Playing With Fire

Joshua could only stare at the monstrosity that was outside at Penecia. The pit continued to deepen more and more. He bit his lip to force it from overtaking him. This wasn't like it was the first time he saw a gigantic monstrosity before. Nesoi was huge. But this one, probably just as huge. Even with his shock, he could still hear what Zachary was saying.

This was the leader of the demons? She certainly looked like she wasn't going to disappoint at all. Joshua had wondered what exactly pissed her off, but at least there was actually something that even didn't go according to the drug lord's plans.

"The only thing that girl and I share is that we care about Rinna," Joshua shot back at Zachary with a glare, "In our own way. I am not naive enough to put all my trust on you just so that I can be led by the nose by you until my usefulness ends."

What Zachary said about next about his family, immediately caused Joshua's eyes to turn into an amber gold. There was cold fury in those eyes, but he was staying composed in appearance. Yet, his words held something else. But first, he told Simon, "If you have any words to say to him. Say them now."

He'd stay silent for his friend to have his say. Once he was done, he'd begin.


He looked back with the same eyes back at Adiyna. After hearing what the panda-headed boy had to say, Joshua mockingly laughed at him.


Jesus Christ. What's with people trying to put themselves as the boss around things and try to swinging around what authority they have? Joshua didn't mind authority, so as long as they did their actual job. If they couldn't, then they were trash.

Weakness:

Zackary's attempt at dodging the question didn't go unnoticed. "They told me enough about you to know there's something special about you." -- what a shitty answer. It was dreadfully vague and only served to arouse suspicion in Azami's heart. Whatever he knew about her, it was clear he was intent on keeping it a secret from her. The woman briefly considered pressing him further on it, but ultimately she decided there was no point. He'd probably just avoid answering it again or make something up off the top of his head. After all, he clearly had to have some incentive for dancing around it as he did. So, playing the fool, Azami would keep quiet and simply listen to him without protest. She had gotten something out of it at the very least: a piece of information that could prove valuable. It seemed that Zackary's informant was on a manhunt for her and, considering the fact that the last member of the thirteen she'd encountered other than Adiyna was on a mission to take her life, perhaps it'd be in her best interest to avoid letting this person find her.


The ground quaked and the faces of those around her turned grim. Something was going down and it didn't bode well in the slightest. Azami would turn her eyes to meet the same sight the others were looking toward and, upon seeing it, would immediately pale at the sight of it. All this supernatural stuff was unfamiliar to her, but nothing she had encountered looked as powerful as that. She began to doubt herself. Could she really stop something like that? Could it even BE stopped? Just as fear was beginning to swell up inside of her though, Bhima decided to chime in.


His voice echoed in the back of her mind as she began to recall the words of the other her from that strange dream.

"Soon when the calamity falls you will play an integral role in taking back the islands that belong to you."

"Your home is far more important than any world."

"Humans, Gods and Demons alike are nothing without you, the only one who can stand up to this cause."

The confidence she had lost returned to her at a rapid rate. Her eyes continued to gaze at the towering, eldritch figure, but no longer with fear. They were filled with determination, with resolve, and with hunger. She could stop it. She WOULD stop it. An entity like that simply couldn't be left to do as it pleased. Not only were people's lives at stake, but perhaps the entire islands themselves. And as much she wanted answers, an immediate threat like that couldn't be ignored.

"If what you're saying is true then it's troubling news. Isla may have good intentions, but I can't in good conscience let a plan like that go through. Not unless it's absolutely necessary. But," her mouth would curl into a frown before continuing, "San Malarus is my home. I have family there. And bringing down that dome wouldn't be any different than what Isla's doing unless you can guarantee the safety of the civilians that live there." She'd allow Zackary to respond to this if he so wished, but regardless of what he said she'd finish on the same note. "I need time to collect my thoughts before I decide on anything. Besides, we need to take care of that thing before we give thought to anything else."

Azami was ready to depart, but there was something she needed to clear up first. Before she could, however, Joshua started a tirade. She couldn't say she blamed him, but right now pissing off Zackary was the least of her priorities. "That's enough." The Wild Card interjected loudly before he could finish. It seemed, ironically, that their roles had switched. Just a mere moment ago he had played the voice of reason and stopped her from squabbling with Shunnosuke. Now it was her turn to do the same to him.

"Joshua, was it? I understand you're upset and I can't exactly blame you for it. I would be too in your situation. But we have enough on our plates as it is. Pissing off Zackary won't help you find who you're looking for. All it'll do is add another problem to the pile." She warned the young man in a calm, composed tone. Hopefully he'd heed her advice. The last thing she needed was him mucking things up. That being said, however, it was Zackary whose favor she was trying to maintain. If Adiyna expected Azami to give a shit about what did or didn't offend him after such a pathetic explanation then he was in for a rude awakening.

"Even if you're telling the truth, there's no excuse for this. You're thieves masquerading as protectors at worst and failures who damn the worlds they try to save at best. So scram. Help from people like you is worse than no help at all."

Following that she'd ignore Adiyna entirely and turn her focus back to Zackary. Even if he fired back a rebuttal or an insult, he'd find no response and instead would be met with a dismissive silence. She had better things to do than bicker with some kid in a panda hoodie and he'd find that out for himself if he tried to instigate some kind of argument or debate with her over what she had said.

"So Zackary, you said that's the one who's controlling the demons, right? If we kill it, or her, or whatever I should be calling that thing, wouldn't that just make matters worse? With their master dead and no means of controlling them, what's to stop them from simply going on a rampage and doing as they please?"

"You said something about Isla having a contract with a demon, if I recall correctly. What exactly did you mean by that? Could we potentially use the same method on that creature?"

Now, finally they were getting somewhere. Some real information he could use. And honestly, he could, in a way, sympathise with Zachary's goals. He wanted to protect his home, just like the rich kid did... And Phalanx, while not necessarily caring much for the islands as a whole, if he could get access to all the islands, and ridding San Malarus of that dome, the better for him. Besides, these... people Zachary mentioned might become an issue to him later down the road anyway. He'd look towards Shun, his mortified expression being everything he needed to know what was going on inside him... because his attitude towards Zachary changed so dramatically. Being cocky in one moment, and then suddenly becoming very submissive... There was obviously something on Penecia that mattered to him. Friends? Family? None of his concern, but if that meant he'd stand down in front of Zachary, all the better.

The Android's gaze returned to face Zachary. He'd given him information that he could use... but not everything needed. "Sure... I'll bite. Where are these... supposed allies of Isla located then?" Right now, he felt like his other allies were doing the wrong thing. Zachary was not someone you made an enemy with at this paticular point in time. He'd turn towards Azami. "You plan on taking that thing down? Azami, I'd reconsider that if I were you. YumiAmi was already strong enough as is, and that thing seems to be ten times worse. I don't know what he told you, but I'd suggest not throwing your life away this early. You JUST NOW got this power of yours no? Then pray tell, what chance to do you have against that, if you had trouble even standing up to YumiAmi on your own? If need be, I'll teach you a lesson about your own mortality. Just because you have this unique power doesn't mean you're ready to face monsters like those just yet. If you think you're ready to deal with that, then by all means. But you have to go through me first." He had no doubt in Shun's ability to deal with it, on the other hand. And besides, who was he to deny him the ability to fight for his own home.

Joshua sneered at Zachary's reply and simply laughed at him.


Then Azami cut in, causing him to furrow his brows at her. She had a point, which he loathed to acknowledged. He only nodded, but winced at an ache in his skull as if it was a signal to turn off. The amber in his eyes died down and soon he was calm again. For now. But he still had more to cover.


Joshua would notice the one known as Adiyna staring at him.


His jaw dropped at the indescribable transformation taking place and its very result. Once there was a little boy with a panda-esque hat, now in his place was a rather marvelous woman. Joshua was still busy being in the state of shock. He had figured he was going to stop being surprised, but at the rate things are going, he probably won't be any time soon. Joshua was about to snap out of it, just as she slapped him. He shouted in surprise and nearly tumbled over.

”WHAT?! What the hell?" he pointed an accusing finger at her while angrily blushing, ”A-aren’t you the dumbass? If you’re so goddamn worried about the Core, then what does a petty struggle between a bureaucratic cunt and a faggot drug lord matter to you and to the rest of your friends? Why are you even here with us talking to Zachary who’s evidently not going to tell you anything. What? You planned on blowing him now that you’re like this?”

He listened to what else Zachary had to say and gave a curt nod, ”Sure. I wanted a word with her anyway.”

Right now, this… thing with a female figure warranted his attention. And not arousal kind, but mistrust and fear. But, his attention was wrenched away again by the conversation between Azami and Phalanx. This Azami was out of her mind, everyone certain should know by now. He frowned at this strange sensation that happened soon after, but ignored it.

”If you two are going to fight, do it outside. Anywhere, but here. I doubt the drug lord here would appreciate messing up this place. And I don’t want him getting involved,” Joshua told them both. He wasn’t saying this for Zachary’s sake. But rather, he didn’t want to give him a chance to take Azami. Hopefully Shunnosuke and the others would also support him if Zachary even tried. Joshua didn’t really care that much about Azami, but she was the key to all of this and perhaps to use against Zachary. But first he needed to understand what role she has around here. ”I’ll say this right now. It’s almost as scary as Nesoi and even I wouldn’t want to go near that thing. You’re just going to die like a fucking moron and that’s coming from an idiot like me.”

But then there was Shunnosuke who’s going to head out for Penecia and is apparently going to help out Zachary like he’s going to. He honestly hoped they wouldn’t split up so easily. But someone had to deal with that monstrosity. And it was going to be by people with Ultimate personas. Joshua looked back at Simon and gave him a nod.

”You probably want to go help him out. You’re stronger than most of us here and you actually give a damn about the islands. We can meet up where we first met when I came back to the islands today. It’s up to you. Just call me up. But if things go bad, run. Don't be a hero. Remember we're looking for Rinna,” he told the former angel as he was referencing back to the school. The Nyarlathotep Child would exchange numbers with him if he hasn't already.

Then Joshua finally told Zachary, ”What’s your number? It’d be a lot convenient if we can talk over the phone when needed.”

Azami felt a sudden urge to roll her eyes as almost everyone around her began chastising her for even thinking of going after Tamara. Part of her couldn't blame them. After all, were she in their position she would likely have had the same reaction... or at least something similar. Regardless, their warnings meant little to her. "I could have handled YumiAmi myself. Your assistance was welcome, but ultimately unnecessary. And as for objecting to sparing her," she paused and turned her attention specifically to Shunnosuke, "don't mistake caution for fear. I'm not some omniscient goddess who can tell where she is and what's she doing at all times. And let's not forget that she's not alone in her mission. Would you like Tamara over there to know all about your performance in combat, your capabilities, your strengths, your weaknesses? Yumi saw them firsthand on the battlefield. If she got free there'd be nothing stopping her from blabbing all about them to your enemies. But I digress. No matter how much you or I explain our reasoning or our motivations, nothing will change. You'll still insist you did the right thing and I'll still insist you made a mistake."


She was almost finished, but there was one more objection that particularly caught her attention. The robot raised its voice as well. But he didn't merely stop at warning her. No. He threatened the use of force. Azami turned to meet Phalanx's gaze and glared at him. "Is that a threat Tin Man?" The woman would ask with narrowed eyes as her hair blew lightly in the wind. She stared at him but soon enough her focus would be diverted from him to another.  

Azami raised an eyebrow at Adiyna as "he" transformed into what might as well have been another person entirely. "He" seemed to have not only changed in appearance, but also in sex and personality. It wasn't something she expected to see but, just like with the revelation that Phalanx was a robot, it didn't prompt as surprised of a reaction as it normally would have -- although after seeing the monstrosity that was Tamara, it was only natural this would prove underwhelming to her. A strange sensation came over her and, fixating her attention on the Zodiac, she'd silently observe Adiyna/Anat with a frown spread across her face.


Azami began walking toward Anat with the same suicidal overconfidence that drove her to want to pursue Tamara. Inch by inch the gap between them would shorten and all the while the Wild Card would speak her piece without hesitance or reluctance. "You talk about protecting our world and about how you're oh-so-very concerned, but it's just that: talk. The one responsible for the demon invasion, one of your own I might add, is in clear sight and yet instead of pursuing her or mobilizing your group to formulate some kind of strategy, you spend time giving dirty looks to Zackary and throwing a pity party over how hard your job is. But that's not too out of the norm, is it? I don't know what happened two years ago, but when Joshua accused you of not doing a damn thing you didn't object in the slightest. I thought our world dying would cause the death of countless others, but apparently it didn't matter to you or any of your friends enough to bother intervening."

"And when entire worlds disappear or die it's the fault of this 'Core' that we're supposed to believe exists based solely off your word. Where's the evidence? What proof do you have to back up your claims? Oh, but I forgot, you don't have to justify your actions or methods because you're essentially a bunch of random strangers who do as they please without any oversight. Yeah, real dependable. I feel so safe knowing I can count on you."

"Maybe you've fooled everyone else, but I see right through you thief. I know exactly what you're up too. You're trying to steal life from our world for yourself. When we fought YumiAmi she talked all about her intentions. She told us about how she wanted to reclaim her old life -- how she had to make sure this world died in order to do so. It's the same for the rest of you, isn't it? You're all parasites... every last one of you!"

At this point the distance between the two would practically be nonexistent. Unless Anat decided to walk away from her, Azami would be standing directly in front of her. She wasn't hostile, at least not at the moment, but the look in her eyes would clearly express she had no intention of backing down.

"This is a warning vulture: get out of my world. You and your friends aren't wanted here. All you've brought is trouble and strife. Leave. And as for you Zackary," she turned her focus to him, but kept an eye on Anat for any sudden movements, "I had my reservations about joining you. But the fact that the thief here has a bone to pick with you speaks volumes."

Even Phalanx raised his eyebrows in suprise at Adiyna's sudden transformation. While not as... extreme as say Joshua's was, his suprise still showed. The words of this... creature, was certainly interesting. Not only did the "Boy's" appearance change... his personality seemed to have changed too. And not necessarily in a good way. He'd rest his hand on Joshua's shoulder. "Calm down, okay? Remember, we're here to talk, not to fight." He'd say in a calming voice. Joshua certainly needed to get a grip of himself before things spiraled out of control. And of course, this Adiyna seemed stronger than YumiAmi was... much stronger.

To Azami, he'd give her a little grin. The "insult" wasn't really doing much, but her confidence was staggering. Did she really think she could stand up to that abomination on Penecia Island?


To Joshua, he nodded. "If she wishes to fight, we'll do so on street level." Besides, it was safer for the two of them. That way, none of them could fall off and actually be incapacitated for weeks.

Joshua blinked as he felt Phalanx's hand on his shoulder. For all his anger spouting out today, it was really starting to cool off a bit more. He nodded in affirmative. But he was getting annoyed how they're going to waste time fighting, both Phalanx and Azami. Though if it's to get her to face reality, then it's what they're going to do.

He glared at Zachary, but it didn't matter. For now, words would have to be kept. What did any of his business matter? All he wanted is Rinna. So for now, he'll comply as he gave a curt nod... which was suddenly pulled to the side and causing Joshua yelp at the sudden jerk.

"What the fu--! Stop touching me, Christ! What's with you?!" he howled in pain as he attempted to pull her pinching fingers from his ear. But he did ignore the pain to listen what she had to say and it just didn't do enough to make him trust her. Instant relief and sore pain arrived just as he was busy rubbing his palm against his ear. Despite it, he still listened to what Anat had to say. Demi-gods? Did she mean the Angels? Whatever the case, it looks like he has more to talk about with Simon.

Speaking of Simon, Joshua would sympathize how he felt. The Nyarlathotep Child didn't want to fight in any side in all honesty. But given the government's ineptitude and the lack of other leads, it looked like they didn't have a choice. "You and me both, Simon. But we're out of options here. So, let's just get it over with. We can always deal with him if he ever goes back on his word."

He gave another glare back at Zachary before taking the radio for himself and pocketing it. Joshua nodded at Shunnosuke. He honestly didn't envy his situation. It was a fool's errand. But he evidently had a home to defend and no one can fault him for that.

"Alright. You watch yourself. Let's stay in contact though if anything happens," Joshua said to him before pulling out his phone and then exchanged numbers with Shunnosuke before allowing him to leave.

Now with that done, he looked back at Phalanx and Azami.


He started to leave, expecting everyone to follow him. Joshua nodded at Simon and gave one glance at Anat and Zachary before leaving. Though on the other hand, he did keep an eye on Azami. She was starting to become more of a pain if she was this suicidal.

[Exit with Simon, unless stopped]

OOC:

Azami would sigh and turn her attention to Simon as she walked away from Anat. "Relax. I'm not gonna waste time fighting her. Right now I've got bigger things to deal with. But I know for a fact what she's up to. A little birdie ensured that much. That being said..." She'd pause both in words and movement before looking over to Phalanx. "The same goes for you. I'm not going to waste time 'proving myself' to you or whatever. Penecia's at risk right now. I don't have time to dawdle about dueling with strangers." Just as the Wild Card finished speaking to him her body would suddenly begin to dissipate at a rapid rate. Glimmers of light seemed to flicker in the air and in the course of seconds a large swarm of black butterflies would shoot forward toward the door at a ridiculous speed. Azami had meant what she had said and, should she go unstopped, would make her exit -- moving fifteen feet away and presumably leaving the machine behind in the dust.

Action:

Upon Joshua walking towards the exit as he was already having a head start over Azami, his trained senses had picked up that something was flapping its wings and what the Nyarlathotep-align Wild Card had said. She just didn't learn. His reflexes caused him to act as his eyes turned an amber gold once more. Just as the butterfly mass that was Azami was trying to reach the exit, Joshua held up his right hand near his right cheek. Immediately, his spear was summoned in place. Doing so would take Azami off guard and additionally the distance was just about right that it wouldn’t allow Azami to dodge it since it appeared out of nowhere and so that its prongs would catch itself into her throat and cause her to stop in place while causing her body to suddenly jerk from the obstruction.

Because her strange ability was primarily meant for travel, a single attack should be able to force her to solidify into her normal form. However, Joshua didn’t stop there. Just as the spear caught her throat, he quickly twisted his body to face her while still having the spearhead stuck into her as he exerted more pressure through the entire movement and thrust the shaft to pin her down to the floor where she couldn’t move. During all of this Yamato-Takeru would be summoned to Joshua’s left as he was shaking his head at her while she choked.


Before allowing Azami to do anything else, Yamato-Takeru would grasp her by the ankle very tightly. Joshua would let the spear release her neck, but the Tainted Persona’s grasp on her was in a vice-grip as it immediately tried to swing her up in the air and into the ground causing it to shake and crack. Not allowing her any time to recover, the Persona would swing her again to another side so that it would meet against the floor once more to make it shake again. At this point, she was likely knocked unconscious. But he let Yamato-Takeru to remain holding on to her ankle just in case she still had some fight in her as he summoned his spear once again.


Of course, if she made even a little twitch, he would immediately sink the spear into her torso for good measure. That is only if she tries to keep moving and resisting.

Human Strengths:

Action:

Stats: