At the entrance, where a swarm of Shadows had appeared.

(chapter originally by faith on writing.com)

Rise gasped in shock as a parade of freaks floated and squirmed their way out of the misty gloom of the TV world. The former pop idol instinctively took several steps back, exposing her underwear to her friends. Fortunately, the group seemed too focused on the shadows to notice her near nudity, her three companions advancing forward to form a protective wall between her and the denizens of the other world.

"Hey Rise!" Kanji barked as he brandished a folding chair at the horrors. "Let's hear some intel on these things! How do we hit em where it really hurts, huh?"

"J-just a sec!" Rise said, her voice quivering. How could that horde have just snuck up on them like that? Even with her attention focused on the group inside Himiko was usually aware enough to warn her about any incoming threats, especially such a large number of them! Could that "blur out" she was experiencing on the 4th floor be the cause? Was something interfering with her awareness?

"Himiko! Scan the targets!" Rise said, taking in a deep breath and focusing on the battle in front of her. "....Persona!....Himiko?"

Nothing. Her Persona, who had been dutifully keeping track of affairs inside the bathhouse mere moments ago, would not so much as appear in front of her. Rise had a vague feeling of her presence, the way she always did in the real world despite being unable to summon her directly...but even that felt off. Something was interfering with her connection!

"Guys, we have a problem!" Rise called, when suddenly she found herself enfolded in slimy tendrils. A group of shadows had snuck around her friends and ambushed her, and her sudden lack of a Persona was as good as being blind in this place! Rise gasped in alarm as...