Hellacious Day (Open)

The TV had been flicking on and off all day, the signal of the old thing not being cooperative enough to receive more than fuzz. Regardless of this, Oki continued to work with the old set trying to get it to work. Tweaking cords here and there before putting the thing back together for the umpteenth time. Oki would put its tools to the side as it finished tightening the last screw. Once it was sure the TV wasn’t about to fall apart or would electrocute it when it plugged the thing in, Oki plugged the TV in once more and then turned it on.

At first it got static again, but after it adjusted the antenna’s on the TV the being was finally able to get a picture and sound, even it was black and white and super low.

“Finally,” Oki whispered happily as it turned the nob to find the news station before flopping down in front of the TV next to the old floor fan that was on full power. It had been ridiculously hot as of late despite the weather supposedly being in winter mode. While Oki had been expecting Snow and thus a fight with the old heater, instead it found it didn’t know what the hell to do as one day it would be hot and the next an ice box or the next an unnatural amount of rain would come.

The weather was nuts, the neighbors scared and mumbling about the gods cursing them, while Oki was the only that thought that maybe…this had something to do with the other side. This couldn’t have been a freak accident right? That would just be too illogical to phantom. Why would the weather suddenly shift like this and why did it seem that a hostile air was blowing in?

What was going on? What indeed?

Oki had decided to go about gathering data in the most basic of fashions to answer this question: using normal media. It wanted to see what the news folks had to say about this…only problem was Sky had decided to take the only working radio in the shop when she decided go to another island for a bit. So that left Oki with its cellphone and the broken TV.

It had tried using the phone to look up data, but the small item didn’t have enough juice to handle what it needed to do, so with a sigh Oki had plug the thing in for charging. It was true that it could’ve called Hyde, but then again maybe that wasn’t a wise idea. Hyde might not even know what was going on, let alone anything about the other side. As for Sharaku? Well the man seemed to be found only when he wanted to be found and quite frankly Oki was in no mood for hunting down folk when an easier solution was before it. Well semi-easy solution. The being had to fix the TV since all the neighboring stores were packed to the brim with customers and out of towners alike.

While the challenge had been discouraging at first, Oki had fixed the TV well enough to watch it and also find the news station just as the weather man was about to give the report. As Oki took to relaxing on the floor it had prepared itself for anything, but what happened on the TV was the last thing on the list of things to expect.

The weatherman…he was replaced by that blonde reporter from before and a strange back drop that even on a black and white TV had color to it. As Oki watched and listened to the reporter, the being felt itself becoming more and more uneasy at the words it heard…and when its name was mentioned among other names, Oki felt like going through the floor. What the hell?!

When the girl said she was going to motivate the others that had similar powers as its own to do something about the other worlds, Oki had never thought she would do this. On top of that, now everyone knew names including whoever the enemy was. True not everyone knew Oki…but everyone in the business district it lived in did….and in such a tight space, it would not take long before more people than it would like would know its name. This was not happening….

As if to make matters worse, the girl kept going and seemingly revealed the other worlds to those with normal eyes. The screams of panic from outside was enough to confirm this and draw Oki to the window as it cautiously peeked out. There were people looking around the area in fear while others stumbled over others as they ran from a small group of people that suddenly had creatures at their side….What was that?

In shock, Oki turned back to the TV planning to watch more; however, loud banging from downstairs followed by the gentleman that sold bread yelling its name put a stop to that plan.

“Oki, if you are here you need to come out right now. We need to speak to you,” the man was saying in a tense voice. Oki could hear others talking as they enter the shop. What the hell did the guy do? Call everyone over? This wasn’t good…

Oki bit its gloved hand in thought as its mind raced for a solution to the problem. On one hand, it could go downstairs and face off the people, but even if it lied, the situation could end up ugly…and to be honest, it did not want to be pulled apart by a mob of people it respected. So... that left option B, didn’t it? Yep….

Grabbing its phone and quietly moving across the upper part of the shop, Oki listened as people began to move further into the shop to hunt for it as it slipped into a back passage only it knew about. Being careful, not to give its own position away, Oki made it out of the store which led it into the woods behind the shop. Making sure no one saw it, the being would duck into an old pipe and follow the system to the older part of town.

As it reached the exit, Oki peeked out cautiously before fully pulling itself out of the pipe and making its way down the street. A cold wind was starting to blow, but the being hardly cared as it kept moving until it found an old park that was empty save for the old equipment. Finding a swing that didn’t look like it would break under its weight, Oki cautiously sat down with a sigh to think of what to do with this insanity that had just occurred now that it was safe from a mob. As it sat and thought, a black cat walked up to it and sat before causing every bone in the being’s body to stiffen as it looked at the blue eyed cat that watched it….Did this mean something even worse than before was going to occur? Or was it being paranoid again?

Oki would sit for a moment longer watching the cat before doing the one thing it had never done before. It reached out for the cat and grabbed it by the scruff of its neck. The cat allowed the being to do so and allowed the being to hold it in the air for a bit as it examined it. When lightning didn’t come down to smite it for such an action, Oki would eventually sit the cat in its lap and pet it as it let its mind wander back to the problem at hand. What was the reporter thinking? Why stir the pot like that if she was trying to help? Was she truly bad and Oki had misjudged? Or did she actually have a plan?

Oki would look up at a rift that was nearby as it wondered...if it went on the other side now...would it be able to find her there? Or was it all a trap? What to do?

Dani didn't know what to do after the broadcast he left Zela Academy and he turned off his cell phone. Dani decided to a place were nobody knew who he was San Malarus Island now he was wandering around the island ducking behind corners whenever a group of people passed by. Dani was walking for at least two to three hours.  Dani hid in a alleyway it was Oki she was one of the people who was announced on T.V. so hopefully she wouldn't try to kill him. Dani trailed behind her quite easily  he was surprised since she never saw or heard him once was she that out of it especially since Dani wasn't tiring to hide himself either. Dani sighed in relief as Oki stopped in a park and sat down in a park swing now that Dani noticed this part of town looked older then the other parts. Dani walked up to Oki pretty embarrassed "So-so you can u-use Persona to huh, or at least see them naturally?" Dani questioned Oki even though he was stuttering. Dani hoped Oki wouldn't be Scared off hopefully she knew that his name was said on the Broadcast to and wouldn't run off. "Pl-please don't run I can use Persona myself  I don't wanna be a-lone" Dani was blushing while stuttering out every other word Dani was honestly scared for himself his family Zachary and everyone else mentioned in the broadcast.

Oki had walked in such a hurry away from the shop that the being didn’t know that another had found their way into the underground passageways and had followed it to the park. It wasn’t until it had settled into the swing with the black cat that Oki finally realized someone outside of itself and the animal was there.

As the cat perked its head up to look at the newcomer Oki would turn its attention to the other, automatically gauging the one who approached it. It was the boy from the hot spring that it had met with Featherman. What was his name Dani, right?....Dani Impel…That was one of the names the reporter had said on the news…but why was he here now? While it was true Oki’s name was mentioned, the being didn’t recall giving its last name to the other on their first meeting…then again considering where it was living, the name Oki might not have been as common as others. Maybe it wasn’t hard to put two and two together…that or Oki was highly unlucky at the moment in regards for having such a name. It sighed inwardly at that thought; however, it couldn’t blame the cat this time. There were none around when the broadcast occurred, so what did this mea--?

Eh?

Oki tilted its head at Dani as he spoke of something called a persona and assumed that Oki could use one or at least see them naturally. Hmmm…Oki wasn’t sure how to respond to this at first as it watched the other with a blank expression before it blinked and sighed lightly.

“We will not run for we have seen strange beings on our way here. Odd ones that linger next to a person. If this is what a persona is then yes. I can see them as clear as day. If they are something else, you’d need to clarify for us to comprehend,” Oki said not really caring it had slipped back into its old way of speaking.

“Dani says he can use this persona too and doesn’t want to be alone? Well, Oki is fine with that even if we do not use the same methods as you. We could use the company to maybe figure this out. Sit, yes?” Oki said gesturing to the seat next to it as it kept one hand on the cat on its lap. Whether the other sat or not was up to him. Regardless of the action taken, Oki would stay in its seat watching the other carefully.

Dani sighed he didn't know how to explain to Oki what a Persona is, then Dani sat on the swing next to Oki it creeked under the weight of his tall and lanky body. "From what I was told by the person who was with me when I first got my Persona are basically something only certain thing people can summon but, I'm pretty sure you can only summon them in those rifts meaning whatever you saw wasn't a Persona maybe those things you saw were something else um that's all I got I don't know much more than that I'm sorry Miss Oki"   Dani was blushing Oki was still staring at him did he do something strange he just made a common deduction that anybody with half a brain cell could make. "More importantly Mi-Miss Oki y-you can ta-talk about it if you w-want I-I'm here to li-listen I got out of Zela Academy Dorm after the announcement to hide somewhere were nobody would find me" Dani decided to not hide anything from Oki there was no point in it since the are going to hell.

Oki watched the other for a moment as he continued to stand. The boy didn’t question its manner of speech and also didn’t seem to be to untrusting of the being to actually take a seat next to it on the offered swing. As the swing creaked under his weight and form, Oki listened to what the boy had to say about Personas.

Personas were a creature or thing summoned by certain types of people, but it could be assumed that the only place those things could come out were inside of the rifts. Hmm….that made sense in a way. Unless an odd leak occurred like with its own awakening, Oki thought it was safe to deduce that shadows only existed on the other side and in turn that would be the only spot where some form of defense that was supernatural would be needed, but even so the shadows active could in turn cause strange things to occur on this side. Hrmm…Why was that?

When the boy suggested the creatures that it saw were perhaps something outside of said persona, the being frowned lightly at that thought.

“There is a possibility that those were something else; however, considering they didn’t attack the ones they were next to We can only think they were protectors of some sort. Either that or they were bidding their time to do something. It is often hard to come to a sound conclusion when it comes to the things Ms. Reporter does,” Oki said with a light grumble as it thought for a moment longer. This was becoming more complicated than the being would like, but…

Oki would blink as it looked over at Dani who was for one reason or another blushing and stumbling over words. While Oki could only guess this was because the other assumed it was female, the being would not make a fuss about this as it shook its head lightly and gave the other a faint smile.

“A little bit of information can go a long way. We don’t expect all the pieces right away, so we thank you for sharing. So then. Another question for you. Who told you about the persona?” Oki asked the question in calm tones as inwardly it was seeing if Ms.Reporter had struck again. In any case, the being would leave a small space of silence for Dani to answer if he wanted.

Once the moment of silence had passed, Oki would tilt its head lightly to the left as it heard the words the other spoke.

“Heh. You’re hiding out too hmm? We supposed we cannot blame you,” Oki said with a light sigh as it remembered the commotion this whole thing had caused back home. The being shook its head lightly to clear. “Honestly, we don’t know why Ms. Reporter did what she did, but now that is done, we wonder just how insane this will get. The business quarter where we come from was paranoid enough without that happening. How did it impact the school?” Oki said trying to get at least some footing on how some areas were doing in regards to the situation. If everywhere was like the business quarter….that could be bad. Hopefully Ms. Reporter had only ruffled feathers on the normal end. Oki would hate to think it was helping someone that caused mass panic for no reason…but then again…maybe that was a small price to pay if she was thinking that the announcement would draw the ones mentioned together. Heh….well, it seemed to work here, but Oki wondered how many outside itself would actively seek out those the girl mentioned, let alone the friends on the other side. Curious wanderings, but one matter at the time. First, it needed to assess the situation on the home front to be sure things weren’t falling to pieces fully…

"Hmm were to begin to answer your first question about who told me about Persona well since his name was announced during the broadcast I guess there is no point in hiding it his name is Zackary Dunbar just don't tell him I said that" Dani looked at the clock on his cellphone. "Oh time to take my medication, these pills keep my Persona from killing me" Dani pulled out a blank pill bottle out and unscrewed the cap and took one pill out, then Dani took the pill put it in his mouth and swallowed it he screwed the lid back on the blank pill bottle and put the pill bottle back in his pocket. Dani sighed the second question he had no answer to "I dunno about the situation at the academy I was skipping classes today so I could watch a new episode of one of my favorite anime, and then the broadcast  happened when my name was announced I got out of dodge while I could since I'm already disliked by a big chunk of the student body the likeliness of me getting jumped was to high I'm so-sorry Miss Oki  I left with nothing but the pills and the clothes I'm currently wearing, speaking of which I for-forgot my Tie  ugh I g-guess that isn't im-important ri-right now huh?"  Dani blushed and started stuttering again. Dani sighed giving Oki sometime to absorb the information. "Whatever that reporter is do-doing its no-not go-good outing what i'm assuming is everybody with the abillity  l-like that my only guess is she's tring to start riots all over the islands but it do-doesn't add up at all" Dani stuttered out his own theory about what the reporter was trying to do, but immediately  debunked his own theory.

Zackary Dunbar….another of the names on the list, huh? So he had told Dani about the Persona. Hmm…what else did that one know? There were more people on the broadcasts and quite a few of them Oki already knew, but still…while the girl had told itself and now the whole world what they should be doing, could Oki begin its hunting with the list of people mentioned or….should it try a different route? Sure, Dani had found had found Oki, but there were many unknowns in this game. Unknowns that Oki wasn’t sure it could trust or not. Maybe it was better to keep to the ring of those it knew out here for now and do its own digging on the side.

Still digging was quite hard alone, wasn’t it….? Oh. An idea.

“We assume you know Zackary Dunbar personally, then, yes? If so, perhaps you can do us a favor, yes?” Oki asked as it watched the other only tilting its head when Dani checked his phone before mentioning something about taking medicine, so that….

“Eh? Those that use persona needs to take medicine to keep themselves safe from death due to them?” Oki asked unable to stop the words from coming. The girl wanted help and spoke of supernatural powers and persona. She had pointed her finger at the world and caused random groups to go into pain before they settled with a creature beside them. If these being were indeed persona and not something else waiting to attack, then why would the girl unleash such a thing? Was she trying to wipe out humanity? Was this her way of helping? That...couldn't be right...

Oki looked down at the black cat on its lap as it thought of this, the puzzle becoming more and more muddled by the second. In any case, the being would remain lost in thought as Dani took the pill and placed the bottle back in his pocket.

When the boy spoke to answer its second question, Oki’s eyes would drift back to the other as it listened. It was disappointing it could not get a gauge on the academy’s standing since Dani had ran the moment his name was mentioned. Still, what followed next didn’t make sense at all…Oki frowned as it pondered what it heard for a second.

"Well, we can’t blame you for leaving before anyone could corner ya; however, we don’t think the girl was intentionally trying to start riots out here. She called our names and others and then left instruction….Perhaps to get us to move faster or to even obey her, she stirred the pot by adding more to the mix and showing the rifts to the world. How wise that was we are uncertain, but we can only move forward here. Even if that is a difficult task at the moment. We have so many squares to choose from with no knowing which ones are good or not. Still, it’s our go to move. I am afraid if we may not survive her next appearance.” Oki said as it bowed its head in thought for a moment.

Dani hummed in though clicked his tongue in annoyance he hated not knowing what to do. Dani decided to speak up "Well we should probably get moving we can ta-talk while we walk Oki I doubt this place will stay safe for much longer if y-you w-want to g-go anywhere sp-specific I'll help ya get their I promise on m-my insignificant life Mi-Miss O-Oki"  Dani sighed that was this place they have been here for about  half an hour, so Dani held out his hand to Oki to help her up. "So do you need anything we can make multiple st-stops if you want to Oki b-because it's s-safer if we walk a-and talk" Dani was  hoping she would say yes because he really didn't want to be alone waiting for Oki's answer, he nervously scratched his chest nervously a bad habit which he picked up then he waited for a few seconds that felt like hours he got really embarrassed again because Oki was staring at him.

It would appear the conversation was getting to appoint where even Dani was becoming annoyed with the situation. It was frustrating to be sure, but there was really no option here. If they sat and thought all day who knew what the next strike would be and if they moved now….? Again another unknown in this game.

When Dani hummed and clicked his tongue, the being looked up at the other as he began to speak and stand. Watching him, the being would listen to his words, but would not move to take his hand quite yet as it watched him carefully. He was asking where Oki wished to go…and promised his life to get the being to said place? Oh, that was a dangerous offer and what of this needing anything and walking and talking being safer than what they did now?

Giving the other a cat like stare that seemed to make the other nervous or embarrassed, Oki would analyze the air around area. There was tension here due to the boy’s nervous energy and the uncertainty that rested ahead; however, remaining level headed Oki would blink as it took Dani’s hand and got up. As it moved, the cat hopped off its lap and before it drifted towards the rift in the area and sat down before it.

Luck is challenging us, huh? Oki thought as it watched the cat for a moment before looking at Dani.

“We do not think that anything is safe now. While the whole world doesn’t know our faces, they have names and we are very sure if there are enemies out there it won’t take long for them to find us, but don’t worry. There is no need to be afraid. The world is always like this. The only difference is we are now a bit more popular thanks to the announcement and now everyone knows about the supernatural,” Oki said in gentle tones as it gave the other a smile of reassurance before slipping past him and heading towards the rift. Stopping half way to the rift, Oki would turn back to look at Dani.

“We are going to do what we do best and try and figure things out as we go. We don’t think this side can prepare us for whatever is to come, so for now we are going over there to face the other reality of this island and see if something isn’t over there worth digging into. W won’t ask you to risk your life for us or anyone else, so we give you a choice. Join us or stay here?” Oki said before falling silent as it raised its hand slightly and held it out for Dani to take if he wanted to.

"Well then what are we waiting for Oki lets go through then, and it seems we don't have a choice this might be the only we have anyway" Dani took Oki's hand, and then shyly looked away. Dani was starting to feel a little more comfortable around Oki. Dani honestly didn't know what to do so he would follow Oki, that was probably the best idea he really doubted he could figure out this puzzle on his own. Dani looked at the cat the cat stared into Dani's eyes "hmm you are quite the strange cat aren't you not being scared at seeing the rifts I might as well test my luck hopefully it isn't to bad since a black cat crossed my path" Dani sighed when he realized he was talking to a cat. Dani waited for Oki to say something since he accepted her offer.

Dani would take Oki’s hand and accept its offer before looking down and speaking at the cat. While Oki’s opinion on cats was still shaky, the being would not make any comment on the scene as it turned its attention the rift the cat sat before. The being didn’t know what was on the other side of that rift. Didn't know if it was about to pull Dani headlong into danger or not; however, there was no backing out now. They had to step forward and do something about the situation at hand. Their names were spoken for a reason, the clues given and the race started.

It was nerve wrecking and exciting. Perhaps even over whelming, but the fact that Oki was not alone in this game made the being calmer as it braced itself for anything as it grip on Dani’s hand tightened slightly. Unlike the other Oki had no issue holding hands with anyone…and right now knowing another was really at its side made the unknown a bit easier to handle.

“You’re right. This may be the only way,” Oki said as it looked back at Dani for a moment with a light smile. “Let’s see what is on the other side.”

With that Oki would turn its attention back to the rift and prepare to enter it.

(Note: This thread continues here)