tvk | CONTRACT |2| [Action/Video] {THE DARK HOUR}

[The video is suddenly jarred on, as if caused by the phone hitting something in just the right position to turn it on. Though all that can be seen is black, there's the sound of heavy wheezing and gasping, as well as footsteps nearby. Something hits the phone, making the oddly-textured black lurch a bit before it stops, this time flipped on its side and actually showing something.

Lion is doubled over, one hand on his knee and the other across his chest, gasping desperately for air. Combined with the cuts and scraps on his exposed skin and the rather disheveled look in general, it seems he's been running for a while and has tripped quite a few times.]

A...Atsuro!

[The yell is to the surrounding area, half-wheezed and high-pitched with what's clearly terror. The reason for this quickly becomes obvious, as a Visceral Maya comes into view of both the camera and the boy.]

Ah... shit...

[Clearly too exhausted to keep running, he turns to face it, backing up slowly.]

Come on... I'm supposed to have a Persona too.... COME ON!

[It snaps forward for him, causing him to yelp and cross his arms over his upper half. A bright swirl of energy bursts up from his feet, the Shadow immediately rebuffed by the ice spell the angel has thrown at it. Seeing that he's not quite dead, Lion breathlessly throws his hand out again, the angel mimicking the gesture and finishing it off with the same spell.]

Hah...

[Dominion disappears, and a grin slowly spreads across the boy's face. It's only held there for a moment, however, as he suddenly teeters, slumping to the ground in a heap.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

And that you weren't kidding. These things are really dangerous.

I think I'll stick with you for a while.

Good. Just don't die on me, alright?

[He saw all those death announcements before over the network. He feels bad, but Atsuro isn't as emotionally close to them as with Lion.]

Since I'll make sure to cover for you.

I won't. Promise.

[He smiles to back it up, squeezing Atsuro's shoulder with the hand on it.]

Especially if you're covering me too. Once I get used to this, I can pick up what you can't.

[This gets him laughing.]

Just like back home! If with more monsters trying to eat us.

Yeah. From what I've seen over the phone, your Persona can use magic.

[He grins. Magic spells are his big weak point, with how limited Amirani's skills are at the moment.]

To think we'd end up in something that only happens in anime and games. A bunch of people with the powers to fight monsters!

No kidding. I never would've guessed we'd be doing this a few weeks ago, how about you?

I thought it'd be some kind of survival horror, where we investigate while avoiding monsters. But, well, I end up with a Persona after a close call.

[Grins.] Definitely not something we can do back home, right?

Definitely not.

[He flashes Atsuro a grin himself, though it fades after a moment as he shakes his head a bit, using his free hand to rub at his face.]

I think I need to lay down.

Alright. But let's get inside a building first, any building.

[Glance around for a place. Store or something.]

[Luckily, there seems to be a store just by them, so it's a quick matter for them to get inside and close up the door.

Lion ends up leaning against the wall, looking more worse for wear.]

At least they can't come inside.

Yeah. Well, those guys anyway. But most Shadows would leave us alone after a while.

[Looks over at Lion.] Want to rest a bit? Or wait until this time is over?

Let's wait here until the Dark Hour is over.

[He rubs his face a bit, looking... uncomfortably pale.]

I feel sick for some reason.

[Atsuro frowns a little.]

Just take it easy for now. You'll feel better.

CONTRACT |2| [Action/Video] {THE DARK HOUR}

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]