Nothing but the same scenery. It was starting to take a bit of a mental toll on Jack. He'd been walking for what felt like hours, but seeing as his sense of time was terrible, it was probably only a little more than ten minutes. It was getting a little boring, looking at nothing but empty pictures on every side of the wall. If this kept up, he'd fall asleep right on the spot, and probably end up stuck in this bizarre world forever. Just when he thought all hope was beginning to fade, Jack happened upon a large door, signifying the end of this near infinite hallway. After letting out a large sigh of relief, he reached out to grab a hold of the handle, before voices began ringing out from all around.
"Help me."
"Please, help me."
"Help me....."
"Please, get me out of here...."
"I know you'll come for me..."
"Please... please help me..."
The voice ran chills down Jack's spine. This was the first time he'd been freaked out about the supernatural in a long time. The large factor was probably because it was real, and he was in the middle of it. The voice sounded feminine, despite the distortion that could be heard with it. It also sounded like it was trying to call out someones name. Who could it be? Who was the voice trying to call out to? If it was any indication of how things like this went, answers were more than likely to be found on the other side of the door. Besides, it was the only way Jack could go. If danger was on the other side, he'd be ready for it. At least, as ready as he could with the creatures that dwell within this world. Pulling the handle down with a click, he pushed the door wide open, and stepped inside.
Jack was greeted with a very large, and open looking room. The layout was that of a cathedral, but oddly enough, there weren't any seats for anyone to sit down in. There were no windows in the room, and the only source of light was from a large chandelier. It was large enough to illuminate the entire room, leaving no dark corners to be seen. A large stained glass portrait decorated a portion on the other side of the room. That, and the table on the other side with a person laying on i- wait what? After catching a glance of the body laying on the table, Jack swiftly made his way over to it. As he got closer, he could easily tell who it was laying there. His eyes widened, and at first his placed slowed, but he immediately began running in a full dash to their side. Coming to a stop, he reached out to touch her face, making sure it was real. There was no response from her however. She was still in her school uniform from when she went missing. There were no visible wounds on her body, however, her breathing was weak and slowed. Her skin was more pale than usual, showing signs of weakness. His sister lay before him, in this world that was unknown to all. Cures was correct in his assumption. She ended up in this world.
"Claire..." he faintly muttered to himself, a small smile upon his face. He could finally stop worrying. All he had to do was find the others, and get the hell out of here.
"It's about damn time you show up, brother."
A voice, sounding oddly a lot like his sisters, rang out from behind him. Jack quickly turned around, laying his eyes upon his sister once more. Just to make sure tricks weren't being played on him, he turned around once more to look at Claire laying in the table, then back to the other Claire that was standing in front of him. This one was different. Upon inspection, her expression was sinister, and her eyes were a golden orange color. Looking at her eyes made him think of the other Max from yesterday. Despite only knowing the most minimal details of the events currently going on, the answer was obvious. Standing before Jack was Claire's shadow.
"So you're my sisters shadow. Normally I'd say it's a pleasure to meet you, but so far I haven't a great time with your kind." he remarked. Stepping towards the shadow, the grip on his katana tightened, readying in case she tried to attack him.
"Oh please, after not seeing me for two weeks, and probably having no idea what to do with yourself, that's how you're going to greet me? Come on, Jack, I thought you were better than that."
"Trust me, I'd normally be much happier to see you in these circumstances, but your eyes make me a little uneasy. Almost ruins my mood."
"Ah, Jack, always the joker. You were always a giant dick to nearly everyone you met. It's a wonder how you even have some friends. Speaking of friends, where's that little bitch, Cures? He's got to be here. You two are nearly inseparable, it makes me want to vomit."
"Oh you know, he's around. Couldn't tell you exactly where though." The killing intent that rolled off of the shadows tongue when Cures was brought up was noticeable. If Cures were in this room right now, she would probably be jumping down his throat. Literally. At the moment, Jack was the only one facing down this shadow, and at any given moment, she could attack. Despite his combat prowess, shadows were a whole different thing, having magical powers and whatnot. It seemed the best way to combat these things is with a Persona, something that Jack doesn't have. It was highly unlikely that he would be able to take this shadow without a Persona. Maybe he could stall until the others arrived?
"So, why don't you start by telling me what's wrong with my sister?"
"Fine, if it'll get you to stop talking for a bit. God, your voice annoys the shit out of me sometimes." Some of the comments coming out of her mouth stung a little bit, but Jack knew that this was just her shadow, and the actual Claire wouldn't say things like this. He hoped... "Since your precious little sister came to this world, all she had been doing was whining about how scared she was, and how she desperately wanted to go back home. It was so damn pathetic, let me tell you. I really wanted to kill her on the spot, y'know. And you know, was really close to getting ready to do it too, but you, the moron in shining armor, decided to show up at the worst moment. She just recently decided to deny me, and I'm sure you know what that means for a shadow."
Jack's eyes widened at that statement. Watching Max deny his shadow, Jack knew exactly what that meant. Now, the shadow was powered up, and that seemed when it was ready to strike at any given time. Instead of rushing in and killing him, however, Claire's shadow snapped her fingers, and dozens of other shadows, appeared from out of nowhere. Quickly unsheathing the katana, and throwing the sheathe aside, Jack quickly counterattacked the shadows who were now leaping at him. He managed to cut down a few of the shadows, but he was quickly overwhelmed. They all jumped on him, quickly covering his whole body. Within seconds, he couldn't be seen, and it looked like he was swallowed whole. Claire's shadow began to laugh maniacally. It was the last thing Jack heard, before silence was set upon him.
He felt like he was floating in a void. There was nothing back darkness, however, he could see himself just fine. Was this what death was like? That was the only thought that ran through his mind. As he was about to close his eyes, a bright light appeared before him, replacing the cold emptiness, with a warmth that felt comfortable and inviting.
"I am thou. Thou art I. Awaken the power that is strengthened by ones heart. Awaken the power of Persona. Call forth my name. Loki."
The light began to shine even brighter, before it completely wrapped itself around Jack, and all he could see was white.
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Claire's shadow was still cackling, slowly approaching where the large black mass was. "Just be a good boy and sit there for a while. First I'll devour your sister, then, I'll let you look upon what I did before do the same thing to you." She stopped in her tracks, however, as she noticed a bright light began to seep out through the shadows. At first, her eyes squinted, observing the spectacle in front of her. As more light began to pour through, her eyes began to widen, as she jumped back in time enough for what followed.
"Loki!" Jack's voice rang out, as the shadows were launched off of him. A burst of blue flames surrounded him, and a large being was gently floating behind him. It was his Persona, Loki. The shadows that were launched around the room began to melt away, signifying their death. A few of them narrowly hit Claire, he was still laying on the table, her position unchanged. Her shadow self observed Jack. She could tell now that power was overflowing within him, although he was still entirely new to it. His left eye, permanently damaged, was now open, glowing brightly with the Roman numeral zero replacing his iris. He was still unable to see out of it, but it seemed his eye was now connected to summoning his newly found Persona. Loki pointed his spear at the shadow, staring directly at her. A sinister grin was showing upon his face. The shadow tensed up, and readied herself in a fighting position.
"So this is a Persona. I have to say, it feels great. I wonder if the others feel like this?."
"Quit your babbling, you moron. So what if you have a Persona!? I'm going to kill you, your sister, and every single one of your friends!"
"Come try, if you dare." The exchange of words was now over. The two combatants charged directly at each other. One, a shadow, the other, a newly awakened Persona user. They clashed against each other, and the fight was now on.
"Help me."
"Please, help me."
"Help me....."
"Please, get me out of here...."
"I know you'll come for me..."
"Please... please help me..."
The voice ran chills down Jack's spine. This was the first time he'd been freaked out about the supernatural in a long time. The large factor was probably because it was real, and he was in the middle of it. The voice sounded feminine, despite the distortion that could be heard with it. It also sounded like it was trying to call out someones name. Who could it be? Who was the voice trying to call out to? If it was any indication of how things like this went, answers were more than likely to be found on the other side of the door. Besides, it was the only way Jack could go. If danger was on the other side, he'd be ready for it. At least, as ready as he could with the creatures that dwell within this world. Pulling the handle down with a click, he pushed the door wide open, and stepped inside.
Jack was greeted with a very large, and open looking room. The layout was that of a cathedral, but oddly enough, there weren't any seats for anyone to sit down in. There were no windows in the room, and the only source of light was from a large chandelier. It was large enough to illuminate the entire room, leaving no dark corners to be seen. A large stained glass portrait decorated a portion on the other side of the room. That, and the table on the other side with a person laying on i- wait what? After catching a glance of the body laying on the table, Jack swiftly made his way over to it. As he got closer, he could easily tell who it was laying there. His eyes widened, and at first his placed slowed, but he immediately began running in a full dash to their side. Coming to a stop, he reached out to touch her face, making sure it was real. There was no response from her however. She was still in her school uniform from when she went missing. There were no visible wounds on her body, however, her breathing was weak and slowed. Her skin was more pale than usual, showing signs of weakness. His sister lay before him, in this world that was unknown to all. Cures was correct in his assumption. She ended up in this world.
"Claire..." he faintly muttered to himself, a small smile upon his face. He could finally stop worrying. All he had to do was find the others, and get the hell out of here.
"It's about damn time you show up, brother."
A voice, sounding oddly a lot like his sisters, rang out from behind him. Jack quickly turned around, laying his eyes upon his sister once more. Just to make sure tricks weren't being played on him, he turned around once more to look at Claire laying in the table, then back to the other Claire that was standing in front of him. This one was different. Upon inspection, her expression was sinister, and her eyes were a golden orange color. Looking at her eyes made him think of the other Max from yesterday. Despite only knowing the most minimal details of the events currently going on, the answer was obvious. Standing before Jack was Claire's shadow.
"So you're my sisters shadow. Normally I'd say it's a pleasure to meet you, but so far I haven't a great time with your kind." he remarked. Stepping towards the shadow, the grip on his katana tightened, readying in case she tried to attack him.
"Oh please, after not seeing me for two weeks, and probably having no idea what to do with yourself, that's how you're going to greet me? Come on, Jack, I thought you were better than that."
"Trust me, I'd normally be much happier to see you in these circumstances, but your eyes make me a little uneasy. Almost ruins my mood."
"Ah, Jack, always the joker. You were always a giant dick to nearly everyone you met. It's a wonder how you even have some friends. Speaking of friends, where's that little bitch, Cures? He's got to be here. You two are nearly inseparable, it makes me want to vomit."
"Oh you know, he's around. Couldn't tell you exactly where though." The killing intent that rolled off of the shadows tongue when Cures was brought up was noticeable. If Cures were in this room right now, she would probably be jumping down his throat. Literally. At the moment, Jack was the only one facing down this shadow, and at any given moment, she could attack. Despite his combat prowess, shadows were a whole different thing, having magical powers and whatnot. It seemed the best way to combat these things is with a Persona, something that Jack doesn't have. It was highly unlikely that he would be able to take this shadow without a Persona. Maybe he could stall until the others arrived?
"So, why don't you start by telling me what's wrong with my sister?"
"Fine, if it'll get you to stop talking for a bit. God, your voice annoys the shit out of me sometimes." Some of the comments coming out of her mouth stung a little bit, but Jack knew that this was just her shadow, and the actual Claire wouldn't say things like this. He hoped... "Since your precious little sister came to this world, all she had been doing was whining about how scared she was, and how she desperately wanted to go back home. It was so damn pathetic, let me tell you. I really wanted to kill her on the spot, y'know. And you know, was really close to getting ready to do it too, but you, the moron in shining armor, decided to show up at the worst moment. She just recently decided to deny me, and I'm sure you know what that means for a shadow."
Jack's eyes widened at that statement. Watching Max deny his shadow, Jack knew exactly what that meant. Now, the shadow was powered up, and that seemed when it was ready to strike at any given time. Instead of rushing in and killing him, however, Claire's shadow snapped her fingers, and dozens of other shadows, appeared from out of nowhere. Quickly unsheathing the katana, and throwing the sheathe aside, Jack quickly counterattacked the shadows who were now leaping at him. He managed to cut down a few of the shadows, but he was quickly overwhelmed. They all jumped on him, quickly covering his whole body. Within seconds, he couldn't be seen, and it looked like he was swallowed whole. Claire's shadow began to laugh maniacally. It was the last thing Jack heard, before silence was set upon him.
He felt like he was floating in a void. There was nothing back darkness, however, he could see himself just fine. Was this what death was like? That was the only thought that ran through his mind. As he was about to close his eyes, a bright light appeared before him, replacing the cold emptiness, with a warmth that felt comfortable and inviting.
"I am thou. Thou art I. Awaken the power that is strengthened by ones heart. Awaken the power of Persona. Call forth my name. Loki."
The light began to shine even brighter, before it completely wrapped itself around Jack, and all he could see was white.
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Claire's shadow was still cackling, slowly approaching where the large black mass was. "Just be a good boy and sit there for a while. First I'll devour your sister, then, I'll let you look upon what I did before do the same thing to you." She stopped in her tracks, however, as she noticed a bright light began to seep out through the shadows. At first, her eyes squinted, observing the spectacle in front of her. As more light began to pour through, her eyes began to widen, as she jumped back in time enough for what followed.
"Loki!" Jack's voice rang out, as the shadows were launched off of him. A burst of blue flames surrounded him, and a large being was gently floating behind him. It was his Persona, Loki. The shadows that were launched around the room began to melt away, signifying their death. A few of them narrowly hit Claire, he was still laying on the table, her position unchanged. Her shadow self observed Jack. She could tell now that power was overflowing within him, although he was still entirely new to it. His left eye, permanently damaged, was now open, glowing brightly with the Roman numeral zero replacing his iris. He was still unable to see out of it, but it seemed his eye was now connected to summoning his newly found Persona. Loki pointed his spear at the shadow, staring directly at her. A sinister grin was showing upon his face. The shadow tensed up, and readied herself in a fighting position.
"So this is a Persona. I have to say, it feels great. I wonder if the others feel like this?."
"Quit your babbling, you moron. So what if you have a Persona!? I'm going to kill you, your sister, and every single one of your friends!"
"Come try, if you dare." The exchange of words was now over. The two combatants charged directly at each other. One, a shadow, the other, a newly awakened Persona user. They clashed against each other, and the fight was now on.