Watching Over You (Luka)

[Ayakura Alisa]

It's been a while, you know, and I was thinking... Yeah, it's dangerous, but I really need to see what's out there. ...I'm not strong enough to get there on my own, and thinking back on what that girl said... Damn, I never even got her name. Oh well. I can be absentminded sometimes. Yeah, maybe I should prolong my own life. But I can't just sit around knowing that something like this freaking exists. What the hell are these 'Shadow' things? Are they going to invade the city soon? Who's responsible for this? The so-called military cordoned this terminal I'm once again standing by off, but... Something's wrong, you know? Why would these monsters just casually remain there for this whole entire time? A really responsible military would have already at least attempted to make light of this, even if they failed miserably.

That could only mean one thing.

Those people WANTED them here. They WANT them to attack us when we're off guard. Damnit! Damnit all! Then, why am I even bothering to look for my parents? They're probably already dead! But... Urgh! If only I was stronger...

All I could do was just stare back into the terminal, a fair ways away from the passersby. At this point, I didn't care if people thought I was a loon. I wanted in, but... I couldn't DO anything. Damnit all. Instead of moping around though, I just decided to wait around there. Maybe I could pull off the same stunt, or... Hmm, actually, come to think of it, maybe I could just like, see if there are any others like that girl...

[Luka Kurokawa]

Walking towards the limits of the city's safety, young Luka paused a moment to adjust her coat. Though to be fair, it was more like a cloak than a coat. It was completely white with quite a bit of weight to it. It wasn't particularly cold out tonight, but it may prove useful for the place she would be exploring. That, and it would certainly hide her identity should someone see her cross the boundary through the terminal. But more on the subject of the girl's destination. In essence, she didn't really know what her destination was. Perhaps it was more of an objective rather than a location?

You see, Luka who had become well aware of what loomed beyond the terminal had considered the danger that the citizens of the city may be in. Her goal of course, was to ensure their safety. Killing the shadows seemed like an idea in its own right, but it yielded little to no visual progress. That was when Luka had considered another option. What if she could guide everyone out of the shadowy area? That was certainly an option. But in order to do that she would need to find out quite a few things. How far did the Shadow-lands stretch? How dangerous did it get as they progressed farther? Was there even an end to it? She had not even considered that the entire world may have been destroyed. That was a possibility given no signs of life outside of where they were. There were many questions to ask.

Finally reaching the terminal, Luka slipped inside and went on without a care. The enemies of the terminal wouldn't be too much trouble for her. In fact, she likely wouldn't even need her persona for a fight should one arise. It would be one quick path through and into the expanse of shadow. It was also why she had packed a few other things with her. Medical supplies and a bit of food should the journey be considerable. It was more of a journey than a stroll around the outside. The length of that journey remained to be seen. . .

[Ayakura Alisa]

Another strange girl. What was it with this city and women with strange powers? Yeah, someone like that probably has the same power too, so I'm not as worried... But... Still, she'll be my ticket. I feel a little dirty for using them like this, but I've got no choice. My knife won't do a thing against anything in there. She seemed to go in rather headfirst, like she had a goal in mind. That's good. Maybe she would be kinder to me about the issue than that last one, who seemed to be more concerned with doing things on her own. "Hey, wait!" I called out as I slipped back into the terminal while chasing the girl. I knew in her movements she didn't care what happened to her, she seemed less concerned about her own life than that last girl, almost as if she was inviting death itself to come at her. Well, that's a scary prospect to think about. She looks so damn young, Christ...

But back to the matter at hand, once I made it back to the 'outside' again, I would try to look for more information. Perhaps with the girl there I could be enlightened further. Maybe she'll be more accommodating about the situation, given I must be one of the few normal people who have actually survived a trip out here. Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I've got nothing better to do right now. My work back home can wait; I feel this is definitely more important.

[Luka Kurokawa]

Luka walked at a rather fast pace through the terminal, hoping to avoid as many unnecessary confrontations as possible. She needed to conserve her energy for the road ahead. Who knew how powerful the shadows were on the outskirts? Her footsteps weren't as quiet as her previous trips, but she wasn't as concerned as the few times she had been here before. She was still fully alert of course. And being alert, she faintly heard something from behind her. It wasn't a shadow. It sounded more like human footsteps. Running? Luka turned around to see what the noise was. She wasn't about to get hit with a surprise attack. Not today. Pulling out her evoker, she quickly turned around.

As her body rotated and readied itself for combat, Luka threw her hood off to get a better view. It was a woman, and she seemed to call out to her. But that wasn't all. A group of three or four shadows were about to attack her. Her blue-black hair flowed back as she readied her evoker. Her golden gaze focused on the targets, and she pulled the trigger. Yuki Jyorou! From above her, the demonic beauty that was her persona revealed itself. Black light surrounded each and every shadow, utterly destroying them. The shadows here were quite easy for her to take down now. Something like this was nothing. So much for conserving energy though.

Moving towards the woman and getting a better view of her, Luka decided to speak. Are you lost? Or are you perhaps another persona-user? Or perhaps. . . you simply seek something beyond the terminal? This girl had no intent of harming her. Why would she announce herself? Perhaps she was a cop? That would be bad. It would be very bad. Then again, she might be able to escape trouble with the fact that Luka had just defeated those shadows. Maybe. With a rather blank look, she simply waited for the woman to speak.

[Ayakura Alisa]

Persona-user, she said. That must be what they call those strong enough to defeat these things. I had already tailed this person for a while, but she seemed to display thorough use of what I swear was some sort of magical power. She eliminated whatever was coming at her with relative ease. I wonder if, some day, I might be able to awaken to that power. I won't mull over it though, that would be silly. Instead, I came down here with a more important goal in mind than raw power. That could come later once my curiosity was sated. Anyway, it looks like she asked for my purpose here. After all, a normal human being wouldn't dare step foot in here. But I've already been here before. I certainly wasn't lost, either. I hate to admit it, but I was actually in need of escort. Yeah, I am looking to get past here again. I sighed and shook my head in defeat. I guess I gotta admit to this lady too.

"As a matter of fact, yes. I wanted to return to the... Outer Circle. I have to look for something there. But it was too dangerous for me to go there alone. I guess I'm quite lucky you ran in there alone, huh? Nothing I have will be strong enough to cut through those things you call Shadows." I plainly admitted. No use throwing around theatrics. I needed to make sure I didn't seem like a threat. "Sorry for following you so abruptly. I saw how you handled those things. I'm not like you folks... Just a 'normal' person with a mission. So I wondered if I could tag along, that's all."

Yeah, just stay cool. Can't force the issue.

[Luka Kurokawa]

She needed an escort it seemed. She certainly wasn't expecting something like that. She was a non-persona user who sought something outside the safety of the city. What could that be, she wondered. She wouldn't pry for now, but asking might be beneficial for both of them if she was to help her. She hadn't said she would help her yet, of course. But would she? Of course she would.

Sure. I recommend you stay by me though. I don't want you getting hurt. It didn't really matter what this girl was trying to do beyond the circle. She needed Luka's help and Luka could provide it. From her words, it was a matter of something personal rather than something of malicious intent. Though, could it interfere with her original goal? Perhaps. But maybe she could see if their goals coincided in some way. I'm afraid I will have to pry a bit as to the reasoning behind your leaving of the city. That, or at least a destination. She paused and took a deep breath. I suppose you already know what lies beyond the city then. You should also know that the police have been lying to us. The city is in danger of being overrun I believe. Today, I'm here to see how far the circle goes. If I'm lucky, I hope to find an exit of some sort as well. If I find one, an evacuation of the city can become possible. She gave her entire plan to this girl whom she did not know. Perhaps it was an unsafe idea, but Luka had a good feeling about her. She was not evil. She had good intentions. I can take you along for as long as you need. I have supplies and seem to be able to navigate around fair enough. So tell me, what is it that you are looking for? This wasn't the safest location to hold such a conversation, but it was a necessary one. Let's walk and talk shall we? There. That was a better idea.

[Ayakura Alisa]

Walk and talk; sounds like a plan. I made sure to stay a reasonable distance close to this person, but her mentioning that the city was in danger of being overrun was a little scary. Especially considering that the city was full of civilians like myself who would probably get murdered or FUBAR'd to all hell. Fortunately for this lady, I'm already somewhat in the loop with regards to this current situation, thanks to my first excursion here with that other lady. Man, she still leaves a weird taste in my mouth. Something about her is... off. Anyway, this one! "Me? Yeah, I know it's all been a big lie. I need to find out what happened to my parents, and if they're dead, what actually killed them. You see, they went out here on their own as well, and I'm sure they already suspected about the 'outside,' that it's literally just some crazy wasteland. Maybe we'll find out more about the circle together? It sure beats working alone, I think. I won't get in your way." Yeah, we still kept on going and such. I think this one's alright with me. Has a clear goal and I'm not one to get in the way of somebody's own mission. "...I mean, I'm an investigator. I do this kind of thing."

[Luka Kurokawa]

As she walked, Luka listened to the girl's reasons for coming here. Ah, is that so? She was right about this woman. She was nothing to fear. But just as she said, the two of them may be able to work together in this crisis. Sure, she didn't have a persona but there were many ways this woman could help. As for how she could help this woman, there were a number of ways. She was looking for her parents, as she said. If they had not returned, something must have happened. Though Luka did not want to assume the worst, she did not have a good feeling about the matter. We can look around for clues on the way then. That seemed like their best bet.

They had now left the terminal and moved into the city ruins. It was hard enough for a civilian to get past here. Had her parents really made it this far? And if they didn't would they find any signs of them? Luka took her mind off of such bad thoughts and kept herself hopeful. We'll be making a straight line for the end of this mist. If you have any questions though, feel free to ask. If you need to stop and check something as well, just ask. She felt sort of like a flight attendant. LukaLuka Airways. No, bad idea. She continued onward, keeping an eye out for shadows that may cross their path.

[Ayakura Alisa]

She seemed kind of dead inside, come to think of it. She had a clear mission and goal in mind but at the same time, it felt like her expression was forced. I think she's hiding something, but that's none of my business. She agreed to help me out, and that's all I need. Yes, looking for clues both to solve the mystery of this rotten wasteland and to find out what the hell happened to my parents would be good. It would be like killing two birds with one stone. I continued to look around and take in my surroundings. How could such a barren place be... this strangely inhabitable? Well, of course, if you discount the fact you could get attacked by demonic creatures from what appears to be a completely different world. This place looked like shit compared to the rest of Mosaic City back home. And then there's the matter of this damnable fog. There was a whole lot of... well, nothing, save for the scattered mixture of destroyed and reasonably untouched buildings. Actually, it looked like it was possible to loot some stuff here. It might be interesting to explore, but at the moment, it's not feasible for me because I am too weak. Hmm. This is going to be a recurring theme, isn't it?

Actually, I might as well...

"Hey, you mentioned something about a Persona-user," I mentioned, still walking. "I gather that's what they call people like yourself, huh? With the power to defeat these things. I heard something about it in passing but I didn't really think such people existed. I figure it would be useful for me to know about it, is all. I don't really want to have to keep asking people like this, but I myself am just... a 'Normal Person,' you know? Can't mess around with those things."

[Luka Kurokawa]

Continuing to walk while keeping on guard, Luka's ears perked up to the question regarding her persona, and personas in general. Well, it was a natural question. A few days ago, Luka would have probably wondered the same thing. A notion such as a persona was akin to something straight out of one of her favorite manga. Well, that's how she thought of it when she first realized how the summoning worked. But now then, where should she begin the explanation? From what I know, personas are the embodiment of one's self. My persona is who I am. Perhaps not on the outside, but on the inside. Now that she thought about it, her persona wasn't far off from her own appearance. Maybe that meant she had nothing to hide? It was a thought for another time.

They seem to take shape of mythological figures, demons, angels and things of history. At least, from what I've seen in other users. I can only assume the persona they receive has traits that represent their real selves. That was the most likely answer anyway. Their skills, strengths and weaknesses all seem to be related as well. Even their corresponding elements. Fire, ice, wind, electricity, light. . . darkness. There was a pause before the last element. The one of which she specialized in. And according to the blonde woman who runs the safehouse out here, each persona can be categorized into cards of the Rider-Waite or Thoth tarot decks. She wasn't sure if the woman knew what tarot cards were. Luka only knew because of that manga that she loved so much. Well, she'd probably get a question about it if she didn't. Anything you need clarified? She might have missed something or potentially confused the woman. Talking about mythical figures that appeared from pretending to shoot yourself in the head could do that to someone.

[Ayakura Alisa]

Sounds like a fairy tale to me all right. Well, I learned enough about it. I didn't have any more to ask in the mean time. It seemed like an outrageous concept, but if there was a living example right in front of my very eyes, walking with me in this trashy place, I couldn't deny that it was very much there in the flesh. Tarot cards, huh. I'm vaguely familiar with those, but I never really got into them, so all I know about them are the basic traits of each of the major arcana, and only a little bit about the minor. Hum. Well, I call it that based on what I've read myself. Information hunting can take you places. This girl knew her stuff, but she seemed almost sad. It was almost pitiful, but yet... There was an inner strength to her, I guess. No sad heap of flesh would go all the way out here to try and find a solution to this disgusting predicament. Yes, it felt like I sensed a Death here or something. That's one way I would describe her temperament. Yes, she seemed to have a look and demeanor that invited death. It seems weird to think about people like that, but I guess Anna's over-analytics have gotten into my head and rewired me a little. Anyway. Enough of that.

I found myself having stood still for a couple of moments. "...No, no miss. You've told me a lot already. Thank you." More importantly, it served as a conduit for battle capabilities. Being armed with a Persona, must be what powers these people. Yes, like that annoying girl from before. The Persona must be what gave her the strength to take them on with her bare fists, and the Persona must be what gave this girl the strength to eliminate such 'Shadows' with strange magical abilities.

"Though... Having known this, and what's happening here in the 'Outside,' I do find myself wondering if there's something bigger that my parents have found. Maybe they left a note or something somewhere... Geez. There's a lot here I could find, but I'm too weak... It's sad, isn't it, huh?"

[Luka Kurokawa]

Her explanation seemed to be enough for the woman. She seemed to be accepting of it at least. Though, not many would still doubt such a thing after witnessing a display like Luka's. Then came the woman's second statement. She felt powerless, it seemed. Luka could only feel guilty at such a thought. There were people much more deserving of such a power than herself. This woman actually had a family she cared for and wanted to protect. Why couldn't she have a persona? It didn't seem fair at all. There is certainly something huge going on here. I'll help you look for your parents as long as you need as well. To protect this woman while she looked for her parents was something she could at least do herself.

Though, there may still be hope for you to obtain a persona. I may not be sure how it works, but I believe anyone can gain such a power. She was living proof of that, she thought. Even someone whose only purpose was to cause death everywhere she went could get one. Though, that may have been the sole reason she received one in the first place. Memories of being called a cursed child resurfaced in her memory. She closed them back in a moment later and picked up the pace. I wonder how far this circle goes. Trying to get her mind off the topic, she scanned the sky for an end point. There was none in sight unfortunately. It seemed that their journey would take some time.

[Ayakura Alisa]

I think she felt sorry for me. Hah... Funny. Well, I was just concentrated on this. Man, this place really does look like the shitter. This hellhole looks like it could go on forever. Does this accursed fog even end? Anyway, there was a curious thought that wandered in to my head actually, that this babyfaced girl brought up. Anyone could attain such a power. Well, that is certainly curious. If it is possible, I wonder... Then again, it sounds farfetched. There must be a catalyst for it, a catalyst I do not know, so I will just leave it on the backburner for now. Surely there must be others who have experienced or bore witness to an awakening. However, I could tell that as she spoke, she seemed sad about recounting those thoughts, as if she had brought up a bad memory. Of course, it would be in bad taste to bring it up. It sounded like the sorrow of burden. Yes, I know the sorrow of burden all too well, though naturally in a different state. She didn't get in my way, in fact, she seemed... almost too eager to go through this, fully aware of the possible dangers and potential pitfalls that might arise. She seemed strong as well. There was something resembling "resolve" behind that visage of her's.

She wondered out loud when this stupid circle would end. That's a pretty good question. Did this damn thing ever end? How long have we even been walking? Have there even been any signs of life? Christ, it's starting to feel a bit chilly in here, too. "This seems like it could go on forever... Why do you think it's come down to this, anyway? The police... military... force... things, it's pretty obvious now that they lied to us, but... Do you suppose they have anything to do with these 'Shadow' creatures that terrorize the areas that don't directly connect to Mosaic City, where civilization is blissfully ignorant?" I could sense the girl's need to divert from the topic of the Persona, and instead opted to try and discuss the situation and get a clearer bearing of things. I couldn't fight, but the least I could do was to try to calm things down from a safer place.

[Luka Kurokawa]

Her gaze remained on the sky for a little longer, trying to grasp the distance of the visible purple sky. It was quite hard with the fog and all. She glanced back a moment as the woman referred to the military that prevented travel between the inside and outside. Luka knew the answer to that easily. Not that she could really blame her for not knowing. Ah, about the military. They aren't real people. They're all shadows. She said the fact rather plainly. Though, when she first learned of the fact she was quite shocked. Now, it wasn't much to fuss about. I'm able to sense shadows to some degree thanks to my persona. The military all give off the aura of shadows. We are essentially hostages. The only thing I question is what is stopping them from attacking us. Pondering that over, Luka noticed they had reached the limits of the city. Now it was time to trek the outskirts for however far it led. We're in unexplored territory now, by the way. Be extra careful. Not even I know what is found out here. Barren wasteland lay ahead. If it continued on like this for much longer, Luka would simply assume that there was no escape and that the world around her had been completely destroyed. She would continue a little farther, nonetheless.

[Ayakura Alisa]

So, the military are 'Shadows' as well, huh? But, as logical a conclusion as that is, given that all you could find out here aside from... Well, that bar and its eccentric owner, and the occasional Persona-user... All you could find were shadows. However, most of the shadows I saw looked and acted rather savagely. I could certainly only come up with the idea that there are highly intelligent Shadows who have a definite agenda, or some sort of plan, that they are coming up with, and I have to reason out that because the rest of Mosaic City hasn't been thoroughly overrun yet, are biding their time for something. Damn. This is big. This is really big. My parents no doubt must have found something about this. They have to have, and I'm sure because of it, they might have been taken away, or even worse, killed. The girl again mentioned that we were 'their hostages.' Given we were freaking quarantined by these bizarro freaks, they certainly were dangerous. At some point, we had reached the outskirts of the "city" and now all I could really see was the discolored sky and an expanse of... nothingness. Figuratively speaking, that was.

In our thought, I had completely forgotten to get this girl's name. Well, I didn't get the other girl's name either, but I wasn't about to repeat the same mistake. I followed her too, I didn't want to get left behind either. "Hey... Uh... I never caught your name, missy. ...I'm Alisa. Ayakura Alisa. I'm now the sole owner of the 'Ayakura Information Network,' since my parents are probably goners. 'Course, because the outside world is... not much of an outside world anymore, I reckon about 70% of my information networks are now dead as well. It's a pleasure to meet you, er... Miss...?"

Well, that sounded awkward. But probably not as awkward as a midnight stroll in the barren wasteland of nothingness.

...Fuckin' hell, man. What the heck have I gotten myself into?