Demolition Charges (Boss)

[Akira Nakajima]

First was a demonic Shadow-possessed train that desired to eat him. Second was the Grim Squeaker, the wannabe reaper Shadow that was taken by the full group of Persona-users. Third was something Akira could only guess as to the nature of. Whatever it might have been, the boy in drag knew something was up when he headed to the mines again. A particularly strong sensation rippled through his body and mind, letting him know one of the “momma bears” was out and about. It'd be strong. It'd be mean. It'd probably be a pain. But the boy knew that if there were others around, they could tackle it with no issues.

The crossdresser was a set of a blue blouse, red jacket, and checkered white and blue skirt. For accessories, there were thigh-highs (which was to be a given by this point), fingerless black gloves, and a black ribbon in his hair. Choice of footwear, given the locale, was boots. Everything was put together well, he figured. And with his gear all on him, even a mid-boss wouldn't be too much of an issue. He just hoped there were some people around. It'd be slightly bothersome to have to fight one like that on his own.

. . . even if he did plan to one day have the power to do so.

[Luka Kurokawa]

Luka had known about the presence in the mine for quite some time now, having spent a few trips trying to locate it already, to no avail. but today in particular, her senses were picking up the boss a bit more "descriptively" now. When she had the opportunity,the girl made her way over to the mine, evoker and all, and began looking around for signs of the enemy. As she drew closer and closer to what she sensed, she heard something nearby. Was it a shadow? Readying her evoker, the girl turned the corner to check on the cause of the alarm. . . . Oh. Akira.

Well this was convenient. She had known that the enemy was likely too powerful to take down on her own, despite her going in to try regardless. You sensed it too I'm guessing? The powerful shadow. . . It may be showing its presence to us soon. Something similar had happened in the terminal back when she had first gotten her persona. Just what was it that triggered their appearance? Well regardless, we should keep our guard up. If there was anyone she was happy to meet in the middle of a dusty old mine, it was Akira; given the -last- run they had together in that mine.

[Seiji Dalton]

Something big was happening. Something Seiji could only guess the nature of. His brother was out seducing Neil Patrick Harris drinking recreating the game Watch_Dogs doing something. Getting his uniform on in a hurry, he hoisted up his electric sword and booked it through the sewers. He didn't have time to head for the Gap and the terminal so through the sewers it was. Pulling himself up on the other side, he found himself drawn like a moth to a flame by the 'boss'.

Considering where he'd been exploring, he probably could have found the source of the strange otherworldly pull without it being there. The mines...oh joy. Seiji just hoped no one that would be fighting the thing with explosives or other weapons that could potentially cave in the mines over their heads. Remaining composed and quick, he eventually reached the entrance to the mines and wound his way down. He eventually heard a high voice talking in the distance. Readying his card, he walked up to the source of the voices and found...Ran and Luka. "Fancy meeting you two here." He commented dryly.

"If there was some big tentacle reaper and about ten more people, I'd think I was experiencing Deja Vu." Whatever was coming would likely soon be upon them. Jokes aside, Seiji drew his sword and readied himself, falling into a defensive stance.

[Boss-sama Desu]

As the crew came together, tremors rocked the walls of the mines. Dust fell from the ceiling. A Shadow here and there shot through passages, as if running from something terrifying. The tremors grew. The presence of power became ever stronger. Then, the enemy revealed itself. A bulky figure, humanoid in shape, lumbered into the chamber. Now in the light, its nature was revealed. The bulk of the figure was a conglomeration of rocks. As if kept together by a gravitational pull, each rock on the body shook and popped out before being sucked back in. It was only when the mass that formed the “head” spread to let out a guttural, slimy cry that light could be seen- red, fierce light, like fire- from within it.


Beware, GAME OVER, MAN, has appeared!

Skills

Akasha Arts
Gigantic Fist
Maragion
ROCK WRECKER

Resistances: ? ? ?
Weaknesses: ? ? ?

[Akira Nakajima]

Seemed that he was not alone, fortunately. First, Akira stumbled into Luka. If he was support, then Luka was a solid mage. That was the start to a solid party. Then, Seiji popped up behind them. There was something oddly convenient about being stuck near Persona-users- like, close enough that he could turn a corner to find one- whenever these mid-bosses appeared. He offered a slight smile. One was a mage. One was a tank. And him? He could handle support and healing. That was just about as rounded out a party as you could get for a boss. Slowly, the boy nodded.

”Good to see you both. Couldn't hope for better party members. Keep your guards up. It's nearly here.” And, as if on cue, the figure appeared. First was a train. Then, a reaper. Now? Now it was a damn golem. Was this supposed to be a modern-day RPG? Just slap some fantasy monsters into the real world and slap some black paint on them to call them Shadows? What the hell. It was big. It was probably dangerous as hell. He was somewhat comforted by the glow of fire, though. Meant he knew what not to attack with, as well as what to expect. He had a role to play, and he'd stick to it.

”It's big and it's ugly. It probably packs a punch, too. I'll beef up our defense, then heal as needed!” Reaching into his jacket, he put the evoker to his head. ”Alma Elma, Rakukaja!” He ordered as the succubus filtered out of his head, floating above him before extending her arms. A surge of blue pulsed over the three humans, boosting their defense. Two more of those and, with his new healing skills, there was no way they'd lose.

He wouldn't allow a loss, not there and not then.

Action: Rakukaja
Notes: Raku x1 - party

[Luka Kurokawa]

It would seem that Akira wasn't the only one that got the "message" about the mines. That boy from the fight with the reaper was here too. If Luka recalled, his name was Seiji(?). Well regardless, it was another ally for the fight that was to be had.

Luka's head turned towards a large noise in the corridors ahead. The earth quaked as dust fell from the ceiling. And pretty soon, Luka could make out the silhouette of something definitely not human. Well, speak of the devil.

It looked like some sort of shadowy rock golem. From the games that Luka was used to playing, she knew that these things could really pack a punch. As for their smarts. . . that was up in the air. Akira had the same idea as her, at least in regards to the Shadow's overall strength. He chose to boost their defense to start the fight off. Well, Luka had two options now. She could go for an offensive start and begin by using Mind Charge, or she could buff her team's offensive capabilities. She gave it a little bit of thought as she pulled her evoker out.

If she used Mind Charge, Seiji could still use Tarukaja. Thus her next attack would be quite powerful. But she needed to keep in mind that the enemy might be able to nullify some of her attacks. It was a risk. Furthermore, it was a risk she didn't need to bother herself with. Hel, come forth! Luka's persona came out from the ground, casting Tarukaja on the three of them. They had time to test out weaknesses later. For now, preparatory work was needed!

Using: Tarukaja

Party Status: 1x Rakukaja, 1x Tarukaja, 1x LukaLuka

[Seiji Dalton]

...holy shit, did those two girls just shoot themselves in the head? Seiji was momentarily taken aback considering he'd never seen an Evoker up close before. Considering the group that had assembled to fight the Golem, he wasn't worried about the outcome of the fight. Thinking back to the night of the full moon, he remembered when Vice shot the reaper and it recovered. He really didn't want to beef up their attacks and end up having the boss absorb them. What if it gave the monstrosity enough energy for some super attack? Ran beefed up his defenses and Luka powered up their attacks.

Pulling forth his inner strength, Seiji shattered the card that floated down and his Persona appeared in a flash of blue light. A short, portly knight appeared in front of Seiji, sword drawn and shield at the ready. Bashing its sword and shield together, Gawain sent out a flash of red light across each of the three combatants. Their attack powers were further augmented. "Ten bucks says it's weak to pierce." He muttered in a voice that was as dark as he could muster considering pierce was the one type of physical damage his Persona was incapable of doing.

He had a feeling that the shadow would unleash some attack that hit all of them at the same time but he wanted to be in front just in case. It was in his nature to rush into a fight headfirst. "Would you prefer finishing up the augmenting of our attack power or would you like me to do it?" There was a bit of fire in his normally neutral voice. As he braced himself for whatever the rock golem would throw at him, Seiji was worked up and ready for the fight to come.

Action: Tarukaja
Party Status: 2x Taru, 1x Raku, 1x Luka Luka, 1x Who dafuk named these techniques?

[Boss-sama Desu]

No attacks came. The humans were too focused on building themselves up. It was similar to their treatment of the world- that mine, for example. They took from it, built from it, and eventually left it to ruin. As they did with the world, so they would do with themselves. The golem took two steps forward, planting its feet in the ground, before opening its mouth. It had no respiratory system, but it still inhaled. Then, exhaling, it spewed flames out at the humans! It would hit all of them for moderate flame-based damage! Not an extremely powerful move, no. But it needed to be a little closer to unleash its true power.

[Akira Nakajima]

With his partners unleashing Tarukaja twice, their offensive abilities were boosted a good deal. A question was uttered, but it was not one for him to answer. Instead, the boy in drag paid attention to the slowly approaching golem. It used the equivalent of fire breath on them. He could make that observation calmly due to the fact that the flames danced on his skin and clothes like lights, not actually doing anything to the boy. Considering that this thing looked as though it'd deal more with physical attacks than magical attacks, he figured the damage from it was negligible, especially with one layer of protection already up. Instead of healing, he should focus on getting as many layers up as possible, he decided.

”I'll heal us when it looks like it's necessary. Until then, I'll try to put as many layers up as possible. I have your backs, so give it your all!” He informed them of his decision before Alma Elma gave off another pulse of Rakukaja, boosting the group's defense further.

Action: Rakukaja
Notes: Tarukaja x2, Rakukaja x2 – party

[Luka Kurokawa]

Just as Luka had expected, Seiji went for another Tarukaja. That was two now. Perhaps now she could go in for a strong attack? No. She didn't know this thing's alignment yet. When she had a better idea, she would go in for an offensive attack. And just as she spoke, the golem made its move. Fire attacks, it seemed. Hel came in front of Luka to diminish the blow as best she could. The flames were intense, but she was fine, for now.

To make the situation even better, Akira put in another stack of Rakukaja for the three of them. They weren't going down so easily. Not yet, anyway. I'll let you finish that. I've got some setting up of my own to do. And with that, Hel began to charge up, charging up Luka as a result. Her next attack would do some serious damage now.

Thinking back on it, nothing had survived a Mind Charged attack yet. Now Luka was curious as to how this thing would hold up against whatever she threw at it. Judging by its fire alignment, she could safely predict ice as a possible weakness. If not, she could always just go for her routine dark attack. That always seemed to work out well.

Action: Mind Charge

[Seiji Dalton]

Seiji felt good. Between Ran's second buff and his own, not even the torrent of flames sent their way by the rock golem hurt him as much as it should have. Sir Gawain had hunched down and set its shield in place, taking much of the damage even as Seiji grunted in pain from the flames that licked around the Persona's armor. Quietly looking around and observing the actions of the two ladies fighting alongside him, he saw Ran use Rakukaja again. Her Persona had also changed since their last encounter. Instead of an imp, it looked like some monster girl out of a H-game. Not that Seiji ever played H-games.

Watching as the blue haired girl powered herself up, Seiji nodded at her reply and compelled Sir Gawain to use Tarukaja again. Red light flashed across his allies again and his attack power felt tremendous. He felt capable, able to take on the world. It was only the knowledge that he had only a few moments before the creature attacked again that kept him from going on a full offensive with Gawain. Anticipating what was coming, Gawain formed another shield wall and waited, much like his master waited. The creature would do whatever it decided to do, and while it was recoiling, Luka and he would strike.

Despite his confidence, he tossed a somewhat nervous look back at Ran. He believed in the girl given how she took charge of matters and her great contributions to the full moon boss, but he wondered just how potent her healing spells would be in the face of something built to crush puny human bones like the Gigas. "Why oh why didn't I get into Lord of the Rings when I was younger so I could get an elf ranger persona with some piercing arrows?" He reflected dourly.

Action: Tarukaja
Party Status: 3x Taru, 2x Raku, Luka charged up!

[Boss-sama Desu]

Again, not a single attack came. These humans continued to build themselves up for ruin. They could build their defenses all they wished. They could sharpen their blades until the end of time. All would one day fall to ruin, themselves included. Slowly, the golem pressed closer. It could reach the humans, physically, if it utilized its special features. Closing in one more time would put them in range for the true threats. So, looking through the humans, it decided to attack the one that seemed to take the least damage from its breath. Then, throwing its shoulder back, the golem launched its fist at Akira. The rocks spread apart by using that magnetic pull, effectively sending a rocket punch at him for heavy strike-based damage!

[Akira Nakajima]

Luka had prepared herself, and Seiji finished off the preparations for their offensive. All was looking pretty good, frankly. The golem scooted on a bit closer and--- . . . son of a bitch. Sonofabitchbitchbitch! He already knew what was coming. It happened every other damn time he came to these damn mines! He tensed up and grunted as he was punch, again in the chest. That was only, you know, like the fourth time this exact situation had occurred. He shook a little, but he did not lose his footing. Nah, he pretty much knew to expect that shit now.

The mines were full of assholes looking to punch the crossdresser, after all.

”. . . I'll begin healing after this next one.” He calmly announced. His expression was twisted, not out of pain but out of annoyance. Alma Elma spread her arms out for a third time, giving the group a maxed out defense.

Action: Rakukaja
Notes: Tarukaja x3, Rakukaja x3 – party; Akira – Exceedingly pissed off

[Luka Kurokawa]

Just as requested, Seiji completed the offensive boost that they needed for the battle. That meant the both of them could finally begin wailing on the boss. As for the boss itself, it had chosen Akira as a target, using an attack that Luka (and most definitely Akira) were all too familiar with. Luka winced as she watched him take the full brunt of the attack. Ah. . . I think you need to dodge the punches! Maybe Akira didn't get that yet? After all, it had happened at least three times now; likely a few more when she wasn't around. Luka was only trying to help despite the connotations that her suggestion invoked.

Regardless, the girl finished buffing the party's defense. Now it was her time to unleash the power that she had saved up. Hel! Her persona came front and center. Her attack of choice this time was ice. it wasn't as strong as her dark attack, but she had a hunch that this thing might be weak to ice, much like the train. And with that, a powerful blast of ice hit the rock golem. Well, more powerful than a regular ice attack anyway. We'll begin checking it for weak spots now. She spoke to her two companions following the ice attack's launch.

[Seiji Dalton]

The buffing phase of the fight seemed to be over. Seiji winced as he saw the massive rocket fist hit Ran. Thank goodness he wasn't the one on the receiving end of that. He remembered the first time he was hit with strike damage back during his fight with the Luchadore Gigas. Pangs of dull pain flashed throughout his body just from thinking about that damn Hulk Hogan ripoff. Good thing Ran was tough or else they might have lost a healer on the second round. That wouldn't exactly be good Tank behavior, losing the healer so early in a bossfight.

Weighing his options in his head, he considered both the appearance of the Golem and the attacks it had used. Fire and punches, punches and fire. As he'd been muttering about like a disgruntled salaryman, he figured that the thing was weak to piercing attacks but he didn't have anything with which to test out that theory. There was his hama attack and Gawain's sword...which one would be better to use? They'd essentially waste an opening if Sir Gawain's sword ended up healing the rock golem. Shrugging and remembering that they were all three competent fighters who could probably make up for it if one of them slacked a little, he decided to push the offensive with Brave Blade.

Trailing along behind the ice blast launched by Hel, the stout knight slashed across the Titan's body with Brave Blade. Clenching his body, he winced in anticipation of recoil from the attack if there was to be any.

Action: Brave Blade