[b]Kotori Shirohane - Hall of the Slain: Floor 1 | Sunday[/b]

Calling upon Kikuri-Hime, another lightning bolt struck one of the few standing sneaky skeletons, by now so weary from the fiery barrages of both the hawk and Alexei's Persona, Prometheus, as well as the strikes from Kaminari and Riku that it fell apart from the final blow. The eerie sound of bones rattling echoed throughout the room as the last skeletons were similarly dismanteled; their remains scattering about before dissolving like the many shadows before them. Even so, everyone was still very much on guard after the previous ambush - at least until Ayano could give them the all clear; much to the group's relief.

Looking about as she took a moment to catch her breath, Kotori noticed that the hawk was no longer soaring above them; seemingly having vanished as quickly as it had appeared. A puzzled look upon her face, she didn't know what to think - but she was thankful nonetheless; giving a quick bow in gratitude in the direction she thought it may have flown off into and hoped it stayed safe before Kaminari gave the orders to press on. They left the room behind - still smoldering in some places after the heavy bombardement - as Ayano told them that the hawk was indeed flying elsewhere, leaving Kotori hopeful that it might perhaps be as helpful to the other groups as it had been to theirs.

As they carried on, Kotori began once more to glance about; even more so than before after the ambush that had been sprung upon them. This, however, turned out to be unnecessary as they didn't encounter any further shadows along the way; something that Ayano could only confirm as they reached a set of stairs. Following it upwards with her eyes didn't exactly fill Kotori with joy at the thought of having to climb all of them - but judging by the tension that overcame everyone when they saw the enormous door atop the stairs, everyone realised that behind it would be no respite. With even even less to look forward to, Kotori took a deep breath as Kaminari told everyone to ready up. [color=green]"Kikuri-Hime. Media,"[/color] she said, her Persona following suit as she raised the thorned flower in her hands as a soft light enveloped the group; easing fatigue, healing scrapes and bringing everyone to top condition before heading into what would undoubtedly be a most taxing confrontation. And with her side of the preparations completed, the long climb began.

As they ascended the strangely silent stairs, every sound they made seemed amplified - but also let them pick up on a faint voice coming from up ahead. As they drew closer to the door, they became able to distinguish some words - and the fact that it was, in actuality, two voices which sounded strangely similar. This gave Kotori quite a sinking feeling as she realised what this meant - and even more so when she also realised that she recognised the voice. [color=green]"Eh?"[/color] was the sound she made when she noticed that the person up ahead was none other than yet another of her classmates - Masahide Saji. For a moment, her initial doubts and fears returned - not only Shizuka, a fellow Agriculture Club member, and Mako, another classmate, but now Masahide as well. It seemed as if everyone who had been kidnapped was somehow linked to her. Her pace slowed as she began to wonder if perhaps she was doing something that was bringing them to harm - but after a second, she vigorously shook her head.

Such worries and fears would only be a downward spiral of negativity - and that's not what she needed right now; especially not with what was ahead and with the other three - Alexei, Kaminari and Riku - at her side counting on her to do her part. Catching up again and slightly regretting the action when she realised how quick her breathing was when they reached the top of the stairs, the group pushed onward and into the room.

After the derelict and decayed nature of the entire dungeon beforehand, the room they entered was a stark contrast. Pillars, not crumbling but standing tall, lined the path ahead. It was laid out with a carpet deep red in colour. The walls were lined with works of art - though she might not recognise any of them, the decor of the place suggested that they too were likely of resplendant worth. The only thing out of place were the strange contraptions all about the ceiling and walls which helds what looked like people chained within them. Despite this, it was an overwhelming display of wealth which all lead up to the real center piece of the room - an ivory throne, upon which sat a single figure. At the stairs before the throne stood another - yet both were the same: Masahide Saji. The figure atop the throne seemed almost delighted when it saw the group of four entering; his tone almost jovial as he greeted them - yet his words were clearly condescending; leaving little doubt as to which Masahide was the real one.

Once more, confusion and discomfort came over Kotori as she heard the Shadow continued speaking. It didn't seem right to be witnessing someone's innermost thoughts being spoken out aloud; especially when they seemed so at odds with how the person normally was. After all, Masahide was fairly well-known for helping out around town without asking for anything in return - yet here he was, saying it was all just to have people look up to him? However, in the midst of all this, Masahide suddenly began shouting - and in doing so, spoke the fateful words which resounded throughout the throne room as he denied his other self.

Kotori feebly raised a hand as if to try and stop the words already spoken when silence descended across the room - only to be suddenly broken by a snapping sound as the manacles holding one of the bodies aloft seemed to crack and leave it to fall to the ground. Yet instead of striking the ground, it instead seemed to land on all fours; reminiscent of an animal rather than a human. At the same time, the Shadow drew closer - and with every step, its arms and legs seemed to grow longer and longer as its face lost ever more features. Colour drained from his body until all that was left was a deathly pale figure, its long fingers grasping a glass of wine whilst the body beside him began to shake and grow whilst what looked like hair sprung from it. In moments, the hair sprouted all over - until it was covered in black fur, no longer human but rather a wolf of sorts, though Kotori had never seen a wolf with a face for a head.

Sickly yellow beads peered out from the black void where the Shadow's eyes should be - and then it spoke, despite having no mouth. Instead, the wolf-like being seemed to be its voice as it beckoned them to come toward him. No matter how often she may see them, Kotori could never get used to the sheer inhuman appearance of these shadows or the menace that radiated from them - but she also knew that letting such discomfort get to her would be the single worst thing she could do right now. Instead, she called upon her Persona - and as she spoke her name, [color=green]"Kikuri-Hime,"[/color] she felt the calming presence put her at least somewhat at ease. After all, she wasn't along in facing this Shadow as Alexei, Kaminari and Riku all readied themselves for what was to come.