Hidden Terrors (User Mass Awakening 2)

Rather a decent night out in Nadashiki. Ruo sometimes would wonder this evening why she always kept coming back. The area itself was not the greatest part of town admittedly; at night gang members seem to inhabit it, while in the day, it did not have much aside from shops and a club. Yet something about this place seemed to intrigue Ruo; in that it always seemed to have some new place to explore that you could not see the last time you were here. Maybe the place was bigger than she thought, and it could not hurt to take a look around every so often. Beginning in the plaza she would just take a small look at the scenery, which had not changed much. Maybe Ruo would take a moment to relax in the area. Something like that was unlike her, but lately her Persona had been teaching her to go try new things. Maya was not speaking to her directly, but her mere presence caused Ruo to do some thinking. She had nothing else she wanted to do today. So maybe she would find a tool or a trinket on the ground she could bring with her home. She could always hope.

Walking in the plaza, she would be wearing normal attire, her hair tied up, her shorts, and her lightly open jacket. She did not want to look too foolish to others, wearing warm clothing when it had finally started to heat up a bit around the area. Then again, it was in the evening, so it had cooled down. Perhaps she was being paranoid again, which was always a possibility in her life. She would take a mild stroll around the area, not really to do anything. For some reason, she wanted at the moment to just look around. Ruo was acting off today, maybe it was her ego acting up. Her Papillon Heart maybe? It always caused spikes in her personality sometimes. Maybe she would figure out an issue later on. Right now, she became a bit too distracted by something she found on the ground. It was a small broken wristwatch, which apparently did not have a home. She would put it in her coat pocket and continue to walk. Maybe she could get it running when she returned to Iwaigodai. She would after a little while, return to the plaza, and take a small seat next on a bench near the end of the plaza. She did not need a break; her hardware did not weigh her down that badly. But she did not understand how people relaxed, and so it seemed worth a try to either blend in, or to expand her own views. But unfortunately, she was not getting much from just sitting here. Maybe she would get it if she remained there a bit longer. She would take glances around and behind her just to remain sure that she was as safe as she could be at the moment. Hopefully it would come to her what it meant to relax.

At the moment, Kaihei wasn't even sure whether he was annoyed at himself or not. He was somewhat regretting the spur of the moment idea to go out when he started having enough of the chatter at the dorms. Not that outside was bad, and the weather was pleasant enough, that he had to give, but he didn't have anything to do. Walking around aimlessly, and in Nadashiki nonetheless wasn't the brightest idea one could come up with. On the other side, he did not feel like going back, so he might as well try to find something useful to do here, which he severely doubted he would, but what else he could do when he was already here anyway? And the decision was far from easy. With how abruptly he set out, he had not brought any money along, which meant there weren't many options. He might just end up going sightseeing or similar bullshit. ''Tch, as if...'', he muttered under his breath gloomily as he strode around the place, still hoping to get some use out of this already useless trip.

Twenty minutes later, and he was none the wiser. The 'irritation' meter had gone up significantly as well. Walking around was simply boring, and the loud crowd was not helping his mood in the least. He definitely needed to cool down, as this was beyond aggravating. Even the poor trees looked good enough to vent his frustration on. Thankfully, he came to the plaza, which had places to sit without going to a bar or restaurant where you had to pay for stuff. Maybe, just maybe sitting down on this whole thing would help him get a clearer head. Getting worked over such a waste of a concept shouldn't be worth sacrificing precious time over. Walking to one of the benches with quick strides, he sat down, glancing around the place vaguely. Of course, he noted that there was another female sitting there as well, but Kaihei was far from a social butterfly, so he wouldn't address her unless she said something to him. He had no need to chit chat with random strangers just because they were sharing the same sitting space. Besides he was still a little grumpy about this whole trip.

Nanami was happy. School over and even with that cold she did fairly well with her grades. Not the top of the class, but still within the top fifty of her class year. It was a quiet Christmas as she wandered around the snow covered city to let her parents have some... alone time, but then she rushed about like a chicken with its head cut off to prepare for the new year. Her father's birthday had past that and now... mom. Her birthday was coming up and soon. What to get her... She was so out of it that she hadn't realized that she had been wandering in a circle around the plaza's fountain until she pulled herself out of her reverie and actually took a glance at her surroundings. A few people, scattered here and there. No one she really knew or at least no one she really knew that she could tell.

The high schooler drew her tan coat about herself. It wasn't really needed but it still felt nice, like an old blanket in winter that couldn't hold heat but was loved all the same. Should she go back to her aimeless pacing? Should she not? Would someone eventually try to mug her or ask her what was wrong? She couldn't think while she thought she wasn't safe, but all of the benches seemed occupied. The fountain wasn't though, and it seemed like the next logical step. With a smile and a small nod at whomever was closest to her, Nanami sat down on the lip of the fountain and bowed her head to resume thinking about what to get her mother for her birthday.

Walking from her job within the "Hakken Super Mall" who she had to appologize and even work double her working hours for her lengthy leave, but she was at fault this time and couldn't afford to lose such a great job. It wasn't that she was in trouble but made the rest of the staff worry of her safety. She giggled a bit into her mouth as she walked before fixing the strap to her large gym bag which held her job clothes and some school supplies. She decided that since it was such a nice day outside and she still had time to blow off that she'd go to the book store and look for any new books that been released. Her long braid was replaced with two semi-long braids that fell over her chest, while she wore a strapless white shirt with pink stripes, blue short jeans cut halfway up her thigh and some old sneakers. Her blonde hair grew in radiance as the light from the street lamps fell onto her head and a large glare on her glasses shot toward anyone who dared to take a peek at her face.

She walked off and onto the main street that lead to the Nadashiki Strip Mall in search for the book store she was told about from one of her friends that worked beside her. As she walked through the streets, she noticed that it didn't seem like much changed since she last left it. She had read of a few mishaps that took place within her school but she didn't know what to protest of such a subject. Taking a break from this limbo she almost felt normal, before taking a look at the back of her hand, knowing that a small spark was lit within herself that changed her life entirely. She hasn't spoken to anyone since she had returned and it was only a matter of time till either they needed her or she needed them.

When suddenly a call from afar caught her attention. She quickly turned her head in the same direction before coming upon a group of students resting against a closed store window. Looking menacing, with their uniform not worn correctly, messy hair styles and even parts of tattoos peeking through parts of their clothing she could only assume that they were the type of students that follow the rules of the school and acted as they wished. Slowly stopping before continuing her pace she could hear a few whistles before a sudden chill went down her spine and she gripped her bag strap with both hands. Hear the clattering sound of foot steps behind her she quickened her pace hoping that a larger group of civilians would reveal themselves and she'd be able to get rid of them.

Before she knew it she choked and stood still, feeling as if a power inside her was pounding inside her wanting to be freed. Like a part of her wanting to her persona in battle, did she miss it? The power of fighting things men didn't know existed. Her eyes widened as she felt a hand on her shoulder and being thrown around toward their rugged faces. She quickly throw a soft punch out of instinct toward the middle ones chest before quickly cocking it back close to her chest and taking a step back.

He huffed his nose before dusting off his shirt, he gave a sneer toward her while giving a quick look about toward his buddies that stood beside him. "Tsk, seems like we have us here a mut that can fight back." He huffed toward them while they followed with a quick laugh. They took a step back before turning and walking away, and left her with a surprise look on her face as she dropped her arms to her sides. It seemed they gave up once she showed a bit of action, but it couldn't have been just that, she heard that this part of the area was bad news from rumors but assumed that only happened at night.

Heaving a large sigh with her hand on her chest she looked back toward the strip mall before taking a quick look behind herself just to make sure they continued their leave before walking solely.

It's been a while since Megumi went exploring. Then again, she's already seen most of the stuff, since she's been here for a while now. But there was this one place in particular which was still quite uncharted. Nadashiki. Yes, she's been here before, but not at night. Was this a bright idea...? "...Nope!" Megumi thought as she left the dorm in her casual and well-known attire. Luckily enough, it was spring already, so it was not needed to wear her heavy winter jacket.

It was pretty dark, when she arrived at the den of crime and gang activity. As much as Megi wanted to explore around properly, she knew it would be just plainly stupid to go explore dark back alleys. Walking around lit streets, she eventually found her way to the Plaza. There was a number of people around the fountain and sitting on benches, relaxing this fine evening-night. Looking around the people who were sitting down... Of caourse she would she would see a familiar face. Mr. Grumpy at that. It felt wierd for Megi to meet him like this. She came to him, greeting him: "Hey there, Kaihei! How are the things going?" she was hoping for a peaceful night, but sometimes even that's too much to ask for...

((Alright - the Awakening can start now. You all may post once more and then I will set up the scenario))

Ruo would remain silent for the most part until a peculiar boy came to the bench she herself was sitting at. She would look at him, and inch away lightly. She was not the type to just get sociable with people she did not know, especially given her fearful nature. She just let him go to his business, as the man himself seemed upset at something. The last thing she needed to do was annoy him further. Though, it would help take her mind off of worrying about it when a young girl went up to the boy and began to talk to him. It seemed they knew one another. And at night of all times; it seemed like an interesting coincidence to come across people like that at a late hour. Then again, she did not know of their schedule, and did not really care too much to know. She was mostly here to think on things. What she learned from her comrades and others. She did notice two other girls around. One of which was walking around; her hair rather blonde. Another girl much “larger” for lack of a more obvious word sit on the fountain not too far from the bench she and the other two were at. She would remain silent as well until someone decided to speak to her.

Such an odd thing to have all these people here. With the suspicions of gang members being around at night, you’d think they’d be more careful or at least take a noticeable change in appearance to look dangerous. At least Ruo was an android and could fight on her own, and if she had to, use her Persona. She did know if anyone here did. Bu it was not her place to butt into their business, and she had more pressing matters to think about. What Hibiki told her about Shadows coming into this world was a bit troubling. She hasn’t seen any herself yet, but the thought alone had Ruo constantly looking around her to make sure, even more so than before. She was even looking around now, every few seconds taking a look to her right, behind her, in front, behind her, to the side, behind her. So many places she had to be aware of. If her paranoia was not bad (which it was), but if not, it certainly was now, and she did not have a particular remedy, unless she knew she could either fight them, or if the problem was totally solved.

And here, Kaihei was hoping that at least this once he’d get some peace. But, no, apparently that was not the plan for today. The fact that the woman that sat next to him inched away, obviously not too happy about a company from a stranger didn’t bother him much, as he was initially all right with not speaking to her unless he had a good reason to do so. What made him more iffy was that for an unknown reason, random people seemed to be gathering at this place, which he doubted meant a peaceful time for him in a long run. He paid no mind to the rather easily noticeable female that came and sat at the fountain, most likely holed up in her own thoughts and musings, so that was the lesser evil. The main event was when someone he has met before had appeared, and there was no way he could ignore that one. Well, technically, he could, but even he didn’t want to be too much of an asshole, although there was no doubt some people thought of him as so. Most of the time, he didn’t give a damn about it, but since he was staying here for an extended period of time, it would be more bearable if he’d manage to keep on the good side of at least classmates and teachers, if nothing else.

‘’Sour as usual. Not that it really matters. What are you doing here anyway?’’, he’d say bluntly, as Megumi, a fellow classmate of his addressed him. So much for pretty greetings, but he was not the type either way. She was tolerable, but he wasn’t expecting any sort of company at the moment, and inwardly hoped she was just passing by. If not, he supposed he’d have to deal with an accomplice that was uncalled for. Such was life. Even unpleasant things had to be handled in one way or another, so he’d hang out with her if she so asked for it. Maybe it wouldn’t be as bad as sitting there like a dork, next to a woman that looked like she’d rather run away from him. Who was he to know which option would be the brightest though?

"Hmmmm... maybe I could make her something...?" she muttered to herself. Nanami didn't notice that there were others until she brought her head up. Yeah, these were all people that she didn't know, except... Did she know that girl? Kind of. Maybe she talked to her once before. Others were congregating, one who was very happy to see someone who wasn't very happy to see them. Another who was somewhat uncomfortable with everyone being there, and then the girl who might or might not be familiar. So that was... five people gathered in the square, all and all including herself. This... didn't feel like a chance meeting. At least not to her.

Nanami wondered why these five, why now and why here. This was probably chance but there was that nagging feeling. They were all called here for something. Someone or something called them all here. But was it it just her, everyone else but her, or was it everyone all together? It could make for a rather interesting story. As quietly as she could- which was to say not quietly at all why did she have those dice in there anyway?- she pulled out her cellphone and found the mic setting. "Test one two, test one two." Oh if she was right she was going to have one HELL of a fantasy story. And she would try not to procrastinate on it as much as the other stories she had. "It's recording? Good. I have a feeling that something is going to go down between myself and four others. One is a boy, looks like he's in high school. Another is a girl who looks like she knows the boy. The third girl looks distinctly uncomfortable. The fourth looks familiar to me, though I don't know why. And then there's me. I have a hunch that something's going to go down. If anyone finds this, tell them my story. And..." She took a deep breath. "Tell my family that I love them, okay?" She didn't stop the recording, but kept it going. She was going to describe everything.

Continuing her strode downward toward the Strip Mall that was in plain sight and her nervousness about her surroundings have increased to the unknown personal doing their round about during the night. Her focus was swayed from the appearance of a familiar face that seemed to also take to the night on their own accord. The street lamps circled a large fountain that took place in the center of the area. The bright light reflected off the surface of the water grasping the beauty of any that were caught by its reflected light as the water slowly flowed. It seemed to be a fellow student of Mio's that she hasn't exactly kept in contact with due their low connections, but that didn't mean that they had to stray from each other.

Mio's face brightened as she looked toward the familiar character and started to walk toward them without a second thought.

"Himura-San!"

Mio shouted toward her direction with her arm flailing above her head as if they'd knew each other for years. As she grew closer she can she Himura's lips move into some electronic device possibly a phone, but with the light not really focused onto the object it was hard to tell exactly what it was within her hands.

"Long time no see, Himura-San. You probably don't remember me. I'm Kiyomi Mio, from that school trip. It's nice to see you again."

Mio quickly begun to start a conversation with a cheerful attitude rather then her more serious and concerned one that took place not to long ago. Her hands still holding the strap of her bag she looked toward Himura with glistening smile.

Kaihei was still the same "sour" person. He could be quite ignorant towards certain people, but if you show him that you're not that annoying as you look, he will accept you and treat you accordingly. "Nothing, really, just thought I would get some fresh air... We both know the dorm, right?" she replied with short laugh.

Taking a quick glance around her, she noticed that Kaihei was indeed sharing his bench with another female who looked kinda... Nervous, to say the least. "I sure hope that Kaihei didn't growl at her or something..."
When her sight reached the fountain, she noticed a girl with something in her hands, talking. Megi assumed that it was phone, but wasn't quite sure. "Maybe she's vlogging or something, who knows..." These things were none of Megi's business, though. She did notice another girl approach her, however. It seemed like they knew each other, which was none of her concern, in the end.

As Megumi's sight returned to Kaihei, she noticed that the Plaza is kinda quiet. She thought that would be a little bit more lively here, since its spring and stuff. Speaking of spring, for some reason Megi felt a shiver run down her spine with one of those ominous feelings. Like calm before a storm. Before shit hits the fan.

The problem with all of this was that she was near two people that not only did not address her, but made noticeable looks at her. Even after gaining her Persona, she still had a sense of paranoia thick around her like an invisible fog. Standing up rather abruptly, she would walk out of Nadashiki and return home, with a bit more speed than simply walking.

((Exit. Backing out of the awakening. She got scared off. Sorry guys.))

Even if he was not particularly pleased by this meeting, at least they could agree on one thing. The dorms tended to be  hell quite often. Not literally, but there were times when Kaihei would seriously have considered seeing that place in flames a good thing. ‘’I guess so. This place doesn’t seem much better so far, though.’’, he said, his mood still a bit chilly. This place could have been quite good, if only there was a smaller amount of people. Kaihei didn’t want to risk getting dragged into anything, as he had escaped out of the dorm to avoid exactly that.

He tried his best to ignore the female that started shouting as she came nearby, apparently so interested to make a conversation with the one by the fountain, that she didn’t even bother to keep the noise level down. How annoying. The girl previously sitting next to him, on the other hand decided to take a sudden leave. Maybe she was irritated by the number of people too. Well, he certainly wouldn’t have minded leaving himself. But, alas, there wasn’t going to be a chance for that, as the sudden silence made him look around, wondering whether his wish for a piece of quiet was granted, or he was just imagining things. Well….maybe not.

‘’What the hell is this supposed to be?’’, he’d ask in a pissed, but still surprised tone when the whole area began to turn red. This was sort of like a flick from a movie or something, except the fact that it was happening outside, and it seemed way too real. This was ridiculous. This had to be some sort of trick, so why not just go somewhere else. No way this was happening everywhere. With that in mind, he would stand up, deciding which way would be the best. This whole stuff just didn’t feel right. ‘’Ugh, whatever this is, I don’t think I want to see more…’’

Nanami was about to answer the girl- that's why she was familiar- when everything went dark. Not just dark though. Everything took on a sickly tone of red. It wasn't even a pleasant tone at that. It reminded her of half dried blood, but with a light underneath it to give off that eerie glow. She looked to her phone and discovered it dead in her hands. That was the one thing that she found truly odd. She didn't use it much, and she had charged it last night. There were no warnings to indicate to her that it was going to die, it simply... had.

She shut her phone and tucked it back in to her jacket pocket, every sense of her screaming for her to run, run as far and as fast as her stubby legs could carry her. But... where? How? Why? The hairs of her neck stood on end, and she cast a furtive glance around everyone. Safety in numbers. "Ah, Mio-san. Hello." Her mind was not on the pleasantries at the moment. Strength in numbers. Get to the other three that were here. "I'm sure you've had a long ways to walk to get here, even via the subway. Why don't we go to a bench? Much more comfy than stone and water." Nanami laughed lightly at the statement and stood. Wait... what happened to one? The girl, by herself? Did she already run off into the sickly red that was encroaching upon them? No, the others would be panicking. Faster her mind raced as she slowly made her way to the bench where the other two were. Something was going to happen, and she knew she probably wouldn't like it. Was this magic, as Lackey so liked to write? More like the Tradition, or the Force? There was no way to be certain until whatever it was descended on them, inescapable and oppressing.