I look around the busy streets. It was a nice change from the mostly empty manor. If a bit loud for my tastes. “Too has none of them are real.” My mental companion reminds me. And they were right. No matter how normal these people looked, the mere fact I had X with me meant I wasn’t home. And these were little more than scenery. I begin to wander, but thankfully I don’t have to wait long for the plot book as a battle starts in the middle of the road. “I see we’re not in the world of subtlety.” I cracked a smile at my own joke. X didn’t. For the time being I cross my arm and calmly wait to see how the brawl plays out. From my past experience it seemed like the fastest way was to figure out who was in charge and help them finish their fight. Technically brings peace. Since it’d be stupid to join in until it became apparent who had the upper hand, I simply pause in the street while the set pieces flee. Looking almost bored as I bide my time.

The body extends the reach of its scythe by pouring more of the shadow-substance into the tool and makes the first move by slashing the scythe in a wide circular motion. The unseeable blade of the scythe easily cuts off the roofs of nearby vehicles and slashes leaves a long bloody cut on the back of the young man. The young man saw the attack coming and instead of priorizting himself he grabbed onto the boy and shielded the boy with his body. The vending machine the young man previously held is now a crumpled piece of garbage on the cracked sidewalk. The young man unphased by his wound, twists his back to face the body and yells. Celty you are hurting people! The body doesn't react to what is said to it and instead allows its scythe to shift into a huge shadow-subtance lance. The young man is clearly about to say more when suddenly he freezes up and some blood trickles from the edge of his lips. Who says I needed your help. The boy says as he pushes the young man off him. Dumbfounded the young man looks at the unusually long scapel-like blade attached to a leather band around the boy's arm and places his own hand on the new stab wound on his chest. A large bloody spot forms on the young man's bartender shirt as the boy glares at him with disgust. Stay out of my way or else. The boy takes off, ducking behind the nearest car. He proceeds to use each stranded car as a temporary shield to move closer to the body. Meanwhile, the shadow-substance lance grows big enough to take out a whole fleet of knights at once and the body throws it at the young man. The lance impales a car before impaling the young man too and forcing both into the nearest building, which is a conspicuous place called "Russian Sushi".

When you switch over to your spirit sight you see an orb of coiling shadow-substance within the body identified as "Celty". The orb doesn't seem to react to outside stimuli as "Celty" walks over crumbling pavement and smashed cars to reach the young man, but the orb constantly takes on a new shape as its tendrils squrim about. You also notice the lack of a soul in the boy and the normal soul of the young man with your spirit sight. "Celty" doesn't pay any particular attention to you with its sights set on the remains of "Russian Sushi". Its already formed shadow-substance tendrils poke through the wreck and ruin in search of the young man's remains. The boy does notice you and flashes his scapel-like blade at you. Like a wary dog, he presses closer to the shadow of a ruined car awaiting what comes next. You make it close enough to "Celty" to make out the flowing substance that seeps from the wide hole in its throat. There are plates of armor on her that also create a flow of shadow-substance in between the gaps of each armor piece. Before you can come close enough to be able to actually touch "Celty", a guttural roar comes from the wreckage of "Russian Sushi". The roar takes on almost a primal tone as broken wall parts are lifted slowly upward. "Celty" doesn't react, but the boy stares at the scene with wide eyes. Soon enough the parts are high enough to reveal the bloody and broken body of the young man. The young man's sunglasses are shards of glass and his bartender outfit is torn apart in red chunks, but the young man himself is standing with no signs of going down again. Instead the young man tosses the wall parts far across the scramble intersection and ferally glares at you and "Celty" in a way that would make any prey animal immediately seek shelter. I hate violence. What the young man does next immediately counters his statement. The young man easily lifts an old booth from the destroyed resturant as if it were nothing and throws it toward you and "Celty".

"We might have been a little hasty." Thanks for the heads up X. I'm not so good at up-front fighting, so instead I focus on the thing resembling a soul in the middle of Celty and speed up its perception of time. They'd been able to break cars before without my help, so with the help of my haste spell they should be able to handle the one coming in pretty easily. And if not I could always turn back time a bit to avoid getting crushed myself. "Might I suggest a tactical retreat? Mr. Sunglasses over there is one thing, but the kid's something I've never seen before." I didn't really know the situation, but it didn't seem like we were going to come to a solid conclusion here. Especially if the kid with a knife got involved. He didn't look like much but knowing they were soulless was more than enough to keep us wary.

The shadow tendrils explode from the ground, rapidly forming a complete net that catches the oncoming booth and tosses it back with equivalent force. The booth is then shattered with a single punch from the young man's fist. "Celty" makes no motion acknowledging that it heard you as a headless horse made of shadow-substance forms in the space between you and "Celty". I'm not letting you get away! The young man roars. He lunges forward using the strength of his own legs to launch himself toward you and "Celty". However, "Celty" quickly jumps on the horse using a shadow tendril to grab you and bring you on the back of the horse. You promptly feel the solid cold body of the horse as it rears up and crunches the young man's hand with its hooves. The sound of crackling bone easily pervades your hearing. The horse then whinnies and takes off dragging you with it down the metropolitan expressway. The rest of the ride is quiet. "Celty" isn't much of a talker and the horse is well being a horse. If you grab onto "Celty" for the sake of keeping balance, you will easily feel the same cool sensation that you can feel from the horse. A reminder that "Celty" and the horse are not like you at all. Along the way you pass by some cars occupied by people with phones capable of taking photos of you and "Celty". Everything about your current situation screams modern-day fantasy. Yet, "Celty" doesn't react seem to react to any of this and keeps its eyes on the road in front. The journey soon ends in front of a empty warehouse in the middle of an industrial park. You can still spy the towers of Ikebukuro in the distance, but you have traveled some distance away from the metropolis to the middle of an abandoned suberbia.

oh good, looks like I didn't back the worst horse. And apparently the only one with a literal horse. That's cool. I'd already started helping Celty, so I'd make sure to stay close to them. I'm more of a supporting character, so my place is pretty much set. Once we're out on the road I just hold onto the horse. It wasn't a good grip, but it'd feel wrong to get too close to... Whatever Celty was. Its not human but since when did that matter? In a way none of them are really human. I keep my mouth shut for the ride, more to avoid eating bugs than anything else. Its only once we get to stop that I finally have the time to take a deep breath. Once we stop I get off Celty's horse, taking the stop as a sign of what they expected me to do. But without anything else to go on. "So uh... Can you.. Talk or am I gonna.. Wait, no mouth. Do you know sign language?" "Do you know sign language?" My little companion asks. To which I can only sigh and put my hands in my... Well I don't actually have pockets, so I'll just have to put them on my hips "Good point. That wouldn't really help. Anyways, I take it this is home away from home?" I'd keep watch for whatever Celty plans on doing and following along. Unless what she's doing is abandoning me in the middle of nowhere, in which case I don't have much else to do but examine the empty warehouse.

"Celty" nods to your inquiry, offering no other form of communication. Instead it goes to the rusted door of the warehouse and gently slides it open. This minimizes the metallic screeches that follow. Once the door is open "Celty" places one arm in front of you to indicate that you should wait. "Celty" sticks its head into the warehouse and a faint crashing noise is heard from inside the warehouse. Celty, i'm so glad you're back. "Celty" indicates with its hands that whoever is inside should come to the rusted door. The sound of footsteps approach and soon after you are introduced to a teen girl with black bobbed hair and fair skin. Upon seeing you the girl quickly retreats behind the rusted door and shyly looks down at the dirt. You must be new ... The girl doesn't say much else after that. An awkward pause sinks in as "Celty" and the girl try to figure what to do next with you, but it doesn't last for long as another person joins. The new person wears a costume dinosaur head above her cute and conservatively dressed body. Hi. This girl is just as quiet as "Celty" and the teen girl. Before you lose any hope in ever communicating with any of them a final person appears. This time a woman that basically screams office secretary with her glasses and yellow skirt suit. The woman pushes up her glasses and frostily glares at you. Who might you be? The woman walks up to you until you are practically face to face with her.

I'll take a step back, rather not have someone breathing down my neck as i look at the group gathered. I didn't need to do anything fancy to tell they were probably the same kinda thing as Celty. Whatever that was. I let out a deep sigh, not sure just how much I should actually say about myself "You can call me Towa. I'm new in town." As if that much wasn't completely obvious. They probably wanted something about why I was here, especially seeing as I looked pretty much human and Celty obviously wasn't. "Pretty much just got off the train and saw this nice lady getting into a tussle and figured I should lend a hand... Uh.. Don't expect too much though. I'm not nearly as strong as all these people throwing cars around so I'm more of a supporting character."

It is too complicated to decide if you are lying. I will just make you our new child. Welcome to the family. The woman quietly says all of this without an ounce of emotion. A sharp Japanese sword extends from the palm of her left hand and she raises the palm in preparation to slice you with the blade. Emotionless red eyes reflect your own image back at you. Kujiragi, wait! The shy teen clumsily hugs the woman's waist to stop her. We can't love everyone that visits! The shy teen climbs up the woman and then presses one of her palms against the outstretched Japanese sword. The woman and the shy teen stare at each other for a moment. Red eyes meet red eyes. The woman soon gives up allowing the sword to sink back into her hand. The woman bows her head before she retreats back into the warehouse. I can't believe I won that argument ... The shy teen is astonished at her victory. "Celty" and dinosaur head give a motivational thumbs up to bolster the shy teen's confidence. I'm so sorry about all that! The shy teen suddenly turns to you and bows in fervent apology. Ms. Kujiragi is usually a wonderful person to deal with but one of her cats recently died. She has been in a bad mood ever since. The shy teen finally looks up at you while still bowed. Welcome ... My name is Anri Sonohara and you already met Celty. Thanks for helping Celty, Ms. Towa.

My hand slowly moves down to the dagger in my back pouch. It wasn't going to be a match for a sword, but I could probably deflect it... Fortunately that doesn't seem to be necessary, and I can let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I had gotten really tense too, but at least the kid seemed willing to listen. I awkwardly brush some of the hair out of my eyes to look more presentable before replying "Oh uh... Its nothing Anri. I can't really blame miss Kujiragi for being cautious. You guys uh... Don't seem popular." probably a bit of an understatement, but seeing as they were obviously not humans when most people were it wasn't hard to imagine why. For a moment I curse myself for choosing such a poor start, but we're gonna have to make do. I scratch the back of my head before asking. "So... What's the story here? I haven't been many places but I can't imagine fights breaking out in front of the train station is too normal."

Anri uncomfortably looks away. It's actually a long story that started when th- Humph Humph. Dinosaur head coughs, clearly bothered by her lack of an introduction. Anri startles into another series of boys. This time apologetically bowing to dinosaur head. I'm so sorry Rurii. I didn't mean to forget about you. Bowing a few extra times for good measure, Anri then stands and turns allowing you to see dinosaur head in her full glory. This is former popular celebrity and idol, Ruri Hijiribe. I'm sure you have seen her on the old pop idol concerts they used to show. I think I introduced everyone by now ... Anri thinks for a sec. Wait! How can I just make you wait out there without offering anything! I'm sorry for being so rude. Please come in Ms. Towa! Anri momentarily breaks from her shyness to grab you by the hand and drag you into the warehouse. Once inside the warehouse you can plainly see that all four women are living in the old building. There are four identical mattresses laying on the top floor that is accessible by a rusting metallic staircase. The women have some space for their personal belonging as indicated by the presence of wooden closets, but the space itself is also a haphazard mess of personality. On the floor there are used make up tubes, cosplay clothing, old magazines, used novels, and a scattering of other personal effects. The space itself is also very cramped with the inclusion of a basic kitchen, living room, and bathroom on the first floor. Not to mention the cats. There are cats everywhere from tiny kittens in the rafters above to a few cats wandering around the premises or beneath Ms. Kujiragi's feet. Anri seems to realize how bad this might look and tries to explain. I know this place is kind of a mess ..... but our move was really sudden. We didn't have much choice when looking for a place and none of us wanted to really do anything bad to get a better one. Except for maybe Celty. Anri looks at the abode with a twinge of sadness. Fights breaking out in front of the train station has actually become pretty normal after the great color gang conflict that broke out in Ikebukuro. Anri's melancholy seems to be contagious as all the other women seem to have their spirits dampened with the mention of color gangs.

"No, this place is perfect." There are so many cats. "Please focus" There's a little black one and a nice grey one, and. "Please focus" I begrudgingly look away from the cats for a moment, a stupid grin. Its not like any of the cats were going to talk to me anyways. After taking a second to take a deep breath and compose myself, I let out a deep sigh. "I just... I really like cats. Anyways, so basically this whole problem was caused by these 'color gang' guys and now you're kinda forced to hide out here to get away from all the fighting? Not sure what I can say honestly. But it sounds like someone's gotta do something about them soon."

Anri bends down and picks up a wandering calico that had just begun to rub against her ankles. She presents the calico to you with a barely noticeable grin. The calico mews and innocently flicks its ear. If you like cats then you can always come and visit us, Ms. Towa. "Celty" walks over to Anri and gently taps the teen on her shoulder. Anri looks at "Celty" with some confusion and then remembers what you were really inquiring about. Her mood falls again upon remembering. The three main color gangs of Ikebukuro ... Anri gently presses the calico against her chest for comfort and continues. The dollars, the blue squares, and the yellow scarves declared war against each other about a few weeks ago. They say it happened due to some bad blood between the three gangs. I don't believe that at all. Anri looks like she wants to say more on this subject, but stops and looks around at the other three women in her vicinity. She quickly shifts to a different line of thought. We do have a plan for ending the gang war but ummm ... Anri trails off and Ms. Kujiragi picks up for her. Ms. Kujiragi had been watching some cooking show on the tv the entire time, yet she heard enough to easily slide in and finish for Anri. Not many would like our plan and may even consider it akin to unsavory subjects such as mind control or possession. What do you think of such topics Toki? Ms. Kujiragi asks without looking at you.

I take advantage of the captive calico to start stroking them, making sure to let Anri take hold of the animal as they need. After all it was their cat and probably wasn't too fond of strangers. At least none of our cats were super easy to pick up as a stranger, it was. Before I can think too much further on that tangent, X chimes in to remind me. "Stop wasting time thinking about cats and focus on the mission. We were at color gangs." Right, color gangs. Names seemed arbitrary but I guess that's how gangs work in real life too. I stop petting the cat to let out a sigh. Ms. Kujiragi still unsettled me a little, but I needed to focus. Truth was I really hated possession plots. But I mean... As X loved to remind me. "They're not really people anyways." "Its not the best option but if its the only one we have..." I let out a sigh. Right, these three human gangs are fighting each other. Honestly it sounds like the best bet is just working with one of them to end the war as soon as possible, but they weren't even considering that as an option. "I guess the one thing these gangs can agree on is that they dislike people like you eh?"

Anri and Ruri share a quick look with each other. Unspoken words appear to pass between the two. Anri carefully places the Calico on the floor and then timidly utters. I should go outside for some fresh air ... I don't really like talking about any of this. She briskly leaves the warehouse and no one follows after her. Ruri wordlessly excuses herself to go to the bathroom and "Celty" just stands around not really doing much of anything. Even among these blatantly strange women, "Celty" remains the most disconcerting of them all. Only Ms. Kujiragi seems to still have an interest in you, but doesn't stand up to meet you halfway. She remarks from where she is sitting. Toki you should join me on the couch. You are a smart woman having already grasped the true nature of monster and human relationships. I have not had a smart woman to chat with for a while. You also like cats. I like cats too. This could be a sign. Ms. Kujiragi studies you with keen interest. I could tell you more about the state of Ikebukuro in exchange for what you saw in Celty the first time you met her.

I let out another sigh. That... Definitely could have gone better, I just tried focusing in on the goal like X had suggested and ended up making everyone sad. I was never really that good at reading the room, and its just been showing up again and again. "you shouldn't let it bother you. They're not real either." Real encouraging X. At least Kujiragi still seemed interested, though not necessarily in a good way. For now I'd take a few steps towards them, before sitting down heavily on the couch, a cloud hanging over my head "Look, I'm not really.. Good with people. Like, I guess I'm human but I've never felt any sort of kinship because of it. These patterns just repeat constantly, one group finds a smaller one they can pick on for whatever reason and use it as an excuse to unite until said smaller group is almost done for, then they fight each other until they find something else to hate. Its just so unbelievably stupid." of course that doesn't actually answer the question. It'd been two years in that manor with nothing but my other personality and the ability to reminisce on the kind of crap that got me there that'd left me with plenty of time to think. "I guess Celty just interested me because she was new. Really. With humans everything's always the same, its always so dull and always so stupid. At the very least they waere new. That made her more interesting. And if humans can't do anything right then really, I'd rather give someone else a chance."

Ms. Kujiragi takes your words in stride. She gazed at the happy people cooking on tv with her dull emotionless gaze yet her fingers tensed up while you were speaking. Your words reached her. Ms. Kujiragi simply isn't much for displays of feeling. She closes her eyes to think before responding. When her eyes open there is a faint determination to her. Humans love the supernatural out of a need to break free from their usual circular paths. This makes it impossible for humans to love monsters like us since monsters are only tools for their growth. We are the new and it has damned us to a life of isolation away from humanity. Ms. Kujiragi rattles this off like a prepared list. An instinctual reponse that has been ingrained into her head. What she says next though comes off as more sincere as she holds her left palm away from you and allows the tip of the Japanese sword to rise from it. You are able to see how the Japanese sword smoothly rises up from her pale skin leaving behind not cuts or silts in the flesh. Ms. Kujiragi's dull brown eyes also turn a bright red once the blade is about halfway out. Ikebukuro has fallen under the sheer weight of human emotion and Saika is the only remaining solution. Anri does not agree with me fully but she is a child that is still learning about the world. I can tell you have more experience and could agree that humanity perhaps needs to be reigned in for its own sake. The blade is now tall enough in Ms. Kujiragi's palm to reveal its sleek base design. A mother's love could work wonders for humanity. The blade completely pulls out of Ms. Kujiragi's palm revealing its true form as an actual Japanese sword whose red-tinged hilt can be held in her palm. Toki if you allow me to cut you with Saika then you will be able to love all of humankind without any of the usual difficulties. There will no longer be any misunderstandings and you will be in tune with the rest of Saika's children.

I look at the sword, Saika, for a few seconds. There was something oddly enchanting about it. Obviously one thing we can agree on is that neither X or I could take the offer. "loving humankind" or whatever wasn't exactly why we're here after all. Ultimately, I close my eyes and sigh "I appreciate the offer but I'll pass. After helping out here I still plan on moving on and doing my own thing. After all, I did say I was a traveler didn't I? I can't exactly afford to stick around for the long haul."

(Toki) Ms. Kujiragi frostily mumbles. Oh. Her eyes no longer meet yours as she indifferently looks away and has saika sink back into her pristine palm. Her unemotional state comes back as if it never left, but some disappointment is evident through her sinking shoulders. Talk to Anri for new info. Ms. Kujiragi abrutly stands and heads up to the second floor. You are left with the couch to yourself and some cheerful couple baking a cake on tv. The couple, an enthusiastic woman dressed in an american football jersey and a hyperbolic man in a crossguard outfit, are trying to bake said cake with their feet. Odd. Soon you get a new companion in the form of a tabby cat that bats at your feet out of boredom. "Celty" still stands around leaking shadow-substance from the hole in her neck. Ruri remains in the bathroom, but if you pay close attention you can hear some cheap pop music emanating from there. While Anri is pacing right outside the rusted doors with a cellphone in hand.

(Cait, Ina, Niko, Pancake Knight, Alphinaud, Sam) You materialize in front of the closed gates of a private school. No one sees you appear thus no residual freak out. You arrive at sunset so the school is silent when you arrive making it all the more imposing. The school with pristine caramel buildings and well trimmed trees is seemingly a reputable highschool that is well-maintained. Even the gate in front has a reputable aura being made of golden bars arrayed in a fancy pattern. Next to the gate is a noble blue placard with "Raira Academy" written on it. To your left and right is a calm residential street that has affluent homes lining the sidewalk. Light poles positioned at the edge of sidewalk create a shimmery effect with the black road as they slowly turn on one by one. There are also a few crushed sakura petals from the nearby trees that lie on the road without really degrading the nobility of the area. A perfect location to have a before night walk. Yet, there is no one around. Only you, your friends and maybe the neighborhood stray. If you look behind you will see a metropolis of tall buildings only a few blocks away with the same odd absence of people. The place may as well be a ghost town.

...A school? Yeah, i have no idea what this could be. Maybe the name is familiar to someone? "Hey, anyone recognize the school name?" But still, kinda funny. From some sort of desert or something, to a mafia, and now just... Normal looking japan, it seems. Kinda underwhelming, but I'm gonna stay on my guard for now.

“Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.” I’d suggest investigating it but I don’t want to do the whole “breaking and entering” thing. I squint at the buildings behind us but I can’t see anyone. Don’t cities never sleep? “Pretty darn quiet. Where do you guys wanna go?”

*I hum lightly before shaking my head.* Never heard of it. * Drumming my fingers against the top of my cane, I'd look out towards the city.* Maybe that's the distortion. Something caused all the people to vanish? Or perhaps they're hiding from something. Either way, I'm heading into town. Easier to find it out there, right? *Without waiting for the others, I'd head towards the sleeping city. It's not that I don't trust everyone else. It's just in the first lostbelt, solo exploration worked far better than randomly punching a cop and getting arrested.*

I nod, looking around the area before noticing Sam making his exit. "Obviously, we want to be together when we confront the boss of the area. Everyone, let's follow Gin because he looks like he's trying to go off on his own again." Also without waiting, I would follow a good distance behind Sam, looking around the street for anything of interest.

I sigh and remain on the couch for a little while. Of course I screwed it up again, but it wasn’t exactly their fault either. I mean I I couldn’t have been much more suspicious if I tried “You seem tired. Mind letting me take over?” It was a lot gentler than X usual remarks. Our souls had been together over 2 years now so they probably had a good idea of how I felt. I hesitated for a moment, before flickering backwards just a fraction of a second in order to switch out. And so X stands off the couch, breathing a heavy sigh as they pull back theur hair. Physically, X doesn’t look very different. However, they carry themselves with much more confidence and make sure no motion is wasted. Now ready, X heads out front to meet Anri. Waiting a second to see if the girl notices them before saying. “Sorry about bringing up bad memories earlier. You doing alright?”

*I'd look over my shoulder at Mona's snide comment.* Hey, you can all come if you want. All I'm saying is there's no point standing around when it's not gonna solve anything.

My whiskers twitch as I listen to the duo’s chatter. Good old group chat snark. I stroll after Gin and strain my ears for any noises. Normally, being a cat in a big city would be overwhelming, but this place is emptier than my will to live during exam week. There’s got to be something around here my kitty senses can find.

I shrug as I follow behind Gin, yawning a little and stretching my arms. Cracking my neck as well causing pops here and there. Makes sense to me. I have a feeling we'll be coming back though. A high school feels like it would be the main setting for an anime. No reason why we can't investigate the other places first though.

Well that name sure doesn't ring any bells. I quickly notice everyone leaving and I follow after them. Getting split up doesn't sound like the best of ideas. "This should be good." I put on my headphones and turn on some music.

(Sam, Cait, Pancake Knight, Niko, Alphinaud) You enter the empty city with your companions and discover that it isn't completely rid of life. Sure the initial streets and roads you cross take you past shuttered businesses and darkened homes. But by the tenth block you start to see stray pedestrians sneaking around in the growing din of night. Many of the pedestrians are raucous types that had one too many drinks in the local bar or are tossing their arms toward the sky without a care. Some weave around the careless in a nervous shuffle to elsewhere. While others glare at the careless with distaste and grow startled upon seeing your group. It is the distasteful ones that pull out their phones to record you as you pass by. (Cait) Your superb ears pick up on the increased human chatter before you actually see the people passing you by. So far all you picked up are the drunken ramblings of wandering 20-somethings and flitting rumors of gang activity. One piece of gossip recounting a recent major fight between a group called the Dollars and another group called the Yellow Scarves is especially hot on the streets. However, as your group approaches an area with more people you begin to pick up chatter related to you and your group. Did you see that creature that just passed by? I think it's a monster. Yeeek! Do you think it's here to attack us. What should we do? A cat and some child with cat ears ... the city is going to shit these days. Someone call the police. Omigosh someone record them for the views! (Sam, Cait, Pancake Knight, Niko, Alphinaud) The wandering pedestrians slowly direct their phones and cameras at you as they lose interest in the usual enviroment. Up ahead there are two major roads you can take. One that is lined anime stores, maids cafes, and a bunch of videogame cardboard cutouts. Another that is jam packed with pedestrians entering the local hotels and tech stores. (Ina) Your group has left you all alone at the front gates of "Raira Academy". If you run after them now you will be able to catch up with them. Or you could not run after them and see what else is in the area.

(Toki) Anri doesn't notice you at first. The world within her phone seemingly captures all her attention. When you speak you startle her cauing her to drop her phone. I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention. Anri ducks down to grab her phone and she audibly gasps after raising her head . She didn't notice the passage of time so the night sky comes as a shock to her. When the shock wears off what you said finally sinks in and she profusely apologizes. I'm sorry for being so rude. I'm fine now. I should be the one apologizing to you for leaving so suddenly. Anri shyly looks at you. The screen on her phone is still on reflecting it's light on her face. With the close proximity you are able to see that the device is a flip phone and that there is a chatroom application open on it's screen. I hope Ms. Kujiragi and Celty didn't give you too much trouble in there. They can be intense sometimes.

*I grumble nervously. God, I hate being watched by a crowd. Granted it's probably not actually me judging that these are normal humans and one of our companions is Puss in Boots. Still, I steel my nerves.* Well, I guess that answers one question. Non-Humans aren't normal. Guess we can rule out Modern Fantasy. *I'd stop and glance around as we arrive at the crossroads, scratching th back of my head with my metal hand.* This place is massive. I'd suggest we split up, explore in two teams and meet back up in a half hour. Or are you still worried I'm gonna wander off on my own, Mona?

Well, I'm alone... It cant hurt to explore a little bit, right? I mean, its a school, how dangerous could it be? I decide to look around near the school, following everyone a little bit, but nit exactly running after them. Just taking my time and allowing myself to breathe... Man, Ina would feel right at home here. I wonder how shes doing? Shes... Not mad at me for using her body is she? I mean now i know that our characters all had their own thoughts and stuff... "Ugh, i really need this walk." This is all way too much for me. I know i said i'd have everyone's back, but its still kinda a struggle since im still just a kid...

It almost feels like the eyes that are placed upon us are gazing straight into me. Getting stared at is one of the worst feelings in the world. "I get the feeling we're not too welcome here." Now, splitting up would be a good idea to cover more ground... But last experience I had with splitting up ended absolutely horribly. "If we split up, I'm thinking at least PK should come with me. I'm quite frail."

I flatten my ears and wrap myself up in my cape. This much attention is uncomfortable to say the least. My thoughts of possibly getting into a viral cat video are blocked out by our very best friend: anxiety! Hooray. The only thing I get from this chatter is stage fright and news about some gangs. We gotta kill gangsters now? I feel lost but Gin’s the man with a plan today. “‘m gonna go there...” I speedwalk towards the road with all the anime stuff. I’ll probably fit in more there. I try to ignore all the noise and stares and check out the window of one of the game stores.

"Tch, one moment guys." Quickly flipping open my grimoire, I cast a ruby carbuncle into existence. I would nod to it before pointing at the crowd, giving it direct orders. Ruby sprints to face the crowd, getting as close as it can to anyone recording. While it wouldn't do anything outright dangerous; growling, scratching and tackling should serve to disperse the crowd. It would continue these instinctual behaviors until there was no one left recording. I then respond to Gin's observation with psuedo insight. "I doubt it would make a difference if this was Modern Fantasy, seeing as that would still predate the Final Fantasy. Anyways, if we're doing teams I call Cait and/or Niko. Everyone else just seems like a total buzzkill."

*I would sigh at Mona's attempts to bring more attention to the group and begins heading off towards the tech stores and (unfortunately) more crowded street* Then go with Cait then. I'll see you all back here in a half hour, assuming nothing bads happened to any of us.

Wait, I just noticed that 04 isn't here. He must've stayed back. Knowing that Mona is going to be a part of my little group fills me with dread. Why couldn't Gin have taken him? "Hey, Alphi... I have a job for you, actually. Be a good boy and check on Ina for me, won't you? I think they're back at that school area." Good thinking, me.

"Aye, aye, captain." I naruto run towards where Cait is going without having even paid attention to what Niko said. Crossing my arms, I lean on the wall right by them as I look around the area for anything intresting, noting the games. "Soooooo, uh, you play video games too, right?"

"thankfully we had cats in common so we could start. Still don't think she likes me though." I don't really sound very thankful, crossing my arms with a sigh. What else we talked about didn't really matter, so there was no point in taking it any further than that. "As for Celty, they're so quiet I tend to forget they're there. Not a very good habit I'm afraid." I don't really have much to add, so I close my eyes again and wait for Anri. If they have anything important to add they'll probably let me know.

Ugh... Even here people stare. To be fair we aren't exactly the most normal looking group. I'm alright with splitting up so let's get going Ted. Uh. First things first though I swipe my cap off my head and place it atop of Ted. Trying to cover the ol ears a little bit so we aren't that off putting Better? At any rate lets get moving. I don't want the authorities here to get on my case for whatever that red thing is thats snarling. Maybe we can talk to someone at a hotel and pretend we are tourists. I then give Ted a second before continuing to the street with hotels sizing up our options before we commit. As for 04 I'm sure he's fine. The kids smart enough to run if its too much for him.

(Ina) You enter the empty metropolitan labyrinth and by the fifth block you are pretty much lost. Your group was already too far ahead for you to follow them perfectly. The streets also look identical in the dark of the night. As you wander around the same darkened house for like the fourth time you encounter a group of individuals wearing shark masks. You can't make out any of their physical features since they are crouching in the dark of a closed ally. Yet you can see the soft glow of fire coming from lighters being held in their hands. The shark masks slowly lower the lighters towards something at the center of their gathering and as they do the something is revealed to be a young man in a blue uniform. The young man whimpers as the lighters close in on him. If nothing is done the young man's unblemished skin is about to suffer some serious burns. Though it wouldn't really be your problem since none of the shark masks have noticed you. Their attention is currently on the young man in the midst of the frenzy. (Sam, Alphinaud, Cait, Niko, Pancake Knight) Most of the people are scared off by the magical creature. They don't even wait for it to claw before they take off to wherever may give them protection. A whole lot of phones are dropped in the process and a girl dressed in gothic lolita fashion swoops in to pick them up. She leaves just as quick once she has enough phones in her arms to fill a bathtub. The side streets are once again empty. (Cait and Alphinaud) You enter a whole new world enveloped by maid cafes, butler cafes, manga stores, and anime cosplay shops. Suddenly what made you stick out makes you fit in with the new crowd you have joined. Within a few seconds, you even have some fans that ask if your ears are real or shove a card in your face for some online fan group. Noticeably a lot of the fans are female with a few random guys here and there. Mostly a confused date or two. The girls though are practically one with this scene carrying fashionable purses in one hand and the latest visual art books in the other. When not distracted by the stores the female clientele of the area observe the local cosplayers, which now happens to include you and your friend. You are a hit with the ladies making it hard for you to really navigate around. Luckily, there is an open manga store nearby that looks pretty empty from where you are. Unless you enjoy the extra attention. Oh and a woman in a black newboy cap waves to you from behind a nearby tree. Might want to check that out if it is of interest. (Sam, Niko, Pancake Knight) You walk down the populated street and are given nothing but judgemental stares from the workaholics of the city. They don't look as scared as the previous group you encountered. But you obviously are not wanted here with your unusual clothing. Nevertheless, a few people soon take the title from you for most strange. An eccentric couple dressed in american football garb run out from a huge department with two large tvs in their arms. A lady wearing a wedding dress chases after them. Then there is a small boy running after all three of them with a surgical scapel in his hand. They all are about to pass you by but you only really have time to stop one of them while the rest get away. Well that or you could go shopping.

(Toki) Anri sighs. Celty used to be more talkative and could give great advice. Now she is just quiet like that all the time .... Anri checks the edge of the rusted door to make sure no one is listening in. It feels like i'm the one in charge now when I barely know what to do. I always let Kida and Mikado decide since they knew Ikebukuro best. Anri directly asks you. What do you think we should do?

*I would just watch the sight, mouth slightly open in confusion, at the sight. His brain slowly tries to figure out what he's looking at. The baseball fans are thieves, that much is obvious. But did they steal from a bride? No, that can't be it. They just came out of a hardware store. So obviously that's where the TVs came from. So is the bride an accomplice? And what's with the kid with the knife?* What the hell? *I decide to follow the wacky chase a little more to see what happens. Besides, the thief couple look annoyingly familiar and I can't let that stand. Uncaring about Niko and PK, I'd fast walk after the group, trying to keep up while staying a decent distance away, trying to act like an interested onlooker.*

Wow, the night is really calming... Well until you see some kid about to get burned. Shark masks? I can tell this is a gang but what kind of gang uses shark masks? This isnt some yakuza, but still, this is either a gang initiation, or some sort of twisted torture method. Either way, despite me being nervous, I'm not gonna just sit around and let this kid be hurt. "You know you guys shouldnt be messing with fire!" Yeah, a loli's voice isn't exactly the most intimidating thing in the world, but at least it should get their attention away from the kid. I stay out of the alley for now, just in case there are some people at the rooftops or something ready to surround someone if they try to be a hero. Plus, I'm immune to fire, if they try to fight with those silly lighters they're gonna have another thing coming.

As if anticipating the hat being put on my head, I put my headphones around my neck. The hat feels sorta uncomfortable, due to my cat ears, but... "Do I look good, PK?" I look over at the... Whatever the fuck is going on there. It absolutely does not concern me so I'm not gonna get involved. "You wanna go look at some of the shops? I feel like maybe a change of clothes would make people not stare at us."

"You're really gonna ask some drifter who just got here today?" I let out a weighty sigh. Neither of us were really any good at giving advicem the kid because he'd never actually say anything and I simply can't tell what they wanted to hear. I mean I don't know anything about them after all. "Leading is simple, just think about what you want and take whatever steps you'd logically have to to accomplish it. If you want to be able to live in peace, then you're either gonna have to deal with the gangs, or just leave town. There has to be somewhere out there you won't be bothered." it wasn't much of an idea, but that was really all that I could give. And honestly even that was kinda an annoyance. "Beyond that I can't really say I know much about your situation. Though if you do wanna fight I have a feeling gangs aren't even our biggest concern."

You look fine! I smirk as I look at my handiwork. An odd hat, but saying get smoked is probably the least weird thing here, meanwhile I watch Gin chase after a bunch of thieves as I holler after him Shout if you need us! Otherwise I'll keep Ted company. From what I've seen so far this town feels pretty sinister... I then turn back to Ted and get a bit of an ugly smile as I poke the mask I have on Gonna be honest. This thing isn't coming off no matter how hard I try. It's hardened by syrup over the years. If you wanna find some other clothes be my guest. Though, paying for it might be an issue. I don't have any yen and if Mordred morphs into yen it's gonna look real fake. Although with the culture of this town... Doesn't hurt my conscience to steal em.

“Yeah, usually RPGs-“ Gamer talk with Mona is immediately interrupted by the positive attention I’m somehow getting. I must look like a cosplayer to them. I try to answer them the best I can - “Fursuits are just getting really good these days... It’s a fairy cat from this really obscure series...” - but eventually I glimpse the woman in the cap. She stands out among this crowd. I stumble through the flow of people and slowly make my way over to her.

I would timidly follow Cait, blocking out anyone else on the way. While walking, I lean in close to my companion and whisper a bit louder than most people. "Hey, Kate. I can't talk to girls, what should I do?"

I keep moving along without even glancing at Mona. “Suck it up, coward.” I reply jokingly and, eventually, break free of the crowd. That lady by the tree looks important. Definitely more important than these otaku girls.

I smirk at PK. "Heh, I like the way you think. Hopefully no one bats an eye at clothing stealing, cus it really seems like no one cares about people stealing TVs." Well, time to go shopping I guess. Hopefully they have things in my size.

(Sam) You follow the peculiar group right to the end of the street. Ennis, we'll explain everything later. Oh! The blonde of the thieving duo shouts, as her male counterpart yanks her into Ikebukuro station. The woman in the wedding dress, having begun to trail behind, stops her pursuit. She knows it's futile to continue the chase with the hem of the wedding dress catching on her feet and the sheer size of the japanese subway system. That doesn't stop her from being markedly frustrated. Tsk. Ennis hisses out. On closer inspection you can tell that a wedding dress is probably the last thing this woman would choose to wear. Her short, spiky red hair and the sturdy boots beneath the dress put her at the level of poorly dressed cosplayer instead of runaway bride. With the chase finished, the boy that followed after Ennis stops by her side. The boy in a casual brown suit is easily the flower boy to Ennis' bride. That is if flower boys usually have medical scalpels on hand. The boy takes to wrapping the scalpels in a white cloth before shoving them up into the arms of his suit. He then tugs at Ennis' bridal gown and she crouches down for him to whisper in her ear. The two engage in conversation like this with the boy doing most of the talking and Ennis nodding her head occasionally. (Ina) The shark masks look at you for a tense second and then begin to laugh. Okay, whose kid is this? One of them asks the others. Not mine! You know I haven't had a date in while! Another one happily counters. Could she be one of Izaya's girls? A worried shark mask inquires. Doubt it. Izaya doesn't go for girls this young. The shark masks then talk amongst themselves in unintelligible whispers until one shark mask with a girlish figure steps forward and shouts to you. Hey little girl you should home! The streets aren't safe for your sort. The rest of the shark masks quiet down waiting to see what you do. In the meantime, their victim appreciatively grins at you and quietly grabs his phone from the pocket of his uniform. The victim's plain features suddenly look sharper as he frantically texts on his phone. (Niko and Pancake Knight) You look around some more for shops. To your left you see a towering department store called "Sunshine City". People swarm in and out of this complex with several bags filled with all sorts of goodies. A sign in front of the complex not only lists regular clothing stores that you can find anywhere else but also an aquarium, and arcade, and a roof top amusement area. To your right is the department store that the thieves just came from. This place isn't as impressive as "Sunshine City" but what it lacks in stature it has in sheer electronic commodities. From its windows you can see all sort of gadgets from tvs to washing machines. There are also far less people entering and exiting from the building. (Cait and Alphinaud) The crowd of fan girls hesitantly let you go as you make your way to the lady by the tree. The lady wears a black newsboy cap and a long-sleeved, black cheongsam giving off the aura of an elegant damsel. Yet, she reads through a volume of "The Irregular at Magic High School" while awaiting your approach. By her side lies a big filled with even more manga still protected by plastic foil. Once you are in front of her, the lady thumbs through one last page of the manga before finally putting it down to take a look at you. The lady nods with appreciation. That is some nice cosplay you have on. Could it be from the cell game that recently came out? What was it again? The lady instinctively glances at her side for assistance, but remembers that she is alone. Thus she has to answer her own question. Oh Arkoknight! The lady's eyes shine. and the other costume must be from Firey Emblem!

(Toki) There isn't really anywhere I can go ... Anri looks to you with a determined expression. Ikebukuro is the only place that feels like home by now. If this is how things are i'll just have to fight each of the gangs using my power. Anri is inspired by what you say, respectfully bowing to you as if she were your apprentice. I don't know where to start with all this but you seem to. Anri raises from her bow and offers you her hand. I can aks Celty to give us a ride back to Ikebukuro. You could lead for the time being and I'll protect you. Anri earnestly awaits your answer.

Yeah, knew I wouldn't be the most threatening. I give a confident grin at the young man, trying to let him know that this'll be taken care of in a few seconds. I cross my arms and stare at the figure. Their leader i assume? "Don't go judging books by their covers, guys. Might cause you some big problems. Like what if i were to judge you by your masks? Shark masks stop being threatening when you're 5, clowns" Being in high school has its perks, like being able to come up with comebacks that are at least somewhat clever. "Also, didnt your parents teach you not to play with lighters? Its dangerous for you and the people around you." Still no where near threatening, but getting them ticked will give that kid time to do.... Whatever hes doing.

Did he just say Ennis? *I mumble. Oh. Oh I know this one. Where do I know that name from? I tap my foot rythimically against the ground. Let's see. Tokyo. Those two thieves. The name Ennis. I hum in annoyance. I know I should know this one but some of the pieces don't seem to fit together. I'd wander while thinking, hovering arund the station entrance but not actually entering, wondering if I'm missing something about this situation at hand.*

The knockoff titles in this world are physically painful to hear. Good job, Mr. Anime Writer (Miss? Hell if I know who made this one.). “Close. Mine’s from a different mobile game. Spinoff of a JRPG series. Who’re you by the way?” It’s an absolute crime that Cait Sith isn’t actually in Dx2 but I play along regardless. Could she be a cosplayer? I dunno, the cap clashes with the rest of the outfit. I keep an ear and eye out for anyone else of note as I chat.

I look between the two stores and shrug, mostly waiting on Teddie to do something so I can follow it up. This is your show mostly. Just give me a little heads up and we can skidaddle whenever. More importantly just find something ya like. K? I don't think anybody here can really stop either of our personas.

I nod. "Well, let's go to that "Sunshine City" place. They'll probably have something I like. I hope." I begin making my way over there, hopefully people think the tail is just some part of a cosplay that I forgot to take off. "I give you permission to hold my hand if you're worried we'll get split up in there."

I shrug, following along and getting slightly offended as the woman guesses as to our characters' origins. "What a foolish guess. This is from Eff-Eff Zeev."

That's pretty gay bro. I smirk sarcastically as I get a little closer. Grabbing onto Teddie as I watch the crowds. Kinda being dragged along as I take my time. You know. It feels nice. Relaxing like this. I don't feel like people are staring at me for the wrong reasons in public.

“Plan is a... Strong word.” I cross my arms and begin tapping my foot. I had hoped they had an answer, seeing as I know almost nothing about the place, but it doesn’t take me long to consider our only real options “We may as well get started, but our options are somewhat limited. We could try to go after the leader of one of the weaker gangs, put them into disarray, but with only three or four people we won’t get any real momentum that way. It just puts us in the spotlight. Better would be if we could find some help. Anyone else who might be tired of these thugs and their constant infighting is more likely to be willing to help. If we could get the whole city to throw them off odds are you and Celty would be praised as heroes for a bit and left to live your lives.” Finally I breathe a hefty sigh. It’s an option I have to go into even if I’m not thrilled. “Lastly, during my encounter with Celty I saw something that looked human, but lacked any defining soul. If there’s actually a fifth group hiding here we might be able to work together with them. Of course, this last option amounts to chasing ghost stories. After all, I only saw it once and they weren’t trying to stand out. For all we know it could have been a fluke.”

(Ina) The young man mimes at you to run away. He texts at a faster rate to whoever is at the recieving end of his messages. The shark masks guffaw at your attempts to antagonize them. Aww can we keep this one? She is kinda cute in whiny dog sort of way. The shark mask with a girlish figure retorts. What. You into little girls now whiskers. Do you need a head check too? The shark masks immediately cover for their one member that deviated. Boss no. He is just playin a little. I'm sure it was a little mistake. The aforementioned boss sighs and relaxes his shoulders. We don't need more people taking bad about us. So little girl ... The boss extravagantly bows to you. What will it take to make this little mishap end? The guy behind us has it coming to him for all of his bad deeds and we are just carrying out some civilian justice. (Sam) You hover around the station entrance without much cover given the late hours of the night. Not that many pass you to enter and the last dreges of humanity that exit are overworked salarymen. You are conspicious in your biding of time. Is there something we can help you with? The boy innocently asks you. He presses against Ennis' dress to look more like an anxious child but you can still see the edges of his knives if you look at his shirt sleeves. Ennis pensively stares at you. (Cait and Alphinaud) I've never heard of Eff-Eff Zee. Could that be some new American game ... The lady wonders this out loud. Only to realize how rude she is kind of being. Sorry, the 2-D world calls to me all the time like a sweet siren serenade. But! This isn't what I wanted to ask you. The lady digs into her small, silver side bag and yanks out a flyer. Pointed at your face is a crudely drawn image of a woman in biker uniform wearing a yellow cat helmet accompanied by a high school girl with a Japanese sword in her hands. The drawing is so poor that it looks like a dark grey cloud is bleeding from the edge of the biker woman's helmet. The high school girl doesn't look to hot herself with poorly drawn glasses and choppy black hair. The lady though hopes that she got the point across. You can call me Karisawa for now. I picked you two out from the others cause no offense. Erika leans toward you conspiratorially whispering. You look strange yourselves. I am looking for these two weirdo friends of man that recently went missing and I thought perhaps a weirdo could attract a weirdo. That or maybe you two are secretly monsters yourselves that could help me sniff out my friends! Erika's eyes once again shine like she wants you to be some fearsome beast. So have you seen them? (Pancake Knight and Niko) You continue to attract more stares until you enter "Sunshine City". Afer you enter, all the attention seems to slip as the people inside focus on their own shopping. From where you enter you are able to see a basic mall directory. If you want to forego the mall directory then there are already plenty of stores to choose from. A cosmetics store. A basic clothing store. A toy store. and a pet store. Whatever shall you do in this state of the art complex.

(Toki) I know someone that could help us! Anri immediately shouts. While you were apeaking she took one look at her phone and abruptly became all gung ho for your first suggestion. But if we plan to ask them for help we need to hurry. Anri grabs your hand and levels a serious gaze at you. Also we can't tell any of the others about this. I know you just joined the group and are only getting to know me now ... Anri shows you her phone screen. On it is a forum based chat room that currently has about five people online. Anri's handle "Saika" is shown that have been active in it for the past hour or so. The other four have been active for a similar period of time but one them by the handle of "TarouTanaka" suddenly started to dip in and out. "TarouTanaka" is clearly in a dangerous situation if his many sos messages could be any indication. Also "TarouTanaka" was smart enough to send out the sos with his gps location, but that could have put the poor user in even more danger. But Tarou is a dear friend of mine and he could probably help us find that fifth group you mentioned. Anri nervously looks down unsure of what you will do. She knows she wouldn't be able to get far if you shout to the others inside.

*I flinch slightly as the boy speaks up.* Who me? Ah. No no. *I pause for a moment.* Actually, since you asked, there may be something. See, I'm a... well, I'm sort of an investigative journalist. I was hired from someone out of the city who runs a rumour blog to investigate some strange goings on in the city. You wouldn't happen to know anything like that, would you? *I nervously scratch the back of my head with my robotic hand. It's a lie made up on the spot but hopefully it works. Besides, any information could help connect what I think I recognise with something more concrete. It's worth a try at the very least.*

"Bad deeds? The dude looks like he just got out of an office job and wants a normal life. And i don't think setting people on fire is a good way to show your 'justice' as you call it. So I'd say you guys better back off." Hey, im pretty good at this whole 'confidence' thing. I mean, its a bunch of guys with shark masks and lighters. What are they gonna do, burn me? Not even possible in this body. As for the guy with the comment. "I'll let that comment slide for now... Ya creep"

“That’s fair. I stand out even for a cosplayer.” I get on my tip-toes to get a better look at the picture. I don’t expect much out of the messy drawings, but that helmeted girl - I know her! She’s from... Durarara, right? That fits with the whole “modern humans” thing of this place. I nod without thinking, then realize I have to go along with my reaction. Having my heart on my sleeve will get me into trouble someday. “I’ve seen that helmet girl before, but not recently. Hey, maybe we should see if the others know anything?” I direct that question to Mona. I doubt we’ll come up with much but if anyone knows the series, we may have some clues.

“Aye aye aye. To think you had a plan this whole time and still made me talk so much.” I let out a sigh, but that’s the end of my complaint. This tanaka was the best lead we had, so we had to follow it. With that in mind I’d chase after Anri, doing my best to keep up.

"Weird attracts weird, huh?" I smile with an uncharacteristic charisma, nodding as I analyse the picture. "We may be just monsters to some, but you may call me Alph." I think some more before hearing Cait's suggestion. "Well, Gin said to meet up in a half-hour and it's only been a few minutes. We have some time to look around first. Maybe they're at a café or something?"

"We might as well read the directory, right? Best to know all the options, right? And with that, I'd go ahead and read it, while there was a basic clothing store, gotta consider all options first. "Oh, and of course it's gay, do ya know who you're talking to, bro?"

I'm in more of the spontaneous purchase feel but I getcha. Not like it'll hurt. I stroll over as well. Just kinda hanging around. I should try to relax. It's been too tense lately. Meanwhile I smirk as I respond Ha! Wouldn't have it any other way.

(Sam) The boy's shoulders relax and he loosens his grip on Ennis' dress. Just another urban myth hunter. There was already a surplus of them in the city all looking for the same thing. Ah so you want to know more about the headless rider mister. The boy allows Ennis to explain. We recently arrived in this country and the first thing we learned about Ikebukuro is that it is haunted by a spirit. Some great phantom that rides a motorcycle made of shadows while weilding a fearsome scythe. We haven't really had to chance to see the headless rider yet. Czes is a huge fan of the rider. Czes once again assumes a childish vigor. Yeah the rider is so cool! She goes all whoosh and wham around the city. Now she destroys stuff but she is still soo coool~ (Ina) Well we can't mar this impressionable little girl with a terrible display of violence. The boss tells the other shark masks around him. A few let out a chorus of "awws" as the others carefully shover their lighters back into their pockets. Once the lighters are gone, the boss leads them toward you to return to the street. The shark masks go on ahead and as the boss passes you by he tells you. Remember the mercy of the blue squares. We may be a gang but unlike the rest we don't go for nosy little brats. Now run along to momma before some other monster comes to eat you. The boss laughs right after and leaves with the rest of his gang. Now its only you and the young man in the alley. The young man remains seated as his whole body quivers after the encounter. But the young man has enough sense to say. Thank you for helping me out. I really thought I was about to die there. (Cait and Alphinaud) Erika grins when she hears the good news. You have to tell me everything. Where did you last see her, was anyone with her, did she attack you? She grabs one of your arms and that of your companion. Nevermind! We don't have much time! I'll just take you to meet the others so we can sort this out together. If you allow her to, she will pull you all the way to a maid cafe on the same street and ask for a table for six. (Niko and Pancake Knight) The mall directory displays a few additional venues that may catch your eye. The Aquarium Rooftop Fun Park Idol Show Food Court

(Toki) Anri bashfully states. It's not like this is a plan. I know some people and I didn't know if I could trust you with that info. Keeping up with Anri means taking the local subway with her since she lacks any other means of transportation. The subway ride back to Ikebukuro goes smoothly with Anri not really saying much to avoid attracting attention. While in the actual car she maintained distance from everyone and flinched whenever a male came close to her. After exiting, she let out a breath that even she didn't realize she held in. After some more walking you are back at the scramble crossing that you originally landed in. The damage from earlier is still there as workers arrive now to clear it for the morning commute. Anri dejectedly sighs. The sooner this war ends the better it'll be for everyone. Anri checks her phone for "Tarou Tanaka's" location. It says that he is somewhere over there. She points toward two streets. One of the streets is filled with people and all sorts of cosplay, anime, and manga stores. Otome Road. The other street is the exact opposite. An empty side street that only have the light of the street lamps to liven it up. I don't want to be near ppl ... Anri says but she is likely to stay with whatever you decide.

*"A headless rider riding a motorbike that can control shadows?" I pause, eyes widening in realisation. "No. But that wuld make everything connect." I look around the city skyline again. "No, it made perfect sense. This world was the world of Durarara. In that case, that would make these too and the two thieves before some of the immortals from Baccano, the series set in the same timeline." I slowly nod my head.* I see. I see. Thank you. That helps a lot actually. * "So, that narrows down a lot os possibilities of why we're here. My first bet is that... what was his name? Izuku? No, that's My Hero Academia. Whatever. That guy is the cause of all this. He did seem to be the big bad of the main series after all." I'd look back at the two. "But if they're here, perhaps it's someone from Baccano. Wonder if we'll run into an immortal version of Clair or Ladd. That could be problematic." I'd drum my hand on the top of my cane.* Oh. Names Sam by the way. So, I take it you two are Foreignors as well then? Are you here for... a wedding or something? You definatly dressed for the part.

Upon the attempt to pull on my arm, I would preemptively jerk back a considerate distance, not allowing myself to be dragged away. "I can walk on my own." After following Cait and Erika into the maid cafe, it would not take more than a few seconds of taking in the sight of the place for me to groan, absently looking at the decor with disdain. "They're finally here, performing for you. If you know the words, you can join in too. Put your hands together if you want to clap. As we take you through this monkey rap. Huh-huh-huh, DK. Donkey Kong. DK. Donkey Kong is here."

“I only saw her pass b-“ I let out a tiny mew as I’m practically dragged off to a maid cafe by an otaku I met thirty seconds ago. It’s almost comical, to be honest. I shrug and just play along. Maybe I’ll finally learn what the big deal with maid cafes is. All I know is that they’ll pretty expensive and not my fetish. Wait, that’s not what’s important. That biker lady must be a main character if she’s so mysterious. I’ll have to see what Karisawa’s other three friends know. “...Oh, just realized. Forgot to say my name. Call me Cait. It’s a nickname that’s stuck.”

....wow, now i get why Ina gets so frustrated when people call her a kid. But anyways, I wait for them to leave, make sure they're gone, then crack up for a good few seconds. "HAHAHAHHAHA the blue squares!? Seriously!? Thats the best name you could come up with for a gang!? I could have made something better when i was 5!" After hearing the young man thank me, i turn to him and give that same confident smile. "Its no problem, dude, that is the LEAST intimidating gang i have ever seen though. Thats no jab at you by the way, I'm sure most people would be scared by having lighters up close to them."

"Shouldn't your GPS be a little closer than that?" I ask with a raised eyebrow. Still, it didn't really matter at this point. If Tanaka were in trouble he's probably not in a wide open area. Though he might be trying to hide in the crowd, If Anri's phone couldn't find him, odds are they couldn't either. This in mind, I ultimately let out a sigh "It'll be easier to check the quiet street anyways. You know what they look like right?" because I sure didn't, and it would be a waste of time to come through looking for someone and not even know what we were looking for.

An... Idol show? Now that's interesting! Typically I would be pretty meh to the idea of it. But we are in anime land. And who doesn't like anime girls? I sit tight and wait for a response. But I feel pretty set in stone. I would regret it for the rest of this life if I didn't take the opportunity when its right in my face.

An Idol show, huh? Sounds interesting but... "First, change of clothes, then we can go check out the idol show, okay? If you wanna go check it out by yourself feel free to." With that, I'd make my way over to the clothing store.

Aw fine. I'll come with ya. Not gonna leave ya that easily. We still don't exactly know what people here are capable of. I follow behind Ted, curious as to what he might pick out. It's nice to get out here but I should still be at least a little careful.

(Sam) Ennis blushes at your inquiry. So Czes enthuses. My mom and dad are already married! Ennis softly clarifies. I am on a honeymoon with my spouse and we decided to bring Czes with us. We wanted to get a break from the city so we came here. Though this city isn't really peaceful. (Alphinaud and Cait) You guys are a lot of fun. Erika laughs at your peculiar behavior as she orders black milk tea for the table. The maid that takes her order is a young girl in a european style maid outfit. The maid's face is a brilliant red once she leaves your table, because Erika fills half her order with exuberant compliments. Erika even points out for herself and possibly you that the maid is supposed to be the sweet type. After the order is taken a comfortable silence settles as Erika waits for her friends to arrive. You wait with her. The steaming black milk tea arrives first in a set of paw print cups. Erika squeals in delight at the cuteness of the cups. Before the tea gets cold, the others arrive and sit in the booth seat that is opposite of you. It's an odd trio of a young man in a bartender outfit, another young man in a lab coat, and a high school student with a yellow bandanna tied around his neck. Erika tries to introduce the three, but the young man in a lab coat immediately shoves his hand in front of you and jumps right in. Hi, my name is Shinra! I'm a doctor in love and you've said that you have seen my darling Celty! You have to tell me everything! Please reunite this poor soul with the love of his - ack! Shinra chokes as he is pulled back by the young man in a bartender outfit. This young man introduced himself. Shizuo. I'm sorry for this idiots behavior. Shinra hangs his head after recovering. Shizuoooo they know where Celty is. Can you blame me for losing me heaaaddd~ The high school student sighs with embarrassment. Senpai you are supposed to be a role model for me. Someone to aspire to. This is kind of pathetic ... Erika laughs some more at the antics of her friends. Aww Kida don't be like that. Can you really blame Shinra for losing it for someone he loves? Like imagine if Shinra were a Kirito and Celty were an Asuna. The sheer passion of being separated for so long is enough to blind any spectator! Erika jumps up with her arms outstretched after saying all this and everyone else in the cafe stares at her. Kida noticeably ducks his head down into his arms to avoid being associated with this odd group. (Ina) The young man awkwardly replies. A lot of normal people would ... but this is Ikebukuro where normal isn't really a thing ... The young man's gaze becomes a little unfocused. I still need to get better. Hmmm anyway who are you? The young man amends what he said. I'm sorry, I'm being really rude right now. I'm still sort of in shock. Uh my name is Mikado so what is yours? Mikado slightly smiles in a more welcoming manner (Niko and Pancake Knight) You enter the nearby clothing store and are instantly met with rows upon rows of the latest in Tokyo fashion. A wide selection of shirts, pants, hats, scarves, and any other article of cloth is available within your reach. There is also a sale of 50% off that is currently going on, which would explain why the store is jam packed with a bunch of mothers and disgruntled teens this late at night. Attention shoppers. The store will be closing in a hour. Though your time is limited.

(Toki) Anri nods. I do. Tarou is an old high school friend that I haven't seen in a while. A light blush dusts Anri's pales cheeks as she explains. However, you may not even notice this as she takes off into the empty side streets forcing you to follow at a similar pace. The two of you dash past darkened office buildings and alleys occupied by mewing stray cats. Your encounters with any people are minimal and the people you do meet along the way are mostly drunkards stumbling in the dark. A few homeless people too sleeping under the dying light of a street lamp. But, there is no time to stop and chat as Anri continues to rush forward. The navigation app lets out a low buzz once you have reached the location. An alley with two people in it. Anri is about to go forward, but then she sees an unexpected person there and ducks behind a wall next to the alley. She looks over at you to see what should be done next. If you peer into the alley you will see one of your former companions, a loud white-haired girl, talking to a plain high school student with a small demeanor. The high school student has just introduced himself to your companion.

I breath a deep sigh as the atmosphere plummets mentally. Shopping has never been particularly enjoyable experience, especially with this much people. Plus adding on the adrenaline of stealing. My nerves were thoroughly shot. A plan did hatch in my brain though. Pulling Ted in close and trying to be a little discreet about it Alright, alright. Hear me out. This is going to sound crazy. But the best way to blend in, may be to act as a cosplay couple. This does involve you cross dressing. The reasoning for this is that we might be hanging around Akihabara for a while. And gays are kind of a no no in Japan. If we just look like weird Otakus is might be better then... Whatever we look like right now. As for getting the clothes in the first place... I can maybe try storing them in the Velvet Dimension for a while. Or we can cause a distraction and run for it?

I get a little closer to Anri to whisper “The girl’s a friend of mine, she won’t cause any harm. Not if I go first anyways.” Friend was a bit of a strong word, but it was much easier than trying to explain the entire situation. With that, I leave Anri for a hot second to walk straight towards Ina and the schoolboy and wave “Been a while hasn’t it kid?” I say to the white-haired girl before stopping several feet away, so as not to give their conversation partner much reason to run as I look over to him. “Name’s Towa by the way. I’m a bit of a drifter. Nice to see you two are getting along ok.”

I was about to introduce myself to the boy,but then i hear something. A voice, in fact. Wait a minute... I heard that voice before... Gamma!? What's he doing here? He went with the second group, didnt come back, and now he's here? Never mind that for now, I'll find that out in a bit. For now, I'll play along with him until i can find out what happened. "Ohh, hey Towa! I just kinda had to help him out, some gang with a really dumb name was harassing him... I think they were called the blue rectangles? Blue rhombi? Some 4 sided shape, they had a really dumb name" I turn back to the boy, smiling warmly as well. "Anyways, the names Ina, so its nice to meet you"

I nod at PK's idea. "Alright, that sounds good to me. Just do whatever you think would work best." First things first, I gotta see if they have any cat-ear hoodies. I could probably cut a hole in them and such, it'd be a much more comfortable way of concealing my ears than the get smoked hat.

Alrighty then! Sounds good to me. I'll try to look for somewhere I can place a door inconspicuously while you find something to wear. Don't take too long! I then breakaway from Ted for a bit as I check out the rest of the store. Looking around for a bathroom or changing room. Or a place with some relative privacy from prying eyes.

Ah. I see. *I nod along with Ennis’ statement. Guess when you’re immortal, it’s alright to take that slow, I’d think.* Well, congratulations on the marriage. Strange thing to be wearing for chasing thieves though. *I’d feign shock before laughing nervously.* Oh. Erm. N-not that there’s anything wrong there. Chasing after criminals is valiant no matter what you’re wearing. Ah ha ha.

Rather than sitting down, I would merely stand near the table and pace back and forth, interacting with the group occassionally. "Yeah, Kate said they saw them."

I feel almost sorry for that poor maid, but compliments are better than harassment I suppose. I’m no fan of tea but I’m not gonna complain. What kind of cat would refuse a paw print cup? I hold the teacup in my paws and take tiny sips while I wait. I’m so distracted by the cafe itself that the scientist’s “introduction” nearly makes me spill my tea. I smooth my fur back down and try to keep their names straight. I recognize Shizuo. He’s the only character aside from Celty I know. Don’t know much aside from the fact he’s got superhuman strength if I remember correctly. I chuckle at that SAO reference from our dear host and decide to make my introduction. “Nice to meet you guys. I’m Cait. Sorry to get your hopes up, but I don’t have much to say aside from how I’ve seen Celty in passing once. I might be able to help you look though. I’ve got a good nose and some buddies that might have some clues.” I doubt Celty’s our target, but she seems important enough to warrant a little sidequest. It might help me learn more about this world too...

(Niko) You find a cat ear hoodie after you peruse through the childrens clothing section of the store. The hoodie is black with two cat ears on top and "I'm a cat" written in bright white letters of trhe pocket. The price tag says that the hoodie costs 6,418.53 yen (approximately 60 USD). (Pancake Knight) You find a fitting room in a secluded section of the store that is away from everyone else. Once inside you can see that the fitting room has five mini rooms sectioned off for changing. Each of the rooms is blocked off from prying eyes by a red curtain and plain white walls. There is only one person changing in the mini room furthest away. The person sings with a high-pitched feminine voice as an average looking-teenager with dark blue hair and brown eyes waits for her to finish. The teenager wears a light blue hoodie and casual jeans, but you can see a shark mask peeking out from the pocket of his hoodie. If you stare too long at the teen he will notice you and raise an eyebrow at your get up. (Toki) Anri waits for you to give her some sort of signal when its safe to come out. (Toki and Ina) H-Hi i'm Ryuugamine Mikado. Mikado utters. He notices how strange your clothing is and asks. Are you two new to the city? Mikado then looks away. Sorry if the question is a little rude. Foreigners haven't really visited in a while and I used to be new myself so - Mikado is cut off by the ringing of his phone, which he hastily turns off. For a moment, his eyes sharpened with annoyance before settling into a nervous gaze. School stuff. He explains. I was going to say that you two should be careful. Ikebukuro has a lot of supernatural creatures but its really the people here that are real scary. (Sam) Ennis and Czes frown and look at each other. Before you get the wrong idea the people we were chasing aren't thieves- Ennis begins to state. She takes a second to think and then continues. They are eccentric with an unsual way of going about things. Czes nods in agreement. We were all trying to capture this person that attac- Czes pulls on Ennis' dress and shakes his head. Stole from us and you see the other two got it in their head that they must mimic the thief to catch the thief. By the way have you seen a blond in a bartender outfit? (Alphinaud and Cait) Nooooooooo my loveley Celty is missing for another day! Shinra wails. Shut up Shinra! Shizuo and Kida shout at the same time. Okay now everyone in the cafe is staring at your group and a maid can be seen heading to the manager's door. Erika notices this, immediately shoving out a fistful of cash and dumping it on the table. We'll take your help. Now run before the police get here! Erika shouts as she runs out. Shizuo, Shinra, and Kida follow right behind her and you are forced to hurry unless you want to be left behind to explain the scene. If you follow this odd group then you will be back at the bench probably panting along with everyone else. Minus Shizuo. Shizuo just glares at Shinra.

Well, of course I'm gonna grab that. Now it's time to find some skirts and stuff. "...I wonder if this place has lipstick? I've always wanted to try some on." God, I'm gonna look good.

Wow, has this kid never seen a kimono before? But strange creatures and people, huh. "Oh, if we're talking about supernatural creatures and strange people, im down for whatever! And yeah, i'm kinda a drifter too" I'm still a little concerned about Gamma, but i know I'll get to ask him about it later. Just keep up the act for now. "So whats up with them? Anything you can tell us?"

I’ve had enough social anxiety for one day, so time to follow Erika. Cait’s body is in better shape than mine so I’m not too winded after that dash. Still breathing hard though. I slump against the bench. “Your friends are a handful. No offense.” That little adventure killed some time, but the thirty minutes probably hasn’t passed yet. I wish I had a watch. “So, what now?”

“Gang problem right?” I ask the white-haired kid. 04 mentioned they got into a tussle with the blue squares, unless there’s a fourth gang running around, so it stands to reason the kid probably wasn’t with them. That and he doesn’t seem to mind 04 being a supernatural creature themselves. “That’s actually what we’re here for. I’ve been traveling around the world solving problems for two years now. That’s when I met the kid.” Nodding to 04 “As you can see I’m... Well familiar with the supernatural. In fact I guess that’s why I’m here. I look back to Anri’s hiding spot and nod that the coast seemed clear. At least if the guy was repelled by her they could move on easily

I don't exactly break into a full sprint, but I manage to keep up with the rest of the group. Wouldn't take long for my heart rate to drop to resting as I glance at each member of the group. "You guys sure were in a hurry to get out. I'm assuming either the cops here are prejudiced or you've already done something. I'm going now to stay out of trouble." I would start walking away in the direction that would lead to the meeting spot, looking for an arcade to enter on the way.

Hmm. A blond bartender you say. *I'd scratch my chin with my metal hand in thought. Clearly, they're talking about Shizuo but I suppose I shouldn't really know about that yet, huh? I shake my head slowly.* Nah. Sorry. Can't say I do. I'm new around these parts myself after all. Sorry.

I weave my way through to the changing rooms and take a deep breath. I can definitely make a door inside one of these. But I've gotta wait for Ted to get his stuff first. I do notice the odd teen though. A shark mask is kinda odd. Not odder then my Crow mask though. I figure I should take the initiative before they do and try to accoust me. I give them a small wave as I raise my voice little. Making sure to be heard above the rabble of the crowd in the store by the Shark Mask Teen Yo! Waiting on someone? Sister or something? I'm waiting for a friend of mine. Why don't we kill some time together. Kind of a bore shopping ain't it? The names... Eh, you can call me PK. It's short for something.

(Niko) The place does have lipstick on display in the cosmetics section and you pass by some skirts after walking through the summer fashion aisle. The lipstick colors range from a natural pink to neon green. While the skirts comes in a variety of styles that verge along risque. It's a shopping paradise for anyone in need of a new wardrobe. (Ina and Toki) Anri takes the cue and quietly moves into the alley. Mikado doesn't see her until she is right behind you and he nervously falls backward once she is noticeable. Stay away Saika! Mikado yelps. He is smiling from ear to ear, but his eyes are widened in terror. Anri tries to reassure him. Mikado it's not like- But Mikado instantly states. Saika I know you are controlling Anri. Please let her go! Anri's eyes instinctively turn red and she hugs herself with her arms. She obviously wants to say more yet doesn't know what to say. You need to move away from her before she cuts you. Mikado warns you. [b](Cait)[/b] Erika exuberantly states. This is actually an unusually quiet day for us. Shinra nods in agreement with her and Kida simply sighs. Shizuo looks around, noticing the amount of people leaving the street. It's almost midnight. We should continue our search tomorrow. He states. Shinra immediately argues. B-But Shizuo what is Celty is lost and alone somewhere. A lonely phantasm wandering the streets wondering where her prince charming went. Shinra fake faints on top of Kida. I hate to agree with this waste of a senpai but I think we should keep looking. Kida mutters. Finally, Erika chips in her own opinion. It'll be cool to do some late night ghost hunting. Mmmmm though we might be inviting trouble at this point. We should meet up again tomorrow to search some more. Shinra and Kida want to keep looking as Shizuo and Erike suggest a tactical retreat. The four look at you to be the tie breaker. (Alphinaud) You almost make it back to the meeting spot when you suddenly feel a pricking sensation on the back of your neck. A terrible cold sinks into your body and rushes up to your head as you suddenly loose strength in your limbs. Onii-chan we caught a monster~ You hear an obnoxious voice say this. Your legs feel ready to give out at any moment and your vision blurs. You only have a few seconds left before you pretty much eat the concrete. (Sam) Ennis and Czes are dissapointed by your answer, but they try not to let it show. Emphasis on the try. Since Ennis is an open book and Czes naturally falls into a scowl their feelings are obvious. We have our work cut out for us tomorrow. Ennis tells Czes. Bye. Ennis says to you. She begins to walk back to the hotel occupied street with Czes. (Pancake Knight) Something like that. The teen replies as a bra lands on his head. The teen faintly blushes, opting to pretend not to notice the article of clothing on him. So what is with your clothing? It screams fighter or maybe cosplayer. I can't really tell. The teen pulls out the shark mask that was sticking out of his hoodie. Doesn't matter~ If you find shopping lame then I might be able to help you with your boredom. The girl behind the curtain meekly says. Aoba you said we would go for ice cream ... The teen shrugs.

Woah woah woah hold up... Is she trying to kill us? I jump back and ready two small fireballs, nothing too big, i dont wanna hurt someone being possessed after all. "Listen i dont know who you are but you'd best step away." I look kinda worried, its plastered all over my face, especially in a way that gamma can see. But i need to be brave and hope he has my back.

As I hear the voice, I quickly try to concentrate on using my aetheric energies to cast esuna, hopefully regaining control before hitting the floor. Either way, I would respond to the mysterious voice with a tone of shock and pain, yet not outright fear. "I didn't even do anything, why are you...?"

*With a small smile, I give the two a half hearted wave.* Good luck with everything. Thanks for the help. *After the two are a reasonable distance away, I'd straighten up the collar of my lab coat before heading back towards the crossroads to meet up with everyone. It's a little early, but now I know where we are, I need to tell them. Information is key, after all.*

"Now now, everyone calm down. we don't have time to be fussing like children." I let out an irritated sigh and close my eyes. Once again dropping my normal sight in favor for looking at the company's souls, mostly interested in Mikado's. Better to see what we're dealing with here. "They're not gonna hurt anyone while I'm here. I might not be as strong as some of the heavy-hitters here, but I'm still more than capable of preventing ambushes." Once I open my eyes again I start by focusing on calming down Ina "I'd really appreciate it if you didn't burn my friend here. Its a bit of a long story, but we all want the same thing in the end." which brings me to raising an eyebrow at Mikado. I had thought this would go better given their openness to the inhuman side, so their reaction was disappointing "Right? You did say that the people were scarier than the creatures right? Long as we all want the same thing, to push the gangs back in their place and restore normalcy, it shouldn't really matter who we're working with."

Dark purple skirt, black lipstick, that's what's on my mind, so that's what I'm gonna grab. "Alright... Should I stop here?" Of course not, if I'm gonna pull off the look, I'm gonna go all out. Thigh highs and some comfy shoes are what I need, obviously.

I smirk as the bra lands, positioning myself on the wall opposite of them and kicking back a little. Gotta show I'm friendly and try to defuse it a little. There's no doubt in my mind I could take on a normie at this point. But still. I'm not here to fight. Heh. Let's just say a mix of both. I was hoping to see that idol show soon... But if you really want to throw down I'm game. Let me warn you though this outfit ain't just for show. Mordred! As I shout for my Persona it materializes in my hand in its signature greatsword version. A few sparks fly off of it as I rub the back of my neck. Honestly I'd rather talk though... Especially about that mask of yours. Ya mind telling me or do I have to beat ya first?

Mona wandered off somewhere, so I guess I have to make choices now. Fun. I stretch and consider my answer. It’s probably getting close to meeting time, so... “Gettin’ rest could help, but maybe we should use a bit more time before calling it a day. I’m supposed to be meeting up with my friends soon so we can probably ask them if they got any leads. We can play it by ear after that, nya.” This’d be a wild goose chase just wandering around aimlessly. Who knows, maybe we got some Durarara nuts in the mix.

(Everyone) Thirty minutes have passed The streets of Ikebukuro are nearly barren by now as the late night shoppers and wandering students venture home to rest. Only those with unique goals and motives remain. A crowd of schemers, rogues, and thieves hidden among the few lambs left. (Toki) You observe Anri's bleeding red soul before turning to Mikado's normal soul. Anri's soul actively shouts "love me" to any other soul that may hear it. While Mikado's soul is as painfully normal as a human soul can possibly get. Mikado stares at you in disbelief. But Saika takes control of people against their will? (Toki and Ina) Anri nervously tries to explain. I'm actually the mother of Saika's children. Wait! but I didn't make all the children. That was someone else ... She lamely finishes. Anri then stares at the ground willing everyone one to pretty much believe her on this. Mikado vocalizes. Anri .... I want to believe you. I missed you. Mikado looks at you then the ground and then he finally looks up with a determined gaze. So i'll just have to believe you for now. He naively states, standing up to move on. Anri grins clearly restraining herself from running up to Mikado and hugging him. (Alphinaud) Esuna cleanses your veins of the foreign substance injected into you. Just in time too allowing you to stumble forward rather then fall. If you recover enough to look up then you are able to catch a glimpse of a bookworm student in a dog-eared white hoodie. You aren't given the chance to peek for much longer as your head is beaten down with a baseball bat and the bookworm student injects you again with a syringe in her left hand. Wow this monster has some fight in him. Onii-chan will have some fun with him~ The same numbing effects instantly sink into your bones and your head feels the crunching impact of the metallic bat. No one comes to your aid. (Sam) You arrive at the crossroads and none of your other companions are there. Though you can easily see one of your companions currently being stabbed with something by a bookworm student in a dog earned white hoodie. A bloody bat hangs at the side of another individual there who is wearing a shark mask. (Niko) You find a wide variety of comfortable yet fashionable shoes in the shoe section of the store. The store will be closing in ten minutes. The pa system voice drones on as you pass by the section that has the thigh highs that you so desire. (Pancake Knight) Aoba acknowledges your power with a condescending sneer. Hey Kururi the ice cream might have to wait. The changing room curtain shakes. Aoba you promised. Aoba assures her. I'll treat you to ice cream and some dango if you wait right there for me. The girl behind the curtain sighs. Fine. You better come back or I will punish you. Aoba brushes past you, purposefully hitting your shoulder with his as he waits near the exit of the changing room. Got it Kururi! Aoba purrs to you. The cgi effect you have on you is cool but can it do anything. (Cait) Shizuo and Erika look uncertain about your suggestion. Yet, Shinra is fully with you on this. Every princess needs at least a few knights to save her and Celty is no exception! Thank you oh fair damsel. My eterna- Shizuo covers Shinra's mouth effectively shutting him up. Kida winks at you. Sounds like a plan. Erika gives in. It might be fun to continue the search with more people. Like momotaro and his crew~ Finally, Shizuo relents as the rest of his companions agree to your proposal. They all wait for you to take the lead and guide them to the rest of your friends.

It sounds like shes being genuine... I drop the fireballs and they fizzle out. "Fine... I'll believe you for now even if i dont know what any of this means. And if Towa trusts you, i guess I'll trust you too. But i'm keeping an eye on you..." Its hard for me to trust anyone right now. Im in an unfamiliar world, and i already have trust issues, so this just amplifies them to 100. "Sorry Towa, instinctual things...." Gamma... How did he get here? How much does he know? I'm gonna find out as soon as i can, but id rather not make anyone be suspicious of me.

Alright grab the shoes... Ooh, those thigh-highs have a neat little grey and black diamond pattern. Me likey, me grab that. "Alright, I think PK went over to the changing rooms? Hopefully I'm right." I rush over to the changing rooms as quick as possible.

"Yeah yeah its alright kid. Just try to stick close to me then k?" I was never much for reassurance, but at least them knowing me might make 04 feel a little better. something stable that could handle any issues. That is pretty much why I existed. now probably wasn't the best time to mention how little I cared about the Saika problem. I didn't really want to interrupt Anri and Mikado's little reunion, and now that I have a good idea of what everyone's spirit is like, I felt it was ok to let them go for a little bit longer.

*Upon seeing no-one there at the appointed time, I would sigh.* Why do I trust people... *With that, I'd wait for my allies to arrive. Hopefully it doesn't take too long.*

“Gotcha, this way!” I start heading back to the crossroads we were supposed to meet up at. The city’s quieter now, making it less overwhelming to the senses. My sense of direction isn’t the best but the landmarks and Gin’s unusual outfit make let me find the place easily. We’re the early ones, eh? I wave to him. “Hey, Gin, ya know anything about a girl in a yellow cat ear helmet?” I pause. Why are we the only two of our group here? I look around for Mona as I slow down. There’s some noises coming from nearby, but what is it..? “You seen any of our buddies as well?”

Glad to see someone can tell the time. Hey Cait. *I'd give the cat a wave, giving a slight pause at the sudden group following him but then shrug.* Nope. All I found was a runaway bride. Sorry, bride on her honeymoon but still somehow in her wedding dress. Some people, am I right? *I'd give Cait a slight wink before shaking my head.* No. I've not... *At that moment, I spot Mona getting attacked.* Scratch that. Mona's got himself in trouble again. Give me a sec. *With a sigh, a start heading in their direction. Mona's useless but he is an ally. I suppose I might as well help. With that thought, I'd raise my arm and fire a bolt from my metal arm. It's mostly a warning shot, hopefully to make Mona's assailants panic into thinking I have a gun or something.* Hey. Stop that. *Hey stop that? Is that really the most intimidating thing I could come up with?*

Nnrg.. As his shoulder hits mine I get knocked back a little. Taking a step back and gritting my teeth. He's kinda pissing me off. Still though. If I gotta beat information out of him so be it. I can always heal him after. I think your in over your head kid. Just letting you know I'm not holding back. I follow him outside of the changing rooms and give him a moment to ready himself before charging in, thrusting forward with Mordred before morphing the end of the blade into a giant mass of teeth and razors. Attempting to chomp down on anything they can reach Heh. Hows that for CG eh?Gotta thank God Eater for reminding me of that move!

(Ina and Towa) Anri and Mikado hug out the lingering tension between them. Then, like a couple caught in something illicit, they both blush and look away. They pointedly don't gaze at you or each other afterwards. How have you avoided capture? Mikado quietly asks. He directs the inquiry at you and your companion not quite wanting to associate Anri with the abnormal just yet. (Niko) You head to the changing room, but as you near it you see your companion about to face off with a grinning teenager. The personas and knives are out in the, way too tiny for this, clothing store. (Pancake Knight) Aoba slips two short knives into the palms of each of his hands, but is woefully caught off guard by your toothed blade. He catches the thrust with two angled knives as the giant mass of teeth and razors proceed to mutilate the catching hand. May Aoba not be a righty, because the blood streaming from his caught hand is not a great sign. Aoba groans in pain sliding down in an attempt to relieve the hold on his hand. Not bad. He heaves out. His watery eyes not supporting his cheekiness. (Sam and Cait) Retreaaaaat! The warning shot scares off the hooded girl and her powerful accomplice leaving behind your sedated companion. He hasn't bitten the dust yet, but the blunt force wound on him oozes out a considerable amount of blood. Is the elf okay? Erika curiously asks. (Alphinaud) You continue to remain unconscious.

I cross my arms and let out a sigh as I lean against the alley wall. It was annoying to have these questions, but answering them faster gets us going faster. “The simplest way to put it would be to describe my ability as a form of precognition. Simply put, I’ve avoided trouble by never being in the wrong place at the wrong time unless I’m needed. Long as the kid’s followed in mg footsteps they’d probably be fine too.” Of course Celty and Ina had both seen my abilities close enough to know there’s more to it than that, but Celty had a silent streak and Ina seemed willing to play along. But we couldn’t play too long after all. I raise an eyebrow at Anri “Not to cut this reunion short, but wasn’t your friend in trouble? We should probably get to it.”

I sigh and glare at PK. "Have fun with your little... Thing." I check if any of the changing rooms are open and empty, and if one of them is, I'll enter it.

*I tap Mona with my cane lightly once or twice. Well, at least he isn't dead yet. That's a plus.* He'll be fine. Don't worry about him. He wouldn't worry about you if you were in this position anyway. * I'd turn back to Cait and his new allies.* And I see you found yourself some cool new friends, Cait. Names Sam. Pleasure.

“No idea, that doesn’t look good, I look away for one minute-“ My response devolves into unintelligible muttering as I rush over to Mona. He’s gonna have one hell of a concussion. I’m kind of having a mental trainwreck right now but I have enough sense to press my cape against the wound. Sam’s got a point but I still feel bad. “Oi Sam, mind helping me drag him to somewhere that’s not the middle of the sidewalk? What just happened anyway?” I never got a good look at those jerks that ran off. I open my mouth slightly and take a good sniff of this area but I’m not expecting much with all the blood smell overwhelming me in the first place. I’m just hoping more of our crew arrive and fast.

"Yeah, i usually just follow Towa around and we have eachother's backs, so even if someone were to try to capture us we wouldnt have to worry about a thing." It almost seems like gamma knows im just playing along... But i have to keep going. "Yeah, im sure it was kinda scary having that happen, even if i think the group seemed like a bunch of children, heh. We should probably get to a safer area in the city, unless you guys have a hiding spot?"

Sure. Sure. *I'd give Cait a hand in moving Mona's unconscious body.* From what I can guess, we may have just either stopped a robbery or a kidnapping. Either way, Mona owes us now.

Hey this wasn't even my idea! I just wanted to talk! I shrug back at Niko before turning back to Aoba. Sighing and taking a step back. Holding Mordred close to my body. Look. Unless you got some weird power you are severely outclassed here. We should stop this before you lose more then just your pride alright? Hell, I'll even heal your hand as a sign of good faith. Diahan. I then wave Mordred lightly as it sends out a green wave towards Aoba which should hopefully heal him

(Tokai and Ina) Mikado is the one I wanted to help ... Anri bashfully mutters. Mikado awkwardly returns a smile upon hearing this. Their lovesick shennanigans would have continued had you not further interrupted. I know a safe place. Mikado mentions. But It's away from central Ikebukuro. Mikado walks to the opening of the ally and waits to see what you decide to do next. Anri adds. It is really late. Maybe we should follow Mikado ... for now I mean! (Niko) You find that the only clean fitting room is one of the ones near the very end of the area. You occupy that fitting room. Soon enough you hear a girl, in the fitting room next to yours, humming the notes to some peppy song. (Cait) The metallic smell of your companion's blood is too overpowering for you to catch any whiff of the attackers. (Sam and Cait) You are able to carry your companion over to a stylish steet bench. Your companion's wounds are momentarily covered, but he is still bleeding all over the wooden bench. I could help your poor fallen comerade if i had my tools. Alas I lack them all. Shinra wails as he follows right behind you. He carefully studies your comapnion's body from afar with his trained eyes yet makes no outright moves to help. Erika slaps him on his back to quiet him. You can't just let a cute elf die in a shady place like this! Think of all the curses that could bring on all of us! Shizuo help us carry the elf. Shizuo grunts in annoyance and does as Erika says. He picks up your companion with one of his arms as if your companion were a pillow. Erika then says to you. So we can take your elf with us and help him at Shinra's place or leave him to you. What do you want to do? (Pancake Knight) Your diahan knits Aoba's hand back together in a matter of seconds. Aoba watches this with barely concealed wonder, but once his hand is once again whole he is quick to get back to business. Fine you win. Aoba stands and bows after his defeat. What could a freak of nature want with an innocent teenager shopping with his darling?

* I'd shrug. I don't know these people personally, but I seem to remember at least two of these guys being good guys in the anime, so I don't see any harm in it.* They're your new pals, Cait. You trust them to help our elf friend? I mean, I'm down with it. It's too damn cold to be standing around after all. *I'd glance over (down?) at my cat like friend.*

Trusting Mona to these strangers is a bit sketchy, but they seem like nice folks and overdramatic Shinra over here knows what he’s doing. I think. Gin and I are useless to help him anyway. I nod. “No reason to refuse. Really sorry for the trouble. Hey G- er, Sam, should we head there too or do you wanna get directions and stop by once we’re gathered? Running around without gathering the gang might be a bad idea.” Either way, Mona’s gonna be talking a ride courtesy of Shizuo’s buff arms.

Hmmm...i do wanna kinda meet up with the rest of the group... But i guess it cant hurt, and I'm pretty tired too. "Alright, I'm down. But i do kinda wanna get to the city soon. My... Our friends are out there and i havent seen them in a few hours, so i kinda want to make sure they're ok. For some reason i have a bad feeling." Also, Gamma being here is just to suspicious... Screw it, i need to get out of the way NOW. "Hey, Towa, can i talk to you? Privately?" Nothing against Mikado and this Aika girl but they don't know whats going on in our heads. And they don't need to know, either.

Well, since PK straight up abandoned me, I put down the clothes and lipstick I was carrying, the only thing I keep holding is the hoodie. "Alright, now how am I gonna go about this?" First things first, rip off the tag, now how am I gonna cut a hole into the hood so I can put my ears in the hoodie's cat ears?

"This kid is Tarou?" I ask incredulously. Given how hard he freaked out earlier they didn't exactly seem like the all-wise supporter Anri had implied they were. Or maybe that was merely a poor interpretation. Regardless, I let out a sigh and cross my arms. For better or for worse, this is what we had to work with. "The sooner we can get moving the better. Don't really wanna hang around if we can avoid it." on that note, 04 brings something up to me. I calmly shake my head. Whatever they wanted probably wasn't going to be helpful, and as a bunch of monsters, they didn't really want to get in trouble with any of the gangs hanging around. "We can talk once we get somewhere safe. For now its best to keep moving, and that means following Mikado for now."

I smile as I whisk Mordred away, putting my arms behind my head before stretching and continuing Hey now, no need to get fiesty. All I wanna do is talk. Ya mind telling me about that shark bandana? I'm pretty new around these parts and wanted to know whats the latest in town ya get me?

You can go if you want, Cait. Just give me the address and I'll head over with everyone else later. *It's probably for the best someone stays with Mona. Who knows what he'll do if left on his own for too long?*

“Gotcha. See ya then.” I stretch and wait for us to get moving. Sam’s a tough customer as I know from RP, so he should be fine on his own. I don’t wanna leave Mona alone anyway. I briefly wonder how everyone else is doing... ...eh, they’re probably fine.

(Sam) Erika rips out a slip of paper from a new journal in her bag and writes an address on it. She then scurries hands the paper to you. Don't be a stranger. Come by later to show us more of your cool powers! She winks at you as she leaves with her friends and your companions. Now you are alone awaiting the rest of your group. (Cait) You are taken to a very nice apartment nestled in the residential area of Ikebukuro. You don't have much time to study it as everyone spills into place quick to get to work. Shinra guides Shizuo to gently place your companion on a kitchen table. Kida gathers an arm full of medical supplies from Shinra's bedroom. Erika places a towel beneath your companion's head and starts making some tea. It's almost like clockwork how efficient these people are. Shinra gracefully cleans and stitches the wound as everyone else relaxes after finishing their task. Erika is the first to sit on a chair after she is done. Cait come sit. I'm dying to know how you made your costume. Erika has a mischevious gleam in her eyes as she pats the chair next to her. Meanwhile, Shizuo steps out of the apartment for a smoke and Kida hangs around in Shinra's room. (Ina and Toki) Mikado leads your party of three to a local construction site near Ikebukuro's park. Industrial lights illuminate the dangerous playground of hanging steel beams. Jagged pieces of concrete form an uneven ring around a central seat made out of cardboard boxes. The seat is shadowed by a still overhead crane. It's an unusual room made for an odd leader. As Mikado directs you and the others to take a seat on one of the concrete pieces you can also see how there are littered soda bottles around with the occasional light novel nearby. Mikado surreptitiously kicks something behind the cardboard box before taking a seat on it. So this is it. Mikado uncomfortably states. He raises his head high, but observes you to guage your reaction. Anri follows his instructions and takes a seat on the piece of concrete nearest to him. She is put off by this place as indicated by her nervous expression yet awaits passing any judgement. (Niko) The changing room doesn't offer an obvious solution to your dilemma. It only has a single stool inside of it plus a full body mirror. There is a hanger on the beige carpet. The intercom systme chimes in again. Dear customers our store will be closing in five minutes. Please being anything you want to buy to the front register. (Pancake Knight) Aoba chortles. You sounds like a creepy old geezer trying to get with a young girl. He tugs the mask out of his hoodie pocket and raises it up so you can see. The mask has a crudely drawn image of a shark on it with the white teeth of the creature painted with red. This is the pride of the local blue square gang. Usually I don't add anything else cuz those that aren't ready to play with sharks get ripped apart in the sea. But seeing as you are an extra special civilian ... Aoba leans forward and mock whisper to you. We extort money from the evil, keep up public morality, and drive away freaks like you. All for the peace of Ikebukuro. (Alphinaud) You should be slowlly waking up after Shinra placed the final stitch over your wound,.

Hmmm... "...Fuck it." I attempt to break the mirror.

"This... Is it? This is the hide out?" Im a little suprised, but i try to be as nice as possible so it sounds less jokey and more concerned. "Well i mean if its away from everyone for now..." I sit on one of the pieces of concrete and look slightly uncomfortable.

Hey now! I'll have you know I'm barely 18! And my speaking patterns are fine for where I'm from! I then take a mental note of the design as I start to walk back towards the changing room hearing the PA chime in about our time limit Blue Squares eh? Don't sound too bad. Ya mind elaborating about that last part though? You regularly see people with magic? And you fight them. With mundane means? Feels like a deathtrap to be.

*I'd head back to the intersection and find a suitable place to sit, be it a bench or the curb, and sit down to wait for the others. At least this time we aren't flying blind. We;ve gone from not knowing where and who to at the very least knowing the where. Now we just have to find the Lostbelt's distortion. I'd look down the three streets for my allies. I'll give them another half hour before I head off.*

I just let everyone do their thing. They’re... scarily swift about this. They must have done this sort of thing many times before. I’ll have to watch- Oh. I should have known this was coming. I look back at Mona as if waiting for advice but I decide to just come clean. I climb onto the chair next to her. I’m starting to see why Ted hates his height. “Ah, about that... I didn’t want to freak you out earlier, so that’s kind of a white lie. I’m just an unusually handsome person who happens to look like a cat. Even a fursuit couldn’t be this realistic.” I try to be comedic about it but I’m rubbing the back of my neck nervously. “Since we’ll be on the Celty Search Squad together there’s no use hiding it. Don’t worry, I’m not a monster or anything. It’s more of a Puss In Boots kinda thing.”

"I liked the one with cats better." I let out a sigh as I look around the area. It didn't look very fancy, or even very secretive. But it was what they had. Apparently. I could try looking through the surrounding area for anyone who might have followed. But that'd likely result in nothing more than wasting time. So I simply make that singular remark before sitting down on my own bit of concrete. Afterwards I look between Mikado and Anri "Alright, so what happens next?"

As I sluggishly awaken, my eyes would go about the room to take note of everyone there. "Guh... Cait? Did you guys Ron-day-voos as planned?" I then pull out my grimoire, lazily performing the magic geometry to summon Obsidian Carbuncle. Obsidian would sit passively near me, speeding up my regeneration. "Hey, could one of you guys get me some orange juice and a gaming console? I don't feel like getting up."

(Niko) The mirror breaks releasing an array of sharp crystalline glass that blend in with the carpet. The biggest shards are seeable, but the smaller pieces are buried in the carpet around you. Might want to be careful where you step. (Ina and Toki) If I knew that people were coming I would have clean this place ... Mikado tries to explain. He thinks better for it though and continues with what had just been asked. I want to help return the peace to Ikebukuro so I was gonna ask Izaya to help me fight back against the evil gangs. Anri shouts. Izaya! She is really bothered with MIkado's plan. You can't trust him Mikado. He will use you to fulfill anything he already had him in mind. Mikado retorts. Izaya is actually a good person once you get to know him. He only does what is necessary to gather info and he normally sells his info to good people. Anri stares at Mikado with disbelief. If we need someone to help us take out the gangs then we might as well call on Celty. Now it's Mikado's turn to stare at Anri. Celty went on a rampage that nearly killed a lot of people. How can you trust that monster? (Pancake Knight) Aoba follows trails after you and laughs once the two of you are back in the changing room. Magic doesn't exist. Don't tell me you actually believe in fairy tales oldie~ Aoba sticks out his tongue at you, explaining. We are dealing with monsters and if you have ever actually met one then you would know that they are easily dealt with. If it bleeds then it can die. That is the mantra and sharks are great at sniffing out some blood. You hear the sound of glass shattering in the fitting room that your companion entered. Oh? (Sam) You sit on the curb and wait for your companions. No trace of them yet. The blonde woman from the theiving couple you met earlier sits next to you. Howdy stranger you look pretty lonely sitting here. (Cait and Alphinaud) Wait wait wait ... You are a real life cat boy!? The entire apartment seems to quake with Erika's shout. Shinra's head instantly pops up and Kida peers out of the bedroom. The front door bangs with Shizuo's annoyed fist. I'm trying to have a quiet smoke. Erika shut up! Shizuo yells just as loud. Erika isn't the least bothered. Tell me which laboratory did you and your friend come from so that I can be turned into a cat girl too! If you are an alien instead then please take me to your home planet! or or tell me more about your unique human gene that made cat features possible! Ahhhh I can't believe this a real life cat person ~ Shinra watches you and your companion with barely concealed interest as Kida retreat back into the bedroom. You can hear Kida mutter. I must be dreaming.

Wait wait wait hold on.... Izaya? That name sounds familiar... My hero academia? Wait no thats Izuku... Danganronpa? Wait, thats a spoiler... Yeah i cant remember. "Well i say whatever help we need, we get. I may not know who exactly youre talking about, but still..." Maybe we can meet up with everyone when we get to the city....

My ears are ringing... curse the evolution of such sensitive ears... "Nyagh... Even I don't know how I ended up like this... I think the best way to say it is that I uh... may have been kind of kidnapped and turned into this. It's all fuzzy." I take off my hat and scratch at an itch behind my ears. I still don't know why I'm in this body, nor what happened to make me like this. I'm apparently dead and my soul got yeeted in here. How long has it been since I died? Days? Years? I should stop questioning this before I get another existential crisis. I stick my tongue out at Mona. Not the mocking kind of gesture, but more of the "kitty blep" kind. "You're pretty calm for someone who ate concrete. What happened to you anyway?"

"Oy oy. I didn't come here to listen to some silly teenage drama." I comment with a sigh. If those two started yelling at each other we'd never get anything done. And I hated wasting time like that. So instead I focus back on Anri, trying to convince her "If you seriously thought Celty would be enough we wouldn't have come here looking for help. Its either this, or whatever plan miss Kujiragi had in mind. Personally, I still need some answers." After giving Anri my opinion, I give Mikado a sideways glance. Didn't know anything about this "Izaya" character that Anri disliked so much. But if they were actually capable of helping that'd put them a step above anyone else I've met so far "I'm here looking for a third kind. Something I've never seen before that's neither monster nor human. If this Izaya knows anything about that, then we may as well meet them. Otherwise this seems wasteful."

I pick up one of the large shards carefully. "Alright... Just gotta be smart about this." Then I attempt to cut two holes into the hood so I can put my ears into the ears of the hood.

It ain't fairy tales if they exist brother! If I can make a sword appear out of nowhere and shoot lightning, anything can happen. Still though. I approve of what your doing kid. Just don't get yourself killed ya? Hell. I'll be willing to help ya out. Being a hero part time sounds fun. Once we get back to the changing rooms I hear something shatter and immediately investigate. Noticing the shattered mirror and Teddie trying to cut something with glass. Uh. That looks really dangerous and kind of stupid. You sure your gonna be okay? Do you wanna use Mordred instead?

I look at PK with a look that absolutely exudes an aura of "What the fuck have you been doing?". "Well, I would've used Mordred instead if you didn't go running around with some boy you found, dummy."

*Hmm... I wonder what's keeping them. With Mona getting drugged and all, I wonder if- At the sound of the blond womans voice, I'd look up.* Hmm? Oh, no. Don't worry about me. Just waiting for some friends. They're late, of course, but we're new to this city. I guess they must have gotten lost or something. *I'd shrug, drumming my fingers against the wood of my cane.*

I glare at Cait disapprovingly, snarling at that explanation. "Your claim to your soul only lasts as long as you can contain it yourself. We weren't kidnapped, we were isekai'd." I chuckle a bit at this, turning back to the one demanding an explanation with a hint of displeasure in my eyes. "Basically, we died and woke up in these bodies. There's some vague mission we gotta complete too. Some bad guy or some sort we gotta stop. After that, we walk out of this world and into the next one." I shrug, calmly but disinterestedly responding to Cait's inquiry. "I got attacked. I, uh, didn't see who. My vibe is still intact, luckily."

(Ina and Toki) This is why I love humanity so much. A fragile-looking, handsome man bellows this from a low run of steel hanging above the makeshift throne. The man starts nimbly leaping from rung to rung until his feet touch upon the same ground you occupy. You lot are charming yet tedious enough to recognize when you need to beg for help. The man pulls out a switchbalde from his black coat with brown fur lining to theatrically point at Anri. The man smiles as his words take on a hint of venom when addressing her. Shame that this wonderful group has a monster in its ranks. The man raises a placating before Anri or Mikado can retort. Ah Ah Mi-chan I'm not planning to do anything to your monster girlfriend. I respect true love when I see it and if you love this thing then perhaps I can come to tolerate her too. I have more of an interest in the new blood in Ikebukuro. The man approaches you, flicking his switchblade in and out as he tooks a good look at you plus your companion. He nods with apparent satisfaction after his uncomfortably close study. His eyes flickered so much toward different parts of your body that you could often see the whites of them. His switchblade didn't come close to your person, but you can tell that the man would have enjoyed prodding your with it. The man finally introduces himself after the sudden inspection. I'm the famous info broker that Mi-chan wanted to call on ~ Izaya winks at Mikado as he strolls around the perimeter of the concrete circle. Surprise I was listening in all along yet nothing of any value whatsoever was said. So none of you have to worry. I do have some info that is of interest to you ... Izaya drags out the you while fumbling with the interior pockets of his coat. He finds what he is looking for with a satisfying click to accompany it and in a matter of seconds an explosion is heard. In the distance you see a plume of smoke rising from an area at the outskirts of Ikebukuro. Anri falls to her knees when she recognizes where the explosion had taken place and screams. Nooooo! Mikado blanky stares at the towering plume of smoke and Izaya laughs. Fireworks look so pretty from this vantage point. Izaya pats Mikado on the back as he jovially looks to you. (Cait and Alphinaud) Erika solemnly nods to whatever you say adding in. After we find Celty then we can help you get back at the truck, deity, or writer that iskei'd you here in the first place! Kida shove Erika's face down toward the table with an annoyed huff. Stop believing everything these people tell you! We still don't know if they are legit or - A loud boom outside cuts off Kida's tirade and Shinra quickly runs onto the balcony of the apartment to check things out. This is really bad. Shinra obviously states. You can see smoke rising toward the sky of Ikebukuro and the boom was definitely heard by those with sensitive ears. If you join Shinra on the balcony then you will see the reddish hue of fire past the many apartment buildings in front accompanied by the faint smell of smoke. Kida gravely notes. I think this is a declaration of war. (Niko and Pancake Knight) The fabric of the hood is easily sliced open by the glass shard. However, it cuts too well and also slices into the flesh of the one using it. There are more pressing concerns then some cut skin. Like the slight tremor of the entire building and a explosive noise in the distance. A few of the remaining shoppers in the store scream upon hearing the catastrophic boom, but Aoba laughs. If you want in then now would be a great time to join us oldie and furry. Our group just smoked out some monsters from their lair and the great war is about to commence. A whine comes from a fitting room. Aoba let's go.

(Sam) You hear a distant explosive noise and the ground beneath you slightly shakes. Enough to shift a few pebbles beneath your feet around. The blonde woman exclaims. Wow the streets of Japan are really made of rubber just like Issac said! This must be one of the great modern wonders of the 21st century. Amazing!!! The blonde woman squeal with excitement and jumps around on the supposedly rubber street. The street doesn't shift again eventually disappointing the woman. I can't make it work. The woman momentarily pouts before ricocheting back to a happy go lucky mood. Oh well there are still a lot of other wonders to try. Like tokyo tower. Or fighting one of those special bears that live around here.

I give Mona an annoyed look as he shatters my half-believable narrative... okay, maybe quarter-believable, but I actually have physical evidence to back it up. But now that he’s awake... “Ack!” I topple out of the chair with my fur sticking up like a porcupine. That explosion nearly gave me a heart attack! A gun? No, an explosiony-sounding explosion. I scramble to get my hat on and peek out from the balcony. “Declaration of war...? S-sorry if that’s a stupid question. I’m not a city cat so I dunno this place’s feuds.”

Gah. *I'd gasp, grasping my cane to keep my balance.* Sorry lady, but the streets ain't made of anything but concrete. That was an explosion. One hell of one as well. *I'd move to one end of the street to see if I could get a better look at any damages. "What in the hell was that? A terrorist attack? Nah, that wouldn't make sense. If anything, this probably has something to do with that... what did they call it in the show? Colours war or something? Damnit. Maybe I should have went with Cait after all."*

I drop the shard after I cut myself... It hurts, but I gotta work through the pain. "I don't know who you are, so I don't care about your little "war", buddy." I take off the Get Smoked hat and throw it to PK, I adjust to evoker holster to be somewhere where it can be concealed by the hoodie before I put it on. I throw off Niko's scarf and I put on the hoodie, and I put on headphones where there would be human ears. Maybe they'll work just fine. "Have fun wasting your life. Let's get the hell outta here." I begin to head out, attempting to meet up as planned... But I know I probably spent too long. I just hope someone's there.

"Ah!" I would not say much, but my heart would start beating faster as the explosion went off. Hastily, I would stumble over to the balcony with the rest of them, clutching my injuries. "Why the fuck is this happening? What kind of world is this!?"

I respond with a shrug as I see Ted cut himself. Twirling my finger to expend a small heal towards Teddie as I continue to speak Hey! I didn't want to fight either! I asked Aoba here a question and then one thing lead to another. Besides! Nothing says I can't danc- However I am interrupted by an explosion. Being rocked to the floor before picking my hat back up and placing it onto my head. Nodding as I seperate from Teddie for the time being War eh? Guess I'll tag along for now. Feel free to report in Ted. But I'd like to jump onto this lead for now. We still gotta figure this thing out after all. I morph Mordred into a giant black battleaxe as I nod to Aoba. Motioning for him to lead the way, mumbling to myself I really did wanna see that idol show though..

Well at least it was easy to tell he was one of the “third kind” I was looking for. I didn’t really need to check, but I close my eyes to look at his soul anyways, not expecting to find much. Meanwhile I let out a sigh “I thought this guy was supposed to help us end racism. Looks like he hates Anri as much as the rest of them.” I impatiently tap my foot and let out a sigh. Once I’ve confirmed Izaya’s soul, I finally glare back up at him “If you’ve been watching me you’d know I’m not very patient, so let’s just cut to the chase for everyone’s sake. State how you’ll be able to help us, and what you need in return so we can consider it.”

Well as much as the child in me loves explosions seeing it happen that close to the city worries me. A LOT. At this point im just about ready to dash back to the city to try and find everyone, but considering this Izaya guy set up a bomb im too afraid of him to move, especially since this body isnt immortal. So, my body forces me to stay as i sweat heavily, fearing that my friends might have had a death or two. "Just... Tell us what you want you psycho..." Wow, great job me, keep it up and you might get to show off your fire... I really need to shut up sometimes.

(Alphinaud) Be careful! Your injuries aren't completely healed yet. Shinra momentarily sheds his airheaded tendencies to express his concern for you. He follows right after you to the balcony and shoves a whole bunch of gauze in your face. Take this and try to wrap it around your remaining wounds. I don't want you bleeding out all over Celty and I's love nest. (Alpinaud and Cait) Erika makes a disgusted face at Shinra's comment without the accompaniment of everyone else. Shizuo is too busy attempting to call someone on his phone as Kida watches the smoke in the horizon. Kida explains. Ikebukuro has been sitting on a powder keg of tension between the color gangs and monster for a while so this sort of thing was bound to happen. The usual one side trying to one up the other. But, this is bigger than the usual spat between both groups. The use of an explosion reeks of color gang tactics with a greater mastermind behind it. Shizuo immediately grits his teeth upon hearing Kida's opinion. So you think the flea bastard came back to Ikebukuro. Kida nods. This has Izaya written all over it. Shizuo pounds the balcony railing with both his wrists leaving indents where his hands connected. Damn it the flea bastard should have stayed down after the stabbing incident in Yamanome. Kida points out. This is only a guess on my part so I might be wrong. Honestly I hope i'm wrong about this. If Izaya is involved then a war is about to start between both groups for that bastard's sick pleasure. (Sam) You move to the residential end of the street that isn't blocked off by towering buildings. From there you can see the dark curling of smoke followed by a growth of inky black tendrils reaching toward the sky. The smoke wafts out in the dark of the night, but the inky black tendrils turn the sky it reaches into a pitch black pool. The pure black tint then extends to other portion of the space above slowly enroaching toward where you are and blocking out the light of the stars. The residents of Ikebukuro pour out around you to watch this unusual event. An eerie awe seems to have robbed them of their voice for now. Also the blonde woman followed after you. The sky is of little concern to her. Instead she is right now testing the ground by stamping her feet a bit. After a few good stamps, she is satisfied by your explanation and watches the inky black tendrils with a smile. Is that some noveu art thing up there. Artsits these days are so amazing! Nothing seems to phase this woman. (Niko) You make it to the meeting sport after some resistance from the mobs of people outside, but no one is there. All you see are tons of random strangers peering up at the unusual happenings in the sky and a few doomsayers claiming that this is the end of the world. (Pancake Knight) The remaining fitting room opens and a highschool girl with a cat hoodie walks out. Aoba you made me wait too long. The girl states in a deadpan tone. Aoba shrugs off the girl's complaint. I'm sorry Kururi. I got pretty distracted by that old man in a mask over there and I think your brother just started the next great Ikebukuro war. Kururi sticks out her tongue. Bleh. I still hate my brother so could you not mention him. Aoba puts on his shark mask and Kururi grabs onto his upper arm waiting on him to lead. Beak mask keep up or I'll leave you behind. Aoba runs ahead with Kururi holding on tightly to him. If you manage to keep up with Aoba then you soon make it out of the mall and see an entire group of shark masked people waiting at the center of the street. Aoba jumps on a bench for some gravitas and announces. Today we hunt the monsters that have ruined Ikebukuro for the rest of us! All the shark masks cheer with gusto.

(Toki) You check Izaya's soul and see that his soul is that of an average human. (Toki and Ina) Izaya scoldingly clicks his tongue. I don't hate little miss Anri in particular. I hate monsters. If Anri were a human being I would easily be able to love her as much as I love the rest of humanity, but see Anri gave up her only good quality to feel special with some monsterous sword. Not to worry though~ Izaya motions toward Mikado. My protege likes Anri so I can put up with her for a while. I did the same for my old friend Shinra and his monster wife. Now I don't know if Anri would wish to work with me after this. Izaya jumps away from Mikado and you to dodge the slash of Anri's katana. Anri's tear filled eyes are now a brilliant red as she attempts over and over again to hit Izaya. You'll pay for this! Izaya leers at her. In exchange for your help with a little job that has been bugging me recently, I can give you all the info you need on that additional group you mentioned earlier. As a show of good faith I can offer a tiny tidbit that may shock and awe all of you. Izaya parries two slashes from Anri's sword with his knives. Hey Mikado call off your monster girlfriend and i'll give the freebie. Mikado doesn't seem to keen on getting in between Izaya and Anri. In fact, he seems to struggle choosing who to aid even as Anri looks to him and you for some help.

I try to delete Shinra’s comment from my brain. And fail. Thanks for the mental image. I flick my tail then realize that hey, city wide gang wars might be super dangerous! I don’t even know where anyone besides Mona ran off to after the explosion. I look up at Kida. “What should we do? Gang wars aren’t my expertise, nya.” I got no plans. I’m a terrible leader anyway. Best to leave this unfamiliar territory to these locals’ planning.

Well, that was a bust... Maybe I should look for PK and trail him from afar. Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. Alright, time to put on some music... "...Just a steel town girl on a saturday night lookin' for the fight of her life..." This should be a good time.

I wave a handsign to the girl as I note that it was her brother who detonated the explosives. A brother eh? And the next great war? You'll have to fill me in later kiddo. And don't worry about me! If anything you'll slowme down I grin as I follow quickly. Once at the gathering point I try to count how many others are there as I nudge Aoba Nice speech, you lead these guys? I'm kinda concerned how your gonna kill a monster.

I breathe out a heavy sigh. Of course Izaya was normal, at least by our standards. I calmly step out of the way of Anri's charge and focus back in on her. I already saw and knew what her soul was like, so it was fairly easy for me to get a grasp on it and announce "Try not to get distracted. Freeze." before freezing time around her. Anri would only be stuck for a few seconds, but that would at least give Izaya and Mikado some breathing room to sort things out.

Not wanting to argue, I silently wrap the gauze around my wounds, showing no signs of appreciation. Seeing as i've never actually seen it before, it's highly likely i'll wrap the gauze wrong anyways and someone will have to do it properly for me. Besides that, I nod along with interest as the situation is explained. "So, it's like that, huh? Well... I thought of something I could do, at least. Carbuncle." I then hoist Obsidian Carbuncle up and bring him over to the edge of the balcony, focusing on issuing a specific command to him. "Go find our friends." Given the order, I would ruthlessly drop Obsidian off the balcony and he would run off into the streets as if he wasn't hurt at all. He would wander aimlessly tell he felt the familiar energy of any of our group, to which he would immediately run straight towards and incessantly bother until they choose to follow him back to the residence I was staying at. He would repeat this a minimum of 4 times for every ally, giving up should he search the entire city and still fail to find someone.

*I'd barely even register the blond thief's words as my thoughts go into overdrive. Ah the wonders of being in the body of a self proclaimed genius. So, events are happening around us. We have to deal with this distortion before Ikebukuro gets completely flattened by a few rioter gangs. I need information. At least I already have access to a map. This is Ikebukuro after all. Hmm. Maybe I should have gone with Cait after all. Those guys seemed to know what was happening. SHould I go back and see if anyone showed up? No, it's been long enough. If they didn't show before now, they probably won't show up at all. They likely got wrapped up in all of this. I'd sigh. This is a real mess. I'd look up at the blond woman.* You wouldn't happen to know someone who knows what's happening around here, would you?

Im about to jump up and dash to... Well, attempt to stop Anri from attacking , but then Gamma stops her in her tracks, because i totally forgot about his time powers. So i jist keep sitting. Trying not to say or do anything that might cause a scene.

(Cait) The sky becomes an inky abyss hanging above you and everyone else in Ikebukuro. Kida doesn't notice as he voices his own volatile thoughts. We should fight back! Take the territory from the blue squares and the remaning dollars to officially end the war. If we take everything they have then they will have to stop trashing our city. Erika retorts. Absolutely not. Haven't you learned from some of the great art pieces of our time. You don't fight the enemy at their base! That is asking to be beat! We need to do this like a psychological horror and wait to trap the enemy. (Alphinaud) You don't use the gauze properly so Shinra distractedly has to fix it. You look like a mummy wrapped up in spongy bandages when he finishes. You hear everything that is said to your friend and also are able to listen in on Shinra worriedly muttering. Celty, Celty, Celty ... Over and over again at the sky like some cursed mantra. Your carbuncle jumps off the balcony and hones in on the all closest to you. (Sam) The blonde woman frantically nods. Isaac knows everything there is to know about the world! We also got these new friends that dress in weird clothing yet their knowledge is so amazing too. They told me a lot about this creature called a Duwahan. The blonde stops chattering on when she sees a tiny creature by your legs that nips at you. It's your ally's carbuncle biting at your heel for some attention. Aw is that your pet~ (Pancake Knight) Aoba smirks. We plan on using strength in numbers with some fun toys in our hands. Aoba raises up his fist and the rest of the shark masks mimick him. Allowing you to see packaged containers of C4 explosives accompanied with firework kits. The armory of the gang is mottley, but truly a fearsome sight to behold. Onward to our victory! Aoba jumps off the bench and scrambles down the nearest subway station followed by his pack of mask-wearing hooligans. If you follow after them, you would be able to see them overwhelm the few insomniacs boarding the last train pulling out of Ikebukuro. The entire gang occupies the train, whooping and hollering as the train takes you and them to some other part of the city. (Niko) You follow after your ally from a distance, but are forced to make a split second decision in the train station. Do you jump in after him and board the train? Or Hang back and venture to some other part of the city? (Toki and Ina) Anri is momentarily frozen in time freeing Izaya from her constant strikes. Mikado, a bundle of nerves by now, takes the chance to pull out a tazer from his school jacket and jab it into Anri's side. It's an act of pure instinct, but is effective enough to cause Anri to immediately crumple onto the ground. What have I done? Mikado asks you, Izaya, and the surroundings in an eerily calm tone. You just did the marvelous act of self defense ~ Izaya chuckles out. He kicked Anri's side for good measure to check if she is really unconscious. She is. He then gives out that freebie he promised to Mikado. The third group you have identified as a potential problem is pretty interesting. I would say that they are some sort of supernatural cult doing some dark deeds in the forgotten areas of the city. If you want me to tell you more then you need to help me out~

"That settles it then." I say, releasing my focus and crossing my arms. Looks like we were getting stuck with this guy, whether or not Anri liked it. Sometimes people just don't know what's good for them, and this seemed like one of those times. "So we just do this job of yours and you'll tell us about the cult? Someone will need to watch Anri, at least until she wakes up, but otherwise I suppose we can hear your request. Kind of our only option now."

“I don’t think that’s how psychological horror works, nya... the sky right now’s more of a psychological horror than that. But Erika’s got a point. Let’s take a looksee and see if we can find any weaknesses in the gangs. If it’s a huge gang war like you said, they’ll be tuckered out from fighting each other at some point.” I stop talking to snicker at Mona’s appearance. Kinda ruins the tension but I kinda needed something less serious right now. Anxiety is bad for the soul which explains why - wait, I can’t make a “no soul” joke without making myself sad. Shame.

Hmm? Wierd clothing? Who do you mean? *I would glance down at the wierd fantasy creature nipping at my heels. Ugh. Even so far away from him, Mona still finds ways to annoy me. I'd push it away with the wood of my cane. It probably wants me to follow it back but I already have the address of where he is. I give it a few head motions, telling it to bug someone else.* Nah. Probably some stray cat or something. So, these friends of yours?

Being as animalistic as it is without my orders, Obsidian would forcefully bite the cane, engaging in a game of relentless tug of war. It would not leave Sam alone until it was somehow distracted and could no longer find Sam, at which point it would start looking for the next ally. As for me, I smh my head at Cait and the other's suggestion. "Are you guys just saying the first things that come into your head? Think deeper..." Taking my own advice, I start to wonder who we'll actually be fighting, as well as who we're allying ourselves with. "Gathering our forces should be our top priority for now. I have a Carbuncle out looking for the rest of my own allies, but besides that, is there anyone else we can count on to fight alongside us?" I felt a little unconfident using pronouns like "we" and "us", considering I didn't even know these people nor felt like I was really of any value to their fight. I was looking after myself first and foremost, after all. But I can't just stand here and do nothing, even the events playing out in this single realm were bigger than I, and this was no greater thrill or terror than being thrust into this unfamiliar world and bearing witness to its inner struggle. To be indecisive at this moment would be sentencing myself to oblivion, a cog that turns endlessly independent of any machine. I could take some solace in knowing it hasn't come to that, that I still have purpose.

"I'll stay with her, i hope she wont get too startled by me though" Might as well do something until we have all of the information we need. I stay sitting down, nervously waiting for what we can do.

(Pancake Knight) The train dumps you, Aoba, and the rest of the gang off in an abandoned industrial park. Crumbled down buildings loom over you like decaying phantoms of plaster and paint. Rusted constructions tools occasionally block your path forcing you and the rest to go around. Stray cats mewl from dark crevices in the damaged wall. Well you pretty much get the gist. The area is inhospitable to the max and the inky blackness over head makes the place more similar to an apocalyptic wasteland then metropolitan Tokyo. Your trip though this minor hellscape is thankfully short since the place the boys want is right in the center of it. An empty warehouse in the middle of the industrial park. The warehouse is currently on fire with smoke funneling out of it's open windows and doors. The doors are so rusted that they look about ready to snap at the slightest movement. Aoba picks up a rusted pipe from nearby and smashes it against the rusted doors. Unleashing a racket that pierces everyone's ears. Come out you inhuman beasts. We just want to chat with you before we do anything too crazy ~ Aoba has his mischievous face on and is obviously ready to go. A few of his lackeys surround the empty warehouse from the sides and prime the c4 in their bags. A crash can be heard from the inside of the warehouse, but none of the shark masks seem to mind. Come out monsters! They chant. Every noise within the building makes them chant louder until they are in a frenzy. Marching about the front of the buildings with their shark masks looking increasingly red under the light of the fire. It's a monster burning. However, one of the occupants of the warehouse, a short expressionless girl with a dinosaur mask on her head, crawls out on her forelimbs and is picked up by Aoba's gang. The girl is pallid from clear signs of smoke inhalation, but the gang members toss her anyway toward Aoba's feet. The first monster to slay. Aoba smirks. (Niko) You follow your friend and the shark gang without being noticed. They are too excited to notice some weird kid in the subway car. You follow them all the way to the empty warehouse. Then you watch as they work themselves up into a frenzy and capture a barely conscious girl. You are still a distance away from them hidden from view by a rusted gate, but close enough to easily approach. Izaya is this what you wanted? You hear a girl in a cat hoodie whimper from nearby. The girl was a part of the group in front of you until now. It appears that the upcoming bloodbath wasn't to her taste. (Sam) The carbuncle takes the hint and scampers off to find its next intended target. Awww ... The blonde is sad to see the cute little creature go and then quickly springs back to her erratic happiness. She explains all to you with a huge smile. Okay so our new friends are kind of weird wearing all black and red all the time unless they are pretending to be wizards with their robes. I kind of forgot their group name by now but they said that they wanted to make everyone happy which works for me! They taught all these kids how to sing and said they were gonna reunite the kids with their parents someday and Issac said that this meant they were heroes of the people so I was sooo glad to have met them but now I lost Issac and - The blonde rambles on and on about her new friends plus Issac. She can possibly continue on rambling forever if you let her. (Toki and Ina) Izaya grins and motions over to the back of the makeshift throne. Recently, I lost my favorite courier to some unforseen circumstances. This was a terrible tragedy since that left me unable to send a package of great importance to a dear old friend of mine. Oh my poor friend unable to get this super special package that I prepared for him ~

(Toki and Ina, continued) Izaya presses his hands together in a mock pleading manner. Oh woe is my poor friend. This package is important for his well being, but I couldn't just trust it to any regular old person that came along. A lot of people want it so I needed people like you that can take a punch or two. Help me deliver this precious cargo to my friend and you will get the info you want from me. When Izaya is done speaking, Mikado finally moves over to check Anri's pulse as if suddenly released from Izaya's spell. If you check the back of the make shift throne for Izaya's cargo well you will be felling something all right. Behind the throne is a medical tube filled with gelatin-like liquid and a human head. The human head is beautiful in a scandavian beauty kind of way with closed eyes and a taut mouth. Its pale skin is complemented by regular brown hair. Additionally, the bottom of the neck is a clean circular cut as if someone perfectly sliced off the head from its body. (Cait and Alphinaud) Kida is annoyed at how his idea is rebuffed, but with does mention with a sigh. Well if Shizuo joins us then we won't need anyone else to take on the gangs. He is strong enough to take out two gangs like its nothing. Kida pointedly glares at Shizuo. Whom then ignores him by pulling out another cigarette from the breastpocket of his uniform. Erika does all the explaining for him. Kidaaa you know Shizuo doesn't like fighting unless its really necessary. You should be more considerate. If we need more back up for the upcoming war then we could just call Dotachin or Walker. Dotachin is probably already at the scene, knowing him. Kida snaps back. Dotachin was recently in the hospital. He can't fight! and Walker ... Kida involuntarily shivers at the suggestion.

*"No no no no no." I wave my hands in front of my face, trying to stop the woman from rambling.* Ah. Sorry, for interrupting but would this "Isaac" of yours know more? *"Anyone would be better at this point. She's obviously no hopeless when it cmes to explaining things."*

I watch... I shouldn't intervene just yet, I gotta wait until they're a little more... Excited and not aware of anything else except the lust for blood. "I'd almost be disgusted by these people... If I didn't realize sooner rather than later that none of what I do here matters much anyway." I draw my evoker, just in-case.

I examine my claws and watch them slide in and out. It helps me focus and calm my mind down. “We can’t force Shizuo to do anything right now, so we’ll have to make do. How about we just head out and see what we can do? We’ll probably run into Gin if we retrace our steps. Heck, knowing some of my friends, we’d probably find them mixed up in this gang war. We really should have made a better plan. What was keeping them anyway? I... uh...” I stare at my claws for a few more seconds. Unlike my rambling, these kitty claws have points. I hide my face by pulling down my hat. “What... what I, uh... let’s just get going. We can find folks to help while we’re on the warpath.”

I let out an impatient sigh, crossing my arms as I tap my foot once more "Right right, so you just need us to act as bodyguards then? That'll be easy. So lets go. I'm gonna die of old age at this rate. Just let us know who and where and I'll have it done before you know it." that is, assuming Izaya intended to deliver it himself. He never actually said whether or not he was going to come along. Not that it actually changed anything about the situation.

....wow i am DISGUSTED by that head. Probably almost puke worthy. But i try to hold myself off. I need to be brave. "So you want us to deliver... A head... This some sort of torture method?" And i just realized... Those blue squares were talking about some "Izaya" guy... I thought hee would be some sort of heroic dork, not some snarky... Monster. Yeah, very ironic word to use in this situation but whatever.

I shrug, again shaking my head at Cait's suggestion. "You can go if you want, i'll probably have to stay here." I solemnly look down, trying to distract myself from the depressing vista.

... I stand... Confused, confused and disoriented. The chanting, banging, and overall commotion with the smell of smoke filling my lungs. It's all a little too much. I almost get swept up in the atmosphere but I stop upon seeing the girl Uh. Is that it? I take another look inside the warehouse to see if I can find a big bad or the one who caused the fire before turning back to the group. Almost disappointed Dude. That's just a girl. I don't think she's a threat to anyone. You mind explaining exactly what is a "monster". I'm not up to kill anyone until I get a good reason. I walk over in front of the girl, shielding her from Aoba as I wait for answers, Mordred morphing into a sword as I crack my stiff neck.

(Sam) The blonde is a little confused by your gesture, but she likes your spirit. She grabs your hand and leads you away from the bright streets and into a dingy mess of alleyways in the city. Away we go! To find Isaac! She pulls you forward through the most rat-infested neighborhoods in Ikebukuro until you arrive in front of an abandoned subway entrance. A sign warns everyone to keep out unless they want to run the risk of being plowed by a train or electrocuted. The blonde haired woman ignores the sign and ventures into the dark entrance. Beckoning at you to follow her into the darkest caverns of the urban jungle. Wow someone put out these cool Halloween props in here. There are so many bones! That doesn't sound too promising. Gack! You suddenly hear a sticky noise from where the blonde woman entered and soon enough you see her decapitated head rolling out of the entrance. The blonde woman's eyes are mercifully closed with a mess of gore leaking out from the end of her dismembered neck. Miria you have to be careful with all the traps in here! Someone shouts from the subway entrance. You can't make out who since the voice emanates from the dark recesses of the entrance. (Pancake Knight) Aoba glares at you. He is displeased by your actions and yet he still calls his gang to stand back in hopes of regaining your trust. If only for a moment. He tries to explain the nature of the monster girl in hopes of maybe keeping a new ally. [I]That girl was an idol that gave hope to the losers in this city until she turned serial killer one day. She has killed more men then you can count on your fingers. C'mon Ruri why don't you show him the kind of freak you are.[/i] (Pancake Knight and Niko) The girl doesn't react to Aoba's jabs. The only indication that she is listening is the slight tilt of her fake dinosaur head. Ruri its real bad to lie to so many people like this. I'm sure your new savior would like to know about all those victims that you mauled beyond recognition. Or the fact that you have an odd taste for killing people in those glorified monster costumes. The rest of the shark masks boo and jeer at the girl. Aoba studies his wrist as he finally ends his little aside. Old man you are defending a beast that has no qualms about killing humans. (Cait and Alphinaud) Agreed. Kida is clearly disappointed at the inability of this group to reach an agreement, but he doesn't let that deter him. Instead, if you choose to follow Kida out of the apartment then you can easily see just how determined this teen can get. Walking through the city should be a depressive journey. Yet, with every person staring at the sky in fear or every home with its doors barred there is only more energy in Kida's steps. He easily leads anyone that follows him toward the construction wasteland outside of the city and then states before going in. This will probably be very dangerous and I get if anyone wants to turn back now. I can handle this myself so don't worry about leaving me behind if you decide to turn tail and run. Erika retorts. Kida you are only a high school student. Everyone knows that it's the older protags that tend to win their great final battles. Meanwhile, If you chose to stay in the apartment then you would be promptly bothered by Shinra's frantic wailing. Shizuo continues to smoke, but moves onto the terrace to not be bothered by Shinra. While Shinra tries to come up with some amazing Celty saving plan as he continues to bemoan his bad fortune. You could be doing plenty of other things that don't involve dealing with two strange adults, but you never know. Maybe the chaos will find you too.

(Toki and Ina) Sneering, Izaya walks over to where the medical tube is and punts it toward you. It seems that Shizuo isn't the only oaf in these parts. You two need to mentally catch up. He walks over to the edges of the "throne" room and rattles off some instructions. That special item I just handed to you needs to go to a certain underground doctor in Ikebukuro. I'd give you directions to his place, but there isn't any point in doing that since the doctor is often chasing after the headless rider. You will have better luck just following the black smoke in the sky until you see the doctor there. Once you actually manage to get hold of the idiot and deliver this package then I will give you a full dossier on the underground cult in this city. Before leaving Izaya mentions one more thing. By the way that head is a great treasure to Ikebukuro and its citizens won't let you off lightly for having it. Mikado help them learn the ropes. Good luck ~ Izaya leaves and Mikado looks even more lost. A great time for an odd carbuncle to appear and try to guide you in a certain direction by nipping at your heels.

*Well, this was a mistake. I'd come to a stop after seeing the woman getting taken out. I'd roll up my sleeve and start activating certain protocals. Thanks to certain augmentations, my eyes would light up, activating night vision to help me get my bearings.* MARIETTA. Map this place out, would you? *Similar to back in the first Lostbelt, one of my drones would appear and send out a pulse throughout the cave, mapping the area. It would only be a map, of course. Detecting these traps would come later.*

Leaving Mona behind isn’t the best idea but I follow Kida anyway. Two protags should be enough to keep that mage safe. My growing anxiety is actually reduced a bit by Kida’s words. I grin and flick the brim of my hat. “Hey, if you have no problem going in, I’ve got no reason to hesitate. I may be small but you know how fierce cats can be.” Am I being a bit overconfident? Maybe, but a thought’s crept into my mind: I’m a demon, so random humans shouldn’t be an issue, right? This may be urban fantasy but it’s still the “real world.” Except with superstrong bartenders and a kooky cast.

I deftly catch the tube, first with one hand before stopping its fall with my left... It sure was an actual head alright. Pretty gross, so it probably wouldn't be for the kid's sensitivities. Fortunately I was the one hanging onto it. Highly unlikely that anyone would be able to wrest it away from me after all. Unfortunately I didn't know what the recipient would look like, and Izaya didn't know where they were so... This was going to be a long day. It would be more difficult for me to babysit Mikado as we ran. I let out a hefty sigh before snapping my fingers to catch Mikado's attention. "Sounds easy. Lets get going then. I'm going to need your help with this." As focused as I am I don't really take notice of the Carbuncle. Our informant requested Mikado act as our guide, so I'll let him take the lead. I'm essentially the muscle here, which isn't ideal but as long as it works.

... So she ain't even magical? Just crazy? Man... What a disappointment. I whisk my blade away before reforming it. Turning it into a hand cuffs, locking them tight onto this Ruri girl. I still have some faith in ya so I'll believe you for now. But someone like her belongs in jail. I've killed people before, but this is an execution. Feels a little barbaric to me. Besides. Rotting for the rest of your life is a fate worse then death. I'll see to it she doesn't hurt anyone else capeesh? I then drag her forcibly to the back of the group, not as hard as to injure her but enough to be rough before letting the boys proceed, doing my best to keep an eye on her. Why don't y'all go on without me. I'll do a little interrogating.

Meanwhile, i notice the carbuncle, thanking everything possible that Izaya is gone. "Hey, i actually heard one of the blue octagons or whatever mention Izaya before... Why is that? They thought i was "one of his girls" for some reason." Meanwhile i look at the carbuncle. This thing is weird, what does it want?

I sigh as I wait for the rest of the party to finally regroup. I shoulda known better than to try and get a group consisting of a smartass, a dumbass, an asshole and PK to show up. What, they get part-time jobs or something? Maybe Cait's just one of the few people I can trust. Maybe I should spend more time with them... I wonder, just how do they feel about me? It's like many people actually care about me, especially here of all places. To them, I must be another unit to fight their enemies and die in place of them. Maybe. This might be something to think about back at the safe zone, I don't wanna give the impression that i'm some stoic loner to these guys. "Um, excuse me..." I quietly say to Shinra as my stomach starts to growl. I consider looking for food myself, but then I realize i'm in a stranger's home in the strangest land, I didn't even finish the Strange Journey. Haha, Strange Journey is just synonyms for Bizzare Adventure. Anyways, even getting food myself might result in an unexpected consequence, so instead I pester Celty and continue to raise my voice until it gets her attention, considering how absorbed she is in her own predictament. "Hey, what am I supposed to eat?"

(Sam) The pulse provides an excellent geographic overlay of the abandoned tunnel. It illuminates the broken pipes and rusted metal infrastructure within while also indicating that there is a giant metal box within. The pulse also maps out every hidden crevice and deep hole that could possibly harm you. Your night vision isn't as useful. It permits you to see the entrance, but doesn't track any other person inside the tunnel. The blonde woman's decapitated head is a pale specter in your line of sight. As time ticks on, your vision begins to catch little globs of blood that methodically trickle toward the blonde's head. The little globs work against gravity in doing so. The skin at the base of the blonde's head also knits itself back together and a dull dragging can be heard approaching you. Miria I found your hand! Do you want me to bring it to you? Your night vision catches the waving of a detached hand and connected to it is a middle-aged man with bushy brown hair and a jovial grin. (Cait) Kida nervously smiles. Alright then. Here we gooo! He grabs a discarded pipe and beats it against an upside down steel beam. A sharp noise rings out from where his pipe connects. We know you are here. Come out and fight! Kida's noisy behavior is met with sluggish groans and moans. The slow shuffling of feet is heard as a whole mob of people approach you from all sides. They sneak from behind, walk toward your sides, and come from the front. But they aren't the expected gang of delinquents you came to fight. Instead they are dressed up adults and elders that shamble toward you with dead red eyed gazes. Their eyes stare at nothing. They don't say anything either save for the occasional pained groan. Their clothes are clean as if they all just came from some nice show but their gazes hint at a gruesome end for you. Kida stumbles back toward you and Erika, asking with some fear. What is going on? Erika grimly looks around for something to fight with. Saika's children. There is a legendary sword in Ikebukuro that is capable of possessing whoever it slashes. But its current wielder is actually a very friendly person ... Erika finds a sharp piece of glass and holds it out like a knife. They are immune to pain and fear. Our only chance is to cut a way through them. (Toki and Ina) Mikado blinks and carefully nods. Uh yeah. I think I know who Izaya wants the head delivered to. Mikado then slightly blushes. Could someone help me carry Anri? She is kind of too heavy for me. Not to insult her or anything like that! Even though Anri is still unconscious, Mikado still takes great pains to apologetically bow to her for his comment. Suddenly you can hear a sharp metallic noise from nearby couples with sluggish moans. Mikado does not like the sound of that and informs you. I know another way out of here that would let us avoid whatever that is. He waits on what you and your companion decide. Meanwhile, the carbuncle tries to beat the ground to get your attention and then scurries off. It obviously wants you to follow it to wherever it is going. (Pancake Knight) The boys mutter with dissatisfaction and Aoba silences them with a motion of his hand. I don't like this turn of events at all. Aoba angrily says. You can take her for now. There are more monsters to hunt inside the warehouse anyway. Next time though there will be no mercy for those that take away our prey. Aoba and the boys let you leave with Ruri after that is said. They then surround the warehouse again to catch some more monsters leaving you alone with Ruri. Up till now Ruri followed you without any complaint. Now though she asks you something with your strained voice. Will you torture me? (Niko) You can hear what your companion is asked.

(Alphinaud) Shinra listlessly mutters. There are leftovers in the fridge. You can just take some of that. If you actually go to check the fridge, you will find days old chinese food and some very overly romantic rice balls with cute little heats scribbled on them. Shinra basically gave you carte blanche to look around his home while he nopes around. His apartment only has three closed off rooms, but there could be something useful in this "love nest". Shizuo still continues to smoke outside, but you can see him check his phone with mild interest. The sky becomes a pitch black sea outside yet whatever is on Shizuo's phone must be entertaining enough to keep him occupied.

"Hey it looks like that.... Thing wants to go to the city." I stare at the carbuncle, then look back at Gamma and Mikado. "You two mind if we follow this thing? I dont know why but something about it seems familiar, and if im correct we might be able to get some back up. If Izaya is serious about how dangerous of a mission this is, then backup is something we could use a lot." Wow i actually said something smart for once. Hope they agree with me though.

Hmm... *I'd pull my sleeve back down now that I had a good idea of where I was going to hide my metal arm. I'd steal a glance down at the woman, Miria, as she seemed to start pulling herself together. Baccano truly is a strange anime. Still, better play along. I'd look over at the man.* I don't think your friend can answer that, sorry to say.

"Fine fine, whatever you feel like. I'm not your boss." I let out a sigh, dismissing 04 before looking back at Mikado and Anri... Right we'll have to carry them until they regain consciousness won't we? That makes this even harder since I won't have the freedom of mobility I'd usually prefer, but its not like there are any other options. So begrudgingly I move to help carry Anri, keeping the head in my off-hand so my right is free to carry the heavier person through the city. "Hopefully she wakes back up soon, but so be it. Whatever gets us there fastest."

My first thought is that there’s actual zombies here, but that can’t be right. This isn’t some zombie apocalypse movie, right? There’s no way- Oh. They’re actually zombies. Just not the kind I thought. “I dunno why they’re here, but uh... since you guys know magic is real... yeah, don’t freak out too much. Just point me in the right direction if I get off course, nya?” I don’t want to fight these people but all I can do is get them out of the way and hope my magic isn’t deadly. I charge forward and swing my sword at the air. “Mazan!” Green-tinted gales sweep at the horde of mindless people. I just needed to blow them out of our way. Best case scenario, these guys fall like dominoes.

"Ah, thank you." I go to where the fridge is and open it up, grumbling silently to myself. Not much I feel like eating, but considering the circumstances, i'd just have to force myself. I would just take the chinese food and ignore the rice balls, sitting down wherever feels most appropriate in a lax manner.

I shrug with apathetic energy as the rest of the boys leave me alone, taking a deep breath before turning towards Ruri and dissipating the cuffs before casting a small heal on her with a jazz hand. If you got it flaunt it. Psh, even I don't have the stomach for torture. That's on another level. My moral compass may be skewed but I ain't a total monster. Why don't you just tell me what you know eh? I have a feeling Aoba isn't letting me onto the whole story. So, what's with the dino mask, and is it true that you've killed people? I won't judge. I've done the same for far less justifiable reasons.

(Toki) Mikado helps you carry Ari by lifting her up by the feet. He awkwardly places her legs on his shoulders and guides you toward some decrepit stairs. The stairs creak beneath your feet but they hold. After you make it down each individual flight you are able to see a mob of people on the other side of the industrial wasteland. You pass these mobs though and make it safely out through a sparsely grassed area teeming with insects. The entire time the head maintains its peaceful gaze unaware of the turmoils of the earth. Everything else is child's play once you make it out onto the grass. Mikado carefully leads you toward the edges of the city but before entering he stops by an abandoned shrine. The shrine isn't too impressive having already served its time as a place of veneration and Mikado doesn't seem like he is there to pray. I need to go get something. Do you mind waiting here? Mikado gently lays down Anri's feet without waiting on your response. He assumes you will agree so he climbs up the stone steps of the shrine with a cold determined gaze. Anri stirs a little after her feet are moved down but she does not wake up. Mikado's taser must have been set to a very high setting. (Ina) The carbuncle leads you through the way you came but yowls upon seeing that the way back is filled with a random mob of people. The mob of people are all faced toward a high school student, women in an entirely black outfit, and a talking cat? A talking cat with magic apparently that can cast a gust of wind to send some of the surrounding people back. Definitely, Cait, an ally of yours. The carbuncle tries to nip at a person in front of you to clear the way. The person picks up the carbuncle by the tail and tosses the poor creature toward the nearest steel beam. The person then looks at you allowing you to see their dazed red eyes. Mother, mother, mother, mother ... The person repeats as they move to pick you up next. The person may look like a normal salaryman, but the carbuncle was tossed hard enough to cause a dent in the steel beam. (Cait) Your mazan sends the majority of the horde flyring back and into each other. This gives you some breathing room that was not previously there. Yet, you are still surrounded by those dazed red eye individuals that were shielded from your attack. Erika slashes at the stragglers that approach after your strike. She draws blood from some of the saika "zombies" without hesitation. Real life is just like an anime now and it sucksss. I was expecting hot boys that would pamper me with affection~ Not some mother complex zombies that would try to murder me. The saika "zombies" don't react to her statement. They continue to frequently chant "mother" over and over while trying to close in on your group. Kida struggles with laying a blow on any of the saika "zombies". Especially after seeing some elderly folks and children mixed in the horde. But when one tries to get the jump on you and Erika, he does land a direct kick toward its head sending it spinning. We should try to run for it. I don't want to risk killing anyone! (Sam) Miria's body reattaches itself to her head with a spider-like motion. It's almost freakish to watch how her hands pull the nerves hanging from her head into the rest of her body. If you are frail in stomach then this may be enough to push you over the edge. Once her head and body are once again one all the blood that left her body returns in the form of red bugs that scamper into her mouth. The curious display takes a few minutes and as the last red bug enters her mouth, Miria smiles. She answers with her usual joy. [I] I can! Isaac I'm a-okay![/i] Miria gives two huge thumbs up. Miria after reincarnating again have you finally taken on the wisdom of some smaurai master or cowboy gunslinger? Isaac comes out of the tunnel to ask.

(Pancake Knight) Ruri looks at you after you are done healing her. You can't read her expression though due to her dino mask. I don't want to answer ... Ruri quietly says. She presses her dino mask against you and clings onto your clothing. Her trembling alone is enough to cause you to shake too. (Niko) Using your special cat boy sneak skills you cross the hellscape undetected and unnoticed. Aoba's shark gang pound on the front of the warehouse while you clamber up the metal side stairs and peer into the space through an open second story window. If you can endure the smoke streaming out that window then you would be able to see a middle aged woman in a yellow outfit currently suffocating in the warehouse. The woman's face is wracked with agony as her needle-like nails frantically scratch against the ground That is when Aoba and his shark gang break down the front doors of the warehouse. The woman prepares for the end by pointing one of her hands toward her throat. If this hand is anything like the other one with needle-like nails then the woman is preparing for her death. But one she will execute herself before anyone can capture her. (Alphinaud) You take the leftovers and plop yourself in front of the currently on tv. The remote to turn on the tv is right next to you on a cute coffee table. If you have some sort of special connect to carbuncle then you would know the moment when carbuncle hit a steel beam. If you don't then you continue on mercifully unaware of carbuncle's fate. Done with his smoking break, Shizuo sits down next to you and notes. Your friends are taking pretty long to come back. Aren't you worried about them kid?

Well i guess i dont see Gamma, im just gonna have to talk to the others about- "SWEET ARCEUS!" That... Thing... I dont even think its a person just freaking launchef that... I dint even know what that is! I nervously back into something really soft and fluffy., fireballs in hand, and feet on fire. My stance is spread though, so if anything was touching me, they wouldnt get burned in the process... Wait who is behind me? "Cait!? Oh my gosh you have no idea how glad i am to see you!" Well at least i have a familiar face here. "So uh.... Wanna test that wind and fire thing?"

I calmly walk through the crowds, doing my best to avoid them when I can but ultimately I'm at Mikado's mercy in this regard. I never liked people and now was no different. As such its a relief to finally step into something more.. Clear. The area leading up to the shrine. Seeing Mikado set Anri down I make an effort to do the same. After all, I wasn't really getting anywhere on my own. "Just make it quick. And try not to get kidnapped." I can already imagine it happening, but leaving Anri would just make it worse, so I accept my fate, sitting down with my legs crossed and eyes closed, something akin to meditation as I sit by Anri, waiting for Mikado to do whatever it is they're doing.

*I watch with great interest as Miria puts her self back together. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I can feel Sam screaming that he needs data on this. However, this is neither the time nor the place for that. Instead, I mearly let out an impressed whistle.* Well now. That's a neat parlour trick. Thought for sure you were a goner there. *As Isaac emerges from the darkness, I raise a hand in greetings.* Sup. I'm guessing you must be Isaac, right?

“Zombies usually don’t indicate a long roma-“ Something bumps into me. I look up and open my mouth to give this person a piece of my mind, but freeze up. “Ina? Where’ve you - that can wait.” I twirl my sword to send a few more zombies flying with another Mazan. I flatten my ears and hold my sword out at the crowd. I’m probably not gonna use it, but it gives me some confidence against this horde. “Running sounds good, nya. Let’s save that fire thing for stuff that’s not poor schmucks caught in hypnosis. Kida! What direction are we going? We making a tactical retreat or a blitz to the other side?”

H-hey now... It's alright. I won't let people hurt you okay? As she begins to tremble I set her down gently, holding onto the back of her prehistoric head while in an embrace to keep her from shaking too much. If I'm gonna get anything out of her I'm gonna have to calm her down. And risk a knife through my chest but I hope that my show earlier earned her trust.

I shake my head, closing my eyes and speaking with a forced calmness. "Worrying won't change the outcome of anything, so I have no reason to."

(Ina and Cait) More saika "zombies" are blown away by the wind giving some temporary breathing room. But, this won't last long given that many are around to take the place of those pushed back. Kida kicks back a few more dreary - eyed salarymen. We should break through to the other side! These zombies came from the way we entered so we should try to outrun them! (Ina) Mother Mother MOther MoTher ... Two saika zombies grab you by the arms. A former sweet old granny and a high school student. They pull your arms from both sides causing considerable pain with their almost inhuman strength. Catch! Erika smacks down her weapon on another zombie and then tosses you a crowbar. Clear the way for us, if you can. Okay ~ Carbuncle bleeds out whatever fluid is in a creature like it. It doesn't seem to be breathing. It is nearby, but three saika zombies cut it off from you. (Toki) Mikado quickly returns from his venture as Anri begins to stir on the ground. He now holds a special military-grade gun in his hands and his blank stare is almost challenging. How is Anri? He asks, but he makes no move to check. He holds the gun closer to his chest and becomes standoffish. Anri quietly wakes up. Nrgh where are we? (Sam) Nope no reincarnation or powers. Miria sadly reports, standing with her body intact. Isaac walks over to Miria and jovially pats her on the head. That's fine! Maybe next time the great spirit of Oda Nobunaga will speak to you. Miria excitedly nods her head at the prospect and Isaac laughs at her exuberance. The two of them enter their own world momentarily. They then remember that you are there and Isaac comes over to you to shake your hand. He tries to give you the ol cowboy grip. Yeah I'm Isaac the great. Thank you for directing Miria here. Now we can all be pals together! (Pancake Knight) Ruri calms down in your hold. You can hear as her panicked breathing slows to a hush and her trembles soon stop. When she is sufficiently calmed, Ruri quietly says. Thank you ... She then states. You can take off my mask. If you want ... You have earned enough of her trust to see her face. (Niko) You watch as the woman gouges out her own throat with her exceedingly sharp fingers. The woman's ruby red eyes narrow with a hint of victory before becoming dull jewels as she bleeds out. Her fingers return to normal once she passes into the next world. Aoba and his cronies break-in eventually, but by then the final monster in the warehouse is dead. (Alphinaud) Shizuo huffs with annoyance. That is a pretty shitty mindset to have. Shizuo stares at his phone and then stands with new energy. I'm heading out. I know the flea is behind today's mess and I'm not gonna let him wreak havoc. You ... stay here and take care of the doc. We need him if any of us get injured. With that said, Shizuo leaves.

*I'd give the man a smile, putting my hands in the pocket of my lab coat. "I doubt he'd know anymore than his partner, but maybe I can get to someone who does through him."* Right. Nice to meet you. I'm Sam. I'm... sort of an investigative journalist from overseas. I was asking around about the plethora of strange goings on around here lately. Your partner here said you would know more than her on the topic.

A few seconds later its like I'm woken up by Mikado's arrival. I quickly scramble back to my feet, wiping the dirt off before picking the head back up from the ground beside me "Oh.. Yeah. I mean... you can see she's doing perfectly fine now." Gamma lets out a sigh of relief as Anri stirs. Probably best to take a step back and give the girl some space, though I don't actually do so, instead beginning to quickly answer the girl's question even though I have no idea "We're just at some shrine in the middle of a city I don't know how to navigate where people apparently just stash guns some times. though I'm pretty sure whoever's temple it is wouldn't appreciate it, they're probably not real so it doesn't really matter. Anyways um.. We about ready to get going? Just a little bit more and we should be able to learn about that third group X was talking about."

Great. Of course im having a panic attack. Ugh... I have to stay calm. I can break down later.... I drop the fireballs, and breathe a bit. "If we're blitzing through then i shouldnt have to worry too much. Cait, im gonna need you to defend me, alright?" Gotta blast through like some sort of sonic ripoff. Ugh, this is NOT gonna help me not being taken seriously. And with the kitty taking off, i take off after her "Id try to take the helm but.... Yeah." Just gotta follow cait for now.

“Gotcha! Just stay right behind me Foxy! Mazan!” I dash forward with green winds whirling around me. I don’t know how long I can keep up this continuous whirlwind so I run as fast as I can. It probably looks like a scene out of a cartoon. A little cat running through a crowd snd literally blowing away anything in its path. “Phah.. ha... why are there so many?!”

I'd feel slightly bad after seeing that, but I'd keep telling myself that none of what's going on here is truly real. I notice that the little gang finally broke in, so I stop peering into the warehouse to get down from where I'm viewing all of this. "Jackpot." I quickly summon my persona, ready to take on these shark-masked teenagers.

Er. You sure? You seem to like this thing. I suppose it gets a little stuffy in there though. Let me see if I can't get it off.. I stand up and take a step back, letting my hand eye coordination get to work as I eye up the headgear. I do my best to remove it without hurting Ruri.

I close my eyes pensively, pretending not to be affected by Shizuo's comment. "Alright."

(Sam) Isaac thinks nothing of your handshake refusal and continues to mega-watt grin at you. The sky isn't strange enough for ya pal? He points up toward it. But, something instantly comes to his mind. Oh! I get it! You want to see something strange that isn't the run of the mill sky. I got something for ya! He marches back into the tunnel with Miria right behind him. He obviously expects you to follow. You enter a dark abandoned cavern with creaking rails if you decide to follow. (Toki) Anri carefully gets off and glances at the gun in Mikado's hands with wide eyes. [I]...[/i] Mikado relaxes. Shyly, he gently taps the end of the gun against his palm. It's a toy. We might be in danger so I got this just in case. The temple workers were nice enough make it for me. Mikado offers Anri the gun to allow her to check. Anri refuses with a quick shake of her head and uneasily shifts closer to you. She is gently smiling, but quickly looks to you for some guidance. Mikado frowns at this. He leads you and Anri back into the city without saying much else. After some walking, your group is led to an apartment complex in Ikebukuro. The complex is one of the fancier ones with glass paneling and new age lights. No one is out given the current situation but the warmness of the complex doesn't give any cause to feel alone. The cameras don't let you feel too alone either. (Ina and Cait) Green winds lash out at the saika zombies sending more of them to the ground. Erika grimaces. There are so many that it looks like half of Ikebukuro has been saikafied. I like horror anime but I never wanted to live one! Kida runs forward and kicked the shins of two remaining saika zombies in the front. The way is now cleared and you along with your group head up the debilitated stairs. Senpai can you stop talking about anime for once. This is serious. Erika retorts. I am taking this situation seriously. It's not my fault that these people remind me of the living dead. Anyway we need to barricade the stairs or they might follow us. By now your group is on the second floor of the site and you can see that some of the saika zombies are already pawing the bottom of the stairs. At the center of the second floor is a makeshift ring of concert blocks and a throne made of various junk at the center. A few spray cans lie about too. The place has junk, which may not be much. (Niko) Cat ...? The shark masked teens stare at you with befuddlement. They expected a den of monsters, not some kiddo dressed in cat gear to confront them. Aoba as leader of the pack nears you and points at your persona. Are you a freak like the old guy? (Pancake Knight Ruri trembles as your pull off her mask. Once the mask is off her long black hair flows out below her shoulders. You now see her Scandinavian features including her naturally pale skin. On top of her head is a fancy red ribbon made of the finest quality. Thanks.... Ruri awkwardly looks about until she musters up the courage to talk some more. I don't have anywhere to go. I don't want to stay here though. They could come back. (Alphinaud) Shinra comes out of his celty-induced raving and is surprised to see that you are still around. Wow no one has really stayed when I get to talking about Celty. He plops down next to you and pats you on the back. There there Shizuo can be pretty rude sometimes when he wants to be. I'm sure your friends are plenty strong from what I've seen. Also isn't keeping the resident healer alive an important task too in case all the brave souls need some last-minute aid. You could be doing the most important job right now by keeping me safe.

Adrenaline carries me up the stairs, but once I’m at temporary safety I flop to the ground. Using magic that long is more tiring than I thought... “Nyagh... Toss whatever ya can at the stairs. Ina, maybe set something on fire on the stairway for a fire wall?” I lift up my head and immediately do a double take at the throne in front of us. “What the...? N-nevermind! One of ya, get the spray cans! Maybe their contents are flammable!” Yugioh manga, don’t fail me now!

Sure. Lead the way. *Sam smirks, carefully following behind the two thieves and trying not to trigger anymore traps. "I guess there's no harm in playing along for now. Who knows? These two may even bring me to the Ruler of the little Lostbelt."*

I take a second to breathe, that way i dont have a panic attack. Need to breathe, need to breathe..... Alright. I set my hands on fire, getting ready to set whatever necessary on fire as well. "Just say the word and itll be ablaze!" Just try to be confident. Just try to be confident. Just try to be confident.

I nod, listening to Shinra. "Yeah, you're right. I'll... protect you to the best of my ability."

Huh. I hold onto the mask for now, instinctively patting her head once before getting up and thinking, where could we go? I suppose we could try and find the others. Maybe she knows someone from her ribbon? Yeah we should leave. I can try to find some of my friends but I'm not sure if the chances we will run into each other. Did someone give you the ribbon? If so we can try going to them. Otherwise let's just head back to the city for now.