The Strange Truth [Dungeon Traversal Round 2]

Naito continued his forward progress through the eerie dungeon. Apparently Limbo was giving him an express ticket right to the front doors of its deepest secret. It could be a trap, but he'd take the risk certainly. After all, if you didn't take risks in life you wouldn't get anything done. Without batting a lash, Tsurinai would let a thin smile come across his face as he continued on. "Maybe this will be completed faster than I previously expected. That's always good, if not great in a situation such as this." He mumbled to himself first before looking over his right shoulder and back towards Kano. "Kano, you can go home! This nonsense can be handled by me alone. Shouldn't you be training Ogami, and the clueless one, how to defend themselves?" By clueless one, he obviously meant the one named Brian whatever. Tsurinai really had no connections with the clueless loser, and had no respect for him because of it. Though that was no excuse for him being rude. He also didn't treat those he had slight bonds with any better than before. There was a major wall people needed to get by to get near Naito. For someone as prideful as the student, he made sure to keep people at a distance so he didn't have to surrender such pride easily. It'd make him soft and less ambitious if he had people slowing him down with emotions, after all. The thoughts even made his eye wince a few times. If there was something Tsurinai didn't want to trade, it was his pride for anything. It made him who he was. After all, his family was scathing enough to bring him down to their level if he didn't have such a chip on his shoulder. His real father, and his twin sister were the biggest antagonist in his life, and he was probably the same for them. Even his step father disliked him. Something about Tsurinai put people on edge, and at an automatic defense. Perhaps it was his manners and blunt way of going about life. Gabishi made it completely clear that his regular way of speaking apparently was rude to the average person. So basically, everything about Tsurinai was rude, and it made the silver haired boy even more uncomfortable with the rest of the crowd. Perhaps it was his place to be alone. No family, nor friends. As long as he had his Persona, he had all the strength to face his hardships that he'd need. "Tch.. Get your head in the game, Tsurinai.."

At this time, Naito reached the large Golden gates at the end of the tunnel. Calling out his Persona, the first emperor of Japan would appear before him and perform a simple Dia skill to recover some of the health he had lost in the previous battle. Now with that out of the way, he felt prepared to tackle whatever was behind this door. Was it another Shadow? Perhaps a main adversary? Anything could happen at this point. "If what the Velvet Room stated is correct, this should give me a solid footing towards the final goal. The answers are right around the corner, or in this case, behind two giant golden doors." The silver haired student would pinch his chin between his right hand's index finger and thumb, drifting off and on, into thoughts and reality. If the adversary used Garu skills, there was a chance this encounter could be his last. That thought would have made the average high school student cringe in fear, but for some reason Naito was more than confident in his abilities. It even breached into arrogance, but that was mostly because of his superiority complex brimming within his bones. Squeezing his scabbard out of anxiety and yearning, the young male by the name of Naito would reach out to press open the doorway.

Naito Stats:

As the boy's hand touched the Golden Gates, they would slowly open to reveal the end of the long tunnel. Past the Golden Gates would be a single golden chest against the wall. It was obvious that the chest was of important, and most likely held what the Persona-Users were ultimately looking for, but getting to it wouldn't be as easy. As if on cue, a large would fall from the ceiling and land square on its feet. At first glance, the figure appeared to be a giant human, but it was much more than that. Infact, it was a Shadow taking the form of the Protector of the East, Jikokuten. Though it took the form of a demon that's sole purpose was to protect, the dead look in its eyes showed tribute to the analysis that it was simply a Shadow taking the form of something it was not. It raised its blade and took the signature pose of the true Jikokuten, though instead of protecting the entire East region of the world, it was simply there to protect the chest that held the truth. Though the Shadow was imitating, it showed true prowess of power. What seemed like a mixture of vapour and flames permeated from its bronze colored skin, emphasising its initial combat phase. Limbo seemed extremely secure that its guardian could fend of the intrusive Users looking to claim what did not belong to them.

-Initiating PvS Combat Phase-

"It would be so much easier to give into a world of lies . . ." A mysterious voice with no origin could be heard throughout the dungeon. "Is it wrong for humanity to crave a world of their own image. Are they not free to create and destroy? Limbo. . . is the answer to life's greatest flaws. It can create a New World. A new society of your liking under your rule . . . Turn back, and I will reward you with power beyond what you already claim." The eerie voice would echo before vanishing altogether. Whoever spoke had power, and was offering it to those who decided to throw away the foolish wish of learning more of Limbo, and its purpose. Throughout this entire monologue, the Shadow remained in its battle position. If the Persona-Users were to ignore the offer the malevolent entity had generously shared with them, it would be ordered to dispose of them utterly. Being this far into the narrow tunnel, once battle began they would find difficultly in attempting to flee from the encounter. Death was knocking on their door. . .

Shadow Jikokuten Stats:

Tsurinai heard Kano's words, but didn't turn back to look at him once. Instead his silver eyes focused on the treasure chest that sat within the large room the Golden Gates had been protecting. Honestly the last thing Naito wished to hear was some heartfelt acceptance speech. He was fine with how he was, and if people didn't understand that they weren't worth his time. It was either join him and become a subject, or be annihilated when standing in his way. Cruel of a student to think so lowly of their fellow peers, yes? Sadly these thoughts would be cut short, as a massive figure fell from the ceiling and landed before him. Naito staggered his footing at the appearance of the creature before him, and raised a brow slightly. It didn't appear like one of the various Shadows he had come across through the dungeon before. Infact, it looked extremely different, and alittle more human in appearance. Well if by human, you mean large in size and basically lathered in flames and vapor. Whatever this creature was before him, it meant business. That was okay, because Tsurinai was looking for a worthy challenger this time around. Infact, this would be his warm up! His thin smile turned into a wider one, as he flicked his right arm against the side of his coat, and caused the long sides to brush behind his legs and out of his way of movement. "I've been looking forward to this all day. I have alot of steam to blow off, and lucky for me you're the punching back I'll be using for this irritation. One beating fish won't turn back the tide, so you have no chance of stopping me from receiving that clue." Naito raised his left arm, and he;d his blade and scabbard out parallel to the floor beneath him. With his right hand, he'd grab the hilt of the blade, and size his opponent up.

Suddenly a strange voice echoed throughout the dungeon. At first he believed it to belong to Genji, but no... Something about it was much more different, if not overly sadistic. Tsurinai's eyes focused on the Shadow as his ears tuned in on the message before the mysterious words. Limbo could create a world of his liking? That was exactly what Naito wanted. That power of creation, so he could create his own empire with his own subjects. The thought of having friends over subjects was disgusting, and made his stomach turn end on end. Ever since he arrived in Ueitawa, he had been having trouble balancing his social life, and his dominating life style. These bonds were... more trouble than they were worth. Atleast that's what he told himself. Even so, this offer would not be for him. If he wanted to create a new world, he'd do it by his own means. "To think I'd be so shameful as to use this inferior world to grant my wishes. Tch, you sicken me. I'll dominate my peers my own way! Without your offered 'power'!" With that said, Naito's tarot card slowly floated down before his face. Clenching his fist upon the hilt of the blade, the card would shatter and a power would emerge from within. "Clear my path, Jinmu-tennō!" And as ordered, the Persona would appear above Naito with its blade pointed towards the Shadow. In this moment, Jinmu-tennō would cast rakunda to lower the enemy's weakness, thus making it more susceptible to attacks. Once its job was done and over, it would vanish back within the subconscious of the false prince, Tsurinai Naito. With this done, the silver haired teenager prepared for the combat ahead of him.

Naito Stats:

"Hah . . . Ha Ha Ha! The guinea pigs known as Mankind look to overplay their fate? The rampant illusion of freedom causes humanity to worry over petty matters. They desire a leader, and crave for someone to make their choices for them. I offer you the power to make such dreams become reality, and you turn it away?! Ha Ha Ha!!!! Very well! As you've said, a few beating fishes will never turn back the tide. Philemon has chosen some interesting tools this cycle!" The eerie voice would laugh once more towards the futility of the humans will to press forward into the fray. They were not the first the malevolent entity had broken, simply because it could. When the battle finally began and both of the foolish humans took their place, the massive Shadow would raise its arms and press its blade outward. Though it was attacked with a slightly powerful move, it did not flinch, nor show any signs of pain or disorientation. It was going to be a long battle ahead if these Persona-Users could only muster up that much strength to cause harm to the massive being. Unlike the previous Shadows they had been fighting throughout Limbo, this one was of another class. Raising its left arm, it would tap its chest and perform a simple Dekunda skill to remove the stat decreases placed upon it. After performing a skill, it was normal for a Shadow to have to wait some time before performing another, but once again this was no ordinary Shadow. This false Jikokuten would stab its blade into the ground and immediately follow up the -nada skill used. Placing the palms of its hands together, a shower of arrows would fall down from above and look to inflict moderate damage to both Naito and Genji.

Once the rain of arrows ended, the massive Shadow would grasp its blade and reclaim its battle position. There were no signs of staggering or worry within the Shadow's stance, mostly emphasizing that it was still very well ready for this battle. After all, its sole purpose was to protect what was in the treasure chest. If it failed, then it would be destroyed regardless. Regardless of if it lived or died, the Shadow was bound to the chest. It would need to be taken from its cold dead hands before being opened by anyone, friend or foe.

Shadow Jikokuten:

As Genji finally caught up to Naito, the silver haired student would look away after Genji's words of also shouldering the burden. Man, what was with this guy always throwing himself into the fray? Was he after revenge for the person who threw him into Limbo to die, or was he just looking for some excitement in his normal boring life? Whatever the case, Tsurinai would let him do what he wished. "Whatever, Kano. Just don't get in my way. You're competent enough to hold your own, after all." One would think Tsurinai would condescend Genji's arrival, but would instead show some slight praise. Only in regards to the fellow Persona-User being competent, but nothing more. His attention would soon be taken back from the mysterious voice that echoed through the dungeon. Who the hell did it belong too and why did it speak as if it were so above them? Something else caught Tsurinai's attention aswell. Philemon? "Who is this Philemon, and what do you mean by being "tools this cycle"?" Was Philemon the name or code name of the person behind Limbo? No, that was abit too far-fetched. Whatever the case, Naito would need to think of it another time. The opponent before him seemed to be prepping for an attack. And, just like that, it began. This strange Shadow would tap its chest and perform some sort of skill. Perhaps it was to counter act the rakunda Tsurinai had used alittle bit earlier. Whatever the case, the enemy Shadow began its real attack. Stabbing its sword into the ground, it smashed its hands together. Tsurinai raised a brow to this action. What the hell was it up too? He began to pace to the side slightly while trying to circle around the opponent, but would be abruptly stopped by numerous sharp pains coming down from above him. The sheer force of the attack caused Naito to fall to his right knee and stab his scabbard into the dirt for support. "Tch..!" Was the only sound that came from the silver haired student that was injured from the rain of arrows. This Shadow was not to be neglected, or underestimated.

Reaching into his coat, he'd remove a small bead in his hand. Crushing it in his palm, he'd shower himself with a healing aura that would heal all his injuries, and recover his health completely. With this done, he'd stand back to his feet and reclaim his battle stance. "So I've underestimated you. It won't happen again." With his spirit renewed, Tsurinai would draw his blade and stare the Shadow down. To think something this powerful was hidden only this far into Limbo, he wondered how strong their main adversary would be. If he couldn't take out this enemy, what made him think he'd ever get strong enough to remove the owner of Limbo from their pedestal? Looking over to Kano, Naito would swallow his pride for once. "Kano, lend me your strength. I can't fall here, and neither can you."

Naito:

False hopes and empty promises. Humanity surely didn't know when to quit, did they? Luckily, neither did this Shadow. Its purpose was to defeat them. To feast on their corpses after they had taken their last breath. The False Jikokuten stood its ground, blade still in hand and powerful aura still dancing like flames upon its body. Lifting its arm, it'd point it's sword towards Genji. A bright light would begin to shine beneath the Persona-Users feet, as the Shadow Jikokuten had performed a skill named Hama. It was attempting to end the Persona-User, and leave the silver haired one the last one standing. It was surely a bold and risky move to perform, as the chance of success was lower than fifty percent. In other words, it was a slight hit, and a definite miss. However, this Shadow had no means of making complex judgements when it came to a battle such as this. It moved on instinct and impulse, not looking to weigh the numbers of the situation before it. Perhaps that was a major difference between humanity and their Shadows. Where the Shadows were supposed to be humanity's true selves, they lacked the ability to adapt and think like normal humans. Atleast, the majority of the Shadows were this way. The King of them all, the Crawling Chaos, was a whole different story when compared to his offspring. He was the Shadow of all mankind, and as thus he could never be truly destroyed no matter how much they wished him away. These Persona-Users were not the first to take the trials laid out upon them. Philemon and Nyarlathotep had been "playing" this game for multiple lifetimes.

Once the Hama skill was used, the Shadow would immediately follow behind it with a secondary attack aimed towards the one named Tsurinai Naito. Lifting its mighty blade, it would bring it down upon the Persona-User to perform a simply slash attack. It not only conserved SP, but also HP when dealing with the two opponents before it. Though this Jikokuten was merely a Shadow playing copy-cat, it was extremely similar to the Hero of Legend. Its strength was not an illusion compared to the rest of its brethren that littered the dungeon before the gates. Once its attacks were completed, it would regain its stance, still showing no signs of fatigue or worry. The Shadow had plenty of fight left in it. The voice had given the two a chance to leave the dungeon and join them for more power, but if they were to continue to be disrespect and so full of their own mortality, then the Crawling Chaos would remind them just how human they truly were. Perhaps he'd have a use for them in the after life once the Shadows had their way with them. He would even wear one of their faces amongst their friends, simply to trick and lead them into a false sense of security. They clearly underestimated his prowess when it came to manipulating the guinea pigs known as humanity.

Shadow Jikokuten:

Chances for Success:

Naito turned to look towards Genji when he basically told him to "live." What kind of heroic thing was that to say? It actually caused the silver haired student to get quite flustered before snapping out of it and focusing back on the battle. "We'll both walk out of here, even if I have to drag you out." During this time, Tsurinai noticed the massive Shadow performing another attack. A bright light began to form beneath Kano in reaction, and the Persona-User could only guess that it was another attack. Before he knew it, he had dashed over to Genji and performed a full on dive to press him out the way. It was almost as if his body reacted on instinct alone, as even he seemed confused on his actions. Why would someone who claimed he was so superior would endanger himself to save one of his many "subjects"? ". . . Kano Genji . . . Live you idiot. Don't you lose to this guy. . ." Once the final word left his lips, Naito would be enveloped by the bright light instead, leaving him to the mercy of the Hama skill. Once the light cleared, he'd be laying face first onto the ground without moving a muscle. Though it did appear the lost his life in the attack, he was simply unconscious because of the attack. His scabbard and blade vanished from his hand, as he remained there simply breathing. Who knew Tsurinai would perform such a selfless act when he, himself, was probably one of the most selfish people in Ueitawa. Well, there was nothing left for him to do but hope Kano could handle the rest. If he couldn't, Naito had no problem dying there. When thinking back on his life, he was nothing but a problem to others. Ridiculing them, condescending them. Perhaps he was better off as the one falling here, while Genji went on. Atleast the latter cared enough for others to make sure the person behind Limbo wouldn't get away with it.

Naito Stats:

A noble sacrifice from the one who seemed to always have a chip on his shoulder. Though, the malevolent entity that was currently watching the battle would let out a heart-filled laughter that echoed through the long narrow tunnel. Humanity seemed ignorant of their limits, and that was more apparent now than ever. Foolishly charging into battle without analyzing the details, and attempting to overcome fate when it had already been written out for them! Ahahah! If there was one thing the Malevolent Entity could laugh about, it would be the futile attempts humanity took to try and grasp freedom. They were nothing but chess pieces in a larger game between two entities of the subconscious world. Sure, they could defeat a Shadow here and there. Even achieve their potential of becoming a Persona-User. But, in the end, they were nothing but pawns clinging to illusions of grandeur. The Crawling Chaos was sure to remind them of this fact. As long as there were Shadows in their heart, he would always exist. He would always exist and bring humanity down into the abyss of madness. The Shadow Jikokuten was but an child of the Crawling Chaos, and even its power was formidable when compared to the two children before it. When the Shadow was struck once again, it would stagger back before reclaiming its footing. It still stood strong, without showing any signs of fatigue. Lifting its blade above head, the Shadow would swing it down upon Genji and perform a fatal end attack upon the Persona-User. Once complete, the Shadow would fall to one knee and bury its sword within the soil showing signs of fatigue.

The burning aura upon its body began to smother, as it lifted an arm to perform its next attack. Clenching its fist, the Shadow would perform a Rakunda skill upon the Persona-User, to lower their defense. Once the skill was performed, the Shadow would remain on its knee, using its massive blade for support. The Malevolent Entity became rather quiet at this time, as if it were watching more intently than before. It was not worried, nor was it particularly angry at the situation before it. Infact, it wished to laugh. Studying these Persona-Users, even if they were to win he'd know exactly how to break them apart in the future. Little did they know he had multiple forms of Children. The Shadows were not their only enemy, as even those who held a Tainted Persona could be formidable in combat. All the pieces were falling in order... The Crawling Chaos would overcome Philemon's tool this cycle, and humanity would be once again drowned in their own futility. That was their fate, after all.

Shadow Jikokuten:

-Conflict Resolved-

With the final attack, the massive Shadow would stagger back while grasping its chest in pain. It would reach for its blade to perform one final attack, but would fall straight down face first before it could muster the strength. With its defeat, it would break apart into a black sludge before sinking into Limbo once and for all. All that was left within the room would be the golden chest that held the clue. However, for the Shadow's defeat, the users were rewarded themselves. For now they had their victory, but they'd soon find it would become a short lived victory. After all, this was only the beginning, and the Shadow Jikokuten was nowhere near as strong as the remaining guardians.

Rewards: