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Round 2 Matches


NYX Bracket
1. Hetero the Black Messenger v. 9. Zazi Palazza - Winner: Zazi Palazza (Although Hetero's more powerful, he's a teenager with talent over Shadows and hasn't been using them for too long. Zazi has a dozen years of experience, literally dating back more than a decade, and what he lacks in physical power he makes up for with a wealth of information that Hetero wants. Basically he's where Hetero wants to be, though Hetero's potential to learn it is MUCH faster. Sort of the old wise sage, versus the aspiring hero. Except...yeah.)
5. Tohru Adachi v. 4. Cesc Fabregas (Ichirou Kuzunoha) - Winner: Adachi (Being a GREAT match up, and super even...Adachi's got the same powers as Soji. Considering I think he has a natural affinity for Personas/Shadows, and Cesc has a mastery of Demons...I'll barely sway towards the guy who almost foiled the I.Team single handedly)
3. Raiden v. 6. Elke Shula - Winner: Raiden (I think his armor would do a good job when Elke was trying to 'paint' him, and any error in this fight could tip the odds)
7. Naniyori v. 2. Takaya Sakaki - Winner: Naniyori (Takaya's got charisma, but a forced Persona lacks potential and as proven when he fought SEES his power's just not that overwhelming, having never won a battle. I take that to mean he's not that trained at Supernatural battles, even if he strives to sharpen his skills. Naniyori on the other hand may lack the ironclad will of the Cultist, but his fighting's much more refined through battle, with a string of tough battles under his belt. Comparing a slightly stronger but untrained, with a weaker but hardened individual, I think this plays like my Zazi prediction)

IGOR Bracket
1. Soji Seta v. 8. Yosuke Hamamura - Winner: Soji (not that I have anything against disco ninja frog >_<)
5. Kai "Geirin" Kuzunoha v. 4. Mitsuru Kirijo - Winner: Kai (Ninja battle 2! Except this one has allies, guns, and took down 6 people at once. Most of you reading this were those people. >.>)
3. Akihiko Sanada v. 6. Zeo Zaggart - Winner: Zeo (Akihiko fought an Anti-Shadow weapon once. It did not end well. That said, this was one of my most anticipated fights...EVER...)
10. Naoto Shirogane v. 2. Balmung of the Azure Sky - Winner: Balmung (>_< Megidolaon vs Morning Star? Ouch on both hands)

Best Match of the Round: Akihiko vs Zeo
Most Impressive Fighter of the Round: Kai
Most Anticipated Round 3 Match: Soji vs Kai

Round 2 Matches


NYX Bracket
1. Hetero the Black Messenger v. 9. Zazi Palazza - Winner: --Hetero
5. Tohru Adachi v. 4. Cesc Fabregas (Ichirou Kuzunoha) - Winner: --Cesc
3. Raiden v. 6. Elke Shula - Winner: --... Too hard to decide
7. Naniyori v. 2. Takaya Sakaki - Winner: -- Takaya

IGOR Bracket
1. Soji Seta v. 8. Yosuke Hamamura - Winner: --Soji
5. Kai "Geirin" Kuzunoha v. 4. Mitsuru Kirijo - Winner: --Kai
3. Akihiko Sanada v. 6. Zeo Zaggart - Winner: --Zeo
10. Naoto Shirogane v. 2. Balmung of the Azure Sky - Winner: --Balmung

Best Match of the Round: --Elke V. Raiden
Most Impressive Fighter of the Round: -- Raiden
Most Anticipated Round 2 Match: --

Round 2 Matches


NYX Bracket
1. Hetero the Black Messenger v. 9. Zazi Palazza - Winner: -- Zazi
5. Tohru Adachi v. 4. Cesc Fabregas (Ichirou Kuzunoha) - Winner: -- Cesc
3. Raiden v. 6. Elke Shula - Winner: -- Elke
7. Naniyori v. 2. Takaya Sakaki - Winner: -- Naniyori

IGOR Bracket
1. Soji Seta v. 8. Yosuke Hamamura - Winner: -- Yosuke (Even if I'm the only non-Soji vote)
5. Kai "Geirin" Kuzunoha v. 4. Mitsuru Kirijo - Winner: -- Mitsuru
3. Akihiko Sanada v. 6. Zeo Zaggart - Winner: -- Zeo
10. Naoto Shirogane v. 2. Balmung of the Azure Sky - Winner: -- Naoto

Best Match of the Round: -- Soji vs. Yosuke
Most Impressive Fighter of the Round: -- Zeo
Most Anticipated Round 2 Match: -- Akihiko vs. Zeo

1. Hetero the Black Messenger v. 9. Zazi Palazza - Downtown District

Zazi huffed and stamped his feet at this situation he'd gotten himself into, looking around again with an aggravated sigh as he noticed the Black Messengers fighting against his failed projects, force-awakened Persona Users who would die soon enough from their own power, with or without the pills Takaya offered. They weren't even worthy of becoming the Faithful, as their power ate away at their very life and killed them only a few days later, but he created them in order to further his research andhe couldn't help but feel upset now that they'd been interrupted by these, these, these-! "Are you going to flailing like a monkey, or will you accept your death with some grace?" The despondent voice echoed coldly, interrupting Zazi's tantrum with the same icy expression hetero always wore. But THIS was what happened! The moment he'd attempted to ransack the town, these Black figures had emerged from the television, starting this civil war between Strega and Hetero, and now Takaya had left HIM in charge of the big cheese!? Even Zazi wasn't crazy enough for that, Elke had jabbed in the meeting, but what did he know! Of course now that he looked at the rather big, powerful man standing before him, he had to admit he was rather overshadowed...heh, puns. He killed himself sometimes. And that wasn't a joke, either, as his lab rats had the misfortune of knowing.

As for Hetero, his goal was much simpler. The coming of the Fall was worth halting, and in order to that removing their nuisance, the one who knew the most Truths about the Shadows was necessary. Raising his hand towards Zazi wasn't enough to change the expression on the intimidating man, but the clown before him reeled backwards with a noticeable wince, as if he were about to run away, before regaining a bit of his composure and winking at Hetero. "You wouldn't really want to kill little old me, would you Binky Boy?" Zazi's unusual smile matched the expression quickly, and a small tinking sound followed, as both Hetero and Zazi looked down to see a needle Zazi had thrown to pierce Hetero bounce off carelessly, the winking action earlier probably triggering some odd mechanism or another. Hetero looked up again, his hand still extended towards the Mad Mime, and Zazi scratched the back of his head with a coy innocence. "Heh, redo?" Hetero squeezed his palm shut as a scythe formed inside of it, and his arm streaked from left to right in a slashing movement meant to cleave in two the older wicked master mind.

Zazi's eyes lit up as a spray of blood shot up in front of him, and for a moment he wondered if he was dead, as a large gash appeared across Hetero's stomach from the attack meant for the former Kirijo scientist, who upon letting the fact that his Tetrakarm had sunk in for a moment began dancing around like mad, laughing as he leaped to one foot and then another, clapping his hands in mocking laughter before quickly planting his feet and pulling out his own gun, putting a bullet in Hetero's knee with the Right Eye and no longer laughing despite the smug smirk he had. "Hm, though I was a goner for a minute. I guess I should reflect on my actions later." What an obvious mistake, Hetero thought cautiously, as he analyzed the uncouth figure before him. He should have given someone with his experience at least some credit, having thought there might be a trap; but he had expected something more elaborate, or more audacious, given his opponent's personality. "A minor error." Hetero mumbled analytically, not that he'd seen his own mistake He fell to a knee from the second wound, his immense power overriding his own resistance a bit, though his emotionless face showed that Zazi's gaping spectacle left no impression on him. He was, as ever, unattached from the reality before him except for that which he desired.

Hetero only raised his head to gaze into Zazi's eyes, giving a Devilish Smile to the eccentric while eyeing down the barrel of his opponent's favorite weapon. "Hm, what are you looking at? Maybe I should do it all fancy style, double tap, back of the head. Or maybe I could go all Wyatt Earp. Nah, but then I'd have to have Raiden around; one angry adolescent's more than enough. Hey kid, you weren't a bartender in the last life, were ya? Cause the bartender always gets it worst! Nah, you don't look like the type. Wh-what are you looking at anyways? Hey, I have a FRIKKIN' GUN you know! Start freaking out or something-HUH!?" Zazi removed his gun from Hetero's forehead as the cowardly case began to crack, using the extremely heavy weapon to land a blow across Hetero's head while his free fist struck him in the stomach in an attempt to help the nutjob realize the situation he was in. But that was all the time Hetero needed, his eyes glowing as he began to fall to the side from the blow, hitting Zazi with an explosion that formed at his feet as the Megidolaon exploded and sent the babbling rainbow idiot backwards, hitting the pavement a ways away while Hetero managed to recover his breath, standing up again as he wiped the blood from his eye. As cool as executing someone on their knees sounded in cinemas, the reality was that picturesque movie scene made physically striking someone pointless, and both blows had only been glancing; a calculated error on Zazi's part that almost caused the stoic Hetero's expression to break into laughter.

But there was no time for such frail feelings as Zazi stumbled to his feet, his hand against his stomach where his weak constitution meant many internal organs were probably mincemeat at the moment, blood dripping from all over his body as he backed up, hoping to make it to his lab, not that he had any idea what his chances were. Of course the roulette of fate was his favorite game, but Hetero didn't seem intent on letting this one go again today as he followed the bloody individual. Zazi raised his Evoker to his head as a tempest like fire spell burned across Hetero's face, an ill-aimed Agidyne meant to separate the two. Zazi could feel his mind become woozy for a moment from the explosion seconds ago though and fell on his butt again as he continued to scratch backwards against the pavement, Hetero shrugging off the fire with his arm and closing the last portion of the distance quicker than Zazi could scramble away. "W-wait now, we can talk about this...hey, what did the Shadow say when the Persona User threatened 'em? Well then, we'll fight in the shade! Ha! W-wait, no, let me think of a good one..." Zazi's eyes lit up as he still felt an unusual fear about him, unaware he'd already been caught in Hetero's net as the Black King stood above him, the swirling dark energy of Judas flowing forth as his shadow-Persona appeared for the first time, an unearthly Ghastly Wail crying out to those nearby; a death sentence to those who knew fear. "Your knowledge and powers are useless to me. It's insulting to imagine that you were ever my predecessor. Our ambitions are not nearly as useless as yours...now then, die." The fear that wracked Zazi's body was an unnatural one that had been planted by the Devilish Smile, and the Ghastly Wail had finished the tactical strike, as Zazi fell limp in one swift blow. Although he would die at this rate anyways, Hetero would no longer leave things to chance like his estranged victim, and his arm raised his scythe high again while his face displayed his passionless glare, the downward arc signaling an end to what his opponent surely would have jested was a 'discussion'.

Winner: Hetero

Scenario By: Great Ryoman!]

5. Tohru Adachi v. 4. Cesc Fabregas (Ichirou Kuzunoha) - Junes Food Court

"Hands. Off. The Cabbage." The last warning was more of a declaration than a signal for Cesc to let go, as the head of the orochi and teh former detective stood juxtaposed from one another in the middle of the Junes grocery department, the last head of cabbage cradled lazily under Cesc's arm. "Why...?" Cesc asked in a sort of drawl, though he had meant to ask why this cabbage was in particular, but talking would have required more of his pent up energy than the Summoner really felt like wasting. Unfortunately they'd been over this question about five times now, and at last Adachi seemed ready to snap, the question doing nothing more than bringing the two to the brink. The lazy figure found himself eyeing down the barrel of Adachi's handgun for a moment before the latter threw a punch towards his unshaven face, which the quick Cesc avoided barely by moving his head to the side using minimal effort. A low sweep of the legs followed but this time Cesc put a bit more effort in to jump the kick long enough to put his feet back on the ground, the distance and time so short that a split second later would have brought him right back down into the same sweep he was avoiding. The lithe contestant yawned, his form of a sign of annoyance that he put this much effort into fighting. Adachi was as use to the flow of an attack as Cesc however and when his leg slid across the ground getting nothing but air, he planted the foot, pointing his gun towards Cesc's body again as he put it behind his back, cowboy style. A few shots rang out as Cesc, keeping his eye trained on the weapon despite the way Adachi's jacket obscured his vision, moved to the side a bit each time to avoid getting wounded. Finally Cesc pushed against the ground and cleared some distance with a small backwards skip, giving the two fighting distance again.

"Too much trouble..." Cesc said with a yawn, setting the green vegetable down with the intention of leavingthe fight now. It was at that exact moment that a strange tall green haired man dived between the two, grabbing the item and taking off towards the stairs. "Hahaha suckers, this cabbage is mine! For my ridiculously circuitous plot to get Ari promoted." To say that both Cesc, and Adachi, were taken aback would have been putting it mildly. For a few seconds they both seemed to try and register what was going on; Cesc was going to get torched by Ray, and Adachi wasn't getting his soup. After that however, they both decided on the most logical thing they could think of; it was the other guy's fault. Adachi let out a breath of steam while while Cesc matched his Heat Riser with the smokey substance rolling out of his pores, and the demon user grabbed a nearby sales sign as the top fell off, making up a good replacement bo staff. The handy leader spun the weapon rapidly in an attempt to break up the powerful gust of wind as Adachi cast a Garudyne on him, catching a few scratches on his cheek and arm as he began to glow with his Soul Shard's power, increasing his mental while Adachi followed up quickly with a bolt of lightening from his Ziodyne. Cesc attempted to minimize the strike by throwing his makeshift weapon in the ground in the way, but the unstable element still managed to catch him as a powerful shock as a bit of shock lashed out at him from the diversion and paralyzed him for a second, causing him to fall backwards to the unfriendly tile floor.

Adachi didn't waste a second as the former partner of Ryotaro sprinted across the messed up hall of Junes to land a blow before Cesc could recover, but the Devil Summoner was far from incapacitated with Cronus slowing time enough for him to recover, his green eyes flashing gold for a moment as a Pralaya shot towards Adachi like a sickle-blade meant to tear any unprotected limbs clearly off. Adachi responded as quickly as he could, putting his arms up to block his torso as the blade-like attack crossed his arms for an unpleasant wound, dissecting his gun and sending the now useless weapon from his hands to boot. As soon as he'd escaped the severe attack Adachi's cross-arm block worked to his favor as his card appeared before him, and he threw his arms wide, striking the pulsing blue item while his own Vorpal Blade lashed at Cesc, who rolled just in time as the whip-like blade of energy left a large gash in the floor where he'd been, a deep arc in what might have been Cesc's body a moment ago. "You think it's easy living on a budget, punk? Cabbage is good for you, and the price is really affordable for someone like me! They won' have any in for another week now, damn it!"

Cesc scratched his head and yawned, not all too particular about whatever the angry guy was going on about. "I'm tired..." The words apparently weren't what Adachi was looking for judging from his expression, so Cesc got back to his feet lazily as the two of them each took a stance fighters would be familiar with, Cesc trained in martial arts as a summoner as he stood relaxed and fluid, while Adachi who had been taught basic hand to hand at the Academy put himself in a tighter, close quarters combat stance. Adachi made the first move as he stepped forward and threw a few punches towards Cesc's head, which he easily avoided, and around the third when Cesc noticed no clear openings he raised his foot to press down on Adachi's knee, an action that could break it if the Persona User wasn't careful. Adachi felt a sharp pain in his leg as his forward momentum turned the action into a kick which nearly busted his knee, but capitalizing the cabbage lover's arms lowered and rapped around the leg, taking Cesc down just as the lackadaisical Kuzunoha's eyes widened a bit. Adachi's shoulder overpowered the torso of Ichiro Kuzunoha and as he fell backwards and hit the tile from the single leg takedown, leaving Adachi mounted on top of his unwary opponent. "Do you know who I am!?" Adachi shouted, raising his fist and bringing it down in large, heavy blows to Cesc's face as the adrenaline-less fighter finally found himself at a severe disadvantage, left only capable of covering up. Or at least, that should have been it, but Cesc was a pillar amidst a storm and the blows were something he could weather, even though he was taking damage at a rapid pace; the aura around him was a sign that it didn't bother him though, as he used Cronus' power to leak out with the intention of detonating.

The entire floor had long been evacuated at this point, but that didn't help some of the citizens escape harm when Cesc's Megidoladyne blew out every window in Junes and left nothing but a burning unrecognizable ground zero in what had once been the food court, an inaccurate attack meant only to hit Adachi with as much pain as one man could physically stand; probably more. Cesc stood up amongst this hazy situation, rubbing his eyes until they were a bit clearer so he could look around, spotting burning fires and sparks of electricity left and right, the floor itself likely to give out before long. "Where is...?" Cesc's head twisted back and forth slowly, scanning for Adachi through his swelled eye a bit before spotting the other guy laying on the floor, thrown through a broken door and into one of the back rooms of the food court. Cesc was almost left speechless (well, more so) though when he noticed the ground around his bloody enemy riddled with cabbages, fallen out of a freshly delivered box. The sloth-like man trudged into the room, and looked at the other for a moment, wondering if he should make sure whether he was finished off and not unconscious, but after a minute yawned, taking his mind off of his previous thoughts and back onto less cumbersome ideas. Picking up one of the cabbages, Cesc slowly turned and walked away, heading for the elevator to leave. Realizing the power was out, he sighed, before glaring at the stairs venomously. Greeeaatttt, this was going to require so much energy...oh, wait, maybe he could call Ray instead.



Winner: Cesc Fabragas

Scenario By: Great Ryoman!]

3. Raiden v. 6. Elke Shula -

Winner: --

7. Naniyori v. 2. Takaya Sakaki -

Winner: --

1. Soji Seta v. 8. Yosuke Hamamura - Downtown District (Television World)

"Round two, here we go!" Yosuke said, gripping his kunai tightly as he stood across from Soji. Today the two had agreed to have a rematch, both to test their increasing skills after getting stronger lately, and to remind each other that even though they fought together, they were friends and each had both their own strengths, and ideas for the battles to come. Although Soji was always considered the leader by most, Yosuke had come up with many of their plans and held the group together for a long time when the Investigation Team first came together, so if he couldn't keep up with Soji now then he didn't feel like he was fit to call his friend 'Partner' anymore. "I won't hold back, so make sure you don't either!" Yosuke shouted, his card appearing in front of his eyes before Soji had a chance to respond. A quick spin through the air later, and Yosuke's kunai had brought forth Susano-O, hurling a Garudyne at the team leader in an attempt to land a quick hit, something Yosuke was a master of with his dexterity.

"What the?" Soji's voice escaped just before the vacuum-like attack struck him, clearly as caught unaware as Yosuke was probably expecting. Two arms crossed before him for a moment, cuts forming while his resistance made him capable of avoiding some of the damage, though his uniform was in taters from the attack. Soji turned his head, eyes glowing as Yosuke charged at him, his own card appearing as a two handed sword sliced through it in the team Leader's counterattack. "Izanami!" The cool voice notified his Persona, a faint blue glow spinning up around him. Finally the card began to appear again, but before Soji could get off a second move, the dashing brown haired senior had capitalized on the opening. "Not too fast, partner! Brave Blade!" Yosuke shouted as his feet suddenly left the ground, gaining air in an almost ethereal fashion thanks to the strength of the Persona he wielded, before coming down and swinging his kunai in an arc. The card dissipated as Soji's eyes cracked open a bit wider, his weapon coming up just in time to stop the attack. Instead however, another blade came down from above, catching him directly in the shoulder as Soji felt the spray of a bit of his own blood, sliding back a few steps and raising a hand to his wounded shoulder where Susano-O's Brave Blade had connected. Was this how strong Yosuke had become, trying to make sure the others didn't fall behind?

'Impressive' The silver haired leader thought for a moment, testing his grip on his sword for moment to ensure his arms weren't losing their strength. If he could fight against gods and demons, enduring this wound would be the least he had to hold out against to save the others. "I'm not finished with you yet! Bring it on, Partner!" Yosuke shouted as he ran forward, slashing quickly with his kunai. The clashing of metal and sharp edges, and the sparks and rattling sound filled the area for a moment, Soji's two handed sword rising and falling in practiced rhythm as he attempted to keep up with Yosuke's two handed weapons and his versatile technique. The blade raised just as Yosuke brought one down from the side and another up from below, the diagonal block just barely catching both blades, when a sharp pain shot through his shoulder. 'N-not now...' Yosuke's hands drew back, apparently aware of the wound, when Soji stepped forward with a shoulder thrust and knocked his opponent over with all his weight, attempting to clear some space before he was attacked again. The older transfer student to Inaba rolled flexibly, getting to his feet again just as the sword struck downwards with all of Soji's weight behind it, catching him in the inner side of his elbow before the ninja-like student could avoid it. "Anggh!" Yosuke threw one of his kunai at Soji as he stepped back, both taking a moment to breath again...eyes meeting with a spark that showed both were proud of just how strong the other had grown, and that neither would quit either.

"Aww man, you'd of taken my arm with that if you hadn't used the back of your sword! Do you know how much it hurts?" Yosuke complained, causing Soji to spare a laugh. "Not as much as this I bet. I thought this was a friendly dual?" He quipped, causing both to uneasily chuckle again. "Izanami!" Soji shouted, breaking the stalemate, while Yosuke's voice could be heard through the drumming in his head summoning his own Persona once more. Soji pointed his hand forward, the goddess of death's stark powers sending out a Megidolaon strengthened with the Mind Charge from before. The fearsome sight of Susano-O filled his vision as his partner in the investigation used his own Garudyne, the two attacks meeting as tremendous ripples and waves of energy were unleashed, bouncing off of each other and stalemating for a moment. For a moment Soji's eyes blurred, and he thought that he might lose, the rival's affinity to wind and the Garudyne's focused, single-hit strength making it an incredibly powerful attack meant to catch him. Slowly though the green winds began to be pushed back and then fade, scattering as quickly as they came as the Megidolaon overwhelmed and hit his former comrade, pounding Yosuke into the ground at last.

The silverette felt himself drop backwards, landing in a sitting position with heavy breathes once more after passin ga checkpoint in his career of the supernatural. Yosuke was no slacker, and he'd managed to escape with only one serious wound to tell of it, while the other was slowly rolling over off of his stomach and coming to on the other side, both breathing heavily. "L-looks like I won. Ugh, we need to stop doing this..." Soji said, laughing again when he was sure he had Yosuke's attention. "Not until I beat you, Partner." Yosuke groaned, both relaxing now that it was over. Soji grimaced for a moment, wondering just how much longer they would have these powers, that symbolized that something was amiss in the world. But then, he shook his head as he dashed away the thoughts, knowing that if he and the team stuck together then there was nothing they couldn't take down when the time came. At least he knew they were in good hands, as long as he had a partner like this, he thought again, another pain from his shoulder reminding him they should get out of there. "Good luck." He responded at last, with one last smile.

Winner: Soji Seta!

Scenario By: Great Ryoman!

5. Kai "Geirin" Kuzunoha v. 4. Mitsuru Kirijo -

Winner: --

3. Akihiko Sanada v. 6. Zeo Zaggart -

Winner: --

10. Naoto Shirogane v. 2. Balmung of the Azure Sky -

"How did you capture the wanted criminal Raidou Kuzunoha? I don't want to suspect someone who's been so helpful in our investigation, but it's not something that can be done by normal people. A dozen of my men have been lain to rest in this town's cemetery already because of this situation, so I want some answers damn it!" Balmung resisted the urge to slam his hands on the table, checking his anger before it rose any higher. Naoto was just as nervous by now, having rejected any probing by the Lord General for an hour now, attempting to hide the power of Persona. But it was hard to disguise that she knew something, and letting on that she was protecting good people wasn't helping. Sighing and drawing his sword, Balmung decided that he couldn't let things continue like this much longer, but he made no attempt to hide his actions, choosing to let Naoto fight honorably if it really came to that. "I'm sorry, but if you won't offer me any answers willingly then I'll have to force them out of you. Please prepare yourself." Balmung waved for Naoto to follow him outside, which she knew she would reluctantly have to do. "We don't have to do this. Please, I know you want answers but it's not my right to give them." Naoto said one last time when they were outside, worrying again. If Soji were here she might be able to ask him what to do, but to possibly put he or the others at risk, she didn't want to have to do that, no matter what.

"If I can't convince you with words, then I'll make you use whatever you beat Raidou Kuzunoha with. For the good of the ordinary citizens, you're under arrest Naoto Shirogane!" Balmung lifted the blade above his head in the 'Guard of The Hawk', releasing his Atma power as the powerful golden armor he wore when he refused to hold back grafted itself to his body, the aura around him moving both wind and hearts as it flowed. Balmung's eyes gathered into an unpleasant frown as he glared towards Naoto, gun pointed back at him for a moment as she hesitated, a lingering choice between whether to fight back or not. Balmung took the first step however, literally as he moved forward and Naoto's nervousness reached it's peak, squeezing the trigger of the large and powerful gun. Balmung's hand felt like they were on fire as Naoto looked on stunned, the Embryon commander having deflected it at the last possible second with his unearthly sword, though the rattling in his arms told of just how difficult the superhuman act had been. Balmung's legs proved to be in perfect working condition however as he dashed forward, removing any time Naoto had to think as she began circling, firing a few shots that he deflected in equally magnificent manners, closing the distance quickly despite Naoto's attacks.

"Yamato-Takeru!" Naoto shouted, a card appearing in front of her as Balmung reached the last couple feet, using a low-step to close in before he could get shot at again. Balmung's eyes widened as Naoto aimed her gun at the card, firing, and he swung downwards quickly in an attempt to land the blow and render her unable to fight quickly if possible, so far unimpressed by her skills with an ordinary gun. It was then that a blue light gathered around her and the creature she'd called on began to form in front of Balmung mid-swing, too late for him to retreat as the superhero-esque Persona swung it's sword upwards, underneath Balmung's guard. 'What is that!?' Balmung thought as the Vorpal Blade sliced through his armor, Naoto retreating as the creature disappeared from sight as if it had never been there. Balmung raised a hand to his shoulder where it had managed to reach him, touching the blood from the somewhat deep wound and checking for any serious injury. "What did you do with your Demon? Is it hiding somewhere?" Naoto winced at the puzzled look on Balmung's face, wishing again that it hadn't gotten this far. There were Persona users to handle the Shadows though, and the situation wasn't desperate enough to force their problems on Balmung; no, more than anything she just didn't want to see her friends persecuted for their unique power!

"Why won't you understand, we're not trying to hurt anybody! If you just let us find out who the real culprit is, then we'll hand them over, I swear! I swear on my oath as a detective." Naoto said again, hoping that perhaps Balmung would be reasonable; but the proof was in the pudding now, her ability to control something supernatural in the open and his wound a painful reminder that he couldn't let kids use such powerful skills, unprotected and untrained like they were. His resolve hardened, Balmung launched himself into the air suddenly, using his wings as he closed in on Naoto much faster than before, to her surprise. "I'll take the answers myself!" Balmung said, gritting his teeth as he lunged forward with his sword before Naoto could react, her step to the side causing him to barely miss while scratching her arm. The Lord General continued to jab at her for a few moments with his sword, Naoto barely moving each time without the opportunity to raise her weapon again, taking small cuts each time; a scratch across the face, another slash across the arm, a piercing thrust that managed to get her along the side.

"This fight is over!!" Balmung shouted, raising his blade into the sky as he flapped his wings, gaining air as he let out a brave battle cry, coming down with shining blue eyes that told of his determination to do what was right, even if it meant battling his fellow detective and friend. Naoto's eyes shot open as he did, falling to a knee as her card appeared, wincing and raising her gun to fire at it quickly. "Yamato Takeru!" She shouted again, the same warrior from before appearing as Balmung managed to stay his swing, instead of getting in close for a counter attack. 'Ha, now I should be able to-nggh!' Balmung's thoughts were cut off as a number of paper talismans appeared around him, binding him in place for a second. "Wha-Hamaon?" A flash of light blinded the Commander and for a second he thought hte fight might be over, but luck was on his side as the inward pressing energy that could have knocked him out was resisted by his armor instead. Balmung forced his eyes open as he looked at Naoto who was already worn down from his attacks, his eyes glowing as he saw a chance for the finish. "Morning Star!" The spell descended from the winged man and down to Naoto slowly, at least to their eyes, but Naoto wasn't in good enough condition to react as she let out a gasp, and got hit by the strong ball of light.

Naoto struggled to open her eyes, but for some reason they felt incredibly heavy. Finally managing to lift the heavy lids, she saw that there was a roof over her again, and let out a sigh as she realized she'd been knocked unconscious. "You were pretty strong. It looks like we're back where we started but, please...if you could at least answer a few questions." Balmung said, scratching the bridge of his nose as she turned her head to spot the winged figure, his own body wrapped a bit from his wounds. Naoto watched the unusually stern man fold his arms, hiding the bit of shyness he had at his friendly comment a moment ago, and realized that he really was trying to help out, even if she wasn't sure that giving Embryon the information wouldn't hurt them in the long run. But he still trusted her...so it was time to try the same. "Hmph, there's no helping it I guess. I'll try to introduce you to him tomorrow." Naoto turned her head away again, silently hoping that Soji would be able to set right everything that seemed to be going wrong in this investigation.

Winner: Balmung!

Scenario By: Ryoman!