stripping the moment she closed her bathroom door. Water flowed as the curtain was drawn, hiding her nude form in steam and condensed droplets. The warmth of the flowing water rejuvenating her form and allowing her to cast the previous day's events from her mind, even if only for a brief period.
Turning the knob she stepped out and onto the carpet below. Drying herself off she started to clothe herself in something a bit more appropriate than the same garb as yesterday. A sleek, red leather jacket over a plain blouse and blue jeans to cover her legs. Something simple but at the same time still fashionable.
After running her brush through the crimson locks, a quick mirror glance assured the woman in question her appearance wasn't too sloppy, perfecting her image for the coming day. Satisfied at her efforts, her bare feet made no sounds as the heiress slipped into the other room, spotting the back of Yu's figure, talking on a laptop in a much more casual manner.
He wore a dark shirt. Black jeans and sneakers to match, hair damp, and freshly shaven, the young man turned at the sound of her entrance, pointing to the computer."I have Teddie and Yosuke on the call." He called to her as the familiar figures soon materialized onscreen, the bear waving to her with a wide grin.
"Morning, Mitsuru-chan!" Teddie offered cheerily. "It's nice to finally see you again!"
She nodded."As it is to you, Teddie, Yosuke." She shifted to the silver-haired man." I take it Narukami-kun has informed you of our, situation?" She began as she took a seat at the desk.
The pair nodded as Yosuke leaned back, a small cup of noodles in front of the computer screen."We were really surprised when we heard what happened, Mitsuru-senpai... but after hearing all the weird shit that's been happening these last couple of years, I guess we really shouldn't be that surprised. Huh, Partner?" he responded with a quiet sigh.
Yu shrugged, scratching his jaw. "Never know what's going to happen these days. Still, this is one that caught me off guard." His eyes shooting to the red-headed heiress.
"Yeah," Teddie agreed."It's all so beary scary. Still! Yosuke and I will help out in whatever way we can, Mitsuru-chaaaaan!!" The boy said with a confident tone." We promise, right Yosuke?"
Sighing Yosuke rubbed his face."You make it sound like we aren't all sitting here waiting for you to tell us what's going on."
"M-Me?! But why?!" The blonde sputtered.
"What do you mean why? You're a shadow, right? That means you're the obvious authority on shadow things." Yosuke explained matter-of-factly.
"What are you implying?!" Teddie said with a glare." That because I have a shadowy past, I know every other shadow's personal life?!"
"D-D-Don't put words in my mouth," Yosuke scolded, shaking his fist.
Rolling her eyes at their antics, Mitsuru cut their argument short as a commanding yet understanding tone spoke to the two, both friends turning in surprise."Guys... Focus, please.."
"R-Right. My bad.." Yosuke apologized.
"Sorry," Teddie whispered, "Sorry, Sensei, I wish I could help explain this or be a beary useful partner or something." The younger man confessed.
"That's fine, Teddie," Yu nodded understandingly, "we'll work it out. Hopefully, before things get any worse... We still don't know a lot about what happened."
A worried look crossed Mitsuru's face, Yosuke rubbing the bridge of his nose as the other half of their duo stared at them with an equally troubled expression."Ohhh think Teddie think! This isn't beary good! good... uh-um, um, let's see! Creepy eye app, subway infested with Shadows…Shadows and the creepy eye app, Hmm!"
Shaking his head, Yosuke turned the topic onto his question."I still don't see what any of that has to do with Tokyo, though; why the capital city?" He remarked.
Mitsuru pondered his inquiry. "A very valid question.. one I don't have a definite answer to...If this issue is only isolated to a single city, it'll be a blessing." The heiress' words softened in tone as she faced towards him and Teddie once more.
"However, unlike the Dark Hour having a connection with those affected by Apathy Syndrome, We still don't know if this distorted world has anything to do with the Psychotic Breakdowns plaguing the city these days."
Folding her hands together, Mitsuru thought aloud." Still, the coincidence cannot be dismissed; if Narukami-kun and I could unknowingly get caught in this bizarre phenomenon, it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility that it could happen elsewhere.
A shudder shook Yosuke's shoulders, the man suddenly appearing a bit chilled."Dammit... If this is gonna become a regular thing, how far would it even reach? Inaba had its moments, sure, but this sounds to be on a whole 'nother scale from just that, senpai..." He groaned.
"Don't stress yourself out over it, buddy." Narukami's gentle voice instantly eased the brunette." No reason to get our nerves rattled yet."
"Right. Just asking." Yosuke retorted, hand dragging down his face."Well if no one needs us to come over. Guess we'll stay and hold down the fort here at Inaba. Maybe Ted and I can search the TV world and see if anything's strange around here, too.."
Yu nodded approvingly."Be careful though. No risks. Watch each other's backs."
"Right! Yosuke and I make the best partners, no?" The exuberant blonde inquired with a grin.
Yosuke looked conflicted. But sighed." Yeah, you bet, bud."
Mitsuru smiled."Thank you. Both of you." Her hand rested over her chest." Know that your loyalty and assistance are most appreciated."
Yosuke smiled."No worries, senpai, we got your back. Oh, uh, excuse us if we can't help too much at the moment though, right Ted?"
Teddie perked up, nodding."Yep Yep! There's just been a lot of busy bears at Junes recently and lots of things going on." The young man mumbled apologetically." Sorry about that."
She shook her head, crossing her arms under her chest. " Don't stress the details, knowing that you all are there to provide whatever support you can is enough.. for now at least..." She affirmed, not showing any sign of frustration or disdain.
With their business wrapped up the bear and brunette soon bid farewell and ended the call. Yu closed the screen with a yawn, stretching. Stomach growled as he stared in embarrassment as his partner simply gave him a raised eyebrow."Hungry, Yu?"
He nodded with a hint of color on his cheeks."I forgot how much dealing with Shadows works up an appetite..." He said with a soft chuckle. "Maybe we could go grab some lunch. Or do we have more to do?"
Making her way to a pair of black leather boots. Mitsuru placed her footwear on, standing up, already making her way to the front door." Lunch would be welcomed at the moment. But, the fact still stands. The more time we have the better. There's still a mystery to solve, one we need the answers to sooner than later."
Watching her walk to the front he eyed her form, backside facing his line of sight and attention. Appreciating the view before shooing away that unneeded train of thought. A moment of silence fell on them before Yu answered, meeting her in the living area."Do you want to try venturing into the tunnels again?"
The Kirijo heir gazed off and into the distance. "Indeed... Narukami-Kun" she commented back, opening her bag and pulling out a book, examining its contents before slamming it shut. "I plan on making a few calls to get us some much-needed supplies for the upcoming investigation. Which will likely involve dealing with Shadows."
"Always the hard worker, Mitsuru-San.." the comment was directed to his partner, who hummed thoughtfully.
"You seem to forget Narukami-kun." Her pointed heel clicked on the floor, turning in his direction."I always believe in providing the best of my resources whenever dealing with matters such as these."
Placing the book back into the leather bag she locked the zippers, putting her hands on her hips.
"Lunch?" The heiress requested.
Narukami nodded in assent. Following his senior as they stepped out of the hotel room."Back on the grind, then."
Rested and fueled, the duo were eager and ready to get back at their task, returning to the subway station where their troubles started.
Bustling bodies crowded the entrance that led down the stairs and into the labyrinth of transportation lines. No one was the wiser to the twisted pocket realm that dwelled right under their feet.
Sweeping the street, Mitsuru silently nodded, finding the supplies she asked for, packaged up nicely in a couple of suitcases, waiting on the top of a motorbike in the distance.
She eyed the device appreciatively, gleaming in the sun and letting a quiet hum escape her throat. She'd have to thank Fuuka for quickly getting this assembled for her and brought to the meeting place.
Boots clicking loudly Mitsuru made her way to the cache, reaching the vehicle as Yu was a few steps behind. "What is all this?" Yu inquired, tilting his head curiously as he admired the equipment.
"If we're dealing with Shadows." She replied to the inquiry." then I figured it'd only be natural that we arm ourselves accordingly."
Approaching the suitcases. Yu peeked inside to the weapons they were storing, a tinge of sentimentality flowing over him."Mitsuru-San...a katana?" A cocky smirk appeared on his features." How nostalgic."
Mitsuru smirked, opening the other suitcase, revealing a rapier clamped inside its case, resting securely along a rack. Yu observed the elegant sword and noted its similarities to Mitsuru's persona.
"We also have med kits, and other necessary items in case we get injured."
Making sure no prying eyes could catch them Yu was swift to close the container. Gazing towards his senior.
"That would explain the packages on the bike." He remarked. "But some of this stuff looks like it belongs to a radio tower or a communication system. You think we'll need to set a base of some sort to start exploring?"
Slapping her bike she turned to him, lips pursed in thought before shaking her head."Previously, I used my Persona combined with this equipment to provide support and navigational assistance," Mitsuru explained, gazing at him. "Similar to Rise-chan or Fuuka-chan's capabilities. While the latter was always our designated navigator. I've had experience on the matter before..."
"Wow, is that right, Mitsuru-San...?"
She hummed."I'm not on par with their abilities, however." a nostalgic smile flashed over the crimson-haired woman as memories of the past came back. "Anything is better than nothing. It can allow you a certain amount of foresight, awareness, and other similar uses."
Gripping the bike keys she twirled them in between her fingers. "Plus if we're traveling into that large labyrinth," She paused briefly in thought, "Some transportation will prove useful..."
"Well, I won't argue with that."Yu nodded firmly, reaching into one of the supply bags, he pulled a pistol free, feeling the weight of the weapon as his palm hugged the handle tight. The letters S.E.E.S visible on its side." So this is for you." He passed it gently over to her."An Evoker right? You think you'll need that down there?"
Taking the fake gun, she raised her eyebrow, briefly checking the weapon herself. The weight was familiar, yet the cool metal was unwelcomed. "I have a suspicion that it will be useful in the future. Plus we don't know how reliable our powers will be down there. A backup would prove useful."
Opening the bag, Yu peered at the rest of its contents." Yeah...Fair enough." Yu checked his supplies."With that settled. You ready Mitsuru-san?" His free hand found and settled on the back of his neck, massaging.
Nodding as a reply Mitsuru crossed her arms. "Any Idea how we're going to access the inside?" She queried.
Reaching into his pocket, Yu took out the phone that held the offending icon. "Not quite sure. After what happened before, maybe if we-" tapping the application icon once more the same wind suddenly assaulted their ears and surroundings warping.
Like the events from the other, it twisted, bent, and distorted. Reality faded as their world became black and red once more. With a start, the two found themselves returned to the dark and dreary landscape, leaving them on the empty street.
"That was easier than expected," Yu commented.
"Indeed...this will speed things up tremendously. At least now we don't need to wait and wonder. I guess- oh we've changed clothing once more..."
Truly it appeared so, no longer in their casual clothes and the attire from before, Yu once more sported his white coat, the silver armor plates gleaming in the dull light as Mitsuru now wore her black catsuit, leather and form-fitting as her white shawl blowing softly in the breeze.
"Well, at least I was expecting this now... are you prepared, Mitsuru-san?" Yu called as he equipped his katana onto his person.
Stretching as she twisted her body from side to side. The heiress ran her fingers along the mask that now adorned her visage, an eye peering in both directions as if following her motions."As prepared as I'll ever be," She began, clipping her rapier and evoker on her hip and giving a couple of quick twirls to test their security. Satisfied at their response her movements unhampered.
"Then let's do this," the young man cracked his neck.
Throwing a leg over her bike, engine rumbling to life, the Kirijo Heir reeved the gas."Hop on and hang o-!" Her command cut off as she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist, Yu's chest pressed flush against her back and body as his form was curled onto her seat, his breathing heavy against her neck and ears.
Feeling a hot blush grow on her face at his sudden close contact, the man was unbothered by their situation, simply tightening his grip."It's been a while since I've had to ride in this kind of position," He mentioned."Is this ok?"
Smoothing over her now frazzled mind she shook the surprise off. It shouldn't have been a surprise that Yu would just boldly wrap his frame over her own like this. It made sense and was direct. Even if their situation, was a little too cozy and forward in her opinion.
It reminded her of Makoto and how he'd just do the most forward action possible. That boy never seemed to take an indirect approach to any situation."O-Of course."
Pushing her days of high school back into the recesses of her mind. Mitsuru focused on the tasks at hand, reeving the bike as the wheels spun in a squealing cry."Then let's head out. Hold tight, Narukami-Kun..."With a jolt, she moved forward as the vehicle picked up speed and went racing down the subway's paths and tunnels.
Ignoring the sting of the cool air slapping against their cheeks and the fast movement and tension threatening to make both lose their composure in different ways, the ride was comfortable, quiet, and almost soothing. The feeling and sound of their shared breathing synchronized with the humming engine, being the only noises to their sensitive ears.
"Tighten your grip!"
"Right!" His fingers sunk into her gut.
Weaving through twisted pathways of metal. Branches of dead ends and broken rails, Mitsuru easily kept control of their craft and managed to avoid each hazardous turn in their path.
Soon reaching the mouth of their destination, the entrance to a lower platform lay dead ahead, but Mitsuru skidded their bike to a stop as they came closer. Familiar shadows erupted in an explosion, the masked monsters blocking the only way they knew led further down.
"Well, it was going to happen at some point." The senior sighed, taking a deep breath.
Yu frowned."Guess, the first test begins here." Removing his arms from their hold on the bike and Mitsuru's waist, he stood. Grabbing his blade's handle, giving it a twirl and slicing the air. "Be careful and focus, Mitsuru-san."
Nodding affirmatively to his warning she gave her response as she followed him into battle.
Roaring, the Shadow broke down and took the form of three Jack-o'-Lanterns, fire already sprouting from their masks, hurling flaming orbs to the field.
With swift precision, Mitsuru jumped. Twisting her body mid-air to avoid the barrage as the projectiles crashed into the ground and fizzled out. She landed gracefully with a small smile, proud of herself, her skill honed over years of practice hadn't faltered after all these years of inactivity.
Fingers moving to her evoker that was strapped to her side, Mitsuru stopped as the sudden pull from her mask. Like a powerful magnetic force, drawing her hand up and to her mask as words ran through her mind.
"Penthesilea."
A gust of frigid air suddenly smothered her body as her Persona floated gently behind her. Mitsuru's smile deepened, stretching and blooming into a full-blown grin.
Eyes sharp and firm under her metal mask, Mitsuru stretched her arm out, her palm facing towards their adversaries. An intense pressure flowed and built from the tip of her fingertips and to the base of her spine.
"Bufu!"
In an eruption of ice, the air was filled and surrounded by cold energy as a wide area of cold encased the group. Shattering into glass-like pieces, their frames shuddering and frost forming over their bodies.
Yu smiled, the cold invading the surrounding area causing the sweat over his brow and along his body to instantly freeze and cause him to shiver violently, but at the same time his muscles sang. Fueling his heart as adrenaline rushed through his veins.
"So...I just grab my mask?" He questioned rhetorically, letting a hand hover over the edges.
"Not necessarily..."Mitsuru shook her head, waving her finger to him as the enemy recovered.
"These masks are like a manifestation of our determination and willpower. Just call out to the power deep within your mind. You should feel the response..."
Nodding his response Yu focused deeply within. Closing his eyes and concentrating on that all-powerful presence, feeling it call and shake within him.
"Izanagi!!"
Power, explosive, and coursing, erupted violently around his body, forming his trusted Persona, his guardian. Twirling his polearm, a charged lightning bolt shot out of his weapon's end, striking the helpless, stunned enemies directly and stunning them even further, seizing this golden opportunity. Yu dashed forward in a flash.
Mitsuru joined him as well, and the pair worked their blades quickly and efficiently. Slashing at two of the Jack O'Lanterns who shrieked and exploded into thick mist, disappearing. Leaving their final opponent stunned and open.
Weapons raised high in sync the duo let the slashes descend upon the monster.
"Wait!" The little floating ghost cried, "Stop!"
The air tensed at his plea. Weapons froze before they could deal their final blows. Yu and Mitsuru shared a look as Izanagi and Penthesilea flickered away.
"I just remembered I'm not a shadow, ho! I live in the sea of the hee-human heart!"The strange voice exclaimed."You wouldn't mind if I tag along...would you ho?!" The bobbing orange head asked sheepishly.
Tilting her head the heiress let out a thoughtful hum. Turning to the Investigation Team member beside her." What do you think, Yu?"
"Do I still have the power to command multiple personas?" He thought aloud, "Even without the Velvet Room.."
Gazing between his partner and the floating pumpkin, Yu nodded, a smile pulling at his features as if some hidden knowledge or memory was awakened, hidden but still there."Sure."
Tension melted off his body at the response and the round, burning face lit up with a bright grin." Thanks so much!!" His voice tinted with gratitude, "I'm you, and you're me!" The Shadow added, its body glowing and taking the form of Yu's mask as the thing shot to him and stuck to his forehead.
"This place fails to cease in surprising me, Yu," the heiress chuckled in amusement as the now-former leader of the Investigation team touched the metallic object on the tip of his nose.
"Same, but if I still can use more than one Persona..." his attention drew down to his hand, "This'll make things a lot simpler."
Nodding her approval the red-headed beauty moved to where her motorcycle still stood. Throwing a leg over her trusty steed. As he took position behind her. "Let's continue onward then."
Twisting the ignition key and hearing the engine whirring, they were once more flying into the mouth of the darkened and distorted subway.
Carefully down the escalator, a new platform had materialized below. Stopping at its opening, the pair dismounted, making their way to the edge of the subway's terminus.
Staring into the distance, the tracks leading into a swirling vortex, "I guess this labyrinth continues past here," Mitsuru stated the obvious as her attention went over the tracks.
"Seems so," the silverette responded.
"This world seems less like the palaces you've dealt with," She remarked."More like Tartarus itself." Shivering at
the comparison she pushed forward. "I've no doubt this place will change. Whether in an unknown pattern or not, we must be prepared for that outcome."
Standing in front of the platform's edge, Yu placed his hands over his hips, sighing softly."Then, we've got our work cut out for us." He exhaled heavily."Do we continue?"
Mitsuru crossed her arms. Considering all the variables they knew, or could guess, about their circumstances. "...We're in a bit of a time crunch." The young man nodded. "No telling the amount of time that elapses while in this world, but yes. I think we should move onward," She affirmed, confidence lacing her tone."Unless you would rather have a moment to rest, Yu."
Rolling his shoulders, he began to speak, pausing briefly as he saw a blue light emitting from a rest area on the platform. Curious, and feeling a sort of familiar energy calling to him. Yu strode over to it.
"Narukami? Is there something wrong?" the heiress asked, trailing closely after his back and observing his expression as he seemingly found himself locked in a deep trance.
"There's a glow..." He mumbled to himself, walking through the station and approaching the light source. Mitsuru looked at him in confusion.
"Glow..?" she repeated, unable to see what he did, nor did she know what he meant.
Entering the rest stop. The blue light dispelled, and in its place, a very recognizable, beautiful woman appeared. Clad in her usual blue garments but now adorning a blue butterfly mask that did nothing to conceal the all too familiar platinum locks, and piercing yellow eyes.
Yu took a step back, standing right next to his partner, not expecting her presence. Not in the slightest. "...Margaret? Is that you?"
A slight smile tugged the corners of her lips. The woman known as Margaret greeted the pair."My Guest," the blonde hummed, turning to face them and tucking away her book, "...and his friend." The yellow orbs of her irises dancing between the two."It is good to see you have adjusted so quickly."
Looking down at his attire and weapon. Then, shifting over to Mitsuru and her gear, the silver-haired youth couldn't help the humorless chuckle that followed. "Adjusted..ha, you say it like we had any say in the matter..."
Her smile deepened, chuckling. "Didn't you? You and your companion entered here of your own accord, no?"
Not expecting a reply from him. Margaret shifted her attention to the older girl, a somewhat mirthful expression across her delicate features."You are Kirijo-San are you not..?" she asked politely.
"Yes, and judging by your attire, you must have some relationship with Elizabeth. Am I correct, Madame..?" Mitsuru questioned back, looking at Yu as she replied.
"Indeed. The woman you're inquiring about is my younger sister; you are quite observant." The attendant's words of praise barely elicited a nod.
Yu took a step, rubbing his temple." Margaret, this isn't where we normally meet," he gestured to the very plain-looking waiting room. Completely absent from its normal couch, or much of the typical paraphernalia of his 'guestroom'."Why are you here and not in the Velvet Room?"
Fingertips tapping against the top of her book. Her body swiveling in her seat."The usual place is unavailable for our use presently."
Mitsuru observed the exchange. Silent and standing close by Yu as the familiar-looking woman in blue and gold attire continued talking.
"However I believe that my master would agree that I would be of some assistance in regards to the journey you'll find yourself taking soon."
Blinking and having their thoughts snapped back to their situation, Mitsuru took control of the conversation."Do you mean about these incidents happening recently, such as the recent happenings in Tokyo?"
Margaret chuckled again, soft, breathy, and slightly mocking. Her yellow gaze flicked and pierced through them. "I cannot comment, yet. Nor would it be appropriate to do so." She gently reaffirmed to them." However, what I can offer to both you, Narukami, and you Kirijo-San. Would be some information in regards to Mementos."
"Mementos?" Yu questioned, "You mean, this labyrinth?" He clarified, waving an arm around to the general vicinity."Is this some kind of palace?"
"Correct," the attendant nodded in affirmative. "However, unlike palaces, this realm does not belong to any one individual; it is an amalgamation and collective place of thought and mind for all those connected to it. A subconscious manifestation formed by humans."
"A collective unconscious?" Mitsuru parroted, raising an eyebrow at the familiar title.
"In a sense," Margaret admitted."At this point, I cannot tell you who is responsible. Only that with every event, be it major, or trivial, affects this place's ever-changing nature. Thus leading to some very volatile outcomes in terms of how one traverses this maze and how dangerous that could be."
Turning his head, Yu threw Mitsuru a questioning stare, "I take it if that's the case, we shouldn't venture too far, right?" He inquired of his red-headed ally, a frown curving his lips." At least not alone...or if possible at all."
Taking a deep breath and stroking her chin thoughtfully. The heiress came to a decision. "I see, then as expected, it would not be advisable to act without careful precaution and preparation."
Crossing his arms, Yu turned back to their newfound companion."I assume there's something you wish to teach us to better assist with that Margaret, is there not?"
Warmth grew on her visage, and a quiet giggle bubbled past her throat, a contented grin taking residence on Margaret's features; she was impressed; even her master would likely feel a brief sense of respect towards the guest, "Correct. While we may not have access to the Velvet room, I can still fuse and summon shadows in much the same way I once did in your prior visits. It would not do well for a warrior of the Wildcard to enter battle without his loyal companions. "
"I see..."Yu nodded, smiling in his usual manner."Glad that hasn't changed..." he admitted with an appreciative hum.
Smoothing a loose bang under her mask, Margaret eyed the evoker on Mitsuru's side, before shifting her focus to the Kirijo girl, "It's very fortuitous that you've brought your evoker with you. Allows me the chance to teach the basics, as it were."
The crimson-haired woman blinked, caught off-guard for just a brief second, "I only brought the thing to serve as a last resort, honestly. But it seems like it won't be needed," Reaching to the handle of the gun. Mitsuru grabbed and unclasped her evoker, passing it to the mysterious blonde.
Observing and holding the firearm tightly in her hand, a smile pulled the corner of her lips, "While you no longer need this to summon your Persona here in Mementos, it should still be a useful tool on your long journey ahead..."
"I don't follow...?" Yu said, confused by her explanation, even Mitsuru furrowed her brows as Margaret proceeded.
"This is a cognitive world. Everything here comes with a certain set of rules," her golden orbs shifting from the item, and resting directly on her audience, "This evoker resembles the real world counterparts," She held out the weapon to Mitsuru, letting her retrieve it. "As long as your opponent believes this is a gun, it will be treated as such, thus allowing you to fight using firearms if desired."
With that same amused smile. She returned the evoker to the heiress' hands, "Hope that helped clear the confusion, I'm afraid that's all the insight I can provide," her head nodding, "For now at least."
"Alright.."Yu exhaled. "Then, for now, let's head back. Seems like this place has more in store than I would have believed." He turned to the redhead, "What do you say, Mitsuru-san?"
With an approving nod and firm clap, Mitsuru slid her evoker back to her hip," Agreed, Narukami... It would be best if we gathered our bearings, before making a more thorough investigation..."
Stepping out of the rest stop, Margaret calmly trailed behind her guest and the Kirijo Heiress, her yellow eyes watching the two silently as their figures soon walked off and further away from the terminal entrance. "Safe journey.." Her murmuring fading with their backs."I'll continue to aid in any way possible."
"...A real gun...Margaret did say to think of it that way." Mitsuru stated, flexing her fingers around the handle of her evoker, the metal digging into her flesh.
Pushing Mitsuru's motorcycle along the warped tracks Yu stopped as they both stood in a contemplative silence, "Guess we shouldn't be surprised this place isn't exactly as straightforward as that." He mused, shrugging with a sigh.
Looking up from her brief inspection, Mitsuru stepped up beside him, "Still, a test would be good regardless; I'm eager to find out how this cognition's power would perform in a practical scenario and to get a feel for the firearm I'm so used to my rapier."
Nodding, the young man gripped her handlebars."Your call," He acquiesced, kicking the lever to the side, bringing the kickstand to its lowest position. His foot gave it a small push before the heavy bike remained in its standstill position."Choose a target, and let's see what this place can do, Senpai."
Locking onto the pair a shadow howled, erupting into existence. Charging directly toward them.
Adjusting her stance, Mitsuru readied her evoker. Waiting patiently for the fiend to grow closer, her crimson eyes gleaming dangerously under the metal mask. With its closeness imminent her persona Penthesilea flashed into existence, spinning her rapier and floating ominously in the air.
Her gun raised high her eyes flickered towards Yu, receiving his understanding nod as his hand reached for his katana and released it from its sheath with a hiss and click.
"Ready," Was his soft declaration.
Feeling the ghost of a smile on her lips, Mitsuru aligned her eyes with her foe and aimed. "Here goes nothing.." Her finger wrapped firmly around the trigger.
"Bang!"