[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/uurhDHh.jpg[/img][/center][center]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/HtvPRRx.png[/img][/center]No matter how much Riku called, there would be no answer to meet her. Despite the group’s close proximity and Runa’s careful instructions, it was as if everyone disappeared and walked into their own little dark corner. The result left only the princess and the Shogun. Hideya’s stare did not break even and she lashed out with a flick of her hand faster than Riku could process, smacking away the pathetic strike meant to harm her. Further disappointment colored her gaze.

[color=magenta]“Do not dare to speak out against me,”[/color] the woman hissed, tone remaining low but sharp. [color=magenta]“On your own? Your own person? You nearly got your friend killed because of a foolish decision. What were you thinking, trusting a demon? Did I teach you nothing child.”[/color] Hideya took a step closer, uncaring for the impossible angles of which she walked in the caverns. Her visage was very real, as real enough as far as the princess was concerned. [color=magenta]“You do not belong here. All your silly tirade has done is further cause me stress and endanger the people around you. Come home, [i]now[/i].”[/color]

Further away, but in all actuality just a few feet from Riku, was Thomas experiencing his own surreal visions. The man who stared him down said nothing, nothing of his questions and nothing of his surprise. The only sentiment given was his own stare, one that furrowed into a glare as violent irises reflected back at Thomas like a questioning mirror. They glinted in their hue before the man shook his head with heavy exasperation. Something negative was mumbled under his breath, uttered just enough for Thomas to pick up some wording. Then the man turned away to leave the boy once more as if abandoning the child yet again in his life.

The others of the group held forth their own realities conjured by the Abyssal environment around them. In one moment, Akiko was with the group and in the next she too was gone; or rather, everyone around her disappeared. The once powerful monolith that was Castle was nowhere to be found no matter how hard the christened Jester called out. Nor were there knights to find her in the mish of light and shadow, her hand empty of any Serei cards. Her own appearance changed as well, reduced to a simple school uniform that marked her attendance at Miso City High. There was little more than the girl who had nothing before entering the Tower, the sun shining bright above as if the journey had only been a pipe dream.

But it was no dream, a fact only the most selfish of the bunch could understand very easily. The voice in Kanbaru’s ear made an audible sneer to match her own disdain. [color=springgreen]“Those are some big compliments for someone who ditched you. You always defend people like that, or just the ones who give you a good fuck?”[/color] Touka’s voice jeered. Words were put into physical shape with the former Magical Girl now standing in front of the hunter. She crossed her arms and gave Kanbaru a shark-toothed grin.

[color=springgreen]“Honestly, if you really thought she was a good friend, maybe you’d have stuck around when the magic left. You ditched Ami so it’s only natural seaweed head here ditched you too. And what’s with the get up? The stupid hat? Still wanting the glory days? We all moved on and grew up, but clearly you never-”[/color] The false Touka’s eyes widened and a wet gurgle bubbled from her lips. In moments the protrusions that embedded themselves into her torso revved with vigor anew and the buzzsaw whirled harshly before swiping upwards. Shock and hatred towards the whale were Touka’s last sentiments as her bisected body fell apart into a shadowy mess.

No sooner was the specter vanquished did Kanbaru feel a cold but tender hand cup her cheek. The JSTR loomed above like a silent angel, its smile as radiant as the light filtering through the cavern’s cracks. Driplets of “blood” painted its saw but this didn’t deter the virus from patting and caressing Kanbaru’s cheek like a good girl. She didn’t need friends anymore, or anyone for that matter, not when they lovingly had each other. Everyone else was only a happy distraction.
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