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>>4543683
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEK2WhUBVQc

The giant antlered demon continues to bust down the wall while roaring, frightening all the survivors that were hiding in the gym out of their wits. As well as some of your own allies.

"Eeep!" Yotarou yelps, pulling out his phone again to fiddle with it. "I need another demon! What can I afford... This one!"

As he presses the button, a floating paper creature is summoned beside him.

"What the hell?" the basketball player, Jouji flinches back at the sight. As do all the rest of the regular people in the building.

You get a good look at the crowd. The only ones that seem to be left are the basketball team, their coach (who is the sole adult present), and a few random other students. Though you recognize one. She steps forward hesitantly, calling out to your friend.

"Akari? Is that you? she asks. "What happened?"

"Oh, it's.. no big deal, really. I'm kind of part demon now." Akari says the absurd while trying to wave it off. "Also why I wasn't at track practice with you guys. Sorry about that."

Another roar and the sound of some tumbling concrete break up the conversation. On the other side of the wall, a few demons besides the huge one could be seen.

"We have about thirty seconds to prepare for a fight. Bring out your demons and whatever else." the Prez tells you.

You pull out your phone and access the Demon Summoning Program.

Pick three demons to have in your party

>Moh Shuvuu
>Garm
>Toubyou
>Angel

>>4543694
>Moh Shuvuu
>Garm
>Angel

>>4543694
>Moh Shuvuu
>Garm
>Angel

>>4543694
>Moh Shuvuu
>Garm
>Angel

Afternoon Laze

>>4543704
>>4543705
>>4543706
You still have Garm summoned from earlier, so you just have to bring Moh Shuvuu back out and summon Angel to have a full party.

As you do this, the Prez keeps talking.

"One last thing. If that creature has huge area attacks like the other ones, these students are dead for sure. They can't fight back like the demonized humans. I'm taking them to safety, but I want two others with me to help. You can pick who you want with you to fight the giant one, and I'll take the two left."

You decide you want to fight with...
>Pick three allies:
>Wataru
>Akari
>Shouko
>Yotarou
>Hiyori

>>4543711
>Wataru
>Akari
>Shouko

>>4543711
>Wataru
>Akari
>Shouko

Ganbatte Prez

>>4543711
>>Wataru
>>Akari
>>Shouko

File: Surt.jpg (31 KB, 317x499)

31 KB JPG

Rolled 7, 15, 13, 1, 2, 2, 20 = 60 (7d20)

>>4543714
>>4543719
>>4543727
Forced to make the decision quickly, you instinctively choose the three people you're closest with. Your friends Wataru and Akari, and your old friend Shouko. It's a reasonable choice, and the Prze seems fine with it.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you. Good luck." he says, before waving for the other two members of the student council that will be accompanying him.

"Hitogata students, follow me!" Shouichi calls as he unblocks the back entrance of the gym to make a break for safety. All the survivors do just that, desperate to escape the encroaching monster.

Said monster finally busts into the building, ready to charge at anyone in its path. Luckily your group was primed and ready for it, and gets off the first hit.

Akari leads her and Wataru's demons up close to smack the creature around a bit to start up, while Shouko summons Valkyrie for that slash attack from before. Wataru also pulls out an Evoker of his own and fires it at his head.

"Let's hurry this up and get out of this freezing place!" he declares. "Surt! Agi!"

A large red and black ghostly figure holding a flaming sword appears and releases a blast of flame at the monster.

You decide what to do for your part.

>First, decide to fight with a Persona or as an Atma Avatar
>A. Fight with Persona (Choose which)
>B. Fight as Atma Avatar
I'll make another post prompting your action after this choice

Don't forget that you can reference the pastebin for any info

Also, decide what skills your demons should use, if any

Rolls in this post are Akari, Jack Frost, Pixie, Apsaras, Uzume, and Shouko STR, and Wataru MAG

>>4543772
>>A. Fight with Persona Jorogumo
Man all our other persona's and our atma form are weak to ice

>>4543772
>A. Fight with Persona (Jorogumo)

>>4543784
>>4543787
Alright, going for Jorogumo. Go ahead and choose your moves then.

>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
>B. Maragi (Roll MAG)

Also don't forget to pick moves for your demons.
>Garm
>Agi
>Tarukaja

Moh Shuvuu
>Zan
>Dia

>Angel
>Hama
>Dia

All of them can do a regular physical attack too

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4543811
>>B. Maragi (Roll MAG)
>>Tarukaja
>>Zan
>>Attack
Don't know the bonus, so I'll just use a flat roll.

>>4543811
Us
>Maragi

Garm
>Tarukaja

Moh Shuvuu
>Zan

Angel
>Hama

Never hurts to feel out an enemy's weakness.

>>4543811
>Hideo Maragi
>Garm Tarukaja
>Moh Zan
>Angel attack I guess

Rolled 13 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4543811
>B. Maragi (Roll MAG)
>Tarukaja on Angel
>Zan
>Attack

Rolled 6 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4543818
>>4543811
Oh damn it I forgot the roll again.

Rolled 7, 9, 9, 2, 11, 10, 7, 9, 19, 9 = 92 (10d20)

Just rolling real quick. Rolls are Wendigo END, Wendigo MAG, Moh Shuvuu MAG, Angel STR, Wendigo MAG and Wendigo END again

Rolled 5, 9, 19, 19, 1, 3, 13, 14, 6, 20, 7 = 116 (11d20)

>>4543817
You decide not to fight as your Atma Avatar this time. It is weak to Ice, so you would be taking a lot of damage. Instead, you pull out your own Evoker and fire it to summon Jorogumo. You release her wide range Fire spell and watch it get a solid hit on the beast, but you also feel more drained than using any of your other skills you've used before. This one comes at a cost, it seems.

The physical attacks of Akari, Shouko, and the various demons tend to be less successful, though some of them pack a decent punch. But it's really Wataru's attack that steals the show here. The monster writhes in pain from the intense flames, before roaring back in anger once more. As you expected, Fire attacks really seem to do the trick.

You have Garm boost Angel's strength with Tarukaja, since you aren't going to be trying to hit with Light skills.

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

Having endured your initial onslaught, the creature rears back its head and makes another roar in the direction of your group. But this time, out of its mouth comes a sort of haze or mist. It envelops you and all your comrades, making you feel sluggish.

>Wendigo used Fog Breath! -4 to rolls to avoid damage and DEX based attack rolls for the whole party

After that, the monster's mouth shoots out not haze, but ice. In every direction, aimed at all of you. It's a good thing the Prez got those regular people out of here.

>Wendigo used Mabufu!

>A. Block (Roll MAG)
>B. Dodge (Roll AGI)

Rolls here are Wendigo, Akari, Jack Frost, Wataru, Pixie, Apsaras, Uzume, Shouko, Garm, Moh Shuvuu, and Angel MAG

Rolled 8 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4543844
>A. Block (Roll MAG)

Rolled 2 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4543844
>A. Block (Roll MAG)
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Rolled 7 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4543844
>A. Block (Roll MAG)

Rolled 7, 9, 5, 1, 15 = 37 (5d20)

>>4543846
The ice hits everyone, but luckily it was a weak showing from the monster. The attack wasn't as strong as it could have been. So most of your party shrugs the hit off, though Pixie seems to take a lot of damage. Garm also seems fairly hurt, though you assume that's on account of its Ice weakness. As for your part, you only take a light hit.

>Current HP/MP:
>Hideo 12/14, 7/13
>Garm 10/14, 11/12
>Moh Shuvuu 8/12, 6/14
>Angel 11/13, 14/14

(You and Moh Shuvuu healed a bit from the previous dungeon, but not fully)

Your allies all get back into the fight, making their second round of attacks. This time none of Wataru's demons jump in, as Pixie and the blue one are focusing on healing while the one with the fans casts Zan. You're left to make your choice as well.

>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
>B. Maragi (Roll MAG)
>C. Swap to Atma Avatar/other Persona

Make choices for your demons as well

Rolls are for Akari, Jack Frost, and Shouko STR, and Uzume and Wataru MAG

>>4543866
>Attack
>Tarukaja
>Zan
>Dia (Moh)

Rolled 10 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4543870
Forgot my roll

>>4543866
>Attack
>Tarukaja
>Zan
>Dia (Moh)
Yeah, sounds about right

Rolled 15 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4543866
Us
>B. Maragi (Roll MAG)
Garm
>Tarukaja
Moh
>Zan
Angel
>Dia

That's what we got Angel for.

Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4543873
Right dice on vote

Rolled 18 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4543866
>B. Maragi (Roll MAG)
>Tarukaja (Garm)
>Zan
>Dia (Moh)

Rolled 17, 11, 5, 14, 8, 5, 9, 16 = 85 (8d20)

Making rolls. Wendigo END, Wendigo MAG, Moh Shuvuu MAG, Wendigo MAG again

>>4543880
>Zan
>Dia (Moh)
You mean Moh on Zan and Angel on Dia right?

>>4543882
Yeah, I was choosing the targets.

>>4543882
He's noting targets for buffs and heals, which I honestly should have told everyone to do from the beginning

>>4543884
Ah right, my bad. Just wanted to clear things up.
>>4543885
Understandable, I'll try to keep that in mind for the near future.

Rolled 17, 1, 14 = 32 (3d20)

>>4543880
This time around, the monster shrugs off almost all attacks save for yours and Wataru's. This thing is seriously tough. In the meantime, you have Garm boost up his own attack and Angel heal Moh Shuvuu.

>Healed 4HP! Current HP: 12/12

The minor attacks seem to be mere inconveniences to the beast, but it does actually howl with rage at the Fire spells hurled its way. It seems you and Wataru have put yourselves at the top of its shit list, because it lunges forward to strike at the both of you in succession.

>A. Block (Roll END)
>B. Dodge (Roll AGI)

Rolls in this post are Wendigo STR and Wataru END

Rolled 10 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4543910
>A. Block (Roll END)
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh

Rolled 10 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4543910
>A. Block (Roll END)

Rolled 2 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4543910
>>A. Block (Roll END)

Rolled 2, 14, 4, 19 = 39 (4d20)

>>4543913
>>4543915
Wataru gets punched by the monster's giant fist and tumbles backwards, but he's able to get back up merely injured. You're not quite sure what went on with the creature's second hit, because you managed to deflect it easily even in your human form. It must have been thrown off balance after its first hit or something. In any case, you escape this exchange completely unscathed.

Your allies all gear up for yet another set of attacks. At this point everyone seems to be expecting this to be dragged out, because only a few of you can deal consistent damage.

Akari has stopped attacking and seems to be casting some kind of spell, while Wataru still has two of his demons healing. Other than that, everyone repeats their previous attacks.

You decide to...
>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
>B. Maragi (Roll MAG)
>C. Swap to Atma Avatar/other Persona

Also choose your demon's actions

Rolls in this post are Jack Frost and Shouko STR, Uzume and Wataru MAG

Rolled 2 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4543928
>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
>Agi
>Zan
>Dia (Garm)

Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4543928
Us
>Physical attack (Roll STR)
Garm
>Tarukaja (Us)
Moh
>Zan
Angel
>Basic attack

Man we really need to learn how to lift.

Rolled 14, 18, 12, 6, 17 = 67 (5d20)

Making rolls. Moh Shuvuu MAG, Angel STR, Wendigo MAG, Wendigo END

Rolled 8, 13, 14, 19 = 54 (4d20)

>>4543946
Forgot some Wendigo END and MAG rolls, whoops

File: 3472799e707ffa8276f2bbd28(...).jpg (704 KB, 1440x1472)

704 KB JPG

>>4543946
>Angel STR
>Gets an 18
Why I do believe that's a call for PRAISING!

>>4543951
Wait no that's a 2d20 for each character. Man I need to stop jumping the gun like a coked up monkey.

>>4543953
No, that is Angel's STR roll. Before applying its actual STR and the Tarukaja it got as bonus

Rolled 2, 3, 7, 1 = 13 (4d11)

>>4543933
You don't want to burn through the last of your magic so easily, so you decide to switch to physical attacks for now. Obviously you didn't drag that bat with you this whole time everywhere you've been, so you have to look around the area for an improvisational weapon. You see a metal bar of some kind laying on the floor near you, and decide it is good enough.

Unfortunately it seems to not be that great, as the monster tanks your hit without much notice. The same goes for most of your allies, save for Shouko getting in a lucky good hit and Angel diving in for a sweet flying kick that pushes the beast back. Even Wataru's Fire attack doesn't hit home very well this time around.

You have Garm boost up your attack this time, hopefully meaning your next attempt will go better.

>Garm used Tarukaja! +2 to rolls to deal damage with STR or MAG

The damage is piling on your enemy slowly but steadily, and you can see the beast start to falter ever so slightly. However that also means that it might decide to get serious. That fear is confirmed for you immediately as the monster focuses and uses a spell to buff itself, then lashes out with a flurry of its fists in every direction.

>Wendigo used Tarukaja!
>Wendigo used Berserk!

Rolls here are determining targets. 1 is you, 2 Garm, 3 Moh, 4 Angel, 5 Akari, 6 Jack, 7 Shouko, 8 Wataru, 9 Pixie, 10 Apsaras, 11 Uzume

Rolled 11, 7, 15, 1 = 34 (4d20)

>>4543959

>A. Block (Roll END)
>B. Dodge (Roll AGI)

Rolls are Wendigo STR, Garm END, Moh END, and Shouko END

Rolled 2 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4543961
>B. Dodge (Roll AGI)
Shouko's gonna be feeling that one tomorrow.

Rolled 11 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4543961
>>A. Block (Roll END)

Rolled 8 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4543961
>A. Block (Roll END)
RIP Shouko

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>4543961
>A. Block (Roll END)

>>4543968
Must. Resist urge to. Eat Shouko's body for Atma Points!

Rolled 2, 6, 18, 17 = 43 (4d20)

>>4543974
You manage to deflect the blow fairly well, only taking minor damage, and the same is true for Moh Shuvuu. Garm however takes a solid hit.

>Current HP:
>You: 11/14
>Garm: 7/14
>Moh Shuvuu: 11/12

It's Shouko that gets the worst of it, the wild attack slipping through her guard and smacking her flying back to the wall behind her. She slumps to the floor, where you can see her struggling to get back to her feet, but it may take her a while.

>Critical hit! Shouko will miss the next round of combat

Everyone is naturally unnerved to see one of their allies take such a nasty blow, but they fight on. Akari seems to have given up attacking entirely to boost her demon, but everyone else stays on the attack save for Pixie who still seems to be on healing duty.

As for you...
>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
>B. Maragi (Roll MAG)
>C. Swap to Atma Avatar/other Persona

Also choose actions for your demons

Rolls are Jack and Apsaras STR, Uzume and Wataru MAG

Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4543993
>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
>Agi
>Dia (Shouko)
>Dia (Garm)

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>4543993
>>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
>>Agi
>>Dia (Shouko)
>>Dia (Garm)

Rolled 17 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4543993
Us
>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
Garm
>Agi
Moh
>Dia (Garm)
Angel
>Dia (Shouko)

Rolled 19, 2, 10, 15, 1, 10, 18 = 75 (7d20)

Rolls for Garm MAG, Wendigo END, and Wendigo MAG

Rolled 4, 2, 18, 8, 7, 2, 14, 12, 7, 16, 19, 8, 11 = 128 (13d20)

>>4544003
>>4544007
You and the demons wailing on the monster physically are still struggling to make any real progress, though you can tell your hit is at least more effective than your last. The magic attacks do great though, causing the beast to cry out in pain. In the meantime you have Moh Shuvuu cast Dia on Shouko, which should help her a bit. You also have Angel heal up Garm.

>Healed 5 HP! Current HP: 12/14

The creature is finally showing signs of wear, but it's no time to let up yet. It unleashes another blast of ice at everyone present, before dashing towards Wataru with another punch.

>A. Block (Roll MAG)
>B. Dodge (Roll AGI)

Rolls are Wendigo, Akari, Jack, Wataru, Pixie, Apsaras, Uzume, Shouko, Garm, Moh, and Angel MAG, Wendigo STR, and Wataru END

Rolled 18 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4544025
>A. Block (Roll MAG)

Rolled 1 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4544025
>B. Dodge (Roll AGI)
Remember to DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE!

Rolled 3 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4544025
>>A. Block (Roll MAG)

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>>4544030
Welp! Time to die!

Rolled 19 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4544025
>A. Block (Roll MAG)

File: tenor (2).gif (71 KB, 220x150)

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>>4544030
Nothing good ever comes from us trying to dodge...

>>4544034
As the Axiom as my witness I will get a good dodge roll!

Rolled 16, 18, 11, 3 = 48 (4d20)

>>4544030
The monster's ice attack once again mostly landed off the mark. It seemed luck was on your team's side today. Most of you were able to deflect the ice completely or only take minimal damage from it. Even you, when fumbling an attempt to avoid the attack altogether, weren't hurt too badly. Garm also took a bit more damage than others, due to his Ice weakness.

>Current HP:
>You: 7/14
>Garm: 10/14

Wataru was also able to block the subsequent punch fairly well, only taking a bit of damage.

Shouko was back up, this time casting some sort of buff spell on herself. Looks like she wasn't taking any more chances. Aside from that, things continued much as they had before, your team inching ever closer to victory. It couldn't be far now, you just have to hold out and keep dealing damage.

To that end, you decide to...
>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
>B. Maragi (Roll MAG)
>C. Swap to Atma Avatar/other Persona

Also choose your demon's actions

Rolls are Jack and Apsaras STR, Uzume and Wataru MAG

Rolled 13 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4544059
>Maragi
>Agi
>Zan
>Dia (Us)

Rolled 18 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4544059
Us
>B. Maragi (Roll MAG)
Garm
>Agi
Moh
>Zio
Angel
>Dia (Us)

Rolled 15 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4544059
>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
>Agi
>Zan
>Dia (Hideo)

>>4544064
>>4544059
Ah shit my brain fumbled the football again. Just pretend that meant Zan when I wrote down Zio for Moh's action.

Rolled 3 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4544059
>>Maragi
>>Agi
>>Zan
>>Dia (Us)

Rolled 5, 20, 15, 20, 16, 15, 3, 19, 3 = 116 (9d20)

Rolls here for Garm and Moh MAG, Wendigo END, and Wendigo MAG

Rolled 10, 5, 9, 2 = 26 (4d11)

>>4544064
You only have one more shot of it, but you might as well. You summon your Persona Jorogumo once more and cast Maragi, battering the monster with the wave of flames. Try as the creature might, many of the other attacks against it also hit home, and you can see it becoming weak. You think another good round of hits may even be enough to bring it down for good.

You also have Angel heal you, just in case.

>Healed 5 HP! Current HP: 12/14

The beast is also noticing its own fast-approaching limits, and makes for another fearsome set of attacks. It does its wide area ice blast again, before repeating that wild lashing out attack.

>Wendigo used Mabufu!
>Wendigo used Berserk!

Rolls here are just to determine Berserk's targets. Same numbers as before

Rolled 9, 12, 5, 19, 4, 15, 2, 16, 6, 20, 15, 13, 19, 12, 15 = 182 (15d20)

>>4544090
The blast of ice heads towards you, though not the beast's fists.

>A. Block (Roll MAG)
>B. Dodge (Roll AGI)

Rolls here are Wendigo, Akari, Jack, Wataru, Pixie, Apsaras, Uzume, Shouko, Garm, Moh, and Angel MAG, Wendigo STR, and Garm, Akari, Pixie, and Apsaras END

Rolled 11 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4544097
>>A. Block (Roll MAG)

Rolled 11 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4544097
>B. Dodge (Roll AGI)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Rolled 12 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4544097
>A. Block (Roll MAG)

Rolled 4 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4544097
>A. Block (Roll MAG)

Rolled 2, 7, 15, 13, 5, 16, 16 = 74 (7d20)

>>4544106
You manage to shake off the mojority of the hit, only slightly damaged. Moh Shuvuu and Angel avoid any damage entirely, but Garm with his weakness takes a fair amount of damage. That's only compounded with the lashing he gets from the beast's fist afterwards. The poor demon dog is barely standing, as it makes its labored panting.

>Current HP:
>You: 11/14
>Garm: 1/14

Akari also takes two hits, though she can weather them well enough. Two of Wataru's demons are the other ones doubly struck, and they are hurt significantly, but not put down entirely. Everyone else manages one way or another.

The monster is almost out of fight, but you remember the last few demons that you pushed to the edge. They all lashed out with their last breath. If you want to keep that from happening now and exposing your weakened team to danger, you'll have to put this creature down right now. The others attack with that in mind, all of them focused on ending this fight.

As for you...
>A. Physical attack (Roll STR)
>B. Swap to Atma Avatar/other Persona

Also choose your demon's actions

Rolls here are Akari, Jack, Pixie, Apsaras, and Shouko STR, Wataru and Uzume MAG

Rolled 18 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

>>4544146
>Attack
>Agi
>Dia (Garm)
>Dia (Garm)
Stay Strong, little doggy.

Rolled 17 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>4544146
>Maragi
>Agi
>Zan
>Attack

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4544146
>Allout physical attack

>>4544150
>>4544149
Garm has taken so much bullshit this fight that I really want to give him dog treats or a nice piece of steak. Moh gets the biggest ice cream sundae that we can find.

>>4544150
Oops, forgot we ran out of MP.

>>4544156
I feel bad for him but we need to finish this.

>>4544157
>I feel bad for him but we need to finish this.
I'm with ya on that one Anon.
>>4544149
Supporting.

Rolled 7, 15, 6, 5, 9, 20, 9, 4, 10 = 85 (9d20)

>>4544149
You have both Moh Shuvuu and Angel focus healing on Garm, to make sure it could survive any potential final attacks. Meanwhile you strike the creature as hard as you can one last time with the metal rod you found, as Garm casts his Fire spell.

>Healed 9 HP! Current HP: 10/14

Rolls here are all Wendigo END and MAG

Rolled 10 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4544169
Forgot Garm MAG

The strikes of your comrades bring the beast to its knees, and you are about to come in with your own hit, but it blocks you completely with one of its antlers, preventing any damage. That isn't enough to save it however, as it gets pelted with spells from Garm, Wataru, and his fan demon, and it seems to be just enough to bring the monster down. With one final enraged roar, it collapses and ceases to move for good.

Everyone exhales a heavy sigh of relief, save for you. You get right down to business, transforming to munch down on the demon while you have the opportunity. You find a couple of notable things as you eat.

>Got 10 Atma Points
>Got 2000 Macca
>Got Life Stone x1

In particular, as you sift through the demon's flesh you find something familiar. It's a magatama. The creature must have eaten one. Perhaps that accounts for its power. Other demons of this kind are likely weaker.

Akari walks up beside you and sees the magatama.

"Huh. What should we do with it?" she asks. "Igor said the reason I couldn't get a Persona is that I already ate a magatama. So I don't think any of you guys should use it."

>A. Let's hold onto this one too
>B. You should eat it for a power boost
>C. Why don't you just go ahead and eat both of the ones we've got, then
>D. Other

>>4544183
>>C. Why don't you just go ahead and eat both of the ones we've got, then
Might as well.

>>4544183
>B. You should eat it for a power boost
>D. Headpat Garm for being a good dog
Maybe it's just me but option C gives off some passive aggressive energy.

>>4544183
>C. Why don't you just go ahead and eat both of the ones we've got, then

>>4544183
>B. You should eat it for a power boost
Well hold onto our original one incase of of emergency

>>4544191
>>4544197
>>D. Headpat Garm for being a good dog
Yeah I'll support this too

It's 2/2, gonna need a tiebreaker or a vote change

I feel like it'd be a waste to just hold on to it. Akari can actually use it.

>>4544242
Fiiiiiiiiiine
>>4544197
I'll swap my vote to end the tie

>>4544258
Thank you. You can still pet Garm

>>4544259
>You can still pet Garm
The only thing that truly matters besides our friends in this shithole of a world.

I want Garm to be our evolving demon. From Orthus to Chimera to Fenrir.

File: Cerberus2.JPG.jpg (629 KB, 797x1525)

629 KB JPG

>>4544272
And of course, my brain gets it wrong. I meant Cerberus instead of Chimera.

>>4544272
I'm more personal to the Angel line but having Garm as one of our evolving demons would be pretty sweet.

>>4544186
>>4544195
"Why don't you go ahead and eat both of the ones we've got, then?" you ask, as you transform back to human to pull the pencil case housing a magatama out of your pocket. "You can actually use it, so that's better than just carrying it around."

"Ugh. It's still gross." Akari sticks out her tongue. "But I'll do it. I don't want to drag you guys down, so more power it is."

Akari manages to choke the two demon bugs down with some difficulty, and that's that out of the way. You also give Garm a nice round of headpats for being such a good boy. He really endured a lot in this fight.

"Alright girls, I have to let you go for now, or I'll be dead tired for the rest of the night." you see Wataru addressing his demons. "Thanks for all your help. We can hang out later, alright?"

After a bit of consideration, you decide to do the same, at least for the time being. You are getting a bit worn out, and you do not want to be caught out of fighting condition.

You make your way off the snowed-in school grounds with a group of five. Just you, your friends, and a tiny demon snowman. Jack Frost is apparently his name, and Akari doesn't have any way to recall him. She also doesn't have any problems getting tired from her magnetite getting drained, though. And since she lost that baggy hoodie and is walking with her spike and glowing lines in the open, one little demon can't make things much worse.

You don't see any trace of the other demons you caught a glimpse of around, but you also assume the Prez and company were enough to handle them. You eventually get off the school grounds and out of the cold, which is a huge relief. You all make your way through some inconspicuous back roads to avoid people, and talk as you do so.

"So are we all going to my house, then?" Wataru asks. "I can probably house this many people alright."

>A. Yeah, let's crash at your place for now
>B. We should call the others too and make your house our home base
>C. I need to get over to my parents and brother
>D. Other

>>4544299
>>C. I need to get over to my parents and brother

>>4544299
>C. I need to get over to my parents and brother

>>4544299
>C. I need to get over to my parents and brother. Gotta make sure that they're okay.

>>4544299
>A. Yeah, let's crash at your place for now

>>4544303
>>4544311
>>4544312
"I need to get over to my parents and brother." you tell the others. "I gotta make sure they're okay."

"They're staying at the military base right? Are you sure you're gonna be okay?" Wataru asks. "You could be in for serious trouble if they find out you were in Ojiri ward and get demonified. They do have that place cordoned off."

"Plus, are you sure about going alone?" Shouko adds. "All of us have had our share of demon attacks by now."

You consider the facts. It's true that the government might not take kindly to you, but that's only if they find out. You would probably end up leaving tomorrow, it's not that much time.

"I would go with you usually, but well..." Akari motions to herself. "Not really an option. So I have to stay with Wataru."

>A. I'll be fine by myself, there's no worry
>B. Maybe I shouldn't go alone. Would you mind coming along, Shouko?
>C. On second thought, you're right Wataru. This is a bad idea
>D. Other

>>4544336
>B. Maybe I shouldn't go alone. Would you mind coming along, Shouko?

>>4544336
>B. Maybe I shouldn't go alone. Would you mind coming along, Shouko?
I don't know if she's in a good enough condition to hoof it with us but let's give it a try.

>>4544347
>>4544351
"Maybe I shouldn't go alone." you admit. The last two days have been nothing but demons, and you don't really want to have to fight any off by yourself if you don't have to. "Would you mind coming along, Shouko?"

"Me? Sure, I'm okay with that." she says, before tilting her head as she considers something. "Although your family might think it's weird that I'm tagging along with you after not seeing them for years now. But whatever. Safety is more important than avoiding a little awkwardness."

Your group splits up, and now that it's just the two of you, you can take the train no problem. The place that your parents are getting put up in is near Ichigaya, so you text them to let them know you're coming and ride on over.

Luckily the message gets through to the gate guard by the time you get there, and you just fill out the visitor's pass paperwork without issue. You make your way to the apartment your parents are in, and knock on the door. Your parents open it and are overjoyed to see you. Your mom instantly moves in for a hug.

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

"I was so worried about you!" she cries. "There are rumors of all sorts of awful things happening in th city these past few days, you know!"

"Good to see you alright, Hideo. Hmm? Who's this?" your dad notices Shouko. "Shouko? Is that you? You got so tall! What are you doing here? Oi, Hideo! What are you trying to say here, bringing this girl home to meet your parents, huh?"

You expected this. Your dad was the kind of guy to endlessly poke fun at you for anything he could.

>A. Tell them you were worried about the two of you each moving around alone because of those rumors
>B. Change the topic by asking about Tadashi
>C. Ignore the question and just tell your parents you're glad to see them too
>D. Other

>>4544409
>>A. Tell them you were worried about the two of you each moving around alone because of those rumors
D. >Ask aobut Tadashi

>>4544409
>A. Tell them you were worried about the two of you each moving around alone because of those rumors
>D. Ask about our brother
>E. Also it's good to see you again.

>>4544409
>>4544414
>A. Tell them you were worried about the two of you each moving around alone because of those rumors
>D. Ask about our brother
>E. Also it's good to see you again.

Yeah, I'll second this

>>4544414
>>4544418
"We were worried about the two of us moving around alone because of those rumors." you say, playing it cool. "So Shouko offered to come with me. Also, it's good to see you again mom, dad."

You wrap up your hug, then Shouko vouches for your reasoning and your dad seems to accept it, though he's still smirking at you.

"What's going on with Tadashi?" you ask. "Do you know where he is, or what they have him doing?"

"We saw him last night when he got the military to put us up here, but not since then." your mom tells you. "But we did hear him say he has to go out and run some patrols."

Patrols. So he is probably operating in Ojiri ward. That means your plan to have him help look for Chousuke could be viable. If you can convince him, that is.

"Well come in you two, don't just stand there." your dad insists, ushering you both inside. "Have you even eaten dinner? Your mother made more than we could eat, she's used to having a kid around to feed!"

You insist that you have eaten and don't need it, but Shouko happily accepts after just a bit of pushing. Seems she was pretty hungry.

Your parents occupy themselves talking to Shouko, so you slip away to make a phone call. You call your brother. You're expecting him not to pick up, but he surprisingly does.

"Hideo, that you?" he asks. "I was really worried about you, you know. You have to tell me what you've been up to."

You're not sure whether a phone call where you want to spill everything.

>A. Tell him you heard something went down in Ojiri ward and you'd like him to keep an eye out for Chousuke
>B. Let him know absolutely everything, he's your brother, he should know
>C. Tell him you have too much stuff to tell him over the phone and you need to meet up in person
>D. Other

Alright, it's time for me to go to bed. I'll be back to run more tomorrow

>>4544429
>A. Tell him you heard something went down in Ojiri ward and you'd like him to keep an eye out for Chousuke
Man, we have way to much to tell bro, and it definitely isn't phone call materia, but if we could have him at least keep an eye out for chousuke that's at least something.

>>4544429
>>A. Tell him you heard something went down in Ojiri ward and you'd like him to keep an eye out for Chousuke

>>4544432
Night Laze

>>4544429
>A. Tell him you heard something went down in Ojiri ward and you'd like him to keep an eye out for Chousuke
Keep it simple, as an officer he's got a lot of shit on his hands paperwise so the faster and simpler we can make the message the better.

>>4544437
>>4544439
>>4544605
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyqNtJSQvZo

You decide that you can't just tell him everything that happened over the phone, but meeting him in person might be a tough sell too. He's a busy guy, especially now. You'll just have to get right to the point.

"I'm alright, but I heard something happened in Ojiri ward." you start. "My old friend Chousuke lives there, and I was worried about him. You remember him, right? We played together as kids. I heard mom say you're doing patrols, so I was wondering if you could keep your eye out for him."

There's a few seconds of silence. You're about to speak up again to make sure your brother heard you, but he finally says something before you can.

"Chousuke, huh? Yeah, I remember him. I'll see what I can do, but it might be a longshot." he answers, giving you about as good of a response as you could expect. But he then gets extra serious for a change of subject. "Hideo. I get not saying anything now, you assume I'm busy, and you're right. But I'll find some time soon, and you're gonna tell me what happened. Alright? I gotta go. I'll see you later."

You say goodbye as well while thinking over what he just said. How much did your brother already know? You'd like to get a real chance to talk to him soon, but at least you got the message to him about Chousuke. It might not end up helping that much, but it's better than nothing.

You return to the dining room to find Shouko still talking with your parents, apparently answering all their questions related to her constant overachieving escapades. To your dismay however, the topic is expanded to you once they notice you return.

"If only Hideo would have taken charge of his future like that. He's going to have gone through his entire high school life without being in a club or anything!" your dad laments before shooting you a glance. "It's fine to hang out with your friends and all, but a little initiative couldn't hurt. You know how Tadashi had to flounder to find his current thing, you don't have to retread the same path."

It's not like you hadn't heard all this before. But this time you really didn't care to hear it. Your house was destroyed, you got turned into a demon, you've been in multiple life-or-death battles in the past two days. You really don't have the slightest fuck to give about your career path right now.

You consider straight dipping out to the room they set up for you for the night. Though you could try and talk with them more, you don't really know when you'll get another chance. You could also pull Shouko away and make some plans for tomorrow.

>A. Stay and talk with your parents while you can, even if they give you a hard time
>B. Pull Shouko away and come up with your game plan for tomorrow
>C. Go to your room alone, make a call to see how the rest of the gang is doing
>D. Other

>>4545120
>>A. Stay and talk with your parents while you can, even if they give you a hard time

>>4545120
>A. Stay and talk with your parents while you can, even if they give you a hard time
In the world of SMT, any moment you have with a loved one could be the last one.

>>4545120
>A. Stay and talk with your parents while you can, even if they give you a hard time

>>4545120
>A. Stay and talk with your parents while you can, even if they give you a hard time

>>4545122
>>4545130
>>4545141
>>4545154
No matter what they get on your case about, they are your parents. With all that's happening, any time you spend with them is precious. If they had been at home when that demon attacked, they may have already been killed. You honestly might be very lucky to still have your whole family alive. You've seen your fair share of death in just these two days.

So you laugh it off, sit down with everyone else, and enjoy your parents' company. Sure enough, the topic soon changes, and they aren't giving you a hard time anymore. After all, they are just glad you weren't caught in the destruction of the house.

The evening drags on, and Shouko's presence after years of not meeting your family makes for easy ponts of conversation. You get to hear them talk all about your life for the past few years, and despite your father's nagging, he smiles a lot telling the stories. You end up being really glad you came. You just have to make sure you don't let him find out you had your friend eat the gift he gave you.

>Social Link Rank UP! Fool Rank 1: Personas of the Fool Arcana will now have two skills

It gets to be late in the night, and everyone present is getting visibly tired.

"Welp, we should all be hitting the hay about now." your dad announces with a yawn. "You're still planning on staying with your buddy Wataru after this, right? So it was good to see you today, at least."

You and Shouko hadn't told your parents that you knew there wasn't going to be any more school. It kind of made things easier.

"He's right, Hideo. I know you've got to be exhausted after today." Shouko agrees, before walking towards the back room and beckoning you with a wave of her hand. "Come on, let's get some sleep so we can leave early."

She heads back into the room your parents designated as the extra one for you to use. It did make some sense, since this place only had two bedrooms. However your dad was already raising his eyebrows, anticipating what you were going to do.

>A. Follow her like it's no big deal
>B. Follow her after insisting to your parents that it's no big deal (Requires CHA Roll)
>C. Ask for some blankets to sleep out here in the living room
>D. Other

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4545180
>>B. Follow her after insisting to your parents that it's no big deal (Requires CHA Roll)
I must.

File: a glorious kek.gif (3.38 MB, 700x285)

3.38 MB GIF

>>4545181
Just as planned He lies.

>>4545180
>C. Ask for some blankets to sleep out here in the living room
Fuck yeah couches.

>>4545180
>A. Follow her like it's no big deal

File: 54fb48fc13c8c1bf0a2f73cff(...).jpg (36 KB, 552x460)

36 KB JPG

>>4545181
>>4545182
Well anon, you did. Now let's hope we get sum funny stuff.

File: 1565105393520318491380190(...).png (260 KB, 480x445)

260 KB PNG

>>4545181
O.O
Why must we be hurt this way?

>>4545182
Time to drown our family in spaghetti

>>4545193
God, we have a threeway tie and a nat 1
........

>>4545220
Nat 1 takes precedence, so you guys had no chance from the start

>>4545181
Sleeping in the same room as Shouko wasn't a big deal, it was nothing. Surely your parents would realize this too, you just have to remind them.

"What's with the eyebrows, dad?" you ask. "That's Shouko, you know. We've slept together before."

Your parents' expressions bugging out makes you instantly regret your poor word choice. Your mom goes red in the face, your dad has to stifle back laughter, and your heart rate shoots up from the sheer awkwardness injection this situation just got.

"Hey champ, not that I'm not happy for you..." your dad tries to be stern, but can't help his face from forming a huge grin. "But you keep this business at the love hotel, alright?"

'Wha- Wait, no, no, no." you stutter, trying to salvage the situation. "We're obviously not going to do anything with you guys here!"

Shit, you're just making it worse.

"Well I didn't think you had it in you, since you didn't even have the guts to introduce her as your girlfriend." your dad laughs."But just to make it clear. Also, I hope you aren't forgetting to wrap it up."

You can't even bear to say anything else for fear of making things even worse somehow. You feel like you're about to explode from sheer awkwardness.

"That's right, she's been working hard for her future, you know." your mom insists. "A baby would throw all her plans off track."

You're done. You're so fucking done. You walk as fast as you possibly can to that back room and shut the door behind you. You just sort of stand there for a bit cooling down, imagining that actual steam may be emitting from your body at this point.

You do eventually look up to see Shouko, who took a break from laying out futons to get a good but quiet laugh at the situation. Apparently she could hear it all from here.

"Well it's not that bad." she insists. "We have actually slept in the same room before. Like ten years ago."

You are probably never going to hear the end of this. At least one of you got a kick out of it, you suppose. You take in Shouko's laughing for a bit and it reminds you of the old days. Why did she stop hanging out with you, again? Did you ever know the reason?

"Anyway, we should get some sleep." Shouko finishes laying out the futons. "We are going to be glad we did."

>A. Get right to sleep
>B. You ought to get a real talk in with Shouko, being dropped all those years ago and picked right back up is still kind of weird
>C. Talk to Shouko, but pure business. Plan for tomorrow
>D. Make a call before bed
>E. Other

>>4545289
>B. You ought to get a real talk in with Shouko, being dropped all those years ago and picked right back up is still kind of weird

>>4545289
>"But just to make it clear. Also, I hope you aren't forgetting to wrap it up."
Screw you dad I'm gonna make some kick ass half-demon babies!

>B. You ought to get a real talk in with Shouko, being dropped all those years ago and picked right back up is still kind of weird
But seriously though it probably wouldn't hurt to have a heart to heart conversation.

>>4545289
>B. You ought to get a real talk in with Shouko, being dropped all those years ago and picked right back up is still kind of weird

>>4545289
>>B. You ought to get a real talk in with Shouko, being dropped all those years ago and picked right back up is still kind of weird

>>4545306
>>4545310
>>4545313
>>4545325
It's nice to get back in touch with an old friend and all, but you're still wondering what the point of it all was. She just kind of stopped hanging out with you in middle school for no discernible reason, then apparently you're the first one to call when demons are threatening Tokyo. What's up with that? You suppose no one can answer that except Shouko herself, and now is a good a time as any.

"Shouko, what happened back in middle school?" you ask. "You just kind of drifted away without saying anything. Which you know, it happens. I get it. But then why come to me about all this? Those things don't really line up to me."

Shouko was already getting ready to lie down and sleep, but she props up on her elbows to hear you out. She looks down while considering your question, taking a deep breath before answering.

"Well, I didn't have a good reason to stop hanging out with you in the first place." she admits. "My parents had started being harder on me about my academics and all that, and they saw how Chousuke was becoming. So they wanted me to stop mingling with him. Our friendship was kind of just... collateral damage. Even so, I felt bad about leaving you guys. I didn't want you guys to hate me, so I didn't say anything. You were the only friends I had. Even after you stopped hanging out with Chousuke too, I felt like it was partially my fault."

"I was never really able to make any other friends after that." Shouko is staring up at the ceiling at this point, reminiscing. "Just acquaintances, really. Even after all this time, you're still my closest friend, as sad as it sounds. So when I had to think of one person I wanted by my side that I could count on in a demon invasion, it was you. I do still feel bad about Chousuke too though, which is why I wanted to go out and find him. I hope he's okay."

Now that you hear it, it's pretty understandable. A kid would worry about that kind of thing.

"Anyway, you're here now. We're on the same team, and fighting together." Shouko goes on. "Thanks for that. We can make up for all that lost time!"

>Social Link Rank UP! Strength Rank 1: Personas of the Strength Arcana will now have two skills

You consider how to respond.

>A. Assure her that what happened back then wasn't her fault
>B. Tell her you're glad to be friends again too
>C. Insist that Chousuke will be found safe and can be her friend again too
>D. Other

>>4545454
>>B. Tell her you're glad to be friends again too
>>C. Insist that Chousuke will be found safe and can be her friend again too

>>4545454
>B. Tell her you're glad to be friends again too
May as well
>D. Let her know that you asked your bro to look out for Chousuke during his patrols

>>4545470
Additionally
>D2. I missed hanging out with you

>>4545454
>B. Tell her you're glad to be friends again too
>C. Insist that Chousuke will be found safe and can be her friend again too
>D. Let her know that you asked your bro to look out for Chousuke during his patrols
>D2. I missed hanging out with you
Still pretty comfy.

>>4545458
>>4545470
>>4545478
"I missed hanging out with you. I'm glad to be friends again, too." you state your genuine feelings. You had always had misgivings about falling out with your old friends. Speaking of which. "And trust me, we're gonna find Chousuke, and you can be friends with him again, too. I called my brother and asked him to be on the lookout for Chousuke during his patrols."

"Tadashi is on the case too, huh?" she ponders for a bit. "I can only hope he actually can help Chousuke if he finds him. We're talking about someone who's been demonified, after all. Someone in his position may have orders to take people out if they seem like a threat. I hope it doesn't come to that, but..."

Shouko catches herself. "Sorry. I went and ruined the mood. I'm really thankful for everything you've done. Honest. Let's get some rest."

You take her advice and go to sleep. The two of you wake up early enough to pretend you're going to school, getting a quick breakfast and then making to leave.

"Stay safe." you mom tells you. "Look out for each other, you two."

"He can handle it, dear." your dad assures her. "Hideo always steps up when it counts, ain't that right?"

"He does!" Shouko replies, seeming to have fun encouraging your father. "I can always count on Hideo, don't worry."

You say goodbye for now and make your way off base housing, turning in your visitor's passes.

"So now what?" Shouko asks. "Do we regroup with your friends? Or try and find where the rest of the council have gone to? We could also try our luck at meeting up with Tadashi in Ojiri."

>A. Let's make for Wataru's place
>B. We need to make sure the Prez and the others are okay after last night
>C. I have to talk with my brother in person as soon as I can
>D. Other

>>4545539
>A. Let's make for Wataru's place
>D. Ask Shouko if she knows the Prez's number and/or is able to get a hold of him to see where they are and make sure they're okay

>>4545539
>>C. I have to talk with my brother in person as soon as I can
Gotta talk to bro.

Sorry for not posting so much today, I've been distracted by some stuff, had a headache off and on, etc. I'm gonna go to bed, but I will be back tomorrow in the afternoon to run some more

>>4545555
Night Laze, feel better dude

>>4545555
Have a good one QM.

>>4545539
>C. I have to talk with my brother in person as soon as I can

Sorry to flake out yet again guys, I was busier than I thought I would be. I'll make it up to you all tomorrow by starting at noon again and getting a real session in. I did at least finally stat your new Persona

Wendigo
Moon Arcana
Mind: Res, Ice: Null
STR+2
MAG+1
END+1
Skills: Mabufu

Also Tsuchigumo has Berserk now that you've ranked up Strength

>>4546461
All good man, see ya tomorrow

>>4545549
>>4546043
"I have to talk with my brother in person as soon as I can." you insist. "I wasn't able to explain anything over the phone."

"Well, he could be a big help. For the last couple of weeks we've been acting as if us being the student council meant anything, but having an actual officer from the JSDF on our side is a big deal." Shouko admits. "If he's allowed to help us, anyway."

You make your way to Ojiri ward yet again, this time taking the train to the actual stop. The JSDF is set up there and keeping people from leaving the station, but that works out just fine for your purposes. You flag down a guy that looks like he's in charge.

"Excuse me sir, I'm Hideo Emushi." you introduce yourself. "My brother Tadashi is a lieutenant and has been doing some work here, I was wondering if you knew when his shift gets up so I can talk to him."

"Emushi, huh? He just took off with his team about an hour ago." the man tells you. "They're gonna be out all day, but you could definitely see him if you stay here until 1700. That might be your only shot, he's not supposed to be using his phone out there, so you can't get a hold of him that way."

You thank the man for his help, then step away with Shouko.

"What do you think?" she asks. "Can we afford to wait for him? We could try to sneak in and make this quicker, then come back in time to meet him here if we don't sooner."

There's also the option of leaving to do something else entirely today and then coming back.

>A. Stay here and wait, you could use a break anyway
>B. Sneak into Ojiri ward and get to searching
>C. Leave for now and head to Wataru's
>D. Other

>>4547297
>D. Try and get in touch with the Student council members

>>4547297

>>4547308
I'll support this.

>>4547297
>>4547308
I'll back it as well

>>4547308
>>4547335
>>4547344
Since you've got nothing but standing around to do anyway, you decide to try and find out what happened with the other Student Council members. You don't know if they were able to get all the students away safely, or even themselves. Though you can't imagine them going down that easily.

"Shouko, do you have the numbers of any of the other Student Council members?" you ask. "I wanted to see if we could get a hold of them, see how they're doing after last night."

"I have all of their numbers actually, I'm sure one of them wil pick up." she answers, pulling out her phone. "Probably Yotarou, he's always on his."

She calls the number and puts her phone on speaker so you can both hear and talk. You look around and make sure the area you're in is tucked away enough from anyone else to not be noticed, and decide it's alright.

"Hello? Shouko? Are you guys all doing okay?" you hear Yotarou ask as he answers the phone. "Where are you at right now?"

"We're at the Ojiri ward station." Shouko replies. "We're trying to meet with Hideo's brother in the JSDF so we can get his help. How did things go with you all?"

"We fought off the demons and got everybody out without too much issue. Took everyone home one at a time, advised them to skip town. The basketball captain stayed on though, he knew the Prez from when they were kids and wanted in on the whole thing. We're at the Prez's house right now. Everyone else is relaxing while I'm back to studying that Atma company for leads."

Oh yeah, the company. With all that was going on, it had nearly slipped your mind.

"We're going to stay put for a while, so you don't have to worry about us." he insisted. "We're more worried about you guys being out and about. The demon attacks are getting more and more severe as the days drag on."

>A. We're just going to stay here for the day waiting for my brother, so there's no danger
>B. We'll go meet back up with Wataru and Akari for safety in numbers
>C. Suggest that he should be working with Wataru at his place to research more efficiently
>D. Other

>>4547389
>>B. We'll go meet back up with Wataru and Akari for safety in numbers

>>4547389
>B. We'll go meet back up with Wataru and Akari for safety in numbers

>>4547389
>B. We'll go meet back up with Wataru and Akari for safety in numbers

>>4547405
>D. Ask Shouko for the student councils numbers
May as well

>>4547393
>>4547399
>>4547405
"We'll go meet back up with Wataru and Akari for safety in numbers." you tell him. It's true that the fights have only been getting harder. That Oni from two days ago nearly killed you, if that had been Wendigo instead, you wouldn't even have had the slightest chance to live. "Then we'll come back here later."

"Sounds like a good idea." Yotarou says from the other end of the line. "Let's meet up again later once we've got some more information. Also, tell Wataru to tell me how to give other people the Demon Summoning Program, I can't figure out how. Anyway, see you."

Yotarou hangs up, and Shouko follows suit.

"Headed back to your friends, then?" she asks. "I guess there's no harm in doing that instead of just waiting here. As long as we're back in time. We've got eight hours, don't forget."

The two of you get back on the train and get off near Wataru's house. You lead Shouko to the place, then knock. Wataru lets you in, happy to see you.

"Glad to see you didn't get attacked again." he laughs. "You... didn't get attacked, right? How were things with your parents?"

>A. Tell him that everything was fine
>B. Fill him in on your plan to meet Tadashi
>C. Ask what the two of them have been up to here
>D. Mention that the StuCo are doing alright and are back to investigating
>E. Other

>>4547500
>A. Tell him that everything was fine
>D. Mention that the StuCo are doing alright and are back to investigating
So many options

>>4547500
>>A. Tell him that everything was fine
>>B. Fill him in on your plan to meet Tadashi
>>D. Mention that the StuCo are doing alright and are back to investigating

>>4547511
>>4547512
"Everything was fine. We didn't run into any problems, and my parents are doing alright." you assure your friend. "Also, we got in touch with the other Student Council members. They saved all the survivors from the gym and are holed up at Prez's house continuing their investigation."

You pass into Wataru's room as you say this, where you see Akari sitting on the floor surrounded by a bunch of makeup in various containers.

"It's good to hear that Hacchi is alright. I still can't believe the rest of the team ditched her." she says, while not looking back at you. She's focused on putting something on her arm. "This doesn't match my skin color at all, Wataru."

"Yeah, well neither do the glowing neon lines." Wataru shoots back. "That's all my mom had, so you'll have to make due. You can't go buy anything yourself, and you know damn well that I would fuck up trying to buy fitting makeup of all things. Just use that while you wait for some more you order online."

In another corner of the room, you see Jack Frost taking a nap. Pixie is also flitting around looking at all the random junk Wataru has accumulated over the years. Wataru is probably ignoring the magnetite drain to try and have a demon out as much as possible. He would do that.

"Anyway, take a load off you two!" Wataru exclaims as he sits back down at his computer and gets typing away. "I got tons of food and drinks in the fridge."

You get a glance at his screen and see him back on those occult forums. Where he was first led to the guy that gave him the Demon Summoning Program.

>A. Focus on getting your friends on board and ready to meet up with Tadashi later
>B. You're interested in what Wataru's doing. After all, the source of the Demon Summoning Program is still a mystery
>C. You don't have to rush anything, just relax and hang out with your friends while you can
>D. Other

>>4547556
>>B. You're interested in what Wataru's doing. After all, the source of the Demon Summoning Program is still a mystery
>Tell him that Yotarou also wants to know how to spread the program.

>>4547556
>B. You're interested in what Wataru's doing. After all, the source of the Demon Summoning Program is still a mystery
>D. Pass on Yotarou message to Wataru

>>4547556
>B. You're interested in what Wataru's doing. After all, the source of the Demon Summoning Program is still a mystery
>D. Pass on Yotarou message to Wataru

>>4547562
>>4547566
>>4547572
While Shouko sits with Akari to get better acquainted, you head over to Wataru at his computer.

"So Yotarou said he wanted to know how to share the Demon Summoning Program." you say, watching Wataru as he makes some posts. He's talking about the demons showing up, though not mentioning anything too specific.

"Ah yeah, I should tell him. The program's kind of weird, so you can't just do the usual thing." Wataru stops typing for a bit to pull out his phone. "Luckily he already gave me his number before."

As Wataru sends on his message, you consider this Demon Summoning Program. You have no idea where it came from, and even how Wataru got it was sketchy. It has assuredly saved all of you a few times over by this point, but normally wouldn't you consider something like this to be much more sinister? You question what reason someone would have to spread or even create it.

"Wataru, haven't you wondered about the source of the Demon Summoning Program?" you ask. "You aren't just going to leave it at 'I got it from this guy on an occult forum', are you?"

"Well, what are you getting at here?" he looks up from his phone. "Are you saying that because you think we should act on that information somehow?"

>A. The program itself could be behind this crisis
>B. Whoever made the program could have known what was about to happen, and why
>C. I guess you're right, as long as we have it and can use it, that's what matters
>D. Other

>>4547710
>>B. Whoever made the program could have known what was about to happen, and why
Oddly weird this pops up when demons appear.

>>4547710
>B. Whoever made the program could have known what was about to happen, and why
Inb4 the weaker demons themselves unleashed the program as a means to feed off the humans without having to actually eat the humans

>>4547710
>B. Whoever made the program could have known what was about to happen, and why

>>Stephen will remember that.

>>4547710
>B. Whoever made the program could have known what was about to happen, and why

>>4547712
>>4547724
>>4547758
>>4547760
"Whoever made the program could have known what was about to happen, and why." You tell him. "And if we learn why this is happening, then we might be able to learn how to stop it."

"It's a tall order you're making there, man." Wataru sighs. "The guys on here are as secretive as they come. All I can really guess based on what he's said is that the guy who gave me the program is also here in Tokyo. But that of course is basically nothing to go on."

"If you really think this is the way to go, I'll see what I can do. I mean, it's not like I don't want to know either. I just think it might not be possible for us to figure out. But when I have free time, I'll dig around. Maybe I'll eventually hit something."

Wataru goes back to his work on the computer, with a new purpose in mind. While it was true that they didn't have much to go on, this lead was too important to pass up. It's not like the Atma lead was going to explain everything. The demon appearances were independent incidents, and even started weeks before they set their plot in motion. You think. You realize that they might have been up to stuff long before the demon bomb. But speculating won't really help you at this point.

You've still got several hours until you can go meet up with your brother. You consider what you can do in that time.

>A. Stick with Wataru and talk to him about stuff. How is he handling his occult fantasies coming to life?
>B. Talk to Akari. She seems to be trying hard to be able to go outside as normal
>C. Talk to Shouko. Ask a bit more in depth about how the council fell into this. Since they seem to have been involved first
>D. Make preparations for all four of you to move out to Ojiri later on. You still have to convince Wataru and Akari, after all
>E. Other

>>4547784
>A. Stick with Wataru and talk to him about stuff. How is he handling his occult fantasies coming to life?
Have we actually had a heart to heart talk with the guy?

>>4547784
>B. Talk to Akari. She seems to be trying hard to be able to go outside as normal

>>4547784
>>B. Talk to Akari. She seems to be trying hard to be able to go outside as normal

>>4547788
>>4547799
You leave Wataru for now and head over to where Akari is still messing around with makeup and stuff. She seems to be letting Shouko help, but according to the troubled expression on Shouko's face, it isn't going well.

"You're putting it on way too thick. We're going to run out at this rate." she tells the other girl.

"S-sorry. I'm not good at this kind of thing."

Shouko was probably trying to finally make another friend, but Akari threw her too high of a hurdle to start out on. Shouko is all kinds of figety, and sees your entrance as a chance to retreat.

"W-well he can't be any worse than me, so I'll let Hideo handle this. Sorry." she apologizes once more before heading over to try her luck befriending your other friend.

"It's fine, I'll just do it myself." Akari sighs. She takes a break for a bit to focus on talking to you now. "I'm wondering how she managed to make friends with you back then. Neither of you are exactly social butterflies."

"Our group was kind of just the kids that weren't friends with anybody else." you explain. "Chousuke was tired of being by himself, so he wrangled the two of us up and said 'we're friends now'."

"Huh." Akari keeps looking at Shouko's awkward attempt at connecting with Wataru from her place across the room. What you said seemed to have made her think about something in particular, though you couldn't guess what.

"So what about you?" you ask. "You look like you're trying hard. Not giving up on that normal life yet. You're even doing what Wataru said to do."

"Well, it will only get me so far. I can't go everywhere just completely covered up." Akari turns her focus back to you. "Igor said even he doesn't know a way for me to become human again. There might not be one. So I'll take anything I can get. My previous life is basically over. No track, no going shopping for clothes with the other girls. I don't even know if I should see my parents like this. So I've just got you guys."

>A. We'll do our best
>B. Insist there must be a way to go back to normal
>C. Even if you can't go back, you can still live a good life like this
>D. Tell her that her parents will want to see her no matter what she's turn into
>E. Other

>>4547876
>>D. Tell her that her parents will want to see her no matter what she's turn into
They're more than likely worried sick.

>>4547876
>C. Even if you can't go back, you can still live a good life like this
>D1. Hey Wataru and me are here for you regardless of how you look, we are in this together no matter what.
>D2. At least you don't get cravings for "meat"....

>>4547889
Shouko is trying so hard to make friends and be a part of circle again.
She's precious

>>4547889
Kek I just noticed that E was the write in option this time
Haha, just pretend those say E1 and E2

>>4547876
>D. Tell her that her parents will want to see her no matter what she's turn into
>C. Even if you can't go back, you can still live a good life like this
>E1. Hey Wataru and me are here for you regardless of how you look, we are in this together no matter what.
>E2. At least you don't get cravings for "meat"....
I wonder how long it's been since we had a nice piece of steak.

>>4547882
>>4547889
>>4547896
"Even if you can't go back, you can still live a good life like this. Wataru and I are here for you regardless of how you look, we're in this together no matter what. And I'm sure your parents will want to see you no matter what you've turned into."

"Thanks. I think the only reason I'm able to keep acting somewhat normal is because I know I have you guys behind me." Akari makes a genuine smile, which you haven't seen in a couple of days. She had been forcing it, so this is a good sign. "And I know you're right about my parents, I was just putting it off because I didn't want to confirm it. That I'll never be human again, never go back to my old life. As long as I was with you guys I could keep pretending, keep holding out that this was just another thing that would pass once we got through all of this stuff. But who am I kidding? We don't know what anything is going to be like after this is all over. It was just my delusion that things would go back to normal at all. So I'll go see them. I can't let them keep worrying for no good reason."

>Social Link Rank UP! Death Rank 1: Personas of the Death Arcana will now have two skills

You're glad to see Akari pulling herself up, even a little bit at a time. She just has to know she isn't alone in this.

"And hey, at least you don't get cravings for 'meat'." you say half-jokingly. "That's sure to get in my way even after things are all over."

"Uh... yeah, we've got to get that fixed. Ideally there won't just be supplies of demons for you to sustain yourself on." Akari states bluntly. "And yeah, I know that I don't actually have it that bad. I've got a chest spike and some glowing lines, but I'm also super fast and strong. It's actually pretty cool. So I won't say I have it that bad."

You talk with Akari for quite a while longer, as well as the others intermittently throughout the day. Eventually you're about an hour out from your brother's shift ending, and you plan to leave soon. Wataru comes to a stopping point in his work, and Akari calls out to him.

"Wataru, I'm gonna go see my parents." she tells him. "Since they're probably worried."

"Oh, so you did decide on that." he replies. "I was going to say something, but I didn't know how it would go over."

Wataru talking about parents makes you wonder if his even know the slightest bit about what's going on.

Shouko looks to you, realizing that you never actually breached the topic of meeting up with Tadashi with them.

"So Hideo... what should we do?"

>A. It's fine to split up, it should just be for a short while
>B. Convince Wataru and Akari to join you for your stop first (Requires CHA Roll)
>C. Go as a group to Akari's house, and try to make the stop quick
>D. Other

>>4547965
>A. It's fine to split up, it should just be for a short while
Haha what could go wrong?

>>4547965
>A. It's fine to split up, it should just be for a short while
I'll take the bait for drama's sake.

Sorry, went to bed without saying anything. Today and tomorrow are gonna be busy for me with the holiday, but Friday, Saturday, and Sunday should all be available for me to run for a good while

>>4548464
Alright, see ya Friday Laze

>>4547970
>>4548084
It should be fine to split up, if it's just for a short while. You're just going to talk to your brother real quick, and Akari to her parents. Then you'll be right back. No big deal.

"Alright, you two go do that. Shouko and I are gonna go talk with my brother." you tell them. "He should be getting done with his patrol for the day, so I can fill him in on everything."

"Oh yeah, if he's in the JSDF, then he might be able to help us out a lot." Wataru realizes. "Well good luck with that."

"Stay safe, you guys." Akari says, getting her disguise ready to go out.

You head off first since you've got a timetable to keep, riding the train down to the station at Ojiri ward. However, you don't find your brother there. What you do see on the way from the train windows are dozens of trucks loaded up with sandbags, barbed wire, and metal fencing. You get off at the station and see the officer you talked to before barking orders at his subordinates who are running around. They seem a lot less tolerant of civilians this time, as you don't see any others waiting around here anymore. You stand and wait for the officer to get enough of a breather to acknowledge you, which luckily happens before someone else can shoo you two away.

"You're the kid from this morning. Emushi's brother, right?" he asks, receiving a nod from you in return. "I'm sorry to say it, but something has come up. We've lost contact with some of the patrol teams we sent in. I told the higher-ups to make sure and not half-ass this one, but they're always too late to get their asses in gear. Only now are we getting the supplies and manpower we need to really get a hold on this place. Don't worry about your brother, he's well trained and equipped. As soon as he's back out, I'll tell him to call you personally, alright? You kids should get home now. This place isn't going to be one you can hang around much longer."

You thank the man for his help then back off, though you don't make your way out of here via the train just yet.

"I was afraid of this." Shouko shakes her head. "Tadashi is still in there, and now they're really going to lock it down. If we wanted to sneak back in, it has to be right away. We're going to lose it as an option soon. Then we'll only get in if we break through or are let through. And without Tadashi on board, that second one seems unlikely. But going in alone might be too much... The President's house is pretty close..."

You consider what to do.

>A. There's no time, the two of you need to get inside before it's too late
>B. Have Shouko call up the Prez and send some backup that you can head in with
>C. Akari's house isn't that far either, you could rush over there and pick up the two of them
>D. You shouldn't be in a rush to get into an area that's being locked down. You'll just have to trust in your brother
>E. Other

>>4550827
>>A. There's no time, the two of you need to get inside before it's too late
A two man group is small enough.

>>4550827
>A. There's no time, the two of you need to get inside before it's too late

>>4550827
>A. There's no time, the two of you need to get inside before it's too late

>>4550829
>>4550834
>>4550837
"There's no time. We need to get inside before it's too late." you insist.

You can see Shouko still has some reservations about this plan, but she doesn't object. She surely knows just as well as you that your brother is your only ticket if you want to make a difference in this area again. Beyond also just wanting to make sure he's okay, naturally.

The two of you get back on the train and get off on at the closest stop. You then make your way to the outer limit of the ward, and carefully observe. The soldiers are setting up barriers on the main thoroughfares first, so you should have no trouble slipping in via a back alley. You find a suitable one that takes you all the way in, and come out the other side. You go back to the main road and glance back around the corner from the other side to see the barrier being build up behind you now. This is it. For better or worse, you and Shouko are stuck here until you can find your brother. Well it's also true that you could force your way out, but you don't intend on things coming to that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHiE1xN8P2k

Shouko pulls up a map of the ward on her phone to get a better idea of where to look. Glancing over it, you realize your excursion in here the other day only covered a tenth of the place, and not all that thoroughly. There's a lot of ground to cover.

You think about how to go about this.

>A. Try to find a place with a lot of people, maybe you can ask around for some clues
>B. You can't be too careful, getting involved with randoms in here is too risky. Just start combing areas one by one
>C. Other

>>4550872
>>A. Try to find a place with a lot of people, maybe you can ask around for some clues
Damn, of all times to not have any thing that belongs to Tadashi so we can have Garm sniff.

>>4550872
>A. Try to find a place with a lot of people, maybe you can ask around for some clues

>>4550872
>A. Try to find a place with a lot of people, maybe you can ask around for some clues

>>4550872
>A. Try to find a place with a lot of people, maybe you can ask around for some clues

>>4550876
>>4550878
>>4550893
>>4550903
"Let's find some people." you suggest. "Maybe they can tell us about any patrols they've seen today."

"Okay, but let's be careful. The demons aren't the only danger in here." Shouko warns. "I don't think everybody that was demonized will be able to control themselves. And I don't want to have to fight any of them."

While that might be true, every example you came across the time here before was a good one. People were holing themselves away to not hurt each other. However as you start to go along some roads, you don't see anyone out and about like last time. Had they composed themselves and found proper places to stay? Had they been wiped out by demons? Or had they not been able to control their hunger after all, and eaten each other? The question gnawed at your mind until you finally found a couple of people hanging out near a convenience store.

The two of them were surrounded by plastic bags and food wrappers, just a gigantic ring of garbage. You expect that they've eaten most of the food in the place by now.

"It's not good enough... I'm still so hungry..." one of them whines. "I need meat!"

"Let's eat out this place first, at least." the other one replies. "Even if it's only worth a couple of days. Better than leaving it for someone else."

The one that just spoke then notices the presence of you and Shouko. He gets defensive, raising his arms.

"Get out of here, this is our food!" he shouts. "Why don't you go get yourselves killed trying to eat demons like that pack of morons!"

>A. Tell them to relax, you don't want any of their food. Just to know if they've seen any JSDF patrols today
>B. Ask about that group of so-called morons, might be better to talk to them
>C. Say they would be better off helping take down demons to feed on too, they're gonna be out of luck when they run out of food
>D. Other

>>4550931
>>B. Ask about that group of so-called morons, might be better to talk to them

>>4550931
>A. Tell them to relax, you don't want any of their food. Just to know if they've seen any JSDF patrols today

>>4550931
>B. Ask about that group of so-called morons, might be better to talk to them

>>4550937
>>4550946
These guys probably wouldn't be all that helpful anyway, since they've clearly just been sitting in this one spot eating the whole time. Someone else would probably be able to help you better, and this group in question sounds like a good bet.

"Where are these guys you're talking about, trying to eat demons?" you ask. "I want to talk to them."

"What, you think you're gonna join 'em?" the man laughs. "In hell, maybe. I know a couple of them have died already following their stupid plan. The demons will show up at random, and they can be stronger than your demon form can handle. Trying to hunt for them is just delusional. Better to just eat all the actual food here, and then if they won't let us out, then they'll get what they deserve once we bust out to avoid starving."

At least they didn't consider eating other people to be an option.

"Even so, we would still like to speak with them." Shouko adds. "Can you tell us where we might find them?"

The two men are silent for a bit, then the one that complained about being hungry speaks up.

"I think they made the hospital their base." he says. "They're going around trying to find any demons they can, not just for themselves, but for the demonized patients that are still alive. I hope they actually make it work, but I doubt it. Good luck, though."

You thank the guy for his help, then Shouko looks the hospital up on her phone. It's not that far away, so the two of you leg it to the place.

Once you arrive, you see the place mostly boarded up. You can see a few people standing at certain windows looking down on you. You pull up to the entrance, but it's locked. The door is glass, so you can see into the lobby, which seems to have all sorts of things laid out as cover in case demons break in. However you learn that it's not demons alone they are wary of here.

"Reveal your Brands if you want in." a voice comes from an intercom by the door. "Display them so they can be seen by the camera."

You see a security camera just above the door.

>A. Take the bandages off your hand and show your Brand, maybe you'll be enough
>B. Say that Shouko doesn't have one and ask if that's okay
>C. Try to just ask about the JSDF patrols from out here
>D. Other

>>4551021
>C. Try to just ask about the JSDF patrols from out here

>>4551021
>C. Try to just ask about the JSDF patrols from out here

>>4551026
>>4551029
You decide not to bother with trying to get in at all. It might just complicate things.

"I just want to ask if you've seen any JSDF patrols around today." you shout, not actually knowing for sure if there was a way for your voice to picked up from this side. Luckily there was, so you don't look like an idiot.

"Ha." the guy on the other side stifles a short laugh. "The JSDF won't save you, kid. They would rather have us dead. A group came by here today and tried to force their way in. Wanted to tell us what we could and couldn't do to survive. They don't know what it's like. The lengths we have to go to. They wanted us to sit here and starve, make us go mad and eat each other. And you know why, right? Cause the government doesn't have control over demons. They can't sustain us all. And a government that can't provide for us is useless to us. Can't have that. This whole lockdown is just to whittle down our numbers. They want enough of us to die to put us at a manageable level. So go ahead. Look for some JSDF. But they won't be your salvation."

Putting the rant aside for a moment, he did say a patrol came by here today. Could it have been your brother's? But you can't imagine him acting the way the man described. At least, you didn't want to think you could. Because if he did, then your plan to get him on your side gets significantly more complicated.

"You'd be better off with us, kids." the voice comes from the intercom once more. "We've got teams of powerful fighters out hunting demons and bringing back meat that can quell the hunger. No more maddening urge in the back of your mind to eat your friends, your family. Give it some thought, alright? Now get out of the doorway. We're gonna have one of our hunting parties coming back in a while."

You and Shouko step aside to not be a bother, and you think of what to do next.

>A. Wait right here and flag down someone in the hunting party when they get back, so you don't have to deal with anybody on the inside
>B. Try to get in and talk to someone inside. These guys might be worth ingratiating with. Plus then you can just ask more about the earlier patrol or talk to the hunting party when they get back
>C. You don't want to involve yourself any further with these guys, keep searching and looking for other people that might be willing to help you
>D. Other

>>4551199
>C. You don't want to involve yourself any further with these guys, keep searching and looking for other people that might be willing to help you
Slow evening

>>4551199
>>C. You don't want to involve yourself any further with these guys, keep searching and looking for other people that might be willing to help you

>>4551231
Sorry about that, I actually still have family over for the rest of the weekend, I'm just making my posts in between when I can

>>4551199
>C. You don't want to involve yourself any further with these guys, keep searching and looking for other people that might be willing to help you
They're trying to shill us an idea of us joining them. That's not good enough.

>>4551245
Nonono, I didn't mean you Laze, I meant in how long it was taking for people to vote
You enjoy your holiday weekend my dude

>>4551231
>>4551232
>>4551249
You don't have time to mess around with these guys trying to recruit you. You could try and shake someone down for info, but it's not worth the time investment. You decide to move on and continue searching.

You make your way through a few more streets, occasionally stumbling across a person that isn't able or willing to help you. As you start to get discouraged, you meet one person that says they saw a patrol and points you in the direction they went. Following the lead, you come across the arcade you hung out at with Chousuke at the beginning of this week. You can sense a similar aura from it as the building you found the spider woman and your school. You're sure it's become a den of demons. You have no proof the patrol in question stopped here, but they might have.

"Does the JSDF even send out teams that have the capability to beat many demons?" Shouko ponders aloud. "I know you and your friends beat one, but two of you almost died. Would guns really let a patrol team beat a whole demon hideout like this? Plus, would they even want to? I mean, they just come in here for patrols, right? I feel like they wouldn't risk it."

Shouko is trying to rationalize reasons not to go in there right now. You can understand being hesitant, it is just the two of you right now. But this may be your only lead.

As you think that, you notice someone in your peripheral vision. Someone's just emerged out onto the same street as you from an alleyway. You turn to look, and see Chousuke. He flinches back at the sight of you two, not sure what to do for a second.

"Shit!" you hear him say, before he dashes back in the direction he came from.

"Wait, Chousuke!" Shouko calls. She looks like she's about to give chase, but she stops to turn and see what you do.

>A. Run right after him
>B. If he doesn't want to see us, that's fine. At least now we know he's alive
>C. Other

And that will be all from me tonight, I'll be back tomorrow for more my dudes

>>4551347
>>A. Run right after him

>>4551347
>A. Run right after him
>C. "CHOUSUKE YOU DUMBASS IT'S US! GET BACK HERE!"
Option C is of course optional.

>>4551347
>>4551353
>A. Run right after him
>C. "CHOUSUKE YOU DUMBASS IT'S US! GET BACK HERE!"
Seconded
>>4551348
Night Laze

>>4551347
>A. Run right after him

>>4551347
>A. Run right after him
>C. "CHOUSUKE YOU DUMBASS IT'S US! GET BACK HERE!"

Sorry about today guys, I thought I could get away with posting a bit, but I got dragged into a second Thanksgiving dinner and won't have enough time. Tomorrow I'll start at noon again to get some actual progress going

>>4552297
See ya tomorrow then!
Enjoy your evening with your family.

>>4551349
>>4551353
>>4551371
>>4551395
Not wasting any time, you hoof it right after your friend, and Shouko follows suit.

"Chousuke you dumbass, it's us! Get back here!" you shout.

You're sure he heard you, but he doesn't stop. Guess it wasn't a mistake. The two of you keep after him, turning all the same corners, but the gap between you keeps widening. Chousuke was always the better of either of you in athletics. However, you still have one option. You transform into your demon form and wait for an opportunity. As Chousuke makes a tight turn down another alleyway, you fly right up over the top and cut him off. You land in front of him, where he was planning on running, then change back to human form. Just because you think it's better for diplomacy, you guess.

Shouko comes up from behind, visibly exhausted from trying to keep up, but still there to block the only other way out. You've got Chousuke trapped between you now, so hopefully he'll be willing to talk.

"What are you running for?" you ask. "We've been looking for you for two days!"

"I know it's been a long time Chousuke, but I was worried about you." Shouko insists, after catching her breath enough to make whole sentences. "I wanted to talk to you again."

"You guys shouldn't have come back here." Chousuke says, relenting to conversation. "Least of all for me. Just another cannibal murderer in this hellhole now. Resorted to walking around hoping to get jumped so I can kill the attacker for some meat. Take it home so we can all stay sane for another day. There ain't enough demons to feed everybody in here, ya know. You'd be lucky to find a good spot before it's all cleared out. And now you gotta survive like that too, all cause you didn't stay away. I thought you two were the smart ones?"

It's only been a short time, but Chousuke seems to have had it pretty hard. On Monday he was talking about how he wanted to be friends again, and now he's saying he wished you would have abandoned him.

You should probably say something.

>A. Forget surviving here, we're getting you out
>B. We're trying to fix the whole situation, we've got guys tracing the problem to the source
>C. Ask what he's been doing these past days. What about his family?
>D. Other

>>4553096
>>B. We're trying to fix the whole situation, we've got guys tracing the problem to the source
>D. We have found a way to mitigate the hunger. But you do have to come with us and we don't know how many we can help that way.

>>4553108
Supporting.

>>4553108
Also supporting.

>>4553108
>>4553115
>>4553119
"We're trying to fix the whole situation." you explain. "We've got guys tracing the problem to the source."

"The rest of the student council that I'm on is looking into Atma Bio-Industries, who we learned is behind the demonization." Shouko adds. "We'll find out how to reverse all of this."

"In the meantime, there's something else we can do. We've found a way to mitigate the hunger." you insist. "But you do have to come with us, and we don't know how many we can help that way."

"You can only help a limited amount of people, huh? Then I'm not sure you want me in on it." Chousuke tells you. "Cause I fell in with my dad. Wasn't sure I could keep my little sis safe on my own, so I had to rely on his gang. Even though I never wanted to see the old bastard again. Now he's the only reason Erina's alive, and if I try to back out with her now, they would definitely want to get in on whatever way this is you're talking about. You sure you want to bring a bunch of yakuza into your circle? Not that I would be able to just take her and run anyway. I already would have if I could."

You can't help but think about how Chousuke has always excelled at jumping from the frying pan into the fire. It sounds like he's in a tumultuous situation indeed.

>A. If you're out on your own for this long at a time, then it's still worth you coming with us and then returning once we've helped the hunger issue
>B. There must be some kind of opportunity to slip you and your sister out of there
>C. Maybe we can talk with your dad to try and work something out
>D. If he won't come with you, ask if he can at least help you find your brother
>E. Other

>>4553154
>B. There must be some kind of opportunity to slip you and your sister out of there

>>4553154
>>B. There must be some kind of opportunity to slip you and your sister out of there

>>4553154
>B. There must be some kind of opportunity to slip you and your sister out of there

>>4553154
>B. There must be some kind of opportunity to slip you and your sister out of there
We can't turn our backs on you for a second can we?

>>4553163
>>4553167
>>4553170
>>4553189
If you leave this guy alone, you're sure he'll just wind up in even more trouble somehow.

"There must be some kind of opportunity to slip you and your sister out of there." you insist. "Then we can get the both of you out of the ward, mitigate your hunger, and you won't have to worry any more."

"I told you it's not that simple, man." Chousuke sighs. "But I think you need to see for yourself. Either you'll actually get it, or you'll manage to surprise me."

Chousuke leads the two of you to this shady looking loan shark place. The kind of place that screams yakuza front. Because it is. Chousuke tells you this is where his dad operates out of.

"There aren't many of 'em around usually, since they got guys scoping places out at all times." Chousuke explains as he brings you around to a back door leading into an attached residental building. "Just let me go in first to see if it's clear, then come when I wave you up."

You and Shouko do as he says, watching for his arm through a crack in the door, then follow when he gives the signal. Eventually after a few turns and a stairway, Chousuke pushes the two of you into a hidden corner. It's an extremely tight fit, and you are squished right up on your friend, making it a bit awkward. Chousuke tells you to stay still for a minute and only come out when he says so. He then leaves and turns into the hallway, though he stops close enough to be heard.

"I'll take it from here, you can go ahead and go. Any problems?" Chousuke says to somebody.

"Nah, she was calm. You gonna be alright by yourself?"

"I can handle it, trust me." Chousuke ends the conversation there, as you hear a set of footsteps head off in another direction.

After that, Chousuke returns and pulls the two of you out to lead you to a nearby room. The three of you go inside to find a fairly normally furnished bedroom, save for some kind of metal restraints bolted on the wall. Though they are currently empty.

On the bed lies Erina, Chousuke's little sister. Her eyes are completely devoid of emotion when you enter, and you nearly mistake her for a corpse if not for her breathing.

"Hey, Erina. It's me." Chousuke greets his little sister. "I brought Hideo and Shouko. You remember them, right?"

Erina looks over the two of you, but doesn't respond.

>A. Tell Chousuke that you should take her and leave right this second
>B. Get Chousuke to explain what's happened to Erina
>C. Greet Erina, try and talk with her
>D. Other

>>4553292
>B. Get Chousuke to explain what's happened to Erina
Oh god she ate her mom didn't she......

>>4553292
>>B. Get Chousuke to explain what's happened to Erina

>>4553292
>B. Get Chousuke to explain what's happened to Erina
#Justdemonthings

>>4553298
>>4553307
>>4553309
You give Erina a smile and a wave before pulling Chousuke aside to the opposite side of the room. Shouko joins you, obviously wanting to know the score as well.

"What's happened to Erina?" you ask, you voice low. You can anticipate that the conversation that's about ot happen is one that you wouldn't want Erina herself to overhear. "This isn't just from the stress of ths whole situation."

The Erina you remember was still in elementary school at the time, and she was a happy, energetic girl. The exact opposite of the one you see today.

"When the demonization happened, she was at home with our mom." Chousuke explains, also speaking low. "You can... guess what happened. She's still here, mom's not. It broke her. She has to be forced to eat, or she'll just let the hunger ramp up until she goes berserk. She's even tried to to kill herself before, so our dad had those restraints put up on the wall to keep her in until she calms down. But that's why I can't just take her and go. She doesn't even have the will to live right now."

Chousuke nearly chokes up saying that last bit. Rather than most in here that have been trying to keep themselves alive by their will alone, he's been pulling double duty.

"I was afraid of that..." Shouko whispers. "That's awful. I wouldn't even know what to say to her..."

"All of us that got Branded have the same story." Chousuke goes on. "Nobody comes to their senses until they get somethin' to eat. If you're lucky like Hideo, it was some dudes you never met. But for most, it was probably the people closest to 'em. Their family. That's why I'm staying here with her. No matter what."

You can see where the guy is coming from. This situation would naturally draw all of his attention right now, he can't lose his sister too.

>A. Tell Chousuke that Erina is still better off outside of the locked down zone and they should leave
>B. Ask if Chousuke can still help you out while you're in here
>C. Relent and leave Chousuke to his business, content in at least knowing the situation
>D. Other

>>4553361
>A. Tell Chousuke that Erina is still better off outside of the locked down zone and they should leave