powerofbonds

[powerofbonds]

“An unorthodox strategy can be good, right? If no one’s expecting it? Then again, I wouldn’t call myself a master strategist or anything...reading books on it means you’re pretty serious about it.”

🌸🌸🌸 “That was not in any of the strategy books brother Leo had me study! Such a manner of attack is unorthodox!”

[powerofbonds]

P4 DAN

[powerofbonds]

“What if the plan is to fluster, impress, and embarrass their enemies? I’d say it’s working pretty well in that sense.”

🌸🌸🌸 “I-I feel it holds i-imperative strategical benefit to keep your attire on your person unless bathing.”

[powerofbonds]

Yu stops, politely stepping aside so that a young woman can pass by him without being impeded on the stairs. It’s a good thing the stairs are emptying out now, and what citizens remained wisely circled around them, no longer batting an eyelash at the familiar sight of friends reuniting in this crazy city.

He smiles, his eyes warm, and his voice, even if his expression is as stoic as ever.

“I’ve been here for a while, actually,” Yu says with a faint laugh.

“I’m not sure how much you know about what’s going on, but we can leave that for a bit later.” 

What, do you think he doesn’t know an aborted hug when he sees one? He arches an eyebrow but opts out of starting one in case it makes Yosuke uncomfortable, clasping his partner’s free hand instead in both of his own--

And crumpling that dinner certificate a bit. Whoops.

“Is everything all right? Have you run into any of the others yet?”

To be fair, Yosuke had had his headphones on a pretty high volume. This was an area that seemed safe enough to do so, at the very least. He wasn’t an idiot, not enough of one to blare his music in a place where he didn’t feel comfortable enough to do so; unless it was one of his favorite songs.

Then he’d just keep more of an eye out than usual, but his current track wasn’t really on his top ten. 

With most of the tracks on his mp3 player being soundtracks of some sort, there weren’t many with vocals. Yosuke mouthed the ones with lyrics to himself, walking right past Yu without so much as a second thought until the tap to his shoulder made him realize hey, that guy looked kind of really familiar, maybe I should turn around–

So Yosuke turns, and his hands immediately yank his headphones down and away from his ears that would surely be perked in excitement if he were some kind of house pet.

Which he totally wasn’t.

“…Partner? Is that really you?”

Yosuke asks but he doesn’t need confirmation to know that it’s Yu. He has to stop himself from moving in for a hug, trying to casually reel back to pretend he was just throwing his hand over his shoulder in surprise.

“I can’t believe you’re here!”

He can pretend he wasn’t just about to embrace him, but there’s no hiding the overly friendly warmth in his voice. Saying that he missed Yu, a lot, was an understatement. 

[powerofbonds]

“Wait. Just to clarify.”

“We are talking candy here, right?”

“You’re looking at a freshly hired sweets expert!!”

“If you need any advice about the things that make you so jittery you can’t hold a pen, I’m your monster!”

[powerofbonds]

teddiesitter

Considering Yu spent most of his time helping out random people in this city, it was unsurprising that he’d end up with an odd variety of items built up overtime--small or large trinkets that represented something, or else given to him as a token of thanks.

Today’s gift came from a distressed food critic who’d been extraordinarily grateful that he fetched her personalized tablet--stolen from her by Pariahs--from the depths of District Alpha. In return, he had...well...

A certificate for a free meal for two at this fancy restaurant in Sector Five. How about that.

Things continued to get interesting for him today as he had an abrupt encounter with a familiar face; Yu was going down the concrete steps, and this other guy? He’d been going up.

Yu wondered if he’d even hear him over those headphones.

Still holding the certificate in one hand, he tapped his best friend on the shoulder as they passed one another on the stairs, biting back an amused smile.

“Hey, Yosuke.” And kept walking. He wondered how long it’d take to be noticed.

[powerofbonds]

Yu knew something was wrong the instant he clapped eyes on Adachi.

In the recent past, their meetings had been crooked things of mild banter, Yu’s peculiar combination of wariness and trust, and Adachi’s almost “friendly” mocking camaraderie.

But this time.

This feeling.

He knew things were different. Yu withdrew his katana from its scabbard and fixed him with an even stare as Adachi spoke, waiting for the right time to reply, to retaliate, to strike.

Magatsu-Izanagi surged forth and skyward, preparing for a meteoric impact, but by the time he came down--

Yu was no longer there. He threw himself to the side and kicked off the smoldering hood of a ruined car, lifting an arm up to protect himself from the bits of shrapnel the corrupted Izanagi’s crash-landing sent spraying everywhere. He was moving again in a heartbeat, a pillar of blue light summoning forth the visage of a golden dragon--Kohryu--which promptly charged its tremendous power in preparation for his attack.

He supposed there was really no point in it. Not for this alternate Adachi, from the city overhead.

But.

“Adachi-san,” he began, slowly, evenly; he was prepared to dodge another attack in an instant. “We don’t have to fight.”

Ying Yang [CA Event/Closed w/Yu]

“Well, well, look at who I found…I should’ve figured you’d be here. Playing the hero, like always…”

Adachi called out to the grey-haired boy upon catching sight of him, deviating away from his path of wandering destruction so as to focus on him-the last person he wanted to see in this godforsaken place. His words were full of pure venom and disdain, in contrast to other Adachi of this Hive City, who’s normal tone with the boy was always a mix of laid-back sarcasm and contained mockery.

Just looking at him made Adachi’s stomach tie itself in a knot, his rage coming to a boil as he gazed upon the worthless, pathetic, little brat who, through sheer luck and just being born with the talent to succeed at everything he tried, had gotten everything he could’ve ever wanted. A loving family, a tight-knit group of goodie-goodie friends, powers granted to him that were just like Adachi’s own and more. And yet, he wasn’t satisfied with that. He wanted to convert Adachi to his way of thinking, wanted him to surrender himself and face proper judgement to ‘atone for his crimes.’ Why? Because Yu ‘believed in him.’ Believed that the man he’d spent time with for the last few months represented an actual part of him, and not just a mask used to escape suspicion from others looking into a case. He thought that he could turn Adachi around with words and appeal to his kinder nature.

What a load of bullshit. He almost wanted to throw up at the thought. At last, he could no longer contain his anger, and he spat out his next words at yu with the full force of his hatred.

“…You seriously PISS ME OFF!”

A wave of murderous intent and unquenchable hatred came down upon the area like a thunderstorm as Adachi brought forth the red-colored tarot card and crushed it in his hand, bringing out the monstrous figure that took residence within his mind. From the flash of red light that surrounded the detective emerged Magatsu-Izanagi, it’s full power ready to be unleashed upon the world with nothing to restrain it’s wrath. Without hesitation, the Persona flew across the sky and raised it’s place to the air, intending to fall down upon Yu with such tremendous force that there would be nothing left of him.

[powerofbonds]

Yu--

Blinked. He shook his head, trying to figure out how they reached that Point K from what should have been a Point A to B journey.

“Uh...I meant...” He mimed pushing his fingers together, rather than pulling them apart. “There shouldn’t be any teeth involved. Ideally.”

Eru pondered a few seconds over this, trying to decode what he meant exactly by that statement. Only one way? Could.. Could he perhaps be talking about….?!

        “While I take pride in my pointy teeth, I do not believe that gnawing through the texture like a wild rodent would help. There has to be a better way!”

[powerofbonds]

Yu thinks it’d be a pretty sad way to go--unable to react to the chaos around them fast enough just because of a finger-trap. On the other hand, if she really didn’t want his help....

Well, meddling was his business, anyway.

“If pulling doesn’t work, then there’s only one other readily available solution, don’t you think?” he suggests gently, a friendly, teasing glint in his eyes.

Eru was not expecting someone to take the courtesy to offer their assistance, but then again.. She must have looked quite silly standing there struggling with a child´s toy. 

          “Ah, help? What do you mea- Oh, are you perhaps talking about this?” She lifted her wrapped up fingers to showcase.

“It´s fine! It is my mess after all, I´ll just- Juuuuusst…-!”  To no avail she once again tried to break through the bamboo shell, with no new improvements happening. 

[powerofbonds]

Considering the chaos going on and had been going on in the city for more than a week, the sight of a girl struggling with a Chinese finger-trap was nothing less than surreal.

“Do you....need any help?”

He was giving her a clearly bewildered look, eyebrows arched. The normality was refreshing if equally perplexing.

There was an nonsensical amount of preternatural happenings around her - from people building forts that reminded her of old fashioned bomb shelters to foreign, strange looking weapons that she did not dare to ask were lethal or not - but right now, at this exact moment, she had a bigger concern. 

Her index digits were stuck in a chinese finger trap. 

                { - - ☼ “..Huh? How did this happen?”

[powerofbonds]

❤

I would kill for you. • I would make love to you. • I would fuck you. • I would protect you. • I would hurt you for a selfish cause. • I wish we had more in common. • I want nothing to do with you. • I want to see you cry. • I want a future with you. • I want to destroy your future. • I do not care what you do. • I am indifferent towards you. • I want children with you. • I love you ( platonically ) • I love you ( romantically ) • I love you like family. • You are my family. • I could fall in love with you. • I would lie for you. (Accomplice ending lol) • I would fight by your side. • I will never let you go. • I would hold you while you cried. • I would hug you. • I want to kiss you. • I would stay by your bedside if you were ill. • I want to fall asleep with you in my arms. • I want to forget you. • I will never forget you. • I only want to make you proud. • I wish I could make you happy. • You deserve nothing. • I will never forgive you. •You confuse me.

[powerofbonds]

send me ❤ and I will bold all that applies to your muse

I would kill for you. • I would make love to you. • I would fuck you. • I would protect you. • I would hurt you for a selfish cause. • I wish we had more in common. • I want nothing to do with you. • I want to see you cry. • I want a future with you. • I want to destroy your future. • I do not care what you do. • I am indifferent towards you. • I want children with you. • I love you ( platonically ) • I love you ( romantically ) • I love you life family. • You are my family. • I could fall in love with you. • I would lie for you. • I would fight by your side. • I will never let you go. • I would hold you while you cried. • I would hug you. • I want to kiss you. • I would stay by your bedside if you were ill. • I want to fall asleep with you in my arms. • I want to forget you. • I will never forget you. • I only want to make you proud. • I wish I could make you happy. • You deserve nothing. • I will never forgive you. • You confuse me.

inspired by here.

[powerofbonds]

TO: Tohru Adachi FROM: Yu Narukami

Yu examined his phone with arched eyebrows at first, about to reply with something gently mocking--just for a bit of fun; his banter with Adachi was practically a requirement--but..

Well, a more important topic was presented.

[1/4] ...Never a dull moment with him, is there? [2/4] Yeah, I’m getting caught up on the situation quick. I’m heading over there now, should be at the station in about fifteen minutes. [3/4] I’ll find Dojima-san--don’t worry. I’m not going to let anything happen to him. But do you really think you should be taking Sho on by yourself? [4/4] He’s not exactly a pushover even on his “off” days. Do you plan on accepting any help, or does it just need to show up unannounced?

TO: Yu Narukami FROM: Tohru Adachi

[1/10] Hey kiddo. Still in the habit of walking around town this late at night? [2/10] Hope so. Because shit’s happening, and I really don’t have time for you to get your sleepy ass out of bed. [3/10] I don’t have time to give you all the details or mess around, so read this quickly. [4/10] Sho just went fucking nuclear. It’s a long story, but right now he’s in Sector 003 dropping cops like nobody’s business and killing anyone he runs into in the streets. [5/10] At this rate, he’s not going to stop until every police officer in the city is burred six feet under, if he doesn’t find who he’s looking for. [6/10] Dojima-san was still working over at headquarters when I last saw him. I don’t think I need to tell you what’ll happen if Sho finds him. [7/10] I need you to go over there and check to make sure he’s alright. If he’s not there, look around for him. Get your friends up, go alone, do whatever, but find Dojima-san. Make up an excuse to be with him. Tell him that I sent you or something, but don’t let him out of your sight. [8/10] I’m over in Sector 003 right now. I’m going to go deal with our little problem child-by whatever means necessary. [9/10] If things go over alright, I’ll send you a message after everything’s settled. If you don’t hear from me by morning, welllllll…I hope that your soft spot for that brat isn’t going to overcome that sense of justice you love so much. [10/10] I really, really, really hate to say this, but…I’m counting on you, “Leader.”

[powerofbonds]

Pleased by the fact that she accepted his offer, Yu sat beside her, his sword resting across his legs. Every once in a while he smoothed his fingers across the black sheathe, feeling the familiar decorative ridges. Thoughtful.

“Thanks. Even if it led to a bunch of civilians getting involved in a murder case...well, it wasn’t a game to us, or anything to be taken lightly.”

“Never thought I’d become a high school vigilante.” He laughed and it was a lot easier to do so, now, since the case as over and all of that stress and worry went with it. “I’m all for pursuing the truth, but people have a right to their secrets, you know? For the most part. Sometimes sharing those secrets can help someone, but...that’s a lesson I’m still learning myself.”

He looked over at her, still very much relaxed.

“You wouldn’t be opposed to meeting me here again some days, would you? If you’re all right with that, I’d like to get to know you better. I have a feeling we could be really good friends.”

Zio Attacks Are No Good!

Even with his apparent experience, the other was surprised by her outburst as well. And why wouldn’t he? Someone like her wouldn’t usually say something so strange and expect to be taken seriously. Maybe he’d noticed how surprised she was as well, and that added to his own.

"It’s — it’s fine. I’m fine."

No she wasn’t.

Maybe it was best to take him up on that offer, seeing as how she was already hooked on getting more information out of him. Or, in other words, carrying on the conversation. She wasn’t exactly used to someone talking to her with such charm for so long.

Without responding to his offer, she took him up on it, her battered wooden sword in hand. She let out a small sigh as she took her seat, her energy still fully recovering from her earlier bout.

"You’re right, that is standard. More or less, anyway. After all, everyone carries their own secrets. You do. I do. It’s just a matter of keeping them a secret. Not to excuse their behavior, of course. Murder is unacceptable. I commend you for your actions, Narukami."

[powerofbonds]

> ...

> ...You aren’t sure what you just experienced.

> If the story is true, then this citizen of the Hive could likely use some cash.

(You suspect if this is his day job, he needs a lot more than just a dollar.)

> There’s a sign nearby asking for donations.

> ....Donate?

(He decides sure, why not.)

Yu takes out a dollar bill and places it, rolled up, into the can partway. He arches his eyebrows at the horned boy but doesn’t say anything besides, “That was...interesting.”

> TAVROS: BUST SOME BAD RHYMES. [BAD HERE IS LITERAL.]

    You lay ONE (1) BLANKET down on the sidewalk.

    Afterwards, ONE (1) SMALL FOOD CYLINDER [CAN] on top of it. 

    Next to this, ONE (1) CARDBOARD SIGN that says:

cOME ON AND SLAM, dONATE 1F 1T T1CKLES YOUR FANCY,

    You are ready.

[ ♉ ] TAVROS: l1STEN UP, yE MOTHERFUCKERS,  [ ♉ ] TAVROS: tAVROS N1TRAM ON THE BLOCK(ED), sWEAT1NG 1T OUT, l1PS LOCKED, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: lET ME TELL YOU A STORY, 1T GOES L1KE TH1S, 1, tWO, tHREE, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: wENT TO THE SUPERMARKET, bUY1NG BREAD, gOTTA REST MY HEAD, nOT GONNA LEAVE MYSELF FOR DEAD, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: cHEAPEST SH1T 1 F1ND, 1 N1NETY-N1NE,  [ ♉ ] TAVROS: a1N’T THAT UNFA1R, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: sO 1 GO TO THE COUNTER, 1 DOLLAR 1N MY POCKET, 1 SAY, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: lADY, yOU 1S CRAZY, g1RL YOU GOTTA UNDERSTAND THAT 1 GET PA1D M1N1MUM WAGE, oN THE LANDL1NE ALL DAMN DAY, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: 1 JUST WANNA GET A FUCK1NG LOAF OF BREAD, 1′M NOT THAT GUY FROM TROLL LES M1SERABL-EY, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: lOWER THE PR1CE, fOR MY SACR1F1CE, 1′LL TAKE YOU TO D1NNER 1 DAY, 1 SAY, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: sHE’S THE DEV1L 1N T1GHT FLANNEL, lAUGHS 1N MY FACE, bUT FUCK 1T 1 BRACE 1T, sHE SAYS, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: dARL1NG, bE A DEAR, wE BOTH KNOW WE’RE GONNA BE STUCK HERE FOREVER AND EVER, l1VE 1N THE SAME OLD WEATHER, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: tH1S C1TY A1N’T GONNA CHANGE FOR YOU AND ME, aND 1T DEF A1N’T GONNA GET YOUR SH1TTY BREAD FOR FREE, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: sO WHAT AM 1 GONNA DO, 1′M GONNA SELL THE BREAD FOR TWO, tHAT’S WHAT YOU GET, nOW PAY ME OR 1′M K1CK1NG YOU THE HELL OUT, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: pUT MY HAND 1N MY POCKET AND 1 PULL ALL MY CASH OUT, b1LLS 1N THE A1R BUT SHE JUST DON’T CARE, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: sHE SAYS, mOTHERFUCKER YOU’VE GOT 1 HOUR TO PAY, oR YOU’RE CALL1NG 1T A DAY WHEN THE COPS COME HOME,  [ ♉ ] TAVROS: nOW 1′M STAND1NG HERE, 1′M RAPP1NG ALL ALONE, cOULD YOU PAY FOR MY SH1T JUST THROW ME A BONE, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: yOU’VE BEEN ME, yOU’VE BEEN HERE, nOW YOU’VE GOTTA CHEER, fOR YOUR VICTIM BROTHER, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: 1′VE GOT 1 DOLLAR JUST PASS ME ANOTHER, [ ♉ ] TAVROS: ** f1N, **

    Recommendations: Donate if you agree that that was COMPLETE SHIT. And not the good shit.

[powerofbonds]

This was...bad. A change in the atmosphere around them, not just from their opponent, and now they were faced with the last thing that they needed--the ability to break what natural resistances they had. Yu didn’t let any of his worry appear on his face, pointedly wearing a mask of absolute calm and determination.

If push came to shove, they could retreat; it wasn’t as if they were the only heroes this city had to offer. But to still had plenty more to give, and he knew none of them intended to give up so soon. Yu squared his shoulders and decided there was no more time for wondering.

He let everyone know he heard their remarks on their limitations, hanging back for just a moment in order to watch the flow of Yosuke’s and Rise’s attacks. He didn’t need to shout for them to be on guard for the follow-up to the resistance breaking, they all knew how fights went at this point, but he did need to--

“Yukiko.” He put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring nod, holding eye-contact for a moment before he twirled his katana and ran off, and slashing at Nyx directly, a horizontal swing fueled by another surge of Zio’s energy.

“Guys, let’s go! We’ll show her humanity’s potential!”

lytrotis

The Fall -- Priestess Phase

The combined attacks of all parties involved had slipped a tender blur, a damage isn’t so forgiven as it lifted the tide of the events to a small but definite halt. The Avatar hovered higher and her figure glowed, it was a sign that she was now about to use Arcana Shift and the end of the Magician Phase was finally confirmed. The cooperative act bore a ripe fruit which did nothing to calm the goddess of Death. It infuriated her further and only made her believe that humanity deserved the ending they have so wished for her to bring.

"Eternity awaits."

Her beastly hand lifted itself and revealed a card, which later turned into another, one that presented a new phase.

"The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed…"

Said card shattered in mid-air and as the words escaped Nyx Avatar’s lips, a calming light pressed itself and blinded a few for a short moment.

"The silent voice within one’s heart whispers the most profound wisdom."

And the Priestess Phase commenced with the introduction of Ice Break being used. To where it was supposed to land, only the harbinger of Death knew. However, it would hit Amagi Yukiko and her resistance to any ice damage will shatter gracelessly. Nyx Avatar grinned amusingly.

"All shall perish."

[powerofbonds]

His eyes are on fire and Yu’s looking around for that guy on that one show that Yosuke adores--the pranking show? This is a joke, right? What sort of world can manifest flaming eyeballs? He better figure out what he’s going to do for sure quickly, before they get called for a bout.

“I’m...all for believing in bonds of friendship, but...uh...” He’s uncharacteristically at a loss for words. It’s like Samejima requires a whole new level of Stats to interact with. “It’s...well, we’re already signed up, so we might as well. You seem pretty confident.” The last part is said a little incredulously.

“That’s the spirit, dude!” Samejima pats Yu’s back. “We gotta both enter this tournament and get to the finals, so we’ll have an epic showdown of manliness to show to the world our might!” Samejima’s eyes were catching fire from excitement. Literally. Someone get some water for him.

“And isn’t that obvious? You survive it by either not being hit by it or through manly determination! When you fight for your friends, there’s nothing you can’t do!” Perhaps Yu might find the concept familiar, being a Wild Card and all, but that’s not exactly what Samejima means.