Splitting up wasn't the best option, but the two had a reason for it. For as well as they worked together, the two did need to test their strengths on their own as well. And with the Madness, especially after the last time that had hit, they both needed to have their own sort of independent strength against it. Just so last time didn't repeat itself.

However, even the most constant and hyped of mental pep talks didn't seem to be able to prepare Barnaby for the nagging pull of the Madness. In the lower levels, it was just a pull, a creeping reminder that began slipping through his nerves to play at his peripherals, as if he was just preparing himself to see smoke. But there was no smoke here, absolutely nothing was on fire. Nothing was on fire.

But he had stopped walking after a while. The pull was definitely getting to him. He just needed to focus and remain calm. It would be better for himself and Kotetsu in the long run. It just took some control. Deep breaths, trying to isolate the feeling, trying to focus--

And seeing fire. Smoke, fire, a smirk, a shady and shadowy feeling--

He shook his head and closed his eyes, letting his bangs fall forward as he stared at the ground. This was a lot harder than he thought, but he was determined to get past this on his own. Barnaby didn't want to make Kotetsu rescue him a second time.