Grimnir, The Raging Tempest of Devastation, eagerly waves to the two men as he runs by. Leave this to the crazies? Sounds like just the place. Soon enough, he encounters the door, a faint sense of dread filling him with excitement. This, this is the kind of thing he's been searching for. The young, silver-haired man grins Play you say, well, no matter, allow I, Grimnir, the Mad Cyclone and Heaven's Chosen god of war to become your "playmate". I assure you, fiend, that we can both enjoy this battle to the fullest. Without further conversation, Grimnir faces his foe, the black door in the alleyway, and charges. Seconds before encountering it, Grimnir leaps into the air, feet first, to kick the door with all his might

(Suddenly, a 7'3 snake centipede hybrid is there)... Well, i'll play this "game" if ya"s "suou* (he then slithers toward)...letssss we what ye has for sssssstore? (He then looks over at grimmir)..mate. Ya do know ya should be quite bout this?

A young man many might not have seen for a while would approach the alley as the men from earlier are running away. It was more out if curiosity than anything else. He wanted to see if something was here that could provide him with insight. However, upon noticing the door his attitude would change. "Just a door? I know better then to mess with that and I certainly hope other do as well." Quintus would begin walking away from the door before hearing the familiar voice. It was the voice of Tatsuya but it didn't quite sound like Tatsuya or at least the one he had briefly met. Something about this made his heart pound as if almost irritated. "Maybe I shouldn't but..." Quintus would step up to the door and open it. He would walk in and be presented with a scene that terrified him but he wasn't quite sure why. "This...is a school? I almost feel like...I've seen this place before, but not like this." He would once again be shaken by the voice. Something about him filled him with an emotion he tried to ignore. It was as if the voice was something out of a nightmare. He would walk up to the door of seven sister high and glare at them cautiously.

Laughter can be heard from inside the door, Grimnir's blow would slam into the thing... Yet the door doesn't open, instead, a mid-sized blast of dark magic would slam straight into the man's chest as the laughs fade to speech. "Holy crap what? I didn't think anyone would actually fall for that stupid trap! Who are you and what the hell is your deal man? Did your parents drop you as a kid or something, christ I wasn't gonna hurt anyone till after you went in." OOC: Oh yeah, this should have been in the first post. But to sum up death is quite possible here, I don't expect anyone to perish unless they act foolishly, or get very very unlucky since I'll be rolling for status effects and such. Also, won't be responding to Quin and those beyond the door till everyone's inside.

Well....that happen'd, anyways, we gonna stay together, or split up? (He seems oddly calm bout this)

(Hifumin entered the alley having felt an odd prick of interest at the two men occupying it. Her yellow eyes fall on them as they rush past, but she continue to move forward. Her feet finally click to a stop as she lays her hand upon a dark door and with little hesitation she open it. Walking in with a slight twitch of a smile.) Someone sounds confident. (Facing a now ominous school building the spark of interest within her turns into a flame. Her eyes widen in excitement and a smile now appears on her face. She almost misses the voice as she rushes forward with a sense of abandon.) Finally something meaningful has appeared.

Grimnir's knocked onto his back by the blast, but otherwise seems completely unharmed. The young man laughs a little awkwardly as he scratches the back of his head I... Of course a vile fiend would set a trap on the primary way to enter places. It was totally obvious.... Hahha.... After watching Quintus walk in, like a normal person, Grimnir sighs and stands, shouting as he opens the door to walk through How could you possibly not know who i am? I literally JUST yelled my name. I am Grimnir, the Mad Cyclone, Raging Tempest of Destruction and Heaven's Chosen God of War. I have done many things, why, once I even fought the Great WOlf Fenrir himself to a standstill for three days straight. The real question, Sorcerer, is who you think you are? Having actually walked in, Grimnir glances around, some fog? Pah, a pathetic parlor trick. Grimnir twirls his spear around in a circle as he approaches the high school door, its probably trapped too. The young, silver-haired man grins as he boldly declares to the heavens What say you we skip the theatrics and get down to business? I, have already told you who I am, are you brave enough to face me in honorable, single-combat? Be it to the death, or merely 'till one concedes I care not. Know only that, well, as you might be able to guess I have yet to lose such a conflict. Choose your next words carefully, for it is my duty as an honorable warrior to root out evil, wherever it lies. I shall not give you another chance to fight, or stand down and maintain your dignity

Lowe approached the alleyway, a solemn look on his face. Ah, this damn atmosphere, could recognize it from a mile away. He placed a palm on the back of his neck, rolling his head around on his shoulders. Moreso though, to feel the new scar that was there. The booming voice would only confirm his suspicions, as he walked closer toward the door. I knew it, had a feeling you weren't the type to just sit around, Suou. Alright you bastard, time for round two. He followed the loud guy and the others inside, approaching the school and following the abnormally long path.

(He goes behind everyone, and waits for everyone to set the traps)....

With or without Lowe's consent, Alice had followed him to this alley. She didn't know exactly where he was going or for what reason but after seeing what this other Tatsuya was capable of, she certainly wasn't going to let him have another run-in with that guy alone. Overhearing him before he steps through the door, dread would set in. Of course the mere presence of the door only added to that. "I should have known he would go after him again. Darn it... Well here we go." Stepping through the door and ending up before the unfamiliar school, she'd be relieved to find that a sort of group has already convened for tonight's main attraction. She'd approach Lowe and smirk. "I hope you weren't thinking of leaving your angel friend behind this time. Don't want you dying anymore than you have to."

PK watches over the Nexus like a hawk, well. If that hawk were braindead and drunk on maple syrup. However even a flightless bird can tell that something is off. Running over and seeing the door he also jumps in and exclaims! Have no fear! Pancake Knight is here! Ho there! Is that you Tatsu? Are you here to help maintain order and justice?!? It would be excellent to have you on board!

Chaos Tatsuya chuckles upon seeing that Quin's in here, how fun for him to have shown up in this place! If one could see his face, they'd notice the friendly grin upon it as he greets the parasite host. "Quin buddy! Good to see you around again man, I'm a fan of your work with the fear spreading and all! Though, that standing against suffering bullshit is annoying can't lie on that point. Anyway, go on through and meet an old pal of mine! As for you Zane, prepare to suffer greatly!" And another Shadow too... Heh, if she gets in the way she can die like all the rest, but otherwise, he'll cut his own kind some slack. As for the loud idiot, he really oughta keep quiet. Bastard's ego seems to surpass even C.Tatsu's own. "Nice to meet ya, fellow Shadow! Though I don't know who the original is but since you're one of us I'll offer ya a chance to walk away. Otherwise... Well, business is business! And as for you dumbass? I don't care what your name is, but I'm not a Sorcerer, I'm something far worse than that." He'd laugh upon hearing the man's bold claims of single combat. As fun as picking one off 1 v 1 sounds right now, he'll let his old pals do some of the lifting before he even deigns to face these losers. "If you want to face me you'll have to get past my friends first, consider them a test to see if you nerds are even worth my time! If you get past, cool I get a fun battle, if you die? Awesome, my work's done for me, a real win-win!" He then notices Lowe... Oh my, time for round two is it? Heh, this time the brat ain't coming back from the dead, not again. "And Lowe what great timing! I've been looking forward to seeing you again boy, hopefully, you've gotten better since our last meeting a few days ago, otherwise, it won't be much of a round two now will it!" He grins upon spoting Alice walk in, Angel girl huh? His dark attacks should work against her all too well! "Oh hey, it's Alice! Fallen down the rabbit hole I guess? Well, I hope you enjoy this little stay in Wonderland girl, cause it might just be the least thing you ever do." And another loud idiot, Tatsu? Gaah! Don't mix get him mixed with that one, C.Tatsuya groans upon hearing the old man's idiot friend compare him to that bastard. "No you fool with syrup for brains, my name is Suou and I'm his Shadow... Plus a little more! I've got a great deal of hate for that man in fact, so don't you dare act like I'm the same as him!" Finally, all his addresses done the man would open the door, he's nowhere near any of them... But they're in his world now, and he doesn't need to be near to stay in control. He'd chuckle darkly as a glowing black portal is revealed inside the door to the school. "Anyway, this one's got no traps or anything kids. It's just the gateway to your first brawl so go on in and have fun with it!" Assuming the group steps through, they'd find themselves in a courtyard of... An unrelated school actually, Kasugayama High School can be seen on a doorway at the back of the place. But more importantly, a man wearing the same mask found on the door they'd stepped into can be seen, along with something like an old Jester's outfit, his hat dangles with purple flowers and a yellow flower is held in his hands. He'd walk toward the group and bow to them for a moment, his voice sounding amused. ?: "Ah good day to you all, so then I'm assuming you'll be my foes tonight yes? Call me Joker, normally I'd be a good bit less... Friendly, but since none of you are anyone I know, I don't feel the need to be rude, despite that I'm going to slaughter you." Joker thrusts his hands out casually, the flower waving about as a raging storm of wind surges forth in front of them. It'd take the form of sharp blades that try to cut into their flesh, and have a chance to render all they strike confused.

Quintus wouldn't be prepared for the barrage of wind so suddenly but it'd do little more thank knock him back as Yggdrasil's roots seemed to wrap around his legs and cover him with a golden aura. He'd look directly at Joker with annoyance as if he was standing in his way but what he was in the way of exactly he wasn't sure. "Guess I'll see if beings like you can feel fear...Yggdrasil Prime...Earthly roots!" In a golden burst of light Yghdrasil would sprout out of the ground behind Quin spreading its branches across the school's ceiling. From the ground in front of Quintus four different roots would spread out towards Joker. Each was the color of ash and would be as solid as stone while still maintaining the consistency of wood. The roots would attempt to hold Joker down by his arms and legs as Quintus prepared his own attack. "Alright, time for the second test. Do you have blood like a normal living being would? Armed Mode: Hookworm..." With that said a single hooked blade would appear within Quintus left hand. He would've brought out the other blade as well but strangely the golden serpent from before would wiggle it's way into his right hand. Quin would show a small amount of suprised at the sudden serpent. So much so that he'd forget to attack himself. "What the-?!? Why's there a snake in my hand?"

Grimnir, in fact, not only nulls wind, but a raging windstorm? The man would actually sigh in disappointment as he slices his spear through the air, weaving through the storm. Interestingly, it seems like not all the wind from Joker's attack disappates, Grimnir's scarf flaps wildly in the greatly increased breeze as he weaves towards Joker Is this some sort of insult? The wind knows no master, only guidance, any foolish enough to seek to tame it would ordinarily hardly be worth my time. That said, the foul sorcerer made it clear that Grimnir would have to get through his mooks Grimnir whirls around Joker's side with sweeping, dance-like motions and continues talking Regardless, it is most valuable for one's foe to know who you are before combat, so as to give the most chance possible. I am Grimnir, the Mad Cyclone and Chosen God of War. As an honorable warrior it is my duty to root out evil, wherever it may lie and bring it forth to justice. Unfortunately for you, that includes your master. Surrender now, and I may yet spare your life, yet, I get the feeling you would rather die with honor. That can, of course, be arranged. Grimnir flashes his spear, flowing scarf fluttering alongside the stick as Grimnir attempts to weave to Joker's right. He wouldn't attack yet, preferring to give his opponent the option of surrendering if nothing else.

I don't think I actually have syrup for brains! But that might be true! Its hard to tell! Anyways! Isn't Suou, Tatsuya's last name? So you are Tatsuya! Or at least his shadow! Well that's fine! I know that everyone has a good heart! I'll make you realize that! You'll be fighting evil before you know it! Now my friends! Forward! For honor! Justice! But most of all Pancakes! PK then runs down through the door with his 2 persona buddies following behind, before meeting his opponent on the other side and drawing his laser blade I suppose your our first opponent! Have at thee! Pancake Power!!! However, before Pancake Power!!! Can commence, PK gets hit by a sharpened flower and start to feel funny, stumbling towards Joker and trying a sword swipe

(Hifumin frowns at Chaos Tatsuya's words and picks at a strand of hair.) Please I do not need mercy from anyone. (Her yellow eyes glare to nothing in particular.) Also never call me a shadow. I prefer being called a strategist. (Letting go of the hair strand she once again walks through a strange door with little attentions paid. She only begins to focus with the appearance of Joker. Her response now a perfect smile contrasting greatly with her previous attitude. For a reason she can't fathom yet the thought of fighting excites her. It excites her so much that even her hands tremble with abject anticipation.) That sounds like an excellent plan Joker. (Sensing a warmth in her palms she instinctively calls out a single word.) Agidyne! (Fire bursts forth and she waves it around in an attempt to protect herself. The now surrounding heat does break a few of the blades headed in her direction. While the rest of the sharp blades manage to hit her uncovered legs, but she barely reacts. Having been caught in a battle mood of sorts Hifumin focuses on the enemy in front already calculating possible demise.)

Aw come on, do you have any faith in me? Lowe stashed his hands in his pockets as he proceeded forward, scowling a bit at that asshole's taunts. ...Thanks for looking out for me, though. Upon arriving in the courtyard, Lowe watched the weirdo with the flower prattle on for a bit, before sending the razor sharp petals at him. He rolled to his right, and stamped his left foot on the little bit of cloth that hung from his arm, he tugged said arm, unwinding it and allowing it to flow freely. Geez, makes sense a creep like him would have equally as creepy cronies. Whatever, let's waste him! He threw an arm forward, and the spike launchers would surround the figure, about ten in total, so not absurdly hard to dodge. He wanted to avoid chucking any trains right now, he was still pretty closely bunched with his allies after all.

"Ugh... Not like I haven't heard that before." Alice rolled her eyes at Chaos Tatsuya's words. With a name like her's it's only natural that someone's made that kind of jab at her before so she'd be used to it by now. At the very least, she found Lowe's words to be rather uplifting and couldn't help but smile before finally stepping through the portal. "Of course! I'm sure you would've done the same for me... train boy." She might have been expecting something more along the lines of a hallway or classroom but an open courtyard is somewhat more relieving, especially since a battle is now presenting itself in the form of this Joker fellow. "I wonder what the relation is between this other Tatsuya and this guy. Oh no time to ask!" The wind was upon her but she wasn't anywhere near prepared so she'd simply have to throw her arms up and try to bear it. She managed but she was already off to a bad start as the stinging winds cut at her. Once they had ceased she brought forth Seraph and would spring into action. While everyone else was busy testing the waters she figured she might as well try to give them somewhat of a boost in the form of a blessing that'd add minor bless damage to any physical attacks.

Quin's roots are rather annoying, the man is forced to rush back down the hallway they're in to evade them, in his haste to dodge Quin he's unable to react to PK's blade, taking a slash to the chest and glaring at the boy. Despite the blow however, he's still going strong. Joker: "Master the wind? Hah, oh you poor naive fool, you actually think I'm trying with that... I can do far better, come Persona!" A faceless beast forms in front of Joker, it's body is largely black save for a few white bits at the top, blue suction cup-like pieces line its legs, right arm, and part of the chest, along with a yellow heart stabbed by 3 metal rods, the heart oozes some yellow liquid. "Fire eh? Not bad, but Tatsuya can do far worse than you girl." The raging storm shifts, casually blowing from his Persona and sending Lowe's rods off course. Joker himself would raise up his hands. The man makes a dance-like motion, winds following along with his flower and rushing to meet Hifumi's fire, they'd clash in place for a moment, in the end, hers does win out, but not before burning down to a small ball that Joker easily side-steps. "Now then, let's show off a bit more, shall we?" The Persona and Joker both raise their hands at the group, glowing white flowers surging around them and being guided toward their foes by the wind. The Almighty energy infused objects would explode in a white burst upon making contact with his foes, and if they were struck. Lowe and PK would be left with Illusions in their eyes, Joker causing them both to see himself standing right at their left sides.

Quin finally brings his attention back to the fight seeing everyone's attacks shift the battle. He would look at the snake wrapping itself around his right arm with a sigh. Despite his annoyance, the snake simply rubbed against his arm affectionately. He would return his gaze to his foe right as the flowers are sent out. "Like I'm going to be beaten by magic-infused plants. That's kind of my thing too y'know? Yggdrasil Prime! Tears of the World tree!" Six golden leaves would fall from Yggdrasil's branches as Quintus points his arm out towards Joker and the white flower. All six leaves would fly towards Joker and the flower covered in a vortex of razor-sharp winds. They would try to intercept the flower before flying towards Joker if any remained. Quintus meanwhile would finally get around to tossing his hooked blade with a chain attached to his hand and the blade's hilt. Noticeably there would be beady red eyes on the blade that seemed to stare towards Joker. The blade's target wasn't Joker though. Instead, it'd aim for the roots from earlier having them grab onto the blade as the root slowly extended towards Joker's side and further behind them.

Lowe throws one of his trains downward, it carries him skyward, and unless one of the other teammates detonated any of those damned flowers preemptively, or if they were homing in some way, above them. Now in the air, he'd point a finger at Joker and his Persona, and smile. Gotcha! A circle briefly appeared below the pair, the only cue the attack was coming as a train barreled out of the ground beneath their feet.

Oh you mean this fire? (Hifumin waves both her hands as if shaking off particles of dirt and her eyes open with a cocky expression. Plumes of flame once again come from her fingertips carefully forming a long golden staff with both curved blade and piercing tip. A halberd in it's creation that carefully lands in both her outstretched hands.) I can do worse then that. Prepare yourself pawn. (She recklessly charges forth toward the flowers and braces her body for each individual impact. It hurts like hell as each burst tears at her skin creating after marks. Yet her expression does not change while almost leaping forth.) For I have no fear in combat. (Raising her halberd she swings it across aiming to slice at the mid section of Joker's persona. The curved blade catching fire as it gains speed.)

Grimnir does his best to weave through the petals, lashing out into the air in order to shift the wind's natural course. Though, of course he couldn't dodge them all, several petals, strayed from the primary group, would strike his armor with a burst. Grimnir grins as he approaches Joker Very well then, I expected as much. Keep a good grip of your weapon... That flower I guess. Grimnir's scarf begins to flutter a bit weaker now, almost as though Grimnir was directing the air elsewhere. Now that he's close to his foe, Grimnir lashes out with his armored boot, aiming to sweep Joker's legs out from under him shortly before Lowe's train would emerge. Grimnir finally seems to notice he's not alone, blinking as he glances at the others. Yet, now is not the time to focus on it. He won't be able to release his fullest under these conditions. Grimnir grins as he proclaims, eyes glancing between Alice and Hifumins In all honesty, fighting you feels like a waste, of my time and your life. However, I cannot allow you to harm these maidens..... Even if they're some kind of witch. 'Twould be against my...... Watching Hifumin's reckless charge.... Almost seems like something he'd do. Grimnir can't help but let out a laugh, women here sure are spirited aren't they?

PK, even in his confused state can tell that he's doing a fair amount of damage with his sword blade, preparing another strike! However, he didn't account for the blinding flowers as he's struck again, blinded and seeing fictional Jokers Gah! There are too many! I must defeat them all or the world cannot be safe! Waffles! Thunder Reign! With a call for fusion, Pancakes and Syrup abides and creates the Knight with the thunder spear, dropping it next to PK as electricity flows through him, his blade gathering charge and expanding out, using the increased length to his advantage and swiping everywhere around him, possibly hitting an ally or the enemy all the same

Alice had no intention of letting this attack do anything major, especially consider she had no form of defense for the opener. Putting her hands together and closing her eyes, a barrier would form around Seraph, and by extension herself, causing any of the exploding plant life to have no effect on either of the two. She'd stay turtled until the effect ceased, at which point she'd look over the battlefield for any opportunity to assist shortly after letting the barrier fall. "Let's see... Oh gosh Lowe is flying again it would seem." Sending Seraph up to catch the boy, Alice would stay grounded for once and distance herself from the action. PK's persona provided a nice light show but she certainly didn't want to be anywhere near that thing while he was tripping out.

Quin's leaves would block the flowers aimed at him, along with a pair of them rushing toward Joker. He rolls forward to evade one, but the other slams into him. It'd deal a minor bit of damage and leave him off balance for a moment. Stunned enough for Lowe's attack sending both him and his Persona rocketing up to the next floor of the building, the bad news is it hurt like hell. Good news is they "dodged" Hifumi's attack. Of course, the roots on the first floor aren't an issue for now either. In fact, he'd evade most of their attacks by being blasted up, save for PK's Thunder Reign, which despite his resisting it, still hurts him a bit due to simple raw power. "My my! That was quite impressive, but I'm afraid I won't die quite this easily. Now then, I believe it's time to resort to another Persona... Come out, Reverse Chronos!" A white metal man with grey wings and a clock for a face takes the place of his Persona. The beast rushes down through the hole and dark magic forms in its[ hands, normally this would have some wind, but Grimnir makes that undesirable at best. Instead, it'd take shape into a set of 6 bladed tendrils, each of them rushing from Chronos and aiming at one of the fighters. They'd attempt to slash into everyone's heads, and rush downward to aim at their bodies after that. Joker himself quietly leaps down, attempting to stalk toward the weakened PK as his Persona distracts them with large attacks, assuming he made it, the man would quickly slash his flower at his foe's neck and aim to send a small sharp wave of wind into it.

Quintus wouldn't be prepared to deal with the tendril and would try to block his head from the attack with his hand. However, he had forgotten the golden serpent who would now lunge out at the tendril to try to constrict it. This wouldn't stop it from slashing at his head before he was able to back away though. It would cut into his cheek causing it to begin bleeding a small amount. "I have a bad feeling about this...Yggdrasil Prime! Time to change up our tactics a bit! Hookworm! You probably already know what I have in mind." Quintus would smirk a bit. Joker might have escaped to the second floor but he was at least going to try and take down Reverse Chronos. With his right-hand free he would bring out the second hooked blade and throw it to some roots waiting on the other side of Chronos. Finally, the root from before would extend behind Chronos guiding the chain with it. If all went as planned the chain would slam into Chrono's main body as the other root would slam the chain from the other blade onto Chronos' other side. The roots would continue extending behind Chronos to try and restrict them. Meanwhile, one of the other roots would begin drilling into the ground beneath Chronos while the last of the roots returns to Quintus' side.

(Hifumin turns the full way round as to not lose her balance and her eyes narrow with annoyance. She can't help an angry feeling that stems in her heart along with the flames now sparking up in her hands. A winning strategy of hers. Failed? How infuriating.) It appears that now I must shift to a more pragmatic approach. (Her hands continue to spark with weak fire as she raises her halberd to block the tendril. The tendril meant for her catches against the staff of her weapon and her legs begin to quiver at the block attempt. She certainly feels her leg wounds now with the attempt to support the block and bites down her lip. ) Ziodyne ... (Comes out muffled from her lips and electricity courses through her weapon in an attempt to shock the tendril.)

Watching the massive figure descend, Grimnir simply grins. So, you summon monsters to fight for you, not particularly imaginative, but nevertheless I hope this "Reverse Chronos" of yours can put up an actual fight. That said, Grimnir spins, gathering the wind and creating a small vortex between his feet. Once he leaps, the rushing wind would proceed to propel him upwards, Towards Chronos's tendrils. With a quick burst to the side, Grimnir evades the one aimed directly at him, only to grab it with his gauntleted hand as it goes by. Grimnir pulls the tendril in order to propel himself upwards, feet first, and attempt to kick Chronos into and through ceiling Is this all you're made of? I've fought gremlins tougher than this. Mostly because they never actually fought, cunning pricks. I'm glad to get a more direct fight, yet it is a shame I am forced to face their weak servants first. Back in my day it wasn't considered a real fight if half the building didn't end up in pieces. Of course, with so many mortals nearby that would be ill-advised. Consider yourself lucky, pest. Were I to unleash my full power this place would be in shambles right now.

(Notices the fight going on in the building and checks some sort of special gps) this is the place (runs toward a window and jumps through it with his shadow blade drawn)

(Aims shadow blade at quin) let’s go

PK continues to strike wildly, however, he doesn't strike the Joker stalking him, the flower flies and shreds through him slicing away at his flesh as he holds onto it with his hand, seeing where the flower came from he switches his sword into wind mode and begins to spin HAHHH! PANCAKE KNIGHT HELICOPTER MODE! With the new wind blade he tries to lift off the ground into the air, Waffles transforming into Breakfast blades as it attaches to his arms, acting as wings as he dives into Joker headfirst

Lowe is caught midair by Seraph, and he smiles at the Persona. Thanks Seraph, but at this point I don't think I need a rescue. Oh, shit. He sees the tendril quickly approaching, and does the first thing he can think to do. He flips over Seraph, propelling himself off the Persona with his arms, and in the path of the tendril. He takes the brunt of it rather than risk letting Seraph, and by extension a teammate get hurt. Luckily since he was prepared, his vital areas were protected. Hurt like a bitch though. Thanks to his new position though, he'd spot Joker skulking around near PK. Wanting to avoid any unneeded injuries, or worse, he kicked a foot in Joker's direction, again, sending a train flying down from his position in the air down to where Joker is on the ground. He'd drop to the ground right after, breaking his fall with a coordinated roll.

Quintus would look at the strange blue-haired individual confused. He wasn't aware that there would be another enemy but he wasn't so sure this person was an enemy. "Let's go? What're you talking about? I don't know if you noticed but I'm sorta busy with something else right now. Unless you're suggesting you're on that weird jester's side?"

(Notices his mistake) crap I meant shadow-tatsuya (Charges at shadow tatsuya with shadow blade ready to swing)

Assuming Seraph caught Lowe, it's next action would be to set him down but it rewrites its priorities as its other self is now having to contend with a sword tentacle. It probably would have dropped Lowe once it got closer to the ground but Lowe seemed to take it upon himself to deal with his tendril, allowing Seraph to hurry over to its other self. Before the persona made it, however, Alice had to dance around to avoid the entity. Of course she wasn't going to get out of it unscathed, taking a rather nasty cut down the side of her leg before her persona is, at last, able to either sever the tendril should it attempt to continue it's assault or force it to back off. "Ngh! Crap... I'm such a liability." Looking around at the others, who have seemed to dealt with their own tendrils and are now going on the offensive once more, she'd look down at her injury and sigh. She wouldn't have been able to move as fluidly unless she tended to it so she figured now would be a good time to do what she does best. "Well I guess I'm good at one thing at least..." Putting her hands together to pray once more, a glow would be emitted from Seraph as it let forth gentle pulses of light. The pain of the party would be eased while the wounds began to slowly close. By the next turn, they'd most likely be restored, of course not accounting for any injuries to be inflicted before the prayer was finished.

Quin's roots wrap around the Persona, quickly covering his body and forcing the Persona to struggle against them. It glares at Quin for a moment as a dark aura bursts forth, it would break down the tendrils in an instant and instead form a swirling mass of dark energy that attempts to turn them straight to dust. The black magic would also have the side effect of Grimnir crashing right into it, he'd no doubt feel strong pain as the attack attempts to burn away at him. Despite that though, his kick still slams into the Persona and stuns it for a moment, stopping the dark aura as it recovers. Regardless of that though, the roots are still well and truly gone by now. "Helicopter mode? What in the hell am I dealing with... Bah, whatever." Joker wasn't quite prepared for... Whatever the hell PK is doing, and instead of deftly dodging he'd be slammed into by the boy's breakfast blades, something to keep in note for future battles it seems. Lowe's, on the other hand, was entirely expected, he'd struggle to evade it given PK's attack, but he's still able to do so. His eyes turn red under the mask, and his voice would take on Tatsu's for a moment. J:"Same old tricks as always eh Lowe? Well, I've seen enough of you to see that coming, still, I don't expect Joker here to be the death of you guys..." The man returns to his normal state, he'd aim the flower toward Lowe this time. Petals rushing from the weapon and... Homing in on Alice actually, the healer is quite annoying and Joker wants her gone, that it will hurt Lowe is only an added bonus. Either way, they'd rush toward her and attempt to keep up with her even if she moves. Blu however, was nowhere C.Tatsu... Until a dark portal opens under the man's feet, he'd find himself at the top of a clock tower above Seven Sisters. Staring down the red-eyed man. C.Tatsu: "Yo, how's it going there "Shadow Hunter"? You, my friend, are a big problem to the boss man, hates how you're going after our mooks and crap. So, I'ma take care of you quickly without fanfare." Two Personas burst from the man in an instant, Lucifer, and Satan staring down Blu as huge waves of Almighty energy rush from them. They'd mesh into a single spear that both beings grab hold of and quickly impale Blu upon, far faster than the man could hope to keep up with. Finally, once he's there it explodes, a massive wave of light covering the entire tower and leaving naught behind but Chaos Tatsuya, and a pile of ashes where his foe once stood.

(Behind a wall Blu appears out of nowhere his hand turned dark a bit but after awhile his hands fades back to normal) that was close but I got to be more careful when using my abilities like my friend said (starts to think up of a plan)

The roots broken and shattered would have what remains attached drill back underground. However, with the roots broken the chains would be pulled back on R. Chronos, passing through the strange Persona to try to drain them of their energy. Quintus sighs seeing his roots destroyed but doesn't lose his focus. He would catch the blades back in his hands before making a gesture pointing up. The ground beneath R. Chronos would begin cracking and shaking as the root that drilled underground before would burst out attempting to impale R. Chronos directly as well as bringing up a few boulders with it. "This is looking pretty bad...Uh, Anyone got something hot or fiery? I could use something like that."

(Breathing a sigh of relief Hifumin finds her staff liberated from the tendril and her pain degrading to a low throb. The cuts all over her body don't hurt as much anymore. Gazing about the room her eyes hone in on the person that healed her.) Looks like we have a bishop in this sea of pawns. Now if only anyone bothered to tell me. (Tsking in frustration at the lack of being informed of a victory condition. Hifumin runs once again, but this time toward Alice with her staff held in front of her. In any battle one must protect the healer for an easier victory and Hifumin didn't intend to let that fact go to waste.) You are lucky that you are useful. (Making it front of Alice she spins her staff in an attempt to black and ignites the ends to once again create a flame ridden wind. If the wind failed to disperse the petals she fully intended to protect the Alice with her body. Anything for victory.)

Grimnir winces as he passes through the sudden sphere, he's used to more... Direct combat from his opponents, but as soon as his foot connects with Chronos, he's ready to take advantage of the Persona's stunned state, flipping his upper body forward so he can launch off of his opponent, towards the ceiling. And now, its time to put you out of your misery foul demon. Worry not. Grimnir's eye catches Joker down near the floor, so the summoner ran... Very well, nothing left but to take them both on at once You'll not enter into the abyss alone. I'll make sure to send you plenty of company. Catching sight of Quintus's impalement attempt, Grimnir capitalizes on this by pushing off the ceiling, flipping forward in an attempt to strike Chronos's shoulder downward and into the rising spike with his armored heel. If he manages to hit the shoulder, Grimnir'd proceed to use the slight angular momentum one would gain from striking an object at an angle to enter a sideways spin, during which he'd finally toss his spear at Joker himself Consider yourself lucky to know the bite of Stormspyd. Most foes never manage to make it that far. My spear is far too good for an honorless coward like you.

Lowe watched as the other girl defended Alice in his stead. He'd have to remember to thank the stranger later on. Same old tricks, huh? Alright, how's this for new? He'd throw one hand behind his back, a train flying out from behind him and launching him towards Joker. He kept his feet on the ground, so he wasn't really moving incredibly quickly, but a lot faster than simply running would allow. He skidded along the ground, keeping his feet still and his fist raised. ARE YOU OKAY?! After a quick taunt, he'd reach Joker's position and drive the fist into his stomach. Assuming it hit, he'd clasp his free hand around his other wrist, and blast a train out at point blank, right into the bastard's chest in the hopes of sending him flying. BUSTER WOLF!

(Appears behind c.tatsu and stabs him through the chest with the shadow blade) a shadow HUNTER I’m afraid your mistaken (Pulls blade out of c.tatsus chest and stabs his leg) now I suggest you stand down

With the pinpoint tackle, PK gets up and holds onto his head, stumbling around for a second before the healing wave comes and patches him up to a good level, even shaking him out of his daze Whew! I think it's time to end this! Now! Fusion! Let's do the final strike! With the call out, PK takes hold of his breakfast blades and spins them around once before throwing them in an X shape, hoping to slice across Joker before PK runs up and plunges with his laser blade in gravity mode, pinning the enemy down as his swords come back to his fists and form boxing gloves. Now it the time! PANCAKE..! FIST! Releasing all the pent up energy in his sword in the form of wind, PK is blasted into the sky where he goes as high as he can, if there is a roof he tries to crash through to get more height, before falling back down, using all the momentum he's gaining through falling in one spectacular punch Now that's what I call a finisher!

R. Chronos screams it wasn't expected to be attacked with Earth magic. The thing's body is flickering now as Joker struggles to hold his Persona together, it's left reeling for a moment... Hifumi's wind is able to clear most of the petals rushing at them, but a few deftly get past it. They'd slam into the woman's body and leave some more cuts on her, as both Low and Grimnir toss absurdly power attacks at him... The man knows when to fold him. "I'm going to die here, that much is quite clear... Except that I was never alive to start with kids, it's time for me to explode. Good day to you all." The spear slams into Joker's chest, leaving him reeling as huge waves of darkness and wind burst out from both his fading Persona and the fighter himself, just as they're about to perform a suicide attack upon the team, Lowe's fist would smash into Joker stunning them for a moment. Finally, as he's slammed into the wall by a train, master, and Persona both fade away to a black goo, the school they're in vanishing and being replaced by Seven Sister's entry. The voice of Chaos Tatsuya rings out, along with a clapping sound that echoes through the building. "Bravo! I knew he couldn't take ya guys down. Joker has some neat stuff but in the end, he wasn't a match... Just as expected, but enough from me, go learn about me some more on the way to your next battle." A single hallway is lit by a trail of darkness, it clearly leads somewhere important... Or maybe just to another trap, but there's really nothing else for them to go off at the moment.

There’s only one way to find out where it leads

"Learn about you...what a strange idea. Why is that strange though?" Quintus would hold a hand to his head for a moment as he begins sweating a bit possibly out of stress. He'd shake his head rapidly for a moment to help him return to his senses before proceeding down the hall. Yggdrasil would release large quantities of fruit onto the ground before fading into a golden light. "It must...just be my imagination. It's not strange at all..."

Just in case I better go unseen (disappears into the shadows)

Lowe sighed, glad it was over for now. Taking a breather for a sec, he'd look around a bit before realizing he forgot about Alice. Oh shit. He walked to where she was, waving with a smile. You alright, blondie? Thanks for saving me back there, but you don't need to worry about catchin' me anymore! He turned to the other girl, the one who defended Alice. Thanks for keepin' her safe. We're allies here, I assume; but not just anyone would do that. You got a name?

With his victory, PK jumps up and yells at the top of his lungs, swinging his laser blade around in celebration before putting it away for the time being Haha! Justice has prevailed! I'll find a way to change you Tatsuya! Let's go everybody! Glory awaits!

Alice's focus broke for only a moment as she opened her eyes and looked to see exactly what was happening. Finding that she was now the focus of these damned petals, she probably would have stopped in order to figure out a way out of this one if not for her heroine stepping forth. She looks upon this Shadow Hifumi in awe, not having held her in such a high regard before, especially due to her seemingly cold demeanor, but now being ever so greatful for her intervention. "You're protecting me? I don't know your name but... thank you!" Putting her focus back into her prayer, she'd see it through to completion shortly before the finale let loose upon Joker. Once the "person" had been apparently defeated and the party returned to the entrance of the high school, Alice would sigh with relief. Having a moment to breathe now, she'd smile at Hifumin. "You kind of surprised me miss, thank you for protecting me. Have we met before?"

(Hifumin hisses in pain as her skin is cut up more by various petals. Some of the petals even cut into already preexisting cuts causing the wounds to deepen. Yet with shaking legs she begins a walk forward refusing to show any signs of pain. A chief strategist had no right to such luxuries.) Onwards to the next field of battle. I want it to be as exciting as the last. (Yet two voices in particular distract edge into her personal thoughts. Looking back she notices Lowe and Alice both attempting to thank her. Already she can sense a sort of detachment from this which shows as a rather cold stare.) I only kept her safe due to her usefulness. Nothing else matters in the grand scheme of things as long as she continues to fill her role. Not even the sense of gratitude you may feel towards me. (With a slight absent smile and shaky legs she then makes her way forward loosing track of her surroundings.)

Grimnir lands on the floor, kneeling by his spear, now in the ground. The young man grabs his weapon and twirls it through the air, standing on his left foot and ending by fully extending his right arm Just one more conquest for the errant God of War. No matter, for there is further glory to be found. Without waiting any further, Grimnir dashes after Quintus, scooping one of the fallen fruits off the ground and eyeing it curiously. Grimnir glances at Quintus, dashing in hopes of catching up Some sort of nature spirit? Tis rare to find the flower lovers among a battlefield. Yet, you definitely don't seem the warrior type. Pray tell, what is it that brings you here? Tis my duty to seek out such places, but you.. Well, no offense, I'm not sure what to think

(Appears beside hifumins and hands her some sort of healing agent) you should take this I have plenty more besides continuing on when wounded is how you get killed

Assuming the party walks down the path, a vision would fill their minds. An image of Chaos Tatsuya looking around frantically can be seen, a far cry from his usual demeanor. C.Tatsu "Wh-what the hell am I? It's like I'm two frigging people or something." He clutches his head for a moment, a man in a very dark brown suit with stripes and a red coat under it staring at him. The man would sigh and begin muttering to himself. ?: "Yet another failure, even worse than the last ones. At least that copy of the one Izanami dealt with was worth someth-" He's cut off by Chaos Tatsuya, the young man taking his hands off his head and clenching his fists for a moment as Reverse Apollo takes shape behind him. "Bah shut it Nyarly, I'm not so weak as to let myself be rendered helpless by something like watching myself be killed from both viewpoints. Mixing their memories was risky, but those bastards were both pretty tough... Just took a moment to get sorted." The man smirks at Chaos Tatsuya, seems as though this one might be useful after all. At least better than that first attempt was anyways, as the pair walks away C.Tatsu mutters to himself. "Though, I can't deny that it's... Rather strange, ah well, best to just focus on having fun instead of pesky questions and weird mind melds!" Finally, the group would return to normal. And find themselves at the end of the hallway, only silence is around them as they find another door. This one has... Nothing on it, not even a hint of color can be seen. Not even white, more akin to a lack that quite simply should not exist at all. Nor can a sound be made out from inside the door, even the mocking of Chaos Tatsuya is absent for now.

Quintus would look back at the strangely armored man with almost a sideglance. "Flower lover? As far as I know, Yggdrasil doesn't produce flowers. Even I'd find that pretty unusual. Well, more so, I've learned that judging people's power based on appearance in a place like this can be pretty fatal." He'd have to think for a moment about why exactly he was here. Even he himself was no longer sure. Something about the feeling of this place and something in the voice of this Tatsuya look-alike caused something to arise within him. He knew the feeling very well but tried to push it down deeply. He didn't want to accept those feelings as his own...They couldn't possibly be from him... "I guess I just came here because I was curious. Something about this place made me want to come. There's no other reason besides that." He would turn back forward trying desperately not to show the doubt held in his eyes. Upon seeing the door ahead he would quickly try to enter. It was the perfect excuse to stop thinking.

(Opens the door with his shadow blade ready to strike)

Shadow just like me ... (Hifumin deeply frowns at what the vision had just provided as her chest feels increasingly heavy. The moment bothers her on an almost deeper level causing her to instinctively want to deny. Deny the fact she was here. Deny the fact that a shadow lied ahead. Even deny the fact that she was a shadow herself. For she had just come into creation and had no desire in attempting to question things just yet.) Being a pawn is enough for now. (Pleased with this thought she tried to maintain it in her mind as she quickly entered the following door. Her chest still felt heavy.)

PK continues forth and sees the vision, clenching his fist as he continues on, shouting out in case the shadow could hear Come on! I know your not that bad! How could a shadow of Tatsuya be so evil! I don't buy it! I know your good! I'll set you on your course to justice! Just wait! With reckless abandon, PK rushes into the white room, ready to battle on!

Ooc:ok

Grimnir shakes his head as the images come into his mind, so this "Chaos Suou" fellow is himself a pawn? Very well, as a hero it is his duty to go up to the top if possible. Regardless, there's little for it now, so instead the young man focuses on Quintus, running ahead of the group as he responds Curious you say? Sounds like you're more of the adventurous type then. Rare, yet not overall unpleasant. Still, this place remains a bit dangerous. Perhaps it would be wise to remain near the rear of the group, if you're a citizen, then its my sworn duty to keep you safe. 'Twould shame me deeply if any real harm came to my comrades. As always, Grimnir shouts out his words, with little idea of what an inside voice is. With his piece spoken, Grimnir whirls around to face the oncoming foe through the next doorway

Alice, upon receiving the Shadow Hifumi's response, chose not to press into her, lest she only upset her, and turn to Lowe and shrug. "Maybe she's just a loner? I wouldn't hold it against her, maybe she'll lighten up if we all don't die here or something. Also what do you mean don't save you? Are you gonna sprout wings or something and start flying?" She grins at the thought of that before shaking her head and continuing on. She'd experience the same vision everyone else was assaulted with, a chill running down her spine as it ends. What a truly pitiful existence this other Tatsuya must have. The sad moment would be a little offset by the hopeless optimism of her somewhat insane pancake ally as he went shouting all the way into the next room. "What a shame... Maybe it'd be best if we did just kill him." Heading into the door, she'd notice the bad shape Hifumins was in and approach her. "Do you at least mind if I try to ease your pain? I imagine we'll be thrust into battle again shortly."

I-I can manage a little fall myself! Don't leave yourself defenseless trying to keep me safe, alright? Not even for a second. Seraph is your lifeline here, don't go throwing it around willy-nilly. As for her...I guess we should just leave her be. She's on our side, that's what matters, right? Lowe pressed forward, sighing at this girl's...coldness. Still, she didn't seem to be an immediate threat to anyone he didn't want dead, so for now he figured she was fine. He only scowled at the vision, getting the ever so small amount of satisfaction at seeing that smug bastard's usual demeanor crack. If only in a vision. Hope you felt every bit of that other Tatsuya's pain, you piece 'a shit; and I hope you're ready to feel it tenfold when I finally get my hands on you. Quickening his pace, he caught up with Grimnir and Quintus, and decided to strike up a conversation. Never seen either 'a your faces. Flower boy over there seems to know the basics, but what about you...Grimnir, Mad Cyclone of whatever, I think is what you called yourself? You new, or just nuts? He couldn't help but sigh as the more...reckless members of his team entered the doorway. Still, no point putting it off. He followed suit, though a bit more calmly.

(Hifumi stops for a moment before entering the door. She actually considers Alice's proposal, but soon decides upon no after being reminded of her current condition. It just wouldn't sit well for someone like her to receive aid.) You healing would be wasted upon me healer. Focus on those actually deserving of it. (She then enters the door leaving the others behind.)

As they walk through this door, an empty void stretches out before their eyes. They're currently standing on a large floating platform made out of metal, but save for that there's nothing there at all... Beyond the young man with red eyes that's staring out at them, bits of his body seem to be made from metal and he sighs upon the group walking through the door. ?: "Geez, do I really have to fight? Fine... If this were the real me, I'd just refuse to do it all honestly, but sadly for you guys I'm a copy of Lux. Anyway, I intend to end this as fast as possible, so no toying with them, XOIC! PHANES!" Lux's body is engulfed in light as two Personas burst forth, one is a black hole, not sucking anything in but simply a blackness in reality that trails behind Lux. An aura surrounds it and Lux as they both dash forward to... Alice, get into the thick of things and target one first. A pair of knives jut out from his arms and rest in his hands as the ASW darts at her with inhuman speed, he'd quickly toss one right for her chest and then if he gets close, would try to drive the other into her heart at close range. The other Persona hangs back, if anyone looked at it they'd note that the being is some robed figure, a snake is printed across its golden robes and the eyes seem to glow red like Lux's own. Magic flows from Phane's hands. "Creation Metal!" And takes the shape of metal spikes rushing up from the ground, they'd aim to impale those nearest to Alice save for Lux himself, trying to cover the girl's area and make reaching her harder. Along with hopefully hitting their targets of course. "I'm not a huge fan of violence even in this form, but I really don't have any choice. I'll try to keep it as painless as I can..."

(Hifumi's first strategy is to once again protect the healer in order to achieve optimal victory. Yet seeing the spikes sprout from the ground she knows that her chances of making it on time are nil. So instead she goes for something particularly crazy that has a better chance of working.) Ziodyne. (Naturally calling out a spell once again Hifumin aims the tip of her spear not at the enemy, but at Alice instead. Or rather the ground beneath her. Channeling all the electricity to the point she shoots it at Alice's feet in an attempt to forcibly move the girl out of the way with the after blast. Of course Alice could get hurt by this yet if it was a necessity then so be it.)

Quintus would just freeze upon seeing the figure. He already felt that something was building up inside of him and the name Lux was all it took to let those feelings boil over. Those red piercing eyes...Always staring right through him...He couldn't hide it anymore. His hatred finally beginning to flow freely. "Of all the people I could have faced...Why are you here? Is this some sort of sick joke? S-stop looking at me already...C-can't you just stay dead?" There would be a mix of things in Quintus' eyes. Anger, frustration, fear, guilt, and as always...that feeling that kept coming back. Hatred...Who it was he hated though, he wasn't sure. "Armed Mode: Hookworm!" The two hooked blades would reappear in his hands as Quintus would throw them towards Lux from both the left and right hoping to trap them in the middle.

When PK sees the figure he scratches his head and realizes who that is, eyes widening Oh hey! I remember you! Back in the TV! Ooh! Good time! Anyhow if it's a fight then its a fight! I'll treat this as training if you will! Have at thee! Waffles! Thunder Reign! PK takes the spear from his Knightly persona and jabs it into the metal spikes as he narrowly dodges it, trying to electrocute the entire thing

Grimnir briefly glances at Lowe, the man chuckles, perhaps people in this realm are hard of hearing? Its not the first person to miss his title shortle after Grimnir shouted it to the heavens. I am Grimnir, Heaven's chosen God of War and many, many other such titles. I shall admit, this.... Realm is somewhat unfamiliar to me, but it matters not. An honorable warrior's duty remains the same, wherever he might.... As if on cue, the group steps through the doorway to find Lux. Alice was a little bit ahead of Grimnir, but that won't stop him from dashing to her side as soon as he sees Lux approach her. The Mad Cyclone never expected the spikes, though he reacts enough to avoid getting impaled, instead the man gets a rather nasty gash in the unarmored part of his left side. Grimnir holds the wound with his right arm, minimizing the bleeding, yet he still manages to bring up his spear to deflect the dagger and meet Lux's charge My apologies, I cannot allow you to harm our fair maiden here, what sort of honorable warrior would that make me after all? If you wish not to fight, then don't. But if you proceed further, I shall have to eliminate you alongside your masters.

Lowe springs into action, having luckily entered just after Alice herself did. Jumping in front of Alice, a good few feet in front of her, he brings his knee up to knock the first knife out of the air. he tries to block the second by grabbing this guy's wrist, but the thing being THIS physically strong is not what he expected. At best, he slows the strike down and pisses Lux off. Seeing the spikes, he tries to feint and launch himself into the air, but nothing comes out. What the?! Thankfully for him, well, debatably so, he hopefully kept Lux at bay from Alice. She DID just get blasted by electricity though, that didn't sit well with Lowe. Gah, are you insane?! He gritted his teeth, turning back to the thing he was grappling with. Who was this guy?

Alice hadn't expected that she'd become the target so quickly, at least not by such an onslaught, so she wasn't quite ready for what might happen if her allies hadn't intervened. In the case that the two body blockers weren't enough, the impressively thought up Ziodyne tactic certainly was as she was sent away from the action. The shock did hurt a bit and she even managed brush up against one of the spikes as she went through the air, but it was nothing that would put her down just yet. "Everyone, thank you very much!" Given her moment of respite, Seraph would come forth once more. If this was going to be one of those battles where Alice gets chased around the entire time, she certainly wasn't going to make it easy as she'd get atop the six-winged angel's shoulders as it takes to the sky and moves away from the platform. She didn't know the exact properties of this new battlefield but she figured that maybe they couldn't step out past the edges of the platform, providing her with some sort of a safe zone lest they start throwing things at her from afar. From such a range she'd opt out of trying any spells for healing might be too far away to effect her team and any of her offensive magic could just flat out miss. "I wonder... What happens if they step off that platform?"

Lux sighs at Grimnir's words... Don't fight? He's just some copy that doesn't even really exist, not to mention if he tried it the Shadow would just take over anyway. Either way, he's stuck in melee with both Grim and Lowe, as the boy tries to form spikes, however, the magic he attempted to use would actually be sucked up into Xoic. "I really wish I could, but "Suou" will just take over even if I try... What a cruel joke, brought back by the shadow of a friend and forced to try and kill innocent people? Even as a fake, that's fucked up. For what little it's worth though, I hope you guys win." Lux begins to move, right before Quin's hooks dig him and the ASW is stopped for a moment. He's clearly trapped between them for now, but he'd gesture to Phanes. "Phanes, Creation Molten." The power Xoic absorbed flows into Phanes, molten metal rushes from the being's hands and begins moving toward Quin at an alarming rate, he's hoping to get that guy before he loses all his energy. He'd then quickly try to both jab his knife into Grim's injured side, and lash out at Lowe by tearing his hand away, the ASW is far stronger after all and easily breaks Lowe's grip, followed by quickly tossing another knife for his foe's chest. The girl ran... Oh well, she can't hurt Xoic.

(While Lux is occupied with everyone else Hifumin takes the chance to circle around to his back. Preparing to strike once again with her halberd she incants her moderate flame ability lighting up the curved blade with flames. She then swings a wide arc with the weapon aiming to slash at Lux's back with a decent range between the two of them.) Weakness is the prey of a master strategist. (As she does so Hifumin begins to pant a bit as her body was certainly not prepared to handle so much exertion yet. She knew that she needed time to be in top physical condition, but this fight was so irresistible for her. The prospect of a fight was enough to drive her half mad at getting to practice her skills.)

Quint would barely have time to react to the molten stream as the hooks fly back into his hand. With no time to think of anything else, Yggdrasil would burst out of the ground under Quintus to send him flying out of the way. The molten metal would still catch a bit of his leg causing it to burn with intense pain. As for the rest of Yggdrasil, the metal would splash onto it causing the great tree to become sizzling before bursting into a shower of golden spark. Quintus would rest on the ground away from the molten metal for a moment before trying to get up with his foot still burned. "Can, I not do anything about this? I-I really am no replacement for the original...No, I refuse to lose...I won't! No one else should have to suffer because I was too weak. If they can't fight for themselves, then-Uuuurgh!" Quintus would grab his own head once more. A yellow flash passing through his eyes coloring them a shadow of yellow for a brief moment. "If the current me is useless then I just have to keep moving forward. I can't turn back now. I won't be just another casualty forever!" He would once again toss his blades towards Lux. This time taking a more head-on approach by tossing the straight through Lux. After he attempted to toss them through Lux to drain more energy he would have them latch onto the ground behind Lux.

Though Grimnir is injured, if anything the pain seems to excite him a little. Grimnir is briefly distracted as he glances down at the wound, he rarely sees his own blood, yet here we are. However, his left arm, and with it his spear, are in a very good position to protect the injury. Grimnir matches Lux's dagger with the shaft of his spear, the metal digging into the wood slightly, before it would seem to become almost immeasurably durable. The young man looks into Lux's eyes You're no warrior, no fire, just a poor slave. I would pity you, if I didn't have to end your suffering myself. Worry not, I'll be sure to bring, not only this Suou, but also his master to justice, I shall deliver their ends with my own hands. Catching sight of the Hifumi behind Lux, Grimnir would shift to allow his uninjured right side to be the one facing Lux, before shoving off with both his spear and shoulder in order to ensure Lux ends up in the way of his ally's blow

Lowe's hand is ripped away, and he takes the knife to the chest. He cringes as his vision is colored red. Shhhhhhhhhit, that actually hurt. Really badly. What the hell is with this thing, it's like it eats...magic... Lowe vaguely recalled Tatsuya talking about an old friend who could do something like this. So, was this him? This wasn't gonna be easy. He jumped backwards, making some distance between him and his opponent as he donned one brass knuckle and tore out the knife from his chest. It hurt like a bitch, but the wound didn't pierce anything vital. He takes his now free hand and draws his gun, probably his best bet against this guy. He would continue his retreat, firing pot shots at Lux, and hoping the other fighters who are better than he is without magic can keep him busy.

Finding it better to be safe than sorry, Alice, still atop Seraph, would return to being above the platform, looming near the edge. Noticing that Lowe's attempt at using spikes didn't quite work as he intended, she thought it might be best to figure out for herself exactly what's going on with the magic being nullified. By her command, Seraph sent forth a weak ray of bless energy at Lux. "What the heck was that? Does... he absorb magic or something?" Waiting to see what'd happen with that blast, Alice figures now would be a good time to receive her spear from Seraph should magic truly be ineffective. Melee was never her forte but it'd be better that she try something than stand around and do nothing should her spell really do nothing.

The halberd he can't stop with ease, but the flames on her weapon rush from it and are quickly devoured by Xoic's powers. He attempts to shift around to block the girl's blow, but Grimnir's attack sends him flying right into sadly. Her blade slashes into the man, sparks flying from him and the sound of metal grinding against metal can be heard as he winces. "Yeah, I know... Bu-" A red aura engulfs Lux and instead of the somewhat half-hearted attacks up to now. He'd viciously aim a powerful back kick at Grimnir and attempt to dig his blade in Hifumi's chest right below the heart, followed with a try at dragging up through her flesh with a grin on his face. C.Tatsu: "Aww, the toy robot didn't want to play well enough! Guess I'll have to use this one myself, more fun that way regardless. Not to mention more useful. As for you Quinny, don't think that going part Shadow or something is gonna help!" Xoic might be a Persona, but he's still a frigging black hole too. The thing can't devour PK's blades, but it does send them flying right back at him fairly easily, followed by quickly turning toward the bullets shot by Lowe. "Xoic, erase em please!" Right as the shots are about to fly into the possessed ASW, some force blasts from Xoic and causes them to simply... Stop existing. "Phanes, bring out Creation Metal again please!" Quin's energy drain is starting to kick in, and "Lux" rushes for Quin, feeling a bit weaker from the effect as Phanes creates a sword. To be exact it's... Oh hey, not much power but more energy regardless, thanks, kid. Either way, the blade is inscribed with a few runes, and it would light up in a blaze of flames as "Lux" aims to bring it toward Quin's head.

Quintus had been expecting an attack and already was aware in which categories Lux was superior. Having dug his hooked blades into the ground before he would have the chain begin retracting but rather than letting the blades come back to him, he would go flying towards the ground where the blades are. "Catch you later, plumeless husk!" Quintus felt a sense of satisfaction in taunting his counterpart. The counterpart who died saving others. More suffering as the cycle gets repeated again and again. That feeling would rise once more. They were all just puppets, weren't they? Upon reaching the ground he would turn back and face Lux once more. He knew the same trick probably would work twice so he decided he needs to make a bit of a sacrifice. He had one blade go flying out towards the ground a few feet behind him and would only have one blade attempt to drain Lux's power this turn. Quintus at very least needed to stall until Yggdrasil could be re-summoned.

With his relatively firm stance, Grimnir would be unable to evade Lux's kick, the robot's superhuman strength would knock Grimnir a fair bit to the side, far enough to allow Lux to dash by the war god while he recovered. Grimnir is way too far to get into that clash, especially with his injured side, however, he can't help but catch sight of Phanes's support I suppose I'll have to leave the master behind for now. No matter. Grimnir passes by Hifumi, walking towards Phanes. He nods to the girl, she actually reminds him of another young woman he met in this realm. Perhaps its some sort of tradition? I thank you for the aid, fair maiden, yet be careful, I'm far more durable than you may think, these monsters have no choice but to fight, so they won't back down. I would hate to see you again in Valhalla so soon. With those words, Grimnir Charges Phanes, dropping his right hand from his bleeding side in order to put both arms behind his spear and attempt to thrust it through Phanes with wall-shattering force

(With her halberd out of bounds Hifumi is forced to protect her chest with her right arm. The blade sinks into her arm letting loose shadowy particles as she hits the ground hard. Her halberd clattering uselessly against the ground. Yet the pain from the fall is the least of her concerns while she attempts to prevent herself from screaming in pain. The new wound in her arm just hurts so much and she begins to loose sensation in her arm.) Your a strategist Hifumi ... (She continues to whisper this line to herself over and over as the reality of potential death begins to sink in. The blow could have actually ended her short life and this thought makes her feel terribly cold inside. She just lays there curled in pain and attempting to process this reality of things. A new reality that she had just found herself in.)

The blades sent back in PK's direction deflect at the last second and land harmlessly to the side of him, PK dual wielding them as he runs up to Lux and tries for a twin strike with the swords, striking horizontally, before vertically, and finally an X before plunging them both as far as they can go. Attacking his flank while he's preoccupied with Quin Come on! I know we can do this! Just keep the pressure up!

Damn! Lowe punched the ground. What the hell was he supposed to do? He couldn't throw magic at the bastard, and he couldn't shoot it, hell, close range wasn't an option. Think dammit, think. As if a light bulb was turned on in his head, Lowe smiled, and ran backwards from his current position. He'd call this, a good distance away. He felt his toughness returning, looks like Lux's anit-magic thingy has a maximum range. Time for a really, really dumb idea. He equipped his other brass knuckle, and smacked himself from behind with one of his signature trains. If normal projectiles won't work, then he'll be the projectile. He flew towards Lux at nearly breakneck speed, and as soon as he was able he'd angle a punch right toward the asshole's head. Whether it connected or not, he'd keep flying past and skid along the ground, now on the opposite side of the platform.

Witnessing her attack do nothing to the overwhelming Lux, Alice looks down at her spear and finds that her only choice now would to be melee. She's hesitant at first, but after watching this Hifumi take such a monstrous blow she makes her mind up and prepares to spring into action. "H-hey! Don't worry, I'll protect you!" Holding her spear up, Alice would have Seraph place a blessing upon her that'd add a somewhat supernatural oomph to her attacks. It's essentially an attack buff that she'd need if she intends to go close quarters, which she does as she hurries over and places herself in front of Hifumi. She hadn't intended to engage Lux just yet if she could help it, instead choosing to act as a wall between Hifumi and Lux should he target her. While waiting, she held her spear beside her and had one hand up, as if she were praying. Back on the edge of the platform, Seraph would be receiving her prayers and letting a small light within it grow. "I don't even know your name but, at the absolute least, I can return the favor. If I could use magic I would fix you up in a bit but... it'll have to wait, whatever your name is."

"Plumeless husk? Don't talk to me like I'm Lux boy, call me Suou, Quinny and don't you ever forget it!" "Lux" would keep on hounding Quin, but Grimnir's attack on Phanes presents a larger issue for now. The Persona would dart backward, it can't move as fast as Grimnir, but "Lux" thankfully can. Pk's attack is an annoying thing, but it's fairly conventional swordplay. "Lux" responds in kind by slamming his flaming blade into the path of PK's weapons, he'd easily block the first two strikes, but the X slash is a bit much to do more than block half of... Either way, he tosses a kick at PK's gut and tries to keep moving, the fire on his blade growing up a- Lowe smashes into him, the damned brat actually just did a flyby punch... Phanes has no choice but to fight Grimnir as "Lux" rushes after the spearmen. "Creation Molten!" The blow slams toward Phanes, thanks to the thing's constant backing away though it only halfway hits as molten steel rushes from his hand and toward Grimnir. At that moment, "Lux" would catch up with his foe, despite the melted metal flowing around him the man attempts to stab his blade right into Grimnir's skull. Flames burning up along it as he grins at the slightly shimmering Persona in front of him. "Hands off my toy god of idiots! I need that thing if I'm gonna murder you assholes, and besides you have bigger issues than a Persona right!" Of course, this body ain't doing so swift at the moment either... He's gotta take one down soon if he wants any real progress here.

(HIfumin cracks one of her yellow eyes open just in time to see Alice protecting her. Just the sight of this is enough to make her stomach turn in shame for it means that she has failed as a strategist. She joined this fight to test her mettle and instead it only shows how insufficient she really is.) Healer I am not worth your assistance ... Go help the others. (The least she could do for failing is to send the healer away which is exactly what she attempts.)

Quintus' expression would shift from confusion to frustration. He was no longer able to know how he should feel. He desperately wanted to not hate but he could feel the feeling struggling against his own will. He didn't want that feeling to consume him anymore but he was resentful and this person...taking on Tatsuya's voice and Lux's body. It sickened him to see such an unnatural mesh. Should he keep feeling bad for letting Gamma die? Lux and Gamma were friends and yet he couldn't save Gamma in the end. Or should he give into his anger, his rage that he felt towards Tatsuya. An anger he couldn't quite explain but being pitted against some sort of twisted version of Tatsuya stressed him more. "J-just shut up! Regardless of who you are, you're nothing but a husk full of hatred and resentment! I-I'll never lose to someone full of hate! I won't let the cycle continue...I won't...I won't, I won't..." He would continue repeating the word over and over. Won't, won't, won't... As he repeats this it'd get louder and louder as he begins wildly swinging the hooked blade at "Lux". His eyes were full of a desperation of sorts as the yellow color spreads across them for a few seconds before fading away again.

As the flaming blade and persona blade clash, sparks fly as they scrape and hit each other, PK not making much progress but it's something. Eventually getting kicked away and backing off for only a second Gah! Alright! Here we go! Fusion Style! Jack Gloves! Pancake Crusher! With a quick change his swords change into gloves as he darts in again, moving low to the ground before trying to pull off a downward strike and then an uppercut in quick succession, if it worked out perfectly the force from the down strike would hit the uppercut and effectively crush it!

Grimnir takes a deep breath and closes his eyes as the metal flows towards him. At first it simply strikes his gauntlets, giving a vague feeling of heat. And then.... He hears Lux's taunt. So this thing was important after all? Very well. If it matters so much to you, you can keep it. by now Lux, Grimnir, and Phanes are all likely close to the edge of the area. So, when Lux thrusts for Grimnir's skull, he immediately kicks his left foot backwards, aiming to strike Lux's own outstreched foot and force him off balance to continue with the lunging motion as Grimnir ducks low to the ground. Instants before the molten metal strikes him, Grimnir would turn, using Lux's momentum to step to the side and avoid the worst of it from hitting his face, rather, it would spatter against Grimnir's left side, cauterizing his previously open wound. The war god winces in pain, but he's felt far worse. Now, he is able to use Lux's momentum to send the robot flying into his own persona, and hopefully off the edge of the battlefield

The Persona reaches out for the man, it's hands are empty after all and despite the force of the throw causing some harm to "Lux". Despite that though, he grins at Grimnir. "Phanes, Creation Metal!" The Persona reaches out with it's free hands as "Lux" dangles his legs out over the void casually. Metal rises up far faster than before, appearing behind Grimnir and surging forward to try and push the man off the edge. The walls would be entirely around him, and about 30 feet high after... 3 seconds, 10 feet a second, but regardless of their pushing Phanes tosses Lux forward as well. He'd try to grab onto Grimnir and pull him off the edge, his Persona doing the same thing with Lux and attempt to toss them both down into the void as Xoic hovers right along with them. Staying nearby to keep any pesky wind from saving the "god" as "Lux" attempt to wildly stab away at his head with glee, of course in the end if it worked they'd both just fall endlessly... Right up till "Lux" causes himself to explode, a shower of sparks and flames flying all around him as C.Tatsuya's mind rushes back into his body.

Seeing his counterpart's body finally burst into flames Quintus would at first be unsure how to react. His mind was racing with feeling but he also noticed Grimnir falling as well. he wasn't fond of so-called heroes but he didn't want the man to die. He would rush to the side of the platform before throwing down one of the hooked blades. He would allow it t become solid so that Grimnir may grab on. "Hey, catch this! I'm not going to let someone die...if there's any left of you still that is!"

PK watches Lux explode and shield his eyes, sighing at how they must all die. But never the less they weren't real at least. However when he realizes that Grimnir is in danger he runs over to the edge and offers a hand, throwing his Breakfast Blades down to act as platforms in case he didn't catch a hand Come on! You can't falter now!

Alice watched silently as the others had practically done in the possessed "Lux" without her help. It stung a little to feel so useless but then she looked back to the Shadow Hifumi and smiled. I guess ultimately her protection wasn't needed as "Lux" became too preoccupied to finish her off but at least she was there should the event have ever occurred. "If I could I would've helped everyone miss, but I simply can't. Even now I was nothing but a target, but at least I could stand here and keep you safe should he have tried to finish you." By her will does the persona join her and Hifumins, bringing along the condensed, amassed prayers and putting them to use. Finding no need to set them forth in a flashy spell, Seraph would simply let the orb forth onto the injured girl and relieve her of any potential fatality due to her wounds. Unfortunately, when Grimnir would take his fall, Alice was nowhere near him or able to assist. She'd only watch in horror as they went over.

The rising walls would give Grimnir the time he needed to recover from his own maneuver, though there's little he can do to actually evade them. After two seconds to recover, Grimnir faces his foe. There's little he can do to dodge, but he's more than willing to grapple Lux head-on Unfortunately, while strong, he's not stronger than both Lux and his persona, as such the pair goes over the edge. However, Lux is almost mindlessly stabbing at this point, allowing the War God to shift their weight so Lux is on the bottom of the pair. Grimnir keeps a firm hold of both Lux's arms, to prevent him from getting any good thrusts in, right up until his opponent explodes. At the last moment, Grimnir kicks off, letting the explosion propell him high enough into the air to catch Quintus's hook. Grimnir looks down into the abyss where the Lux used to be Sad to see, your little master couldn't care less. Even the worst of giants has some respect for their subjects, if only because they're more useful while alive. Don't worry, I'll see this through to the end With that, Grimnir would dangle over the edge from Quintus's hook look enough for PK's swords to much relieve the strain on his injured left side by catching the young man. Grimnir breathes a sigh of relief and shouts up to the others Thanks for the assistance, dear comrades.... Now.... Can I come back up? This isn't exactly the most comfortable place for me. Looks too much like Hel's domain.

"R-right, Yggdrasil Prime!" The roots would wrap around Quintus' feet as the hooked blade begins retracted back to his hand. Hopefully, he'd be able to pull Grimnir up without any issues. "I know we haven't done anything like this before, Hook. But if you can drag me around them what's someone else, even if they are wearing armor?"

Ha ha! Nobody is dying on my watch! Sounds good Grimnir! Come on up! With the command the swords slowly rise as they work as a elevator, rising slowly but surely upward towards the platform, belle letting Quin do the rest Another successful battle!

Laughter rings out as the world fades away, Grimnir would find himself standing in a hallway of a higher floor at Seven Sisters High. Along with the rest of the party, C.Tatsuya's mocking tone can be heard easily as the man sighs a bit. "Aww man, that was fun as hell I gotta admit! But too bad I couldn't kill your sorry ass War God! It would have been so much fun to send you spinning down into the void never to be seen again, but alas that plan didn't work out for me! Oh well, the next ones should be a bit worse... 2 more kiddies~ Then I'll deal with whoever's left my damned self. I suggest a rest though, you bastards look pretty worn down from it all." With that, the voice goes quiet... And doesn't bother to light up a path for them of any sort, instead, they'd find a fairly simple room opening up off to their left. It looks safe enough and some furniture lines the place. Despite what his tactics might suggest, C.Tatsu does, in fact, love a good fight. Unfair is one thing, but killing people in their sleep ain't any fun. OOC: And with that battle done, I believe we're all quite tired OOC and IC. Or at least ready to take a break, so, for now, I'll call this one "Done". Until people are ready to finish it up.

Quintus would just rest against the wall. His eyes were drained of their color as if he had just seen a ghost and fought it too. He'd be grabbing at his chest as it was throbbing with pain. The fight was a reminder of his own bound existence as well as of the emotions he couldn't control. Hatred...he kept trying to suppress it but the feeling kept welling back up inside him. "Hah, I've really gotten myself into a mess this time...W-why does it have to be this way? I-I'll make Tatsuya pay for this..."

Grimnir sighs and, now safe, collapses for a moment. He hasn't gotten hurt this much in a while. Silly forms and all that. Grimnir simply remains on his back, feebly waving. Why don't you just come down here and fight me yourself.... Instead of wasting all this time. Come on. I bet I could take you even now.... Honorless coward. The young man is starting to sound a little out of it, rest is most certainly a good idea by now. Of course, that won't shut him up any time soon, but for now it dies off to some sort of exhausted mumbling filled with "honorless cur" and "Why one time I"s. It would be a few minutes before he recovered enough to actually notice and enter the side room, resting in there instead.