Flashes of lightning and gusts of wind kept pelting the shadow, though only grazing it. After it had enough, the shadow crept in for another lunge. Though, their magic attacks weared it down enough that Akane was able to intercept with Noboru doing an uppercut follow up. Sato watched, eyes adjusted to the darkness, as the spider fell back, exposing its vulnerable underbelly. The two physical attackers continued to assault it with punches and such, but before everyone else could capitalize on the moment, it flipped itself back over and emitted blasts of colorful energies at everyone.
Rui responded with a precise Garula, allowing him and Kami to unleash a sword combo. The two's personas filled in the gaps, making it one big seamless attack. This time, Sato wasn't going to let them do it all. Though he previously thought himself at the limit, the thought of protecting Ayano and winning the battle, against the odds, filled him with determination. Chronos appeared in front of him, spinning its scythe. Combined with everyone else's efforts, a electric tornado blew the shadow away.
Screeching, the shadow soon hit the ground, its body dissolving into a black mist upon contact. Its previous form was all that was left after: two monochrome Ayanos. They sat near the real Ayano. Realizing the battle was actually over, Sato almost stumbled to his knees, his body felt so weak. But he caught himself, and stood tall. Maybe the others were confident, but to Sato, fighting that big shadow was a gamble of their lives. Or maybe, it was just destiny that they'd win. Sato shook the thought away. Destiny or not, they'd carved their own path, and Ayano was safe now. Or... was she? She still had to accept her shadow, or everything they'd just done would all be for naught. Standing as tall as he could, Sato whispered, even if she couldn't hear it. "This is you, Ayano... But it isn't all of you. We're all here for you."
Sato listened to the conversation between Ayano and her shadow(s), breathing a sigh of relief as she came to terms with herself. A blue light soon covered the two shadows, reminding Sato of his own persona. Right on cue, a feminine figure appeared before Ayano, encircled by what seemed to be screens. It faded away as quickly as it came, and expectedly, so did Ayano's consciousness. The girl collapsed to the ground, and they rushed in to help her, but it was obviously Kami who caught her. The rescue was a complete success.
[. . . . .]
Back at the warehouse, Sato felt he could breathe easier in the real world. Kami left to go deliver Ayano to the hospital, while everyone else stayed behind to discuss Ayano briefly. It seemed Megumi thought that Ayano had the same navigator ability as her, which was agreed to be pretty useful. Rui decided it was fruitless to try to discuss it before Ayano was awake, so everyone decided to call it a day.
Sato stepped outside. The sun was starting to set, though the orange over the horizon still burned brightly. It was probably dinner time, but he didn't think to check neither his phone or watch as he walked home. Whatever time it was, Sato felt liked he would pass out just like Ayano.
It was the end of the school day, and Sato Hashimoto was leaning back in his seat. Normally, he waited for the rush of students to clear out before he got up. That was still the case, but it wasn't to avoid getting pushed around and the like. He felt dumb for being so happy about saving Ayano, but that was exactly it. They'd saved her from essentially some kind of pseudo-suicide. Ayano wasn't actually at school yet, obviously, seeing as she was administered to the hospital. That was why Sato decided to check in on her, to see how she was doing. He technically had archery practice to attend, but they'd understand if it was to go visit someone in the hospital. Sato shot Rokurou a quick text about it (purposely leaving out the name), and also noted how he was resigning from his "co-prez" status. It didn't actually hold any weight in the books, but it still meant he was dedicated to helping out at the club. And Sato was, just... with all this persona stuff happening, he knew there was no way he could always have time for club meetings. He had quit Drama for the same reason. They had enough males anyway.
Sato rose from his seat, shoving his phone in his back pocket. He felt it vibrate as he did so, but Sato decided against checking the text. Getting his stuff together, Sato made his way out of the classroom. For once, the hum of fellow students bustling and chatting was a pleasant sound. He couldn't really word in his head why it was different now, or why he was in such a good mood, but it all just was.
[. . . . .]
Nobody seemed to be at the door, and it wasn't locked. He'd been allowed in on basis of being a concerned friend from school. Minus the friend part, it wasn't a lie, and Sato crept open the door to make sure there wasn't any personal moment going on. Seeing Rui and Kami inside, he took a step into the hospital room. He waved to Ayano, other hand clutching the strap of his school bag. Their conversation seemed to have come to the end. "Sorry for barging in like this. I just wanted to make sure you're okay, Ayano. The whole persona thing is kinda rough at first."
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