Choose Your Own Path-Yukishiro's Story

[Philemonite]

After a long and grueling day you were finally on your way home, but something caught your attention. As pass through the streets on your way to the ferry you notice someone familiar in the alley. Naoto Shirogane, a girl from your school. You remember there were rumors about her working with her grandfather, a famous detective. You also recognize the guy with her as Kanji Tatsumi, another guy from your school. You decide to listen in to their conversation.
http://www.spriters-resource.com/resources/sheet_icons/46/49088.png: "Are you sure this is the right place?"
http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: "I am positive. We followed the instructions we were given, so this must be the correct location."
http://www.spriters-resource.com/resources/sheet_icons/46/49088.png: "Want me to break the door?"
http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: "No, we need a little more subtlety. There should be a way to open the lock without alarming anyone. But first, I believe we have company."

[UXLZ]

Ah, she saw me. But am I really surprised? It's not like I was attempting to remain unseen.

Yukishiro walks over to the duo, hands jokingly raised in the air for a brief moment.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png:"Oops, I got caught. Guilty as charged. Though speaking of guilty, I was surprised to hear one of you talking about smashing someone's door down."

He can't help but wonder if either of them will recognize him. They all went to the same school after all, but they weren't in the same class and he tended to wander off to a quiet spot during breaks.
His final evaluation: Naoto might, but Kanji didn't stand a chance.

[Philemonite]

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: That is an extreme option, one that we can avoid. Opening the lock should not be a problem. I understand it might not be completely legal, but I'm afraid time is of the essence. We need to get in right now.
http://www.spriters-resource.com/resources/sheet_icons/46/49088.png: Yeah, what she said.

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png "That sounds quite serious. It''s surprising, but I think I believe that you're doing this with good intentions, and in that case..."

Yukishiro was in a strange mood today.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png "I think I'll help you out. At the very least I'll make a useful distraction when we're inevitably caught."

He'd been bored anyway, though there was also the odd feeling that if he just walked away right now he'd end up regretting it. Call it a premonition, if you will, but he went along with.

[Philemonite]

I didn't take long for Naoto to unlock the door, demonstrating substantial lockpicking skills. And as you follow her and Kanji inside you find yourself in a rather large room. And while you and Kanji check the numerous doors for anything suspicious, Naoto's attention is drawn towards a strange altar, more specifically something that looks like a handheld console.
http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: I believe this is what we are looking for. The rumors say that cult is using them to summon demons. Should we check them out ourselves? It might be better to take them to my grandfather.

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png: "This is... Absurd."

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png: "But also very intriguing. Portable consoles summoning demons is quite original. If it would take longer than thirty minutes to get these to your grandfather, I'd suggest just investigating them ourselves."

We will share the cat's fate regardless.

With that he picks up the nearest COMP device, a dark blue one with a single platinum teardrop design. He does not yet try opening it, waiting for Naoto's cue.

[Philemonite]

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: True, time is of the essence. It would be best to investigate ourselves. We can always ask my grandfather for help if something goes wrong.
"Welcome to the Amala Infinity. Please enter your name so that we can create your account."
After you enter your name the screen fades to black. When the light returns you greeted by a woman dressed in business suit. Before addressing you she gives you professional half-smile and a slight head tilt.
"Greetings, dear costumer. My name is Tico, I will be your assistant. Are you ready to begin?"

[UXLZ]

Yukishiro stood still, looking at the open screen.

That name doesn't mean anything to me.

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png: "Have either of you ever heard of Amala Infinity? And Tico, before my declaration of readiness, please explain what will occur if I do so."

Why am I asking such a weird question? It's probably just a weird game menu, but... Naoto said something about summoning demons, didn't she?

[Philemonite]

"Unfortunately, explanation is available only to those who require our assistance. Confirmation is required before continuing."

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png: "Fishy, but I'll never be able to sleep if I don't continue with this. Begin."

Let us see what happens.

[Philemonite]

"Will to live confirmed. Thank you for your patronage. Initiating Demon Summoning Program. As a first time costumer you are entitled to an explanation, before the summoning starts. Do your require one?"

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png: "Of course. I'm not walking into this totally blind, initiate the explanation. Don't skimp on the details."

Before Tico begins explaining things, Yukishiro grins sadly and speaks to Kanji and Naoto.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png "There's still a chance this is just some new game with a weird intro, but on the small chance this thing really can summon demons, and they manage to kill me... I hope you two at least are able to escape and survive. We my be biting off more than we can chew."

Somehow he knew it wasn't going to be a game, though. Somehow he knew.

[Philemonite]

"Demon Summoning Program is used to summon demons into your world. This demons can be controlled by the summoner, assuming that a contract is formed. In order to form a contract you must defeat the demon first. Will to live will fuel your COMP, providing you with options. Please consult the battle menu for list of techniques available. We hope you are satisfied with our service."

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png "Start."

Seems like it's do-or-die.

[Philemonite]

As soon as you give confirmation, the room (more specifically the are around the altar) starts to fill with demons.

[UXLZ]

Battle start!

(Yuki and presumably Naoto and Kanji as well are focusing on combat right now, so no more RP until after the fight. It would feel weird and time-distorty, anyway. You can put my combat thread up whenever.)

[UXLZ]

Battle End!

Yukishiro looked at his hands, amazed.

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png "Was that... Magic..?"

[Philemonite]

http://www.spriters-resource.com/resources/sheet_icons/46/49088.png: Now that's what I call fun. You guys OK?
http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: That was certainly not what I anticipated. I was expecting demons to be a metaphor, not supernatural entities. Still, I am unharmed, so I believe that can be characterized as OK.
"Contracts confirm. You can now summon demons to assist you. Do you require an explanation on how to control demons?"

[UXLZ]

Glancing over the device in his hand, Yuki first answers Tico.

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png "That won't be necessary, at least for now."

He stops to ponder for a moment, a small smile appearing on his face.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png "Relatively unharmed in no small part due to your assistance. I guess proper introductions will be in order? My name is Yukishiro, Yukishiro Akane. We actually go to the same school, if you hadn't realised."

[Philemonite]

"Understood. If you ever need something don't hesitate to ask. I am always available."

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: Indeed, I do recognize you, but I do not believe we were ever formally introduced. I am Naoto Shirogane and this is my assistant, Kanji Tatsumi. It is a pleasure to meet you.
http://www.spriters-resource.com/resources/sheet_icons/46/49088.png: S'up.

[UXLZ]

He seemed genuinely happy to greet them.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png "A pleasure shared, Ms. Shirogane. And actually, there's something I'd like to ask right now Tico, though it has nothing to do with Demons. It's you. Autonomous, capable of free-will, whatever you may choose to call it, are you sentient? You may be restricted from certain things, but are you capable of independent learning and thought?"

[Philemonite]

"Unfortunately, I can not provide that information."

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: That was a good idea. We should leave this place, it is not safe. My grandfather might have more information. Unless you have a better idea? After all, Tico did pick you as our team leader."

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png: "Oh... That's unfortunate. It was probably too early though, anyway..."

Yuki initially responds with sadness, but his expression quickly turns around.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png: "Still, soon enough you'll either be able to tell me, or I'll figure it out myself. I'll simply talk to you whenever I have spare time until that day comes.

As to the question of where we should head next, your grandfather's sounds totally fine, Ms. Shirogane. Unless Kanji has somewhere he'd prefer to go?"

It changes again to something more solemn.

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png: "I... Am not really sure I'm cut out for leadership, but I'll... Try my best."

[Philemonite]

http://www.spriters-resource.com/resources/sheet_icons/46/49088.png: I'll leave the decision to you. You are our leader, after all.
http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: Excellent, we should make our way to the closest ferry. Leader.:smallwink:

Naoto's determination has been enchanted. Her ability to use demons of Avian race has improved.

As you make your way towards the ferry, you hear an announcement that spoils your plans.
"This is an official announcement. Due to the massive oil spill all travel between islands is temporarily suspended. Furthermore, due to the accident at Shataro Tower wireless communication has been terminated. Please remain patient as we try to resolve the issues."

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: Well, this will certainly ruin our plans.

[UXLZ]

An oil spill... Why would an oil spill cancel all travel everywhere? Weren't there planes, or helicopters? It seemed like a pretense. He'd never even heard of something like this happening before. And the timing. Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous.

Something felt weird.
Demons existed.
What else that was once held 'impossible' now suddenly true?

Despite the dark sense of foreboding he had suddenly experienced, Yuki responded in a joking manner.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png "Status of plans is indeed: Totally Ruined. I don't suppose you happen to have a teleportation device handy, Ms. Shirogane? Conventional wisdom says no, but you seem the type."

[Philemonite]

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: Given the recently acquired information, that certainly sounds plausible, not to mention practice. Unfortunately, I do not have access to such technology. I assume we will have to remain stationary for now.

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png "Why would we remain stationary? Do you just mean "On this island"?"

Yuki questions Naoto with an inquiring look on his face.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png "If neither of you have anywhere to go, we can head to my place. It's not too far from here, within walking distance at least. There's a few things I'd like to pick up that there might not be time for later, anyway."

((You probably mean practical rather than practice.))

[Philemonite]

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: Indeed, we have no way of leaving the island at the moment. Both Kanji and I are cut off from our homes, we would gladly accept your hospitality.

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png: "I will humbly request in advance that you refrain from speaking with anyone from our school about my... Living arrangements. It would draw attention of a kind I do not want. I doubt you would, either way, but I wish to make it explicit."

Yuki's serious face turns into a grin as he begins to lead Naoto and Kanji in the direction of his house.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png: "On a brighter topic, why don't we talk a little about ourselves while we walk there? I'm curious about the two of you, and I'm sure at least one of you feels the same about me. Ms. Shirogane's family is famous, but that's not what I'm interested in. I know absolutely nothing about you, either, Kanji.

As a little bit of trivia to start us off, my favorite color is white, my dream is to follow my heart, and my most-hated food is pumpkin. Absolutely disgusting stuff..."

[Philemonite]

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: As a detective I understand the need for privacy very well. I enjoy a good mystery, and this one appears to be quite interesting.

Before Naoto has a chance to finish, your conversation is interrupted.

http://v.dreamwidth.org/1941970/1425214: I'm sorry to interrupt you, but have you seen a blond boy with blue eyes pass by? He is this tall and answers to the name Teddy.
https://38.media.tumblr.com/avatar_b6e2daa4acd6_128.png: I apologize for his rudeness, but we lost his brother, and we don't want him running around in this lockdown.
http://v.dreamwidth.org/1941970/1425214: Dude, don't make me look bad.

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png "I don't believe I have. Kanji, Ms. Shirogane, did you happen to encounter him before I arrived?"

Thinking for a moment, Yuki speaks once again to Yousuke and Yu.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png "Well, we'll help you search, either way. Before you object on the basis of politeness, I promise you that we were merely intending on killing time at my residence. There will be no inconvenience to us by helping you, and in fact, refusing our help would worsen our situation. The worry of a poor lost boy coming to potential harm in this lock-down would weigh grievously upon our minds. So, indeed, I truly must insist you accept our help. You said his name was Teddy? What is he interested in? What sort of clothes does he wear? And, of course, most importantly... How long ago and where did you last see him?"

As he concludes this small speech, he whispers somewhat teasingly to Naoto.

"I am sorry Ms. Shirogane. It seems your mystery will have to wait. Also, it seems that I may be stealing a few of your lines."

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png "Oh, and one last thing. Yuki says, flipping his (useless?) phone open. "Let us exchange numbers. There may be a blackout right now, but it shouldn't last forever. In case we get separated and manage to find the brother without you. In that case, if we can't find you again, we may be able to contact you... Eventually."

He seems to have a small final flash of inspiration. Rapidly typing something out, he spins the screen to face Yu and Yousuke.

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png "This is my address. If you happen to find him and have nowhere else to go, please head there. You might be surprised, but what you find is definitely my home, do not worry. There is a spare key under the third bit of shrubbery to the left of the entrance path. You'll understand if the time comes."

[Philemonite]

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: Unfortunately no, I have not seen him.
http://v.dreamwidth.org/1941970/1425214: Last time we saw him was this morning, when he left for school. He was wearing white shirt and black pants.
https://38.media.tumblr.com/avatar_b6e2daa4acd6_128.png: You can't really miss him, Teddie kinda stand out. He must still be on the island, lockdown stated before his school finished, but he isn't there anymore. We checked there already.
http://v.dreamwidth.org/1941970/1425214: Dude, we didn't even think about where to stay tonight. Is the lockdown actually gonna last that long? How long does it take to clean an oil spill?
https://38.media.tumblr.com/avatar_b6e2daa4acd6_128.png: Anyway, thanks for your help, we appreciate it.

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png: "More than one day. Even relatively low-level ones can take weeks. My door is open if it's necessary and you cannot find a place to stay. I will admit, I get lonely occasionally. My home is... Not exactly a warm place. More faces would be welcome. Room will not be an issue."

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png: "If he has been missing that long it is both a good and bad thing. He could have traveled quite far, but the places he ended up will be easier to ascertain. If he is the type to enjoy crowds and gravitate towards them, I would suggest checking bustling areas. Malls and squares are a good place to start. If he avoids other people, there are a few isolated spots I can think of as well that he should have made his way to by now. Ms. Shirogane, you're far more experienced at this sort of thing. Would you agree with my predictions, or is there something I'm not taking into account?"

[Philemonite]

http://v.dreamwidth.org/1941970/1425214: Damn, are we going to be stuck for days? That really sucks. Teddie is definitely a people person. He's probably in the nearest mall, hitting on girls.
https://38.media.tumblr.com/avatar_b6e2daa4acd6_128.png: He gets excited easily, and he tends to speak his mind.
http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: There are two malls that are nearby. One is to the east, and the other is to the north. I suggest we split up, and return here in an hour. That gives us ten minutes to get there, ten minutes to return and more than thirty minutes to thoroughly search the place. Is that acceptable?

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png "Lucky my house is as it is, then. Normally I wouldn't be so kind to people I'd just met, but today isn't a normal day."

http://s5.postimg.org/96clf47jn/SMT_CYOS_Redraw_Base.png "Sounds good, Ms. Shirogane. If we're rendered incapable of returning here, or successfully do so and you haven't managed to, we will head to the location I gave you. You should do likewise."

If his brother is the sort of person he sounds like he is, then maybe we could try and draw him out by...

Yuki glances at Naoto.

Never mind. Stupid idea. Manual searching it is.

As he looked away he could feel a strange burning sensation in his cheeks, probably brought on by the odd idea he'd dreamed up. Such an idea was the sort of thing he'd tend to come up with but never voice - having Naoto dress up in Gothic Lolita clothes to cause a commotion and draw the brother out - but why did it embarrass him? Normally he wouldn't care.

http://s5.postimg.org/rdh1dvtir/Yuki_Blushing.png Wh-What!?

Yukishiro's determination has been enchanted. His ability to use demons of the Divine race has improved. :smallbiggrin:

For years and years and years he had been more a spectator than a participant in life. Detached. Looking on from above, never growing close to anyone, offhandedly pulling strings as a puppeteer with nothing else to do... But something had started to change, though he hadn't realized it yet. Some tiny thing. He'd only met these people for mere fragments of time, but there was already a connection there. Some near-invisible thread of fate.

In the darkness a derelict candle's wick began to softly glow.

[Philemonite]

After a ten minute walk you find yourself in front of a partially demolished mall. You find no signs of casualties, but the destruction is pretty severe. As you survey the area, you hear a boy's voice in the distance.
"What are two pretty ladies doing here? Is it possible you are waiting for me?"

[UXLZ]

http://s5.postimg.org/7vehhi7n7/Yuki_Sad_or_Neutral.png "We'd better go check that out, but... What on earth happened here?"

[Philemonite]

http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: This does not look good. Let's hurry, whoever that is might be in danger.
As you make your way towards the voice, you reach what was once a center of a mall. Standing next to a broken fountain you see a boy that matches Yosuke's description. And as you look more closely you notice two scantily clad female figures in the distance.
http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/images/thumb/3/32/P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png/80px-P4AU_Naoto_portrait.png: I stand by my previous statement.