File: Tower.jpg (115 KB, 660x350)

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As everyone double checks their guns you motion to the tower, "Let's all move together to find a way into that tower. Whatever is keeping this Rift open is in there."

Almost everyone seems ready, but Martin is messing with something on the side of the tent with your exit. Upon a closer look you notice tags from the jungle are all around and he seems to be putting up the final one. "Sorry, I'm all done now. That should keep the Shadows away."

Getting closer to the tower you see that no tents are set up within a few yards of it. When you get right next it the stone seems to shimmer in the light from above.

Trish mutters to herself quietly as she inspects the stone with you, "It seems like those that stay here enjoy taking care of their tower more than most people watch their homes, people obsessed with cleanliness perhaps?"

"We can't climb up to that opening can we? That would probably save us some time." Zoey says as she looks to where the robed figure showed themselves.

Martin is typing away and taking pictures with is phone as the others keep looking. You don't see Natalie at first, but she is clinging to the spear tightly still by the tents.

"We're going to check out the whole base, but if you want to go back I can show you how." You say, walking over to her.

Natalie stares at you ask you walk over, but once you are next to her she shakes her head. "I'm not going to just leave. They are my friends and need my help!"

With renewed vigor Natalie walks over to the tower and tries pushing on it. Trish looks back and shakes her head as the younger girl tries pushing on each brick. Eventually she gives up with a sigh and the group starts to walk to one side of the tower.

"I though it would just be like a movie or game where one brick opened the way, sorry." Natalie apologizes as everyone is walking.

Zoey stops and turns to the girl in the back "Stop apologizing, alright? You didn't fuck anything up so you don't need to."

After that little outburst you fallback to the middle of the group, putting you and Martin between those two. Natalie seems not have taken it too hard though, but Zoey isn't looking back anymore. The silence is finally broken when you get to the opposite side from where you started and Trish stops the group. Looking to your left there are two Shadows on both sides of an iron gate. Instead of mask like the last ones these are just Shadows in suits and glasses.

The Shadow closest to you waves a hand in your direction and speaks in a slightly distorted male voice, "Good afternoon, please stay away unless you have proper ID."

"Well that is different. Do we have any clues here?" Martin asks.

>Maybe you could talk them into letting you inside?
>Ask them about getting an ID. It shouldn't be that hard.
>Shadow is still a Shadow, just open fire on them.
>One person can lure them away while everyone else gets through that gate.
>Write-In

>>1845446
>>Ask them about getting an ID. It shouldn't be that hard.

>>1845449
Second because why not

[Writing]

>>1845520
>Time to get some IDs!
>We're gonna have to get in sometimes

File: Suits.png (4 KB, 124x400)

4 KB PNG

"I'm going to see if I can get an ID from them. Cover me." You say to the others before casually walking up to the gate.

The Shadow keeps it's "eyes" locked on you as approach. "I repeat, please leave without proper identification."

"I want to get an ID so I can enter. Can you tell me how to do it?" You ask the Shadow, hands on your knife.

Both of the Shadows get together and start to whisper to another. Now that you are up close these Shadows are almost comical. Their barrel chested bodies barely fitting in the suits and constantly shifting skin made of the dark substance with just glasses covering their glowing eyes.

"If you wish to obtain a valid ID then you can enter alone. But one lacking in good character or faint of heart should not enter." The Shadow explains as it gets back to it's original spot.

This might just work, "What if multiple people want to get IDs at the same time?"

"Well then they all would enter to get their IDs obviously," The Shadow says with a hint of smugness in it's voice.

You nod and go back to the others to fill them in. Zoey and Martin are both interested in trying to get IDs, Natalie says she is fine with whatever everyone else wants to do, but Trish is concerned.

The woman shakes her mask covered face, "If we go in there and are attacked we will be surrounded like before. Going in there might just be a trap."

Zoey grins, "We can handle them, I mean we took down that weird face changing thing already. How hard can some regular Shadows be?"

>Time to get some IDs!
>Trish is right, just take them out here.
>You'll go in alone. If you aren't out in twenty minutes assume something went wrong.
>Trish can stay out here if she wants. If there is a commotion she can come after the rest of you.
>Write-In

>>1845523
[Sorry about that, your vote is still valid.]

[Writing]

File: Spoiler Image (523 KB, 2420x1152)

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"We're gonna have to all get in sometimes. Come on Trish, let's get some IDs!" You say with some enthusiasm to get yourself fired up.

Trish sighs, but follows the rest of you to the gate with Natalie in the back. One at a time you all inform the guard Shadows you would like to enter to get an ID. The gate opens for each person, but you are the first. The hallway further in is dark, but a pale blue light is at the end.

You wait for the others before continuing and make your way down the hall. At the end well.. you aren't sure what was going to be inside, but it wasn't this. A futuristic looking lobby with shiny metal walls, a holographic globe in the center, and a Shadow secretary at the front desk.

Martin's glasses go foggy as he stares in awe, but on the other end of the spectrum Natalie keeps even further back. You notice the front desk has a sign reading "HEROES WANTED". When you approach the feminine Shadow starts to talk, "Good day! Are you looking to become part of the plan to save the world?"

"Yes, we all are." You say motioning to everyone else.

The secretary taps a small phone on her desk, "Oh well in that case it will be a few minutes. Your test to is defeat a series of captured villains beyond redemption."

"Sweet, more Shadows to kick the butt of," Zoey says with a smile.

"I still have a bad feeling about this. Also this is a much different place compared to the last location below a Rift," Trish says as she takes a seat.

"At least it is clean. But it does feel very cold in here," Natalie says, keeping her back to a wall.

Martin is taking pictures all over the room. The desk, chairs, other doors, globe, everything he can. It seems like this place brought out the nerd in him.

>The secretary Shadow seems easily distracted, maybe you can do some snooping?
>Sit and relax, chat with the others while you wait.
>How is Natalie holding up? This is a lot to take in even for you.
>Get Martin to focus, who knows what these Shadows are planning?
>Write-In

>>1845597
>>Sit and relax, chat with the others while you wait.
However,
>Keep an eye out for anything sketchy

>>1845606
Second

>>1845606
Hit me with that support brah

[Writing]

File: PrisonLine.jpg (52 KB, 600x387)

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You take a seat next to the others and pull your gas mask off to breath easier, "So how are you all feeling about this?"

Trish is taking the chance to double check her .45, "I don't like it, but if it means we have full access to this building then we don't have to worry about gettting swarmed."

"A-And we really do need to fight these things?" Natalie ask nervously.

"It should be easy, just stay back and let us handle it," Zoey says, taking a break from the stretches she started.

Looking around you notice something is off about the globe. It shows the world, but it looks like a chunk is missing out of America, like a state was just ripped out. Another ominous thing is that the secretary is staring at you as she does something with papers at the front desk.

Trish is going over how guns work differently and are quieter to help Natalie's nerves as there is a ding from the large door on the far side of the room. Out of it two more suit wearing Shadows walk out.

"Follow us please for your test," They say in unison.

You take a deep breath and lead the way into what you can now tell is an elevator. It is a little cramped with everyone in there, but you have enough room to stand. It looks like there are ten floors to this place according to the button panel, but you are being taken to the third.

"This test will be one of courage and fighting ability. Do not fail in either of these aspects. Defeat all the villains or you shall fail." The Shadow says as the elevator ascends.

After a few minutes the door opens and you are practically pushed out. When you turn back to the elevator door, it is shut.

"Shit!" Zoey shouts as she kicks at the door to no effects.

"Wait, what are those? It looks like cells out of a comic book," Martin says, pointing down the hall.

Down the hall you see a series of see-through walls with doors built into them. You can't see to the end of the hall, there must be dozens of these kind of rooms. As you step forward to get a better look three of these doors fly open. Out of these doors shambles three Shadows restrained in straightjackets wearing blue face masks.

>Everyone open fire before they can get close!
>Go for an elemental assault to find their weakness.
>Buff up before they can get close.
>Write-In
[Word of warning, combat is being made a little more streamlined still. So don't worry about exact numbers on HP or SP.]

>>1845676
>Buff up before they can get close.

>>1845676
>>Buff up before they can get close

>>1845676
>>Buff up before they can get close.

[Roll those d10s]

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1845718

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1845718

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1845718

[Not bad, writing]

File: Lycaon.jpg (57 KB, 695x960)

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With three Shadows closing in you turn to the others briefly, "Natalie stay back! Everyone else pump yourselves up before they get close."

Almost immediately after saying that you get the familiar green aura around you, speeding you up. "High John and I got you James!" Martin shouts.

"I can't do anything like that, but I can do this!" Zoey shouts as her branded hand glows.

The large, stone raven known as Nevermore appears behind her and launches a wave of twisted faces in darkness at the closest Shadow. As it impacts the mask of it flies off and the Shadow explodes out of the straight-jacket. The two coming from behind it also explode from their jackets, all taking the same shape.

Three knights with tridents on bright red horses stand before you, but Trish jumps to the front and shouts "Sacagawea!"

Trish's gem bearing Persona engulfs her in a red light, increasing her attack power. You take the chance to summon your book and switch out Atticus to the chained wolf, Lycaon.

"Lycaon, defend me!" You shout.

The chain along your arm glows bright as the wolf appears before you, surrounding you in a protective purple aura. However it seems the Shadows had a similar idea, one the knight in the back using the same ability on the one in the front.

Both of the other knights launch small balls of fire at you and Trish. Thanks to Martin you're able to dodge the attack with ease and Trish doesn't even bother dodging, resisting the fire thanks to her Persona. It feels like something is missing though...

A scream from Natalie takes you out of the fight for a second. When you turn back she is against the corner of the hallway with her spear held out to everyone, "Stay away! All of you stay away!"

>Keep staying back and open fire on them.
>Try a mix of elements to find out what they are weak to.
>Switch Persona [Atticus, Genbu] and go on the offensive.
>Leave the Shadows to the others, you need to snap Natalie out of this.
>Write-In

>>1845841
>>Try a mix of elements to find out what they are weak to.

>>1845841
>>Try a mix of elements to find out what they are weak to.

also

>Top priority is protecting Natalie.

>>1845841
>Leave the Shadows to the others, you need to snap Natalie out of this.
No way I'm putting someone like this at my back

[Roll for some scouting.]

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1845903

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1845903

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1845903

[Writing]

File: Knight.jpg (561 KB, 1676x2604)

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"Try go find a weakness!" You call to the others as you position yourself between Natalie and the Shadows.

"On it. High John, blast them!" Martin says as he summons the root skinned Persona.

A bolt of lighting strikes the unbuffed Shadow, but doesn't doo anything extra. If you are going to test elements you may as well try Lycaon.

You close your hand, the chain glowing again. "Attack, Lycaon!"

The wolf appears in front of you again, howling and causing a cold wind to hit the defense boosted Shadow. It seems like the attack is extra effective as the Shadow faulters, but the ice seems to cover the entire Shadow in a matter of seconds.

"Nevermore now!" Zoey shouts as she runs at the frozen Shadow.

In a flash the giant raven pulls the axe from it's heart and cleaves into the Shadow-sickle, shattering it. The pair of Shadows still standing both charge forward, but Trish manages to summon Sacagawea in time to stop the worst of their attacks.

For payback the stone claws of Sacagawea tear into one of the Shadows, leaving it looking weak. Natalie is still keeping everyone spear's length away, but she seems safe. It seems like this fight is done like dinner, but can you get something out of it?

>You can finish off the weak one while the others pile on the last Shadow.
>Try to recruit one of these Shadows while the others finish off the weak one.
>Get information from one of these Shadows and finish off the other.
>Write-In

>>1845975
>>Try to recruit one of these Shadows while the others finish off the weak one

>>1845975
>Try to recruit one of these Shadows while the others finish off the weak one.

>>1845975
>Try to recruit one of these Shadows while the others finish off the weak one.

[Writing]

File: LittleGreenBook.jpg (58 KB, 608x804)

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"Take out the weak one, I got this last one."

"You sure James? We haven't even scratched it?" Martin asks, keeping his eyes locked on the enemy.

When you summon the book in your hand there is an understanding and he has High John blast the enemy. Zoey finished it off with Nevermore carving into another knight. Before the last Shadow can charge you down you point to it with your glowing hand and summon Lycaon.

Another chilling howl causes the knife to fall to the side of his horse, but before he can recover you walk up to him. With everyone else ready to pounce the Shadow doesn't dare.

You hold the pen out with one hand and motion to a blank page, "I want you to sign this book and work for me, got it?"

The Shadow grumbles, "Do you know who I am? I'm Berith! A Great Duke of Hell!"

"So will you sign or not?" You ask.

"What do you offer me in return for working for one such as you?" The Shadow asks back, smoke slowly coming from it's helmet.

>Well if it doesn't sign it can die.
>You can give them freedom.
>An offer of the chance for revenge on those that kept it here.
>Forget it, finish them off.
>Write-In

>>1846028
>>You can give them freedom.
You can go to strange and exciting new places, meet new Shadows, probably kill them, it'll be an adventure!

>>1846028
>You can give them freedom.

>>1846028
>>You can give them freedom.
Have you ever been to Miami? Neither have I, but just maybe...

>>1846028
>>You can give them freedom.

File: ZStare.jpg (169 KB, 750x723)

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"I can give you freedom, show you the world, kill new shadows, what do you say to that?"

The Shadow snatches the pen from your hand and signs in a surprisingly good cursive, Berith.

After signing the Shadow fades from view, but something new happens. A burning feeling erupts from your hand as crown slowly fades in hanging off the key. You let out a cry of pain as the shape sears itself into your flesh.

"Sorry for not saying before, but the stronger the Shadow, the more pain to recruit them. I'm sure you can handle it James," Atticus' voice echos in your head.

Trish grabs you by the shoulder from behind as you stare down at your hand, "James! Snap out of it fast!"

You turn to see what the rush is for, only to see a pair of suit wearing Shadows grabbing Natalie and dragging her into the elevator. Two more of the Shadows stand between you and her, "You all have passed, but she has failed. We will be taking her now."

"Let her go assholes!" Zoey shouts, summoning Nevermore.

In response the two separating you place their hands on their glasses, "Stand down or you will be treated as villains."

Past them you can see Natalie still putting up a fight, but the only thing keeping her from being shoved into the elevator is her spear getting caught on part of the wall.

>Rush past them to Natalie, they can't take her.
>Everyone open fire.
>Stand down for now. You can get her back.
>Lay into them with a Persona [Lycaon, Atticus, Genbu, Berith]
>Write-In

>>1846119
>>Rush past them to Natalie, they can't take her.

>>1846119
>>Rush past them to Natalie, they can't take her.

>>1846119
>>Rush past them to Natalie, they can't take her.

>>1846119
>Rush past them to Natalie, they can't take her.

[Go ahead and roll.]

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1846184

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1846184

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1846184

[Writing]

File: Tights.jpg (40 KB, 600x800)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCnJ2_xN2jU

Your legs start to move on your own as you see Natalie get pulled more. Running past Trish, Martin, Zoey, and the Shadows. You throw your hand out to girl, "Natalie grab on!"

She looks to you with tears in her eyes, but before she even lets go of the spear you're pulled back by the collar of your jacket. The two Shadows in the hall have pulled off their glasses, having transformed into.. Superheroes?

The muscular man in tights throws you back down the hall, sending you skidding on the floor. As you stand back up you can see the others trying to fight back. Nevermore and Sacagawea's physical attacks hardly scratch the Shadows, but lighting from High John seems effective.

One of the Hero Shadows seems to have gotten stunned from Martin's attack, giving you a glimmer of hope. But instead of attacking you, the Shadow kicks Natalie's spear out of the jam and the door closes. The last you see of Natalie is her trying to break free of two somewhat smaller looking Shadows.

"Damnit!" You shout, drowning out the reactions of the others.

Natalie was taken, but if you don't take care of these enemies you might die. It was able to throw you across the hall with ease. You need to take care of them fast, but how?

>Everyone pile on the one that Martin hit with elemental attacks.
>Try to weaken them the best you can.
>Pour all you can into Martin, he has the best chance of hurting these guys.
>Let the others handle them, get that door open.
>Write-In

File: 1500791675146.gif (679 KB, 150x150)

679 KB GIF

>>1846300
>>Pour all you can into Martin, he has the best chance of hurting these guys.

>>1846300
>>Pour all you can into Martin, he has the best chance of hurting these guys.

>>1846300
>>Pour all you can into Martin, he has the best chance of hurting these guys.

[Roll for Martin]

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1846332

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1846332

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1846332

[Writing]

File: Martin.jpg (21 KB, 500x375)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4fa44_sq2E

"Martin you're our best chance at hurting them! So let's go!" You shout.

"I can't help him, but I can do this!" Zoey says, having Nevermore surrounded the not paralyzed Shadow in a dark purple aura.

Before you can act, the Shadow is ontop of you. One punch lands in your gut, causing you to double over. Before you can recover a second hits you square in the face, knocking you to the ground.

Trish takes a step to you, but turns back to Martin, "Sacagawea, empower him."

Martin points his baton at the Shadow that just sent you to the ground, "High John!"

A loud crashing sound follows the lighting bolt, the Shadow getting hit dead on. It is still standing, but weak. The problem is you are just about in bad as shape as it, another hit like what you took and it's all over.

Thankfully Martin's attack paralyzed it, but the other Shadow is ready to go now. Every second that passes also means Natalie gets further away, but what can you do to make this go faster?

>Have Martin blast one Shadow while everyone else hits the other.
>Let the others handle the fight so you can recover.
>Everyone dogpile the mobile Shadow before it can attack.
>Write-In

>>1846382
>>Have Martin blast one Shadow while everyone else hits the other.

>>1846382
>>Have Martin blast one Shadow while everyone else hits the other.

>>1846382
>>>Have Martin blast one Shadow while everyone else hits the other.

>>1846382
>Have Martin blast one Shadow while everyone else hits the other.

>>1846384
>>1846386
Backing.

[Roll those dice]

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1846406

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1846406

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1846406

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1846406

[Writing]

File: AtticusDifferent.jpg (119 KB, 1600x1032)

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Adrenaline pumping through your system, you force yourself back to your feet, "Martin, get that one before it can attack! We've got this one!"

"Right, finish that one off High John." Martin says, pointing to the paralyzed one.

The Shadow is blasted again, and thanks to status skills is finished off. But that leaves the other one. Zoey calls Nevermore again, sending a wave of darkness at the Shadow. Sadly it doesn't finish it off, but instead of attacking you it does one of the one-two combos into Martin.

Martin is slammed into the hallway's wall, but still standing. Trish takes her chance to get an attack off, "Sacagawea, burn them away!"

The lone enemy is hit by the burst of flames, but still standing. You'll fix that, "Atticus, Kouha!"

Your faithful Persona appears beside you, book in hand. After reading a passage a sphere of light lowers onto the Shadow, melting it away. With all of the Shadows defeated you run to the elevator and mash on the call button.

"Slow down James! You're hurt!" Trish yells after you.

She's right, but you have to go fast. While waiting on the elevator Zoey helps the others recover while you have Atticus heal yourself.

"She is fine, I'm sure," Trish reassures everyone, herself included.

But when the elevator door opens, there is nothing. Natalie and her captors are gone and now you have to search this whole building for her. If only you were faster. Stepping into the elevator you close your eyes and lean against the back wall to try and focus.

Everyone joins you, knowing what they have to do. The air in the small metal box is filled with dreariness. That is until Zoey starts to laugh. "What's so funny?" Martin asks.

"She didn't give up so easy after all," Zoey says as she steps away from the panel.

On the panel you see one of the button covers was popped off. You look down at the floor and see it, when you pick it up you see a large scratch into the metal, floor 6.

>No time to waste. Floor 6 here you come.
>Just mash the button and try to calm down.
>Hit the button and keep yourself in the zone, you can use this.
>Can you try finding a floor with a fountain on your way up?
>Write-In

[Last vote of the night.]

>>1846507
>>No time to waste. Floor 6 here you come.

>>1846507
>No time to waste. Floor 6 here you come.

>>1846507
>>Hit the button and keep yourself in the zone, you can use this.

>>1846507
>>Hit the button and keep yourself in the zone, you can use this.

[Thanks for playing folks. The rescue continues Friday at 6pm EST. Hopefully the tie is broken by then]

>>1846507
>>Hit the button and keep yourself in the zone, you can use this.

File: Door.jpg (175 KB, 1222x653)

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You hit the button for Floor 6, going back to your spot on the wall. The elevator lurches before starting to rise through the tower. On the way up the others talk about something, but you keep your eyes on the door. To try and keep the adrenaline in your system you bite on your lip and keep your muscles tensed.

From what you can tell the power that let's you call your Personas is tied to your energy. Martin and Trish are looking fine, but you're starting to feel winded and Zoey has to be too after all the healing from that last fight. But if these Shadows think they can take Natalie and try to turn her into one they have another thing coming.

The elevator rocks as it comes to a stop, the small light indicating you're on the right floor. You crack your knuckles and notice Martin giving you a worried look before the door opens. You are the first out, into a long hallway that stretches to your right and left. With no obvious signs you follow your gut and head to the right, the others right behind you.

"James, you should calm down. I can hear your breathing more than usual through the mask dude," Martin says as he walks beside you.

"Not yet," You reply quickly.

After walking for a few more minutes you come to a large sealed door. There doesn't seem to be any way to open it, but it has a keypad next to it. To your right is a small office with cubicals in it, you can a few Shadows in suits around your height going about their business in there.

"Shit, guess we need an ID or something after all." Zoey says.

Trish looks through the glass door to the office, "Or we could get a Shadow to open it for us using James' interrogation abilities."

"I could also try something! I mean I'm not movie hacker, but I know a few tricks." Martin adds.

Whatever you do it will take some time and that might not even be where they have Natalie, but a large, locked door is a good start. If you are fast enough you might still be pumped when you open it.

>Forget all that, your Persona can bust it down.
>There can't be more than four Shadows in the office, you can take them.
>Martin can do his thing. The rest of you will cover him.
>What if you ran back to the first floor? Could the secretary still give you IDs?
>Maybe trying the the left is a good idea for now.
>Write-In

>>1849796
>>Forget all that, your Persona can bust it down.

Use the new one, he was stronk

>>1849796
>>Martin can do his thing. The rest of you will cover him.

>>1849796
>Martin can do his thing. The rest of you will cover him.

[Writing]

File: Eye.jpg (51 KB, 736x607)

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"Go ahead Martin, we've got your back." You say with a thumbs up.

Martin nods and crouches by the keypad, starting to fiddle with something in his pocket. "I just need to remember how to do this..."

"So are we just waiting for him to do some hacker shit, really?" Zoey asks.

"Let's just have faith in him. Martin wouldn't do this if he didn't think he could." Trish says as she keeps facing the glass door.

A minute passes, but Martin is still grumbling to himself as he tries to work out something. The Shadows in the office next to you seem like they are in their own little world. They could probably hear and see you, but just focused on running around with papers from desk to desk. Then you hear footsteps.

From down the hallway you came there is a trio of Shadows around your height in suits, like the ones in the office. The three of you stare at the Shadows as they slowly reach for their glasses. In a swift motion all three of them remove them and transform.

Two of the shadows turn into what look like small snowmen with blue jester caps. The third one is a strange one eyed bat creature.

"I just need one more minute, I got it!" Martin says excitedly.

"Well we got company, what's the plan James?" Trish asks, reaching for her gun.

>Just open fire on them, save energy.
>Try a mix of elements to find their weakness.
>Get in close and stab at them.
>Go on offense with a particular Persona [Atticus, Lycaon, Berith, Genbu]
>Write-In

>>1849907
>Just open fire on them, save energy.

>>1849907
>>Try a mix of elements to find their weakness.

>>1849907
>>Just open fire on them, save energy.

[Shoot the dice.]

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1849977

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1849977

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1849977
AGGGGHH

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1849977

[Writing]

File: Hee-ho.png (160 KB, 407x472)

160 KB PNG

As you ready your bolt-action rifle you turn to the others, "Let's try just sticking to guns for now. Save our energy for whatever is behind that door."

"Let's make this quick then," Trish says as she aims with her handgun.

One of the small snowmen takes a step closer and Zoey fires into it, knocking the Shadow onto it's back. "Fuck yeah!" she shouts, doing a twirl with the revolver.

The One-Eyed Shadow flies up in the hall, matching your gaze. Your grip on the rifle tightens just in time to be hit by a gust of wind. As you skid back the second Snowman avenges their other by pointing at Zoey and summoning a chunk of ice.

Zoey barely jumps out of the way of the entire chunk, but her right side looks a little frosty. Trish fires on the One-Eyed with her .45, clipping one of the wings. As the Shadow attempts to recover you fire back, making it land on the ground.

"Well I think I know what those two Snowmen are weak to. Shall we James?" Trish asks.

While it is tempting, you look back to Martin since you are only a few steps away now. He seems deep in concentration, but you might be able to get him if you needed help.

As you turn back the knocked over Snowman stands up, making what sounds like a high pitched grunt as it does.

>Show those Snowmen some real fire with Trish.
>Just keep shooting, they don't seem that durable.
>Leave the Snowmen to Trish, you'll focus the eye one with Zoey.
>Get Martin to join in with the firing.
>Write-In

>>1850063
>>Show those Snowmen some real fire with Trish.

>>1850063
>>Show those Snowmen some real fire with Trish.

>>1850063
>Show those Snowmen some real fire with Trish.

[Let's go ahead and get those dice]

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1850107

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>1850107

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1850107

[Writing]

File: BrownCrossed.jpg (299 KB, 642x900)

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"Let's go for it. Zoey you've got the last flying one," You say with a nod.

"Got it. Eat lead cyclops!" Zoey shouts back as she fires.

Just as the Shadow starts to fly again it is hit by yet another bullet. This time it doesn't stop it though, as the Shadows lunges into her with it's small horn.

The other Shadows don't let up either, throwing a blast of ice at Trish and you. You manage to summon Atticus in time to block some of it, but Trish doesn't have that luxury.

When you look back to her it is just in time for her to roll under the attack as she summons Sacagawea, "Burn away!"

The already shot Snowman is melted away, but you aren't done yet. You call the book to your hand and switch to Berith. With a wave of the hand the other Snowman is hit by a blast of fire and knocked to the floor.

That is when you hear a rush of air behind you. Turning to look you are pushed to the side by a hand as Martin fires his shotgun past you, finishing off the One-Eyed Shadow.

"I couldn't let you have all the fun," He says with a smile.

Zoey crosses her arms and huffs. "Whatever, I had it handled. I'll fix us up again while James talks to the Shadow."

You feel a surge of energy as Nevermore heals the whole party. The lone Shadow rubs it's eyes and looks up to you with a frown, it's mouth a void. "You're not very nice hee-ho... Whadya you want?"

>Nothing, just finish the Shadow off.
>Information about the door behind you.
>Tell the Shadow to handover whatever it owns.
>Ask it to sign in your book.
>Write-In

>>1850226
>>Information about the door behind you.

>>1850230
Supports

>>1850226
>Information about the door behind you.

[Writing]

File: TheSphere.jpg (153 KB, 1024x527)

153 KB JPG

You crouch down to the Shadow and point back at the door Martin opened. With a stern look on your face you speak to the Shadow, "Tell me about what is going on back there."

The shadow adjust their hat and sits up, "There? That's where the failures all hee-go. Then we get more workers for the boss! Hee-Oh I wasn't suppose to talk about them. Hee-ho..."

"Well thanks for the info," You say as the Shadow fades away.

As you walk through with the others you fill them in on what the Shadow said about this being where new ones come from. The hallway is dimly lit, but it seems like there isn't any alternate paths to take.

"That means if we stop this we are stopping more Shadows from being made already?" Martin asks.

"It might, but I doubt it will stop them fully," Trish says as she breaks out more glow sticks.

With a sigh you turn another corner, "Let's stay focused on out goal then. We need to get Natalie back."

At the far end of the hall you see a room with a light ahead. Everyone picks up the pace and soon enough you get a view of the room. Inside is some kind of labortory, computers all along the walls and such. But in the center of the room with more wires than you can count hooked up to it is some kind of metal sphere.

"Just who are you? What's going on out there?" A familiar voice asks from the sphere.

"Don't worry. You'll be a hero soon enough." A silky smooth voice says from across the room.

You take a few steps to get a better look and see the robed figure. Their white and golden robes cover their whole body, but you see a human hand holding a clipboard.

"Oh. Hello there." They say with surprise evident in their voice.

>Let her out, or else.
>What is going on here?
>Who are they?
>That is Natalie in there, isn't it?
>Write-In
[Sorry for delay. Had a late meal.]

>>1850529
>Let her out, or else.
>What is going on here?

>>1850529
>>That is Natalie in there, isn't it?
>Let her out, or else.

>>1850529
>>Let her out, or else.

[Writing]

File: WhiteandGold.jpg (23 KB, 800x533)

23 KB JPG

There are questions you could ask, but you don't care about that right now. You walk further into the room and rest a hand on the sphere. "Let her our, or else."

You can tell the others are looking around to try and figure things out while the robed figure has their attention on you. The figure doesn't seem to mind though and just sets their clipboard down on a table next to them.

"Or else what? I know you know I'm keeping this open." They ask, their voice bored.

Your blood is boiling, but they are right. If you take them out you have to bank on the Velvet Room being an exit or another Rift opening up. Through grit teeth you keep talking, "I said, let. her. out."

The robed figure slides their hands back into their sleeves, "Don't you know who you are making demands to? The people here came here willingly to become the heroes they've always thought they are. I'm just giving them what they always wanted."

"Then let her out! She doesn't want to be a Shadow!" You shout, barely holding yourself back.

"She doesn't? Could have fooled me." The figure says before chuckling and stepped to the side.

Behind them is another Natalie. You know that isn't the real her, it's yellow glowing eyes give it away. Her blonde hair is a mess and her clothing is just a step up from rags, but there is also gold jewelry on every finger and her ears.

"James, I think you should back up now." Martin says behind you.

The white robed figure turns and walks to a door behind the Other Natalie, hitting a button on their way out. "I need to be going now, good bye."

You pull your hand away just in time as the sphere opens up, Natalie sitting on some kind of cushioned chair inside.

She looks unharmed as she sits up in the chair and looks around the room, "James? Zoey? ...Me?"

Other Natalie puts her arms behind hr head,
"Yeah, I'm you. Couldn't stand not helping someone out could yah? Now look what happened, how are we going to get any credit for this?"

Zoey walks up beside you and sighs, "Is this going to be like my thing?"

>Run after White Robes before the door closes.
>Try to explain to Natalie she has to accept the doppelganger as a part of her.
>Let Zoey and Martin try to explain it, they've faced their Shadow versions before.
>Write-In

>>1850688
>Try to explain to Natalie she has to accept the doppelganger as a part of her.

>>1850688
>Let Zoey and Martin try to explain it, they've faced their Shadow versions before.

>>1850688
>>Let Zoey and Martin try to explain it, they've faced their Shadow versions before.

[Writing]

File: NatMad.png (215 KB, 635x359)

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"Why don't you two talk to her? You've gone through this before." You ask, turning back to the others.

Martin walks out from the computer area and scratches the back of his head. Natalie is still in shock of having a double of her.

"Just don't deny them." He says, not very sure of what he was saying.

"Yeah, don't deny we only help others so we can feel better about ourselves and get rewards. God? Friends? Pssh, those are just excuses so you can get all the thanks and gratitude." Other Natalie says with a grin.

"No! That's wrong, I help because I want others to have easier lives!" Natalie shouts back, sitting up straight in the chair.

Other Natalie points to the original, "And if they have an easier life, they let us live an easier one. You even have a throne right now~"

Natalie looks down at her seat lowers herself off of one side. She stands back up from her drop, but the Other Natalie has a pool starting to form below her.

Zoey groans and smacks Natalie on the back, "Stop and listen! Like, they are being a bitch, but some of it is true. You just gotta own up to being kinda shitty, everyone does."

"I can't. I don't just use God's name so people give me stuff. I've never taken advantage of anyone," Natalie says quietly, on the verge of tears.

"Racking up pity points won't help you with them. Thanks to me they know what kind of person you really are." Other Natalie says as she takes a step closer.

"Stay back! You-" Natalie is cut off as Zoey covers her mouth.

"If you deny her you'll put us all in danger! It's exactly what she wants you to do. Denying your feelings just makes this other you stronger," Martin explains.

The Other Natalie gives Martin a look of contempt, "Tch, not as stupid as you look. Guess I'll just have to play dirty. Maybe I should tell Carson's nephew here why you really weren't at church that week?"

"No! Shut up! You can't say that! Nobody knows that except for me and you aren't me!" Natalie shouts as she pulls away from Zoey.

"There we go! Yes, you hate me! Haha this feels great~!" The Other Natalie shouts as the puddle below it starts to bubble and grow.

>"Zoey get Natalie back, it's time for a fight."
>Take your chance and have Atticus shoot the Shadow.
>Try and force the Shadow into the Sphere, it seems sturdy.
>"Natalie snap out of it! You're a good person, but everyone has flaws."
>Write-In

>>1850805
>>Take your chance and have Atticus shoot the Shadow.
Gank the bitch

>>1850805
>"Zoey get Natalie back, it's time for a fight."

>>1850805
>>"Natalie snap out of it! You're a good person, but everyone has flaws."

>>1850805
>Take your chance and have Atticus shoot the Shadow.
Gettem, Atticus.

[Roll!]

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1850844

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1850844

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1850844

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1850844

[Writing]

File: ShadowPool.png (505 KB, 1024x759)

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You've seen this exact thing with Zoey's Shadow before, you can't stop it. As the others back away from the swelling darkness you point to the Other Natalie, "Atticus, fire!"

The sharp dressed Persona appears with gun in hand and takes aim. "Let's clean this mess up then.

As the shot fires it feels like you just got punched in the guy, but you grit your teeth. Looking over at the Shadow, you see the wound the shot left. The right side of the Shadow's face is missing, leaving just a black liquid oozing under the skin.

Zoey throws Natalie back, who is caught by Trish. The woman joins the rest of you in the center of the room as the Shadow melts down into the puddle and beigns to reshape. What forms is unlike any of the other Shadows you've seen before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0-tWLi0Kp4

The front is a blue horse, but it has Natalie's human face with a twisted grin. The back half of the horse is completely metal with wheels coming off the side of the legs. Tied to the bolts connected the halfs of the horse is a large stone cube painted like Earh. Blinders are on both sides of the face while a golden cross hangs infront of the face on a string.

"What the fuck is this thing?" Zoey asks.

Trish slides a new clip into her handgun, "It's all the bad feelings Natalie has, but there isn't anything good left."

Zoey clenches her glowing hand into a fist, "In that case eat this, Nevermore!"

The Shadow is surrounded by a dark purple light, it's defense having been lowered. Before it can act Martin follows it up by having High John blast it with lighting. Then the Shadow starts to spin on it's hind wheels.

You drop to the ground in time, but the others are too slow. The massive cube behind the Shadow rips out of the wall, crushes the cube, and slams into all of the others.

Trish is the first to recovery from the attack, standing up at the same time as you. "Sacagawea!"

The Shadow is englufed in flames, disturbingly Natalie's burning face doesn't even flinch. The orginal Natalie is hiding by the way you came in, you can't really blame her here. You need a plan for this thing, fast.

>Try finding out if it has an elemental weakness.
>Focus on weakning it as much as you can.
>Lay into it with your strongest attacks.
>Can you try climbing onto it's back? It doesn't look like it can hit you there.
>Write-In

>>1850931
>Try finding out if it has an elemental weakness.

>>1850931
>Try finding out if it has an elemental weakness.

>>1850931
>>Try finding out if it has an elemental weakness.

>>1850931
>>Try finding out if it has an elemental weakness.

[Roll]

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1850963

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1850963

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1850963

[Writing]

File: BurningUp.jpg (215 KB, 754x1059)

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"Find a weakness everyone!" You shout as you have Atticus launch a Kouha, but it hardly seems effective.

Nevermore flaps it's wings sending a wave of darkness at the Shadow, but it doesn't seem to be especially effective either. The Shadow is blasted by another bolt of electricity, but it doesn't seem anything special happens.

Stop making things so difficult! The Shadow shouts.

The Shadow goes back on their wheels again, but this time slams their front hooves into the ground. A massive gust of wind blast out from the impact, and almost everyone is able to keep themselves on the ground.

Martin however, is thrown against the ceiling before falling back to the floor. "I'm fine, keep going," He groans with his face still against the floor.

The fires on the Shadow are staying persistent, slowly wearing it down. But Trish pours on more heat with Sacagawea, "Burn it down!"

As the burst of flame hits, the Shadow recoils. You've got a weakness. While the Shadow doesn't seem to been slowed down, the fire did hurt it more.

"Keep up the fire, Teach!" Zoey shouts.

You'll pay for that you bitch! The Shadow shouts at Natalie.

>Weakness the Shadow before it swings that block around more.
>Go to Berith for full offense.
>Try to help out Trish's defenses..
>Could you try shooting the dangling cross?
>Write-In

>>1851032
>>Weakness the Shadow before it swings that block around more.

>>1851032
>>Weakness the Shadow before it swings that block around more.

>>1851032
>Weakness the Shadow before it swings that block around more.

>>1851032
>>Weakness the Shadow before it swings that block around more.

[R O L L]

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1851070

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1851070

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>1851070
>nervous laughter

[Nice save. Writing]

File: ZoeySurprised.jpg (234 KB, 1200x862)

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"Atticus, weaken them!" You call out.

Natalie's Shadow is soon engulfed in a dark red light, and Zoey follows it up by having Nevermore cleave into it. The Shadow lets out a cry of pain as the two of you back off.

The Shadow doesn't seem to do anything, but you can see it's mouth moving. That's when you hear Trish let out a cry unlike anything you've heard before, and charge right into the Shadow to hit it with her staff.

"What the hell lady!" Zoey shouts.

There isn't a response, just Trish dropping to the ground. Yet another block swing hits you and Zoey, but the others dodge it. Martin finally gets to his feet and looks over at Trish.

Martin starts looking around, "We gotta snap her out of it! Those flames aren't going to bring this thing down on their own."

"I gotta take a second, fuck my arms hurt." the heavily bruised Zoey groans.

The dark purple aura fades away from the Shadow, it's defense must be back to normal now. There has to be something you can do to turn the tides here.

Looking around you notice Natalie seems to be inching closer to the fight. Also while Trish is raging her hits are harder, but you're afraid of her getting hit. You also hear a faint cracking noise, but you aren't sure where it is coming from.

>Start some fires of your own with Berith!
>Get Trish to drink the sparkling water?
>Try weakening the Shadow more with Genbu.
>Can Natalie try talking down her Shadow now?
>Try finding that noise, maybe you can use it?
>Write-In
[Final vote of the night, but stick around for the roll.]

>>1851151
>Try weakening the Shadow more with Genbu.

>>1851151
>Try finding that noise, maybe you can use it?

>>1851151
>>Try finding that noise, maybe you can use it?

[Roll and goodnight. We finish the fight Saturday 6pm EST. Thanks for playing so far folks.]

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1851192
Thanks for running Crab.

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>1851192

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1851192

File: SadFrost.jpg (50 KB, 712x472)

50 KB JPG

[Sorry folks, but bad headache tonight so I can't really write updates. Will make up tomorrow, running in 24 hours from now.]

>>1852864
thanks for the head's up get better man!

File: MaskedInnerMonolgue.png (257 KB, 998x768)

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If something is cracking that means something is about to break, maybe you can hit the Shadow with whatever it is. Instead of attacking you look around the room, trying to find something that is going to give.

"Whatever you're doing, do it fast!" Zoey shouts as Nevermore surrounds her in a green light.

You keep looking as High John blast the Shadow again, but you can't just find the source of the noise. Whatever it is you can't see it with Natalie's Shadow bucking around so much. Your search stops as the Shadow charges right at you.

Right before the Shadow runs over you, you roll out of the way. From where you are it looks like the Shadow's front is stuck in the entrance you came from. As you stand back up you see there was another target. Trish dives out from between the rear wheels and cube of the Shadow, her costume torn in a few places.

"Snap out of it!" Martin yells from the side of the room.

But Trish ignores him and goes back to wailing on the Shadow's side. It does seem to be getting weaker, but you aren't sure if you can finish it off before it takes someone out.

Zoey runs up next to you as the Shadow trying to face the rest of the room again, "I only got one more heal left in me, we gotta take this fucker down."

With the flames still burning the Shadow shouldn't last forever, but you have to worry if you can last long enough. Natalie peaks from behind the platform the sphere was raised on, she must have ran out before the Shadow charged.

"If y-you can keep it from attacking I can try talking to it. I think." She says nervously.

>Make sure Trish doesn't go down, if she snaps out of it you can take this Shadow down.
>Everyone should just hit the Shadow with everything they can.
>What if you lured it to charge into the elevator entrance White Robes took?
>Bait it to the center and try toppling the sphere onto it's back.
>Write-In

>>1855358
>What if you lured it to charge into the elevator entrance White Robes took?

>>1855358
>Bait it to the center and try toppling the sphere onto it's back.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

[I roll, you roll, we all roll.]

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1855441

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>1855441

>>1855441

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>1855441
>>1855566
>>1855566
oops

[Writing]

File: ThePlan.jpg (147 KB, 1100x665)

147 KB JPG

As Trish continues to hit on the still recovering Shadow you get the others into a quick huddle. "We can catch them in another charge, then make sure they can't get free. I'll lure them to the other elevator."

"Guess we don't have time to argue, let's do this." Zoey says as she readies her hatchet.

"Natalie you're with me," You say as you take her by the wrist to the far elevator.

Zoey and Martin fan out on opposites sides of the room as the Shadow finally gets free. Trish dives out of the way as it turns and spins the massive cube behind it. Time for the plan., "Hey!"

"Hey! Come and get me!" You shout again to get the Shadows attention as Natalie gets the elevator open.

The Other Natalie's face roars out in pain as it charges you, more bestial than human. The whole room shakes as the Shadow charges across, but you see everyone get in position behind it. You get ready to dodge out of the way, but as you are about to step a part of the floor falls out from under you.

With a crash, you and the Shadow from the neck up slam into the elevator with Natalie. You can hear the others struggling with it and you wrap your arms around the neck as the head bites you on the shoulder.

"Natalie, now! Talk it down!" You yell out, half in pain.

"I-I..."

---
How could things have gotten this bad? You just wanted to help your friends and now you are in some kind of hellish nightmare world? How in the name of the lord could this happen?

A masculine voice echoes in your head. "Don't you wish to help yourself?"

Who is that? And you can help myself plenty, you need to focus on what to say! The others didn't have advice besides accepting that thing as a part of you.

"That is where they are wrong. You've accepted yourself by getting this far. All that is left is the leftover negative feelings in you. An unholy spirit."

Unholy spirit? Then what does that make you? Are you God?

"No, I am the strength you carry every day to help so many. Should you accept I can make it a usable one."

Accept you? But I don't even know what you are.

"We don't have forever. Will you accept my help or will you admit some people can't be saved?

>This is too much! Just go away!
>Nobody is beyond help.

>>1855653
>Nobody is beyond help.

>>1855653
>Nobody is beyond help.

>>1855653
>>Nobody is beyond help.

[Writing]

File: Spoiler Image (130 KB, 994x500)

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Natalie just froze up when she tried to speak, this isn't good. The Shadow took really bad bite into your shoulder and is trying to pull you with it's mouth.

"James hold on! We ca-" Martin is cut off as the Shadow kicks him with a wheeled leg.

You reach down to grab your knife when you feel a hand on your shoulder. Looking back Natalie has an incredible calm look on her face. You see her hand is glowing red as a mark is burned into it.

"Let me get that for you," She says as she takes her hand off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-W1j2NKtgY

On her hand you see a symbol of a lion's mouth. As it ignites again she winces, but shakes her head. "Alright you, I've had enough of you hurting these people. So back off!"

The Shadow finally lets go of you and pulls their head out with a grin, "And what if I don't? I'll just let them know about the one you couldn't help."

Natalie shakes her head and grips the burning hand in pain, "No you won't! Come forth, Paul Bunyan!"

With a loud thug you see a beam of metal slam into the back of the Shadow. The Shadow backs away and when you step out you see a massive figure looming above.

Standing close to twenty feet tall, the figure looms over head. With one arm hanging to the side another is holding up what looks to be a steel beam. The bottom half of the figure is bovine, having blue fur covered legs ending in hooves. Around their waist is a black belt, the buckle having a stump on it. From the waist up the figure is a red skinned, muscular humanoid. Their head is covered by a red wool hood, but two blue glowing eyes makes holes in it.

Before the Shadow can act again the steel beam crashes into the head, destroying it and sending black shadow goo everywhere. Watching Natalie's head get crushed like that was disturbing, but soon the whole body begins to fade into darkness.

"What the hell was that?" Zoey asks with her eyes wide.

"Uugh, my head is killing me..." Trish groans as she finally regains her senses.

Natalie has a surprised look on her face as well as she steps past you back into the room, "Umm, that was me. Sorry for not doing it sooner."

>Tell Natalie for not worry, she did great.
>Is everyone alright? Does anyone need first aid?
>This place is kind of falling apart, you need to get out.
>Write-In

>>1855797
>This place is kind of falling apart, you need to get out.

>>1855797
>Is everyone alright? Does anyone need first aid?
>This place is kind of falling apart, you need to get out.

[Writing]

File: Natalie.jpg (73 KB, 600x683)

73 KB JPG

"This place is kind of falling apart, we need to get out of here," You say as a tile falls from above.

Martin shouts back as he is already back at the elevator you used to get here, "Let's go!"

Everyone hurries over to the elevator, you end up giving Trish a hand as she is still somewhat dazed. As the door closes you fill her in on what happened.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me," She says with her masked face in her hands.

"It must have been some ability of the Shadow, forget about it." Zoey says.

Natalie is looking down at her hand with a concerned look, but you assure her the marks only show up in here. After a few minutes the elevator finally reaches the bottom floor, which looks as peaceful as it was when you last saw it.

Before the secretary Shadow can even say anything you all are back into the hallway on the way outside. Once you step outside you see the two guards from before are gone.

"I guess we are in the clear then, for now." Trish says as she leans against the tower.

"Welcome to the Freedom Fighters!" Zoey says as she slaps Natalie on the back.

"The what?" She asks as she rubs the sore spot.

Martin sits on the ground and takes his phone out, "You got a Persona, right? That means you can help close all the other Rifts up in the sky too."

Natalie looks up the sky, then back at everyone in the group. Everything is probably catching up with her after so much happening.

>How about you all go back for today and let Natalie think things over?
>Welcome to the team Natalie!
>No pressure, she doesn't have to commit to all of this. She is safe from being changes now.
>Write-In

>>1855953
>>No pressure, she doesn't have to commit to all of this. She is safe from being changes now.
>But everyone without a persona is still susceptible, so even if she doesn't want to be part of this she needs to keep an eye out for more rifts, and anomalous behavior. There was one at school too.

>>1855953
>Welcome to the team Natalie!

>>1855953
>How about you all go back for today and let Natalie think things over?

[Gonna give this vote an extra few minutes since it is a three way split.]

Rolled 3 (1d3)

[Writing]

File: TickTock.png (75 KB, 571x570)

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You look back to the tents and sigh, "Why don't we all go back and let Natalie think this over? We're all pretty sore."

Natalie nods slowly, "I'd like that if you all don't mind."

"I agree, hopefully once we are all recovered we can come in again," Trish says while pushing herself off the tower.

Martin groans as she stands back up, but soon enough you are back at the exit tent. Natalie has a confused look as everyone takes their gear off, Trish in her own tent.

"So how do we get back home exactly?" Natalie asks as you pull the gas mask off.

You wave your hand around the tent, "Oh right, well you look around the tent until you find a door, then open it. Just keep your eyes closed and you should end up back where we came in."

Zoey walks in with her eyes closed, barely avoiding you, and vanished mid air.

"Just like that," Martin says as she walks by and also vanishes.

Trish is the next to go through having changed back into her normal outfit. You wait for Natalie to go through after a minute of her standing before the door nervously. Once you go through you are back on the street outside of PHAT HQ. Natalie thanks you all for the day and runs off to her car before anyone can say anything more to her.

The drive back to school is quiet, everyone still sore. Everyone parts ways in the school parking lot and you start the painful ride back home on your bike. For dinner you just make a sandwich, and when Carson asks about your day you say you'll tell him tomorrow as politely as you can.

That night you dream of the scene of Natalie crushing her Shadow's head, the image of a friend's death burned into the back of your head.

>9/22 > 9/23

You wake up in a cold sweat around 5am. When you look down you see a text from your dad of all people. Out of curiosity you check it and he is simply asking how things are going at Carson's.

>Just get a drink of water and go back to bed.
>If he wants to know he can text you and Mom at the same time.
>Tell him it is going well, you enjoy things here.
>Text both him and Mom that Carson's is going well and you hope they have a good day.
>Write-In
[Final update of the the thread. Thanks for playing folks.]

>>1856182
>Text both him and Mom that Carson's is going well and you hope they have a good day.

>>1856182
>>Text both him and Mom that Carson's is going well and you hope they have a good day.

thanks for running