The last thing Yukiko remembered was slipping on the VR Helmet and going into the VR Chat section of the Midnight Chatroom.
Next thing she knew she was standing in the middle of the gardens. But she didn't know who these gardens belonged to.
There were hedges, rose bushes, flowers and trees, some blooming, others creating shapes of topiary. It felt like she was in Versailles, in the maze gardens of King Louis XIV.
She had only ever seen pictures but...how did she get here? Was this Other World everyone talked about truly real?
She looked left and right, and then before her noticed that the narrow path she was on led into the deepest reaches of a labyrinth made of plants, tree and hedges. Was she prepared to enter the labyrinth?
But...to go in...didn't she need her Persona?
She took a step forward a massive migraine erupted in her head.
Yukiko doubled over, her muscly, giant form racked with pain.
A voice rang out through her head.
"I am thou...thou art I...
Every choice you have made has led you to this point.
Every decision is yours, and now you must accept responsibility.
Thou has forged a contract with the Old One.
Thou hast entered this world of your own volition.
Thou has come to this palace and decided your destiny.
I lend you my power so you may conquer yourself.
Do not disappoint me...
The Empress has returned to claim her rightful throne!
Behold the beautiful and terrible power of Yaksini!"
Yukiko collapsed, bending over. One final scream and then...nothing. Silence.
She stood up, smiling, she could feel the power deep within her heart.
Yaksini.
That was the Persona's name. This power was like a head rush and a burst of adrenaline all at once.
Smiling, the hulking mass of muscle that was Yukiko in this world walked towards the entrance to the labyrinth.
Nothing could stop her now.