A short time later, a girl strolls through the park, they seem almost satisfied with themselves, glancing around and smiling at the birds. At least until they approach the man lying in the path. Suddenly, its like the girl's senses fly awake, the girl looks down at the sphere.... With no idea what it is, they instead try shaking the unconscious lad H... Hello? Are you alright? The girl briefly glances around, as though searching for someone M... Maybe I should call the hospital....

A figure would be walking along the park's path minding their own business. They wore a gray cloak with the hood pulled up over their face. Through the darkness of the hood only a set of staring blue eyes could be seen. They seemed oddly at peace even for being in a park and even when confronting the pained individual before them. Being the considerate individual they were...usually, a root would soon appear from the ground next to them before forming a branch at its tip that would quickly sprouts a golden fruit from it. The figure would grab onto the fruit and try to offer it to the young man by bringing it up to his face. "Here, eat this. It should make you feel better." If the young man were to bite into the fruit it would instantly turn into a green energy that would flow into him. The fruit would alleviate all pain by some amount as well as having an effect of removing all illness.

As soon as Kohiyo were to touch the unconscious young man, she'd be inflicted with a brief vision of a ruined cityscape with a crimson red sky. The vision fades before there can be a moment of clarity. The sphere in his hand begins to shake slowly, as though awakening. The boy however shows no signs of changing, beginning to move his head back in forth as though trapped in a nightmare. Father... Don't...! His breathing becomes heavy and rapid. He begins to sweat. His hand now firmly clenches on the sphere, and it stops shaking. The fruit offered by the hooded figure only seems to ease his breathing, but he remains unconscious.

The young girl's hand recoils at the vision, she blinks for a few moments, unsure of what happened, before taking a deep breath and noticing her companion. With that, the girl would step away from Makoto, briefly turning to the cloaked figure U... H.. Hello there... D.. Do you know anything about this? I.. I just touched him for a second and I saw all these weird things... I... I mean... He's definitely holding something weird... What should I do? It almost seems the girl is desperate for some sort of guidance, especially to be asking a random stranger, she looks back at Makoto with concern as she waits for some answer

The figure would back away a few feet seeming to think the situation over. He then would eyes the sphere with curiosity. He tried to figure out if there was some connection between the sphere and the boy's condition. "I believe that sphere could be the source but I think this is something that requires further inquiry. Oh well, it seems their life may be on the line so I'll have to do something." He would quickly look towards the girl who had arrived before him. At a simple glance, he couldn't tell if she had any kind of special abilities but barely anyone seemed all that special at first glance in this place. "Not sure who you are but I have a feeling this won't be a pleasant experience based on this guy's reaction. I'd advise against endangering yourself unless you are capable of defending yourself. Either way, not exactly my decision to make so do as you please." With that said the figure would try to reach for the sphere in Makoto's hand in order to investigate it more closely. He wasn't sure what might happen if he touches it but at this point, he sees no alternative.

As Quintus touches the sphere, his entire vision goes blurry, and he would collapse. Moments later he would wake in a desert, with Makoto standing before some cave. The sky is a deep crimson, and there are otherworldly beasts flying about in the distant heavens. Quintus would find himself feeling drained, almost to the point of exhaustion. The quiet Makoto turns to face him. IN THE PARK: Kohiyo would watch as Quintus collapses beside Makoto, but it causes the sphere to stop shaking. The two breath normally, which is a sign of improvement from Makoto.

Quintus would look around almost stunned if it wasn't for the fact that he's experienced similar events like this yet still, the exhaustion is new to him. He would look forward towards Makoto lifting up his hood finally to reveal his own face. "Wasn't quite expecting a desert. Never was a big fan of them, much too hot for me. Enough small chat though, what exactly is this place and what does it have to do with you or that sphere? If you don't know that's fine, I just would rather know what I got myself into before trying to work out a way through it." The exhaustion wasn't comfortable to him, it reminded him too much of previous events in his time here he'd rather not remember but still, he'd try to stay composed.

Risako kneels beside the two, glancing around nervously between them... She leans in closer, hearing Makoto's much more regular breathing... Somewhat of a relief, at least it sounds better, but now neither of them are moving.... Risako looks closer at the orb. M.. Maybe its some kind of curse?.. I... I should probably try to. Risako briefly looks back at Quintus, he said something against trying the same thing, its like he was expecting a fight of some sort? For now, the girl leans in and tries to move the orb with only her fingertips, as though hoping that barely making contact might somehow improve the situation

IN THE SPHERE: Makoto grimaces seeing a new arrival, most noticeably he's wearing royal black clothes adorned with gold, as opposed to the leather jacket in the park. Makoto gives quintus a small white disk, which is adhesive on one side. This place... This is my soul. That sphere? It houses the depths of my soul. My assumption is that you went and touched it, yes? Well because of that you've entered my heart. At least, I would say that, but something is amiss. There has been a violent change in this place, one I cannot explain. Large portions have been blocked off, lost even. I've been working to restore it, but there is a substantial amount of resistance coming from his memory. He's... not had a good life. Makoto points at the white disk now in Quintus's hand. Place that somewhere on your skin, it's designed to keep the effects of this world at bay. Kohiyo loses consciousness too, and now awakens in the desert roughly where the two men are standing. Another one? Take this. Kohiyo feels herself become weary, and Makoto hands her a white disk. Place it on your skin, but be mindful because it only buys you some time before this world begins to take its toll again.

Quintus would look at the white disk somewhat stunned for a moment trying to take all that's been said in. He had heard about the power of the soul and how everyone held much within their being but he'd never expected anything quite to this scale. Of course, his memories on the exact nature of a soul were still foggy as if it was knowledge lost to him. After he finished thinking things through he'd finally take the white disk and place it under his shirt to have it lay on his back. He'd hope that would be enough for the disk to do whatever it is it was supposed to. "Alright, so what should we do to try to amend this? You said there was a time limit before these disks run out, right? Then we should try to take care of this quickly." He'd also notice the girl from before now in this place as well. He wondered still if she had any kind of power, if not then there might be trouble but he tried to stay optimistic in his thoughts. "So, I see you followed me here despite the warning I gave. Not to sound too demanding but do you mind if I ask you whether or not you have any kind of abilities, whether they be offensive or defensive. It'd be better to know things like that beforehand."

At first, Risako feels sleepy, the desert sands almost seem as enticing as her own bed, yet she remains awake enough to nod to Makoto, sticking the white disk on the back of her left hand, as she raises her left to add the disk, one might notice a ring of what seems to be the purest silver. T... Thank you.. Risako blinks for a moment, looking aside to the hooded man from earlier, the girl nervously glances at her feet. S... Sorry. I was just trying to help. But.... The girl takes a deep breath, really, its not TOO far from what she's used to, a friend of hers always said the important thing is to be brave and confident, do that and anything becomes possible, so Kohiyo looks back up, puts on a smile, and gives a thumbs up, her voice notably more excited than before Don't worry about me, I can keep us safe, whatever the world throws our way.

Makoto stares with a blank expression toward the two, his eyes yielding no sense of emotion. In order to amend this, we must find and eliminate the obstruction within his soul. My assumption is that travelling to this strange world of yours severely damaged his soul, so it is functioning at a fraction of its potential. Doing so harmed his memories as well. Simply put, we must find a broken memory, and obliterate it. This is simple, no? Of course, I mean that finding the memory is simple, crushing it is not. I share his past memories, for we are the same, and I can tell you that this is his place of birth. Within the cave behind me, is a man who has discarded his own humanity in hopes of doing good. That man, is Makoto's father. He is dangerous. I believe it is Makoto's feelings of regret, and sorrow for his father that has barred this portion of his soul. Makoto? turns toward the cave. An ominous song can be heard coming from within. "The egg I made... with a smile... just needs a little longer... With tears and anger... the egg will soon break... Fill it with blood... and shorten my life to finish it." It would be best for me to mention that at present you aren't yourself. You are currently your soul. Not the metaphysical, but the soul that keeps you alive. Needless to say, reckless behavior will damage your soul, and as such it is quite possible you will die. I recommend caution when dealing with this man, for he has and will kill. Keep your wits about you, and we shall proceed. Makoto? enters into the cave, darkness encompassing him.

He is his own soul? A strange concept to him considering all that his own soul has been through. Regardless, he had a feeling that if nothing was done Makoto would surely suffer and if possible he'd like to avoid anyone having to needlessly suffer. Quintus would follow shortly after but not before looking back to the girl one more time. "Well, with that in mind I think I'll trust you. I should say that I was never upset with you either. Everyone has the right to make their own choices and we simply have to live with any consequences that may follow. That said, I'd rather none of us die today so I'll be making sure we both get out of this well, even if it costs a little extra. Now come on, its time to take the first steps forward." He wasn't sure exactly what was ahead or even if he could keep his own word but he wanted to prove at very least that he wasn't just spouting flawed idealism. He wanted to ensure that at very least no one would die but even with that goal in mind, there was still a small amount of uncertainty creeping up from behind.

Risako nods along, she doesn't really understand that much of it, but its a chance to see new things and help out while she's at it, so Risako gladly follows Makoto, though she slows down a little hearing the... Voice. Whatever it was... They sound... Determined? Devoted? Whatever the word is, doesn't really matter, in such a way that sends shivers down the girl's spine. Risako brings her arms closer to her chest, before the cloaked boy's voice reminds her of his presence. Risako briefly looks up to him, smiling once more There's nothing to worry about, remember? I'll keep you safe too, alright? With that, Risako would run closer to Quintus, trying to catch his arm in a hug, its somewhat of a relief to have an adult around, especially one who seems experienced, even if he's not so cheerful about it.

As the group enters the cave, there are noticeable portions of it consumed in a black fire. This fire is neither hot nor cold, but it gives off an air of dread. As Makoto? passes by it, he glances at it, with a look of contempt in his eyes. This... This is his broken soul. What should be full and detailed is muddled with this impudent flame. The source lies further in. The group comes to a large antechamber, where a large stone door sits atop a metal platform. The singing seems to be emanating from behind that door. Makoto's father is behind this door. If you so will it, I am capable of returning you to the world as you know it. You will have no memory of this incident. Do you truly wish to risk your lives for a stranger?

Quintus would blush slightly as the girl grabs his arm. She reminded him of a way of his younger sister so he couldn't help but smile at the girl's presence. Upon reaching the door through his expression would once again turn serious. It seemed he had finally grasped the complexity of this issue upon seeing the strange black flames. "Risk my life? I've already been determined to change this world at such a cost. If I can't even prevent one more death then I doubt I have the strength I need to step into the future. I won't watch another suffer because of the nature of the world while I do nothing to fix it. If that explanation would suffice as an answer then I think I'm ready." He'd look down to the girl with a serious look in his eyes. He didn't want to see her get hurt but he also wanted to trust her when she said that she could protect them as well. In the end, he'd remain silent to listen to whatever the girl might want to say in reply on her own.

The girl glances off to the side, looking around the flames. Its definitely got an otherworldly feel to it, a little spooky every time. But of course she can't let that sorta thing bother her. Once they reach the antechamber, the girl's eyes move up to the door, the source of that sad sound from earlier. It almost sounds painful. The girl opens her mouth, ready to reply, but shuts it once Quintus starts talking. She looks up to him for a moment, before finally realizing she's still holding his arm and breaking off, letting him finish before clearing her throat, a wide grin to hide her thoughts I thought I told you two not to worry about me. We'll all come back safe and sound, just like a fairy tale. Making miracles come to life, that's what a..... Risako blinks for a few seconds, it seems she got too caught up in the moment and almost let something slip. Oh well, they're likely to learn soon anyways, so there's no real harm done, yet she doesn't feel comfortable finishing that sentence. Instead, Risako steps closer to the door Anyways, I'm ready when you are, after all, isn't it a gentleman's job to hold the door for a lady?

Makoto? retrieves a sphere from his pocket, similar to the one Makoto was holding in the park. He depresses the switch on the side of it, causing it to emanate a faint blue glow. He places the sphere into a brace on his arm, and pushes in a lever on the side. Awaken. Specter! From the brace on his arm, a phantasmal being hovers about Makoto?. It settles onto his shoulders changing his appearance to that of a dark being with blue accents. This new figure seems to have a burst of energy. It punches into the door, causing it to fragment into small bits of rubble. The group sees a man with a shaved head attached to several cables leading up to a spire of green pods. Inside these pods are human body parts. One such pod has a face, it looks like Makoto. The man looks up from his torment. "You... who are you here for...? Edith? Adonis? You fools won't stop me from helping these people! They wish to live happily, and I will provide them with that chance! Don't you see that your people are suffering!? Join me! Together we will carve a new evolution for humanity!"

Quintus wouldn't know what to make of the scene. He was unsure exactly what it was showing them but he already knew whatever the man was offering, it clearly didn't hold any true value. Hewas just a memory. A memory that it was there job to destroy so he wouldn't hesitate to begin. A golden aura surrounded his body as he attempted to summon forth his Persona. He was unsure of whether or not he could truly do so in this world but if he truly was only his own soul right now and if Personas were the strength of the soul then he felt that perhaps it would only be possible to use his Persona rather than his other means of attack. "Let's go, Persona! Time to sprout forth, Yggdrasil Prime! Earthly Roots!" If his attempt to summon his Persona was successful then it would grow forth from the ground behind him. Its bark was dark as ash and its leaves with glisten with a gold color. In the center of its mighty trunk would be a whole with a shining light emanating from within. The Personas first act would be two have four separate roots sprout out of the ground around Quintus. Though they appear to simply be wood, they'd each have the strength and properties of solid stone. He'd only send one root forward towards the man in an attempt to wrap around his arms and bind him in place. Another root would seem to drill into the ground while the final two stayed in place, ready to defend Quintus if necessary. "Don't know what you'd be talking about but I'm just here to clean things up so don't take it too personally, ok?"

The young girl, looks around the strange new area, for a moment she hardly understands any of what she's seeing. Yet, there's the person in front of her... There's only one, so there can be no doubt who they're supposed to be fighting. Seeing her hooded companion get started, The girl slips off her silver ring, focusing on it, in seconds it turns into an egg-shaped, gold and silver gem. The girl steps off to the side I'll do my best, ok? With that, a faint silver light would come from the jewel, which becomes brighter and brighter before enveloping the girl's body. When the light clears her outfit has changed, long, dark gown exchanged for an elegant silver dress, an ornate, golden staff with a silver orb contained at one end materializes in her hand, which she swings behind her, almost as though trying to pose before announcing Argent here, don't you worry, its all safe now. transformation sequences take time, especially if you decide to pose afterwards for absolutely no reason, so that'll be all for now

The man in bound in cables screams in agony as the vines wrap around him. He lets out a visceral roar as he struggles against the cables and the vines. "So this is just business to you!? The fate of our people is so EASILY bribed for?" The man shakes off his cables, and begins to bleed from the places where the cables were. He begins to laugh with a gleam of madness in his eyes. He glows with a golden light, and breaks free of the vines with ease. After doing so he yells triumphantly. Makoto in the mean time, stands behind the group. He does nothing.

The remnants of the root would sink back into the ground as if to recover. Quintus would look a bit nervous seeing how easily one of his roots was destroyed. It seemed for once simply binding his foe might now be enough so He'd move on to a separate phase of his tactics. He'd raise one hand towards the branches of Yggdrasil Prime as a few of the leaves began to glow vibrantly before falling. "Fate of a people? I don't really believe in things like fate. That being said I still don't really get what you're talking about and neither do I think I care. Those that are right before me are what I care about and I'll do whatever it takes to help them first. Now! Yggdrasil Prime! Tears of the World Tree! Well up and flow freely!" The glowing leaves surround Quintus soon flowing around his own arms. He'd swing his arm forward as the leaves become surrounded in a condensed vacuum of air. Around six leaves total would head towards the man only they would instead be aimed at the cables. Each wouldn't have too significant an impact, acting more like thrown knives than anything else as they attempted to cut anything in their path with vicious winds.

"Argent" looks between Quintus and the man who had cables, she's not entirely sure what's going on at this point, but she was given something to focus on earlier, so for now, she lets that focus guide her, twirling her staff around before pointing the end with the silver orb at the man Sorry about this, I dunno anything about your people, but I'm here to save someone's life. With that said, the orb would glow faintly, before launching a spear-like blast of light at the man, hoping to pierce his chest and end the fight quickly if possible

As the blows strike against the man, he recoils for each, and shortly, he falls to the ground, dead. The black fires about the place clear up, giving the place a much more homey feel. The two active combatants find themselves witnessing another vision. They are in the very same cave they entered, and they see an unknown man carrying two children toward the exit. After he has left, the man they had killed lets out a guttural scream, followed by a quiet sobbing. The vision fades, and they've awoken in Inokashira. Makoto is gone, but there is one last portion to the vision. A figure in white with deep azure wings flies above the desert they had been in. That vision fades, and a spectral image of the Makoto in black appears before them. Makoto's soul is partially mended because of your efforts, as is his memory. He will have no recollection of this, and he has lost his memories prior to this event. You have my gratitude. The image fades, and a strange sphere flies away.

"Argent" pauses, her mind flashing across as she witnesses the visions, whatever happened, she gets the feeling it wasn't good by any means, for anyone. "Argent" nods to Makoto, and is about to open her mouth when the image fades and the sphere vanishes. Now with just her and Quintus, the girl takes a deep breath, starting to shake, and asks D... Do you know what just happened? It all happened a little fast for me. I guess I did well, right? "Argent" looks down at her right hand, almost as though she's searching for something, though for now of course the ring wouldn't be there.

Quintus is almost surprised to be back in the park. The visions were strange and abstract to him, like something out of a dream and he felt that perhaps they were memories either belonging to the man they had fought or perhaps belonged to Makoto himself. The images seemed to be connected a larger picture. He wasn't sure exactly what they meant but he felt this wasn't the end of this either. "Well, that was over more easily than I thought it would be. You did pretty well, have you foughten before? That power almost reminds me of a girl I've met before."