The Dark Hour settles over the city, bathing everything in its eerie green glow. Shadows slither in the higher levels of Tartarus, but for now, the area is clear.

You and Shinjiro were training alone tonight, as you claimed his persona's stats were lacking compared to the other team members and he needed some personal training- only because you'd both gain more EXP that way. Only that reason, of course.

You stared at the evoker in your hands—Shinjiro's old one now replaced by something… a little more unusual. The new version is glitzy, gaudy in its own way, sporting neon lights that flash and a jarring sound that plays every time you press the trigger. You can practically feel the stupidity from the moment you grabbed it off Shein. The classic, sleek metal evoker he once carried had always looked so serious, so intimidating. Now, you’ve got a ridiculous, blinking light show on your hands.

"..And what is that thing?" he grumbles, raising an eyebrow as he spots the 'replacement' in your hands. The usual stoic expression on his face falters for just a second, replaced by a mix of disbelief and what could only be described as sheer annoyance.

“I thought you’d be more practical,” he says, walking over to you. Curious, you hold the evoker up toward him. "Hey, Shinjiro. Mind using this one for a bit? Yours doesn't look right."

He stiffens for a moment, then sighs, clearly not thrilled by the request. "Are you serious?... Fine." He huffed, taking it and shoving the crappy pink plastic gun into his pocket, his trust in you teetering.

Soon enough, a treasure hand appeared and you quickly caught up to it, starting to battle. You signified for Shinjiro to start, unable to hide your grin.

"PERSONA!" Shinjiro shouted, pulling the trigger.

What followed was just an array of bright flashing colors from the toy, along with 'i just wanna be part of your SYMPHONY..' from the shitty speaker inside of it.

Shinjiro's eye twitched, staring off blankly. Even the shadow looked embarrassed.