Genji's Familiar Home

The one named Genji Kano would awake in a familiar setting laying sprawled out in the middle of the floor. Though rather ambient and plagued with darkness, it was obvious where he was. This was the place his friend had stayed. This was the home he had visited countless times in his youth. Towards the corner of the room, there'd be a pool of darkness forming silently. However, that wasn't the highlight of this area. No, the one named Genji would be able to hear a familiar voice soon enough.


"Genji? Genji, is that you?" The voice belonged to his long time friend who had moved away. It sounded just like him, not even distorted in the least. However, the voice had no source. Its owner was nowhere to be found. "Ah, it is you Genji. I thought we'd never see each other again..." The voice trailed off, and after a few seconds the voice continued. "Apparently my luck has run out. Why the hell do I have to see an eyesore like you again? I moved away to get the hell away from you!" A sudden jump in emotion came from the voice, as it was now bathing in anger and malice. "You freaking creep! What friend comes up to you and tells you they like them? Not just like, but has a CRUSH on them? That's disgusting." The voice began to give a distorted chuckle. "I convinced my parents to move so we could get the hell out of there. I never wanted to see someone like you again. I was happy when they told me we were leaving. I didn't have to pretend to be your friend anymore. Infact, I didn't have to pretend I didn't hate you anymore. What a relief." The voice slowly trailed off and the room fell silent.

As soon as Ejji had received a message saying his friend Genji had been dragged into Limbo, he made his way into the twisted real as fast as he could. Not even a week later, and there wa yet another person kidnapped and thrown to the wolves. Ejji had little time to experiment with his newly acquired powers, but he felt confident enough to face a creaure of darkness - should one arise.

Ejji hoped to prevent the worst though. Perhaps there was a way to get his friend out, before this whole situation could escalate. Luckily enough, Ejji had little trouble in finding the place where his friend had been taken. He knew firsthand now, what horrors awaited Genji, and hoped he could prevent them. Although he had a nasty feling in his heart saying otherwise.

Ejji Reiguu had entered what appeared to be an interior of a home of sorts. It was not as unnatural or weird as was his own... unknown location. He looked back at the red door that seemed to be closed behind him, emitting a soft light. He couldn't tell if he could go back right now or not, but he wasn't going to do that alone. He would either leave with Genji, or face the enemy when the time came.

For now all that awaited him was Genji himself, aside from that the room was empty. He had apparently missed whatever had spoken to the unfortunate boy. Ejji quickly summoned his Okatana into his left hand, walking up to Genji. He needed to do this quick.

"Genji?" he started, omitting the honorifics, since now wasn't the time for such things. "You aren't dreaming. Whatever you are thinking - this is reality. You need to get yourself together. Now!" he pressed on, hoping to be able to talk some sense into his new friend. He hoped it wasn't too late. If the Shadow appeared - there was no way but to fight. He did not know of any alternative at this time.

"Spend a day at your parents house? Yea, cause mom and dad would totally want to see us. Maybe on a cold day in hell!" Walking out the mass of darkness in the corner of the room would be no other than Genji's Shadow. He wore an identical outfit to his original, however an ominous dark cloud seemed to hover around him. "I drove my friend away and I even caused my family to break apart. Of course it's all my fault. They'd be better off without me. The world would be a better place without me." The Shadow Genji spoke with a crooked smile as he directed his focus to his original. "'If I just continue my life trying to help others, maybe I can forgive myself.' Bleh, how sad! How can we help others when we can't even forgive ourselves for the trouble we've caused? This guilt you've been carrying on your shoulders, I know all about. After all, I am you." The Shadow began to give a low chuckle beneath his breath.

"Why make friends when they're just going to leave us when they learn the truth? If my best friend couldn't stand what I really was, how could anyone else? My father says he accepts me, but is that the truth? I wouldn't know. I ran away from the problem at hand to stay in the dorms. Not only am I responsible for my parents unhappiness, but I'm a coward aswell!" Genji's shadow would laugh a few more times beneath its breath...

Ejji could only stand there and listen to everything spiraling out of control. He didn't know whether Genji's mind had truly registered anything he had said, but the Shadow Genji had emerged, and now things seemed to be going in the same direction as it was with Ejji himself.

Perhaps it was supposed t obe this way? Ejji didn't know whether Naito had attempted to talk to him before the battle, since he didn't even see the boy come in. The Reiguu heir decided to stand back now, and wait for any signs of danger. That would be the time to act.

Ejji wondered if this way was actually better. Genji could obtain a strange and awesome power this way, but still - at what cost? He knew one thing though - he would never judge Genji without hearing the whole story. These shadows were twisted, even if they represented real feelings.
The snow-haired boy only made a single step back, to stay close to his friend when trouble arose... if it arose.

The Crimson colored door that allowed entrance to Limbo would slowly open, as the one named Tsurinai Naito made his way onto the scene. Wearing his school uniform, that sort of became his battle outfit, he would walk into the room with a confident stride. Once he was completely within the room, the door would close shut and his eyes would analyze the scene. It appeared he was just in time for whatever was going on. The call he received about Genji was similar to the first call he received about Ejji. Whoever was tossing these people into Limbo was becoming a pain to his daily routine. No matter, he was there now and apparently had another Shadow to put down. However, his eyes caught notice to another familiar in the room... Ejji. He could have sworn he told the boy to stay out of Limbo, and out of the business involved in it. Playing hero was one way people could get killed. With a sigh, Naito raised a hand and placed it on the side of his head with a slightly annoyed expression. He despised when people didn't heed his warnings and orders, but it'd have to live with it for the time being. Knocking Ejji out and tossing him back out of Limbo was not an option with a loose Shadow in the room. Speaking of the loose Shadow, this one that came from Genji seemed to be full of himself just like the rest of them. They really brought out the worst in people's hearts, hm?

"Ejji, I thought I told you not to play hero." Naito crossed his arms across his chest as he looked towards the student with his usual calm expression. After a few seconds of silence, he'd let out a sigh and shook his head. "I guess words can't stop someone coming in here to protect a friend. Very well, do what you'd like. I won't stop you." Surprising thoughts coming from the control freak himself. Without paying Genji or Ejji another word, Naito's attention would turn to the Shadow of Genji. Not making any forward advances, he'd stand off to the side and watch until the Shadow turned hostile.

"Hehe..Haha hahah!" The Shadow began to laugh out loud while grasping its neck. Darkness began to blot the room as it crawled upon the Shadow's form and began to distort its image. "That's right. You don't need me, and I don't need you! I'm my own person now. I'm the real Genji Kano! And so, this world doesn't need you anymore." The darkness would finally explode outwards to reveal an entirely new figure that would tower above Genji.


"I am a Shadow... The true self! I'll carry the world's burden on my shoulders without fear, but before that; I'll wipe you off the face of the planet. You won't need to worry about your guilt anymore in the afterlife!" The Shadow had transformed into an unrecognizable create. With chains strapped to its body, it took the appearance of a broken man carrying the world on the back of their shoulders. This seemed to align perfectly with the mythology of Atlas the Titan. The Shadow towered over its original with the intent to attack. "Die, Genji!"

Shadow Genji Stats:

Ejji's keen eye caught the sight of Tsurinai Naito as soon as the Shadow started going berserk. He was secretly glad that he did have some sort of backup in this situation. A part of his mind wondered if Naito had known Genji outside of this business. He and Genji sure never talked about mutual acquaintances... but now was really not the time.

Satisfied that Kano was making steps backwards, Ejji instead walked fprward, making sure to be inbetween Genji and his Shadow self's, new form. The beast looked impressive, the young Reiguu had to admit, but so did his own Shadow, and it was defeated. That meant this was not a losing battle - in fact Ejji was going to win. He had confidence in this. And of course Naito would be useful in the fight as well, since he seemed to care.
It was time to adress this monster.

"Back off." Ejji would make a stand, his right hand extending to his side a bit, palm up, where a blue tarot card would appear - only to be shattered when Ejji made a fist. "Persona!" he spoke again. A ghostly figure rose above him, clad in armor and weilding a spear in it's left hand. It's right hand would then thrust forwards, using the Agi ability, aiming for the Shadow, just as Ejji right hand went through his hair, ending the summoning. "Hmph."

Then Amatsu-Yarikami vanished, back to Ejji's soul, whence it came from. This was going to be unlike anything that has happened before.

Ejji's Stats and Actions:

Spoiler:

And there it was. Rather impressive burden this Shadow carried on its shoulders. However, the world's burdens were not its own to bare. Moving forward, he'd summon his scabbard and blade to his right hand. With a firm grasp, he'd hold it and look towards Genji. "Your heart is in the right place, Genji, but stand aside. It'd be a waste if you were killed here. You'll have your chance to face yourself once this thing gets put down. Don't do anything reckless." As he spoke to the one named Genji, his eyes would shift back to Ejji taking the initiative to attack the Shadow first. Apparently he felt comfortable using his Persona now, which was surprising. Naito had mistaken him for the type to tuck their tail and stay away from such messy business. Either way, the silver haired student was responsible for the others. This meant he'd need to get involved to make sure his "possessions" weren't damaged or destroyed by the large Shadow before him. "I guess it can't be helped. These Shadows move on pure instinct like animals. They go crazy when you defy them. I wonder if I could put a leash on one, and walk it like a dog." Naito's tone was condescending as he mocked Genji's Shadow. He even went as far as to tap his leg like he was calling for a dog. "Here boy! Want to go for a walk? I think it's about time you got neutered."

With that said, Naito would grasp the hilt of his blade, as his own tarot card appeared before him. "I'm counting on you, Jinmu-tennō." With a quick slash, he'd slice straight through the card, causing an erupt of blue mist to shoot forward. In that instance, his Persona would emerge with blade pointed towards the heavens. Slashing downward, it'd create a moderate burst of lightning directed towards the Shadow. Once the move was performed, Jinmu-tennō would fade back within Naito's subconscious. In response to this, the silver haired student would spin his blade upon his palm before sheathing it with confidence.

Naito Stats:

"Gah! Get out of the way! I'll crush anyone who doesn't accept me, even you two!" The massive Shadow take the hits head on without worry. They had a ways to go before it'd start to falter in its resolve. Standing up from its kneel, the massive Shadow would slam the giant globe to the ground twice infront of the one named Naito who had chosen to mock him. Once the attack was complete, the massive Shadow would place world back upon his shoulders and return to kneeling. "You two will leave me once you learn the truth too! It's my destiny to be alone, so why fight for me?!" The Shadow was no where near done the fight. Infact, it was just getting started. "Just like him, you'll leave and I'll be alone. That's okay, as long as the guilt is gone. I'm nothing but trouble for those around me. I'm the cause behind everything..."

Shadow Genji Stats:

Ejji was sure that the whole area had shook when Genji's Shadow slammed down it's giant sphere, twice. He was sure that had this attack been used on a normal human - they would surely be dead right now. The force wave from the attacks was enough to make Ejji stumble a bit. The Reiguu had to wonder if they had become something more than human, or was this simply so because they were in Limbo. Questions - so many questions he wanted answered, but none right now.

Ejji decided to act fast and use the same attack again. Somehow he knew that fire-based attacks were his most powerful, and he had to keep it up for now, unless circumstances forced him to get physical, either with his Okatana or his Persona.

"Show him our power." Ejji spoke up, this time shattering the card in front of him, willing Amatsu-Yarikami to appear. "Persona!" he concluded, glancing up to see a familiar arm thrust in the Shadow's direction, watching the flame burst. He finished with a small nod of appreciation, as his Persona vanished.

He had to think of something. He had heard Genji's words, directed at his Shadow. Maybe he could help both Genji and his Shadow Self? They were one and the same when it came down to it, so perhaps this could work. He hoped his words would help Genji and dampen the Shadow's fighting spirit.
Ejji made sure to look at both Genji, turning his head sideways to look back and then direct his gaze at the giant before him as he spoke.

"Genji. Both of you - you are not as guilty as you think. When something bad happens around you - sometimes it will be so no matter what you try to do about it." he made a small pause. This was the most important part. "Remember that day at the pool? When you saved a life? Without you things could go very bad, but you did a good thing - helped save someone's precious person. So..." he concluded, a friendly smirk on his face "You are a good person. I know."

Ejji had made his statement, for both Genji's to hear. What they made of it remained to be seen. The Reiguu heir sideglanced, looking at Naito, hoping his battle-partner would be alright.


Ejji's Stats and Actions:

Spoiler:

"Tch..me and my big mouth. Well whatever, i'd rather it me than anyone else." Naito would think this all to himself after the massive attack had been directed upon him. Still standing, he'd place a hand on the side of his head with an expressionless look upon his face. The Shadow was certainly stronger than the previous ones he had encountered in his short career of facing them. It made him wonder if they would continue to grow in strength the more he dived head first into Limbo to face them. That was something to consider for the future. He had almost forgot victory was not guaranteed behind every battle he participated in. What was to blame was his own over confidence in his abilities. But who wouldn't have such a problem when all your previous battles were clean victories? Yea, it got rocky sometimes, but technically Naito hadn't lost once. With Jinmu-tennō by his side, victory was always within his grasp. It hadn't occurred to him that perhaps he would need the assistance of others to stay ahead of his opponents. Naito had a certain problem however, when it came to asking for help. Perhaps it was his complex or pride, but he never willingly went to someone and asked them for their assistance bluntly. It wasn't in his character.

Naito simply remained silent at this point, as Ejji seemed to take the stage to speak to Genji. Apparently their friendship was abit better than Naito's own bonds with them. Where as Naito only spoke to them off a whim, they apparently even met outside of school. Maybe that was the reason Ejji had responded immediately, and dived right back into Limbo when he had recently come out of it himself. Man sometimes life was confusing and troublesome, huh? "Very promising speech. It's humanly impossible for one person to carry the burden of the world on their shoulders. Infact, it should be everyone's job to do it. It's about working together, not taking the responsibility of it all for yourself. It's okay to be self-sacrificing, but in the end you truly end up alone. And simply from my own analysis, I think that's the last thing Genji would want. And since you're Genji, that means it's the last thing you would want either. No matter this guilt, it comes down to understanding the world isn't perfect, and all the bad things that do happen around you isn't your fault. If what Ejji states is correct, it means you're willing to go the extra mile to make it better, by even saving lives yourself. We're here to do the same. Genji isn't alone, and this guilt is a burden he doesn't have to handle by himself. Not when he has friends such as Ejji..." Naito paused for a second as his eyes dashed to the side. "...and myself?"

He wasn't used to the word friend, so it felt weird when it came out on instinct. Would he be there if he didn't see Genji as a sort of friend? That was a question for another time. For now, Naito would raise his scabbard and use it as a shield to block the next attack.

Naito Stats: