Intro Log: May

[moustre]

Intro Log: May, Game Start

I. ARRIVAL Out of nowhere, a glint of light catches your eye; your heart thunders in your ears as your body moves on its own, your mind consumed with inspecting the source. Your reflection stares back at you, just as curious from the surface - a mirror, a pool of water, your most trusted sword, something fleeting that your mind can barely remember - then ripples at your touch. A moment later, you feel a tug, and you find yourself stumbling into a dark, musty room. Behind you, a mirror stands ornately decorated with reminders of home wrought in brass and wood: the faces of people you know, and symbols important to you; all things that send a pang through your chest with the desire to return to them. Touching the mirror's surface does nothing but leave the stain of your fingerprints. When you turn turn to survey the room, you find there are hundreds of other mirrors. None of them are as decorated as yours - they're plain and dusty, speckled with age. Then you realize a second thing: You're not alone. Distantly, the ringing bell of a clocktower can be heard. But no matter its distance, the time is clear to make out: it chimes three times, stark, resonating like a pulse of something in this mirrored hall that you and many others have found yourselves in. For those familiar with magic, they might feel the power of the witching hour upon them, though it will feel different from what they're used to - in fact, everything does. Besides the new arrivals, however, there's one more person in the building, and only one. A young teen stands; previously bored and mulish, he's now owl-eyed and slackjawed as he takes in each arrival, either from the mirrors or coming from another floor as you try to get your bearings. In his hands he's clutching a broom like a security blanket, until - "M... Miss Nessie! Miss Nessie, something's happened!" he yells, as he drops the broom and turns tail out of the building. Leaving the Looking-Glass House makes it obvious that the clock striking three was for 3 AM - the night sky is clear, but the stars are dim in the face of two moons, regardless of their waning crescent phases. Follow, or explore the rest of the mirrored halls you've now found yourselves in? The Looking-Glass House is rather nondescript two-story cottage made of grey brick, sitting at the edge of The Coven's courtyard; stones which glow as you step on them mark the path to and from the two buildings. While fairly small and plain on the outside, the inside has been enchanted to be the size of a large library, with hundreds upon hundreds of mirrors hanging, standing, and resting inside its walls. Some are broken, some are cracked, and some seem completely uninjured - but all of them are just as plain as the cottage itself, showing age in the silver beneath their glass and in the greening of their metals... Well, all except a character's personal mirror; to characters, one mirror - the one they came through - will be decorated lavishly with metal-and-wood-wrought reminders of home, and the surface will be as clear as a brand-new mirror.

II. "MISS NESSIE" Whether you've decided to follow the hapless young man, or decided to explore the rest of the Looking-Glass House - and perhaps finding a few familiar faces among the crowd - you feel a pull towards the foyer of the first floor. It's like a firm suggestion, as if to take you by the hand and draw you to where it begins, and the source of it becomes quite apparent upon finding one's way to the front room: a tall, comfortably-dressed older woman and her even taller wolfish companion. The woman covers her mouth with a soft "Oh my!" as she surveys those who begin to crowd in, and she turns to the werewolf (?), lowering her hand once more. (The handful of others who'd come with her peer as best they can from a ways behind her with unconcealed curiosity, closer to the door out than not. The boy previously seen before he ran off can be spotted at the very back of the group.) "This is right unexpected, isn't it?" She not-quite whispers, delight and confusion in equal measure in her voice. Her companion makes a quiet noise in her throat, unscarred eye narrowed - it's hard to tell if that delight is one shared by both parties. "Well, they've always said the veil is thinner during Boaltinn... We'll have to talk to James and see if he was doing anything other than cleaning, we will, but for now, we've got a full house to attend to, don't we? Ah, if they're all Witches, that'll be something, it will!" Without wasting another beat - much to the fond irritation of her companion, certainly - the woman turns back to the newcomers of Aefenglom, clapping her hands together in glee. "Well then! I'm certain you all have many, many questions... As do we! First thing's first, though, first thing's first! I am Nerissa Bell, the Head Witch of the Coven - that's where this house is located right now, on Coven grounds - and this is my Bonded, Mhairi Ainsley. Don't worry, she's a right softie despite her looks! You can simply call me Miss Nessie - everyone does, short of those stuffy folks up in the Parliament, but, well, that's just how things are with them, I suppose." She pauses a beat, for breath, before continuing with a wave of her hand; dozens of chairs and stools, all surprisingly comfortable despite their wooden looks, are conjured in an instant, and Nessie smiles wide as she gives a small bow. "Take a seat, and let's get familiar with one another for a spell! The city'll celebrate without us one way or another, and we've already finished our business for tonight anyway. Isn't that right, Mhairi dear?" Despite the onslaught of information and excitement at three in the morning, Mhairi inclines her head slightly after a huge sigh; her voice is likely exactly as expected, low and akin to a growl. "Best to take advantage of the distraction. Let's begin, before I have to report this to Parliament." NOTE: If you wish to interact with Nessie and Mhairi, please comment here. You have the option of handwaving the IC interaction to OOCly ask what questions your character might have for them, for us to summarize an answer for, or you can request an IC thread. Simply specify in your comment's subject and we'll respond accordingly.

III. THE COVEN After an hour or two of general chaos, questions that the natives attempt to help with, and injuries tended to for those who arrive in poor condition, a solution is presented. Though they certainly can't answer every question, Nerissa and Mhairi promise to help find the answers, and open the doors of the Coven to all new arrivals in the Looking-Glass House. The walk from the quaint cottage to the imposing structure ahead is lit only by magic provided by Miss Nessie and the Witches accompanying her, as well as the path of stepping stones coming aglow with each step that's taken across them. Beyond the courtyard, with its high, opalescent walls, a city can be seen. There are torches accompanying the flickering light posts outside, and the sounds of life clear even this far from the heart of Aefenglom, something that sounds like... merriment? Festivities are in full swing, even this close to dawn. The rest of the world continues on, even though you've arrived, confused and perhaps missing a few aspects of your usual persons. But while they certainly weren't expecting to spend the festival like this, the Coven has worked as quickly as it can. Their doors, decorated in cowslip flowers, are wide open - welcoming to the public, and to new arrivals as well. The Coven's main building has a surprisingly large front room, compared to its outside; the ceiling stretches ever onward, with stairs of the solidly-flush-against-the-wall variety and floating-ethereally-in-the-middle-of-things variety both. Magic and mundane intermingle as if meant to, with brooms inscribed with runes to clean making quick work of dirt and dust, shadowy figures opening and closing doors as people enter and exit, plates of snacks drifting around as if carried by invisible servers. The brooms are especially attentive to the door as new arrivals step in - they don't apologize for knocking into anyone, and really, anyone particularly scruffy will get swept at until the brooms are satisfied. None of this seems to mind the Witches coming in, with small murmurs of gratitude given to the busybody brooms instead of reprimands. Doors lead this way and that, on higher floors and on the ground floor, but runes glow by their frames in indecipherable patterns. Peculiar-looking devices - watches, the native Witches explain, compliments of Parliament - are passed around to all the new arrivals; they're given a quick rundown on their functions and bid to test them out when they can, and Nessie waits for things to calm before she steps up the floating stairs and addresses the room. "We'll see to it you all have lodgings for a bit, we will, but for now, the festival's still going on - if you couldn't tell!" She laughs a little, hands on her hips. "There's nothing we can do about things right now, so you might as well enjoy yourselves, you might. If any of you want to stay in 'til morning though, well, we can provide - just mind your manners, magic's real particular about them. At least," she winks, head tilting with the motion, "that's how I teach all my classes, it is." Those deciding to stay will be lead to doors that seem to follow no real pattern by native Witches; the rule is "two to a bed," so get cozy with the person next to you. They're the ones you'll be sleeping with tonight. The beds aren't too small - enough to accommodate at least three humans - and they're fairly comfortable too, for their old-looking age.

IV. BOALTINN For those who journey out into the city, they'll be sent off with a word of warning to keep out of trouble from Mhairi, to find everything still quite lively - and still quite unaware of what's taken place. There's very little left to the shadows, with dim light filling in the gaps between the flickering streetlamps and the extra candles and such people have put up themselves. Curiously, small bonfires seem to follow a pattern, culminating into a wide plaza in the center of the Residential District where a larger, brighter one burns, with people dancing around it, their clothing jingling softly with little bells hanging from their hems. The same is mirrored on the direct other side of the city - the only difference is in who's dancing. The Eastern Bonfire has more visibly humanoid beings enjoying themselves, while the Western Bonfire has creatures more monstrous in looks. Regardless, they all seem to be happy- And the reason is this: Boaltinn, a festival lasting the next two dusks. The nights and early mornings are filled with flickering firelight, while the morning and daytime have all but the small fires leading the way to the giant bonfires extinguished; the bonfires, however, stay lit. - and in general, it seems the city is quite happy, quite cheerful, and quite close. a. The Bonfires The main attraction of Boaltinn, as they are with any fire festival, the bonfires on each side of the city are tended to by various Monsters every hour of the day. While much of the scenes are similar - there's plenty of food to be shared, with those partaking in it cowed into sitting with someone else regardless of how familiar they might be, and children of all kinds play together and invite those sitting or watching to come too, in all manner of games, such as jacks, hopscotch, and running ribbons around the tall poles at the bonfires. But there are marked differences, too. The Eastern Bonfire primarily has humans or those that can pass as humanoid in attendance, and they're much friendlier to those who look similar to them; to those that look a little more monster-like, though, their replies are far more curt and their shoulders colder. The area around the bonfire is also littered with trinkets and baubles, all shiny and new and utterly forgotten by their playmates; the ribbon poles are similarly new, made professionally as if by commission. Characters are invited to try and jump through the bonfire's flames to burn away any poor relationship experiences, be it romantic or platonic, past or present; to aid them in this, those at the Eastern Bonfire will give those participating rune-etched accessories to protect them from the fire. Meanwhile, the Western Bonfire has primarily those who are more monstrous in looks, and they're similarly friendlier to those who resemble them, with a similar brusque and cold manner to those who look more human. The area around the bonfire is carefully kept clean, however, and the ribbon poles look handcrafted from lumber and grass, with tightly-woven knots and clumsily-made paper decorations. Those attending here are also invited to jump through the flames, but no such protection is offered; it's simply assumed that, as a Monster, you're likely much better at handling a little fire. b. A Little Entertainment It isn't only the bonfire celebrations that one can participate in, however. All throughout both the East and West Residential Districts, as well as a portion of the Shopping and Entertainment Districts, there's a number of stalls, stands, and stores available for perusal. Take a gander at the rest of the city and find something to do. Of note: Divination readings are available in various stalls, set up by Coven-official Witches as well as homegrown ones, with tarot cards that vary from pristine art pieces that one would almost hesitate to touch to the personally drawn and cut. They offer free readings, enticing all who pass by to join them at their table. Good or bad, the cards seem to bring with them lessons and words of wisdom, interpreted expertly by those handling them... or as expertly as possible; some readings seem a little unsure and muddy. Regardless of belief, those who take part in these readings will suddenly find their day going either exceptionally well or incredibly poor, depending on the overall feel of their reading. Carts and booths are available for one to partake in more food, however there's a stipulation to taking anything from these vendors: one must share this food with others, either in pairs or a group. While relations between humans and beasts seem to be a little frosty, they can be seen intermingling a tad more freely when it comes to this portion of the celebrations, sharing the treats and small meals that are being offered to everyone. The food available all seem to be those easy to hold in hand, not unlike modern-day food trucks; of note, the thin pancake wraps seem to be the most popular, with a bubbly drink similar to a milkshake filled to the brim with drinking straws for best sharing experience coming in second. Flavors are plentiful and varied, though they err closer to the fruits, vegetables, and spices side of the spectrum. Finally, the more pleasure-based businesses offer the chance to relax one's weary feet and take a chance with a little aromatherapy with their rose baths. While traditionally this had its roots in imbuing the bather with good tidings and blessings for the upcoming seasons (or so they'll say when asked), nowadays, it's simply become a luxury treatment for those needing a little TLC. The waters here do have the added bonus of making those who share them friendlier and more talkative with their partner(s) - and yes, all baths are a shared experience. Rather than being split by sex, baths are split by monster and human; co-ed bathing exists for those who don't mind mingling with the opposite species, and if really pressed, they can offer separate baths for different sexes, but their focus seems elsewhere. c. Impulsive Compulsion Throughout the whole festival, new arrivals, particularly those with magic talent gifted to them by the world, will feel like they can do anything and will push themselves to the limit. While not inherently detrimental, those who feel it will become more reckless, their inhibitions lessened and impulses heightened; trying new things is easy as pie, with any thoughts of fear left far in the back of their minds. While magic is highly discouraged on festival days, given their rest day quality, those under the spell of Boaltinn's madness will feel the temptation to try some anyway, regardless of knowing the proper way of performing it - perhaps it's about time to try out what one discovered in that strange dream... Those found doing magic will get a firm scolding, but no actual punishment; it's only looked down on, and they'll be cautioned against using too much. If any property damage occurs due to reckless magic use, however, there are fines; those without any money to their name can be recruited to pay it off by working at the buildings and stalls they may have accidentally damaged, serving people, looks, or whatever else the business might offer.

Welcome to the intro log! While mingling on the log itself is highly encouraged, feel free to make your own logs; take the prompts offered and go wild, go crazy, go stupid, have fun. The network system is free to use once characters have their watches as well; information on that can be found at the bottom of the Setting page, while any extra questions about it can be found in the FAQ index. Quests can be picked up now as well! While technically most of them won't start until after festivities, you can go ahead and put your name on some by replying to the May Quest Pickup thread on the Quest Board. Finally, if your character is getting into any Shenanigans, let the mods know and if you have any questions about the log, ask them here!

Comments

[scaling]

[ That does seem to be the case. Akira might find humor in how typical of a comment that is, despite the wild circumstances they've found themselves in (both garbed in Coven-provided robes, sporting bandages and bruises, worlds away from home), if not for the fuzziness at the edges of his mind.

A memory emerges, like static on a television giving away to picture: an unsettlingly different version of Akechi that claimed to be dead, the mischievous fairy, being attached at the hand. The clarity tapers off as he tries to trace it backwards, fizzling out around the point of a finger writing characters into his palm.

The hand that isn't holding onto the drink comes up to rub at his temple briefly, chasing away the last of the feeling. ]

... It wasn't just a dream, was it?

[ Being drawn into the Velvet Room in his sleep time and time again has given him the sense that sometimes what seems like a dream can still leave its mark on reality. ]

[grakraka]

[Akechi watches him recall it with a curious expression before he gives a soft laugh. Well, he could lie about it but he supposes there isn't much of a point in that for now. It might lead to questions but he doesn't have to answer anything if he doesn't feel like it.

Besides, if they all experienced that, Akira will just find out he lied much sooner rather than later and that would be a pain.]

Unfortunately. [He would have much preferred if it had been just that.] I'm glad you didn't wind up stuck as a fairy's pet, though.

[scaling]

[ Well, the implications that come along with that confirmation are rather heavy—not to mention, Akira's once again saddled with all of the questions left at the end of their previous meeting, now that the memory has been rekindled.

So here he is, once again, alongside this version of Akechi that claims to no longer want to kill him. At least he can be sure that, even if it's a lie, he doesn't have to worry for his safety in a large crowd like this. That doesn't seem to be Akechi's way of doing things.

The tension in his shoulders wanes slightly, and he allows himself to pick up one of the small cakes. ]

I think you were more in danger of that than me. They seemed to like that scary face of yours.

[grakraka]

[Now that Akira seems less troubled, Akechi takes a cake, too.]

The last thing I need is a tiny fairy bullying me around. I don't really know how that dream worked but I would rather not run into them again.

[Though, he supposes it would be his luck if they did. Considering all the magical beings that seem to be here, he doesn't doubt they are around somewhere, too.

He pauses a moment to take a bite of the cake.]

Oh, not bad. Especially not for free.

[scaling]

[ He's seen quite a few winged creatures while making his way through the city so far, so it wouldn't come as a surprise if their fae friend happened to be here. ]

They might not even recognize us like this. [ They're both looking on the rough side, after all.

Akira bites into his cake as well, humming his agreement with the remark. The fact that he's sitting with Akechi, of all people, engaged in casual conversation over a shared late-night snack, is not lost on him. Like most things, though, he takes it in stride. ]

What do you make of all this? [ The question comes after a brief stretch of silence, during which his eyes drift back to the flames of the bonfire. That's usually Akechi's thing, digging for opinions and insight, but everything about this has Akira wondering. This is just the most likely to get a straight answer. ]

[grakraka]

[It feels comfortable to him, more like talking to him over coffee at Leblanc than any conversation they could have had after his betrayal. He isn't naive enough to think it could be so simple and really it never was, either, but he enjoys being able to talk about something like this.]

I believe my earlier thoughts about this being related to the afterlife can be discarded. And this doesn't seem to be related to Mementos or the Metaverse in any sense. I don't know about you but I haven't been able to access my Personas at all. [He has forgotten that Akira, having not known about the engine room, might not know about that, either, but oh well.] I do seem to have... something else now. Perhaps it is somehow analogous to our previous abilities? I haven't been able to test it yet, so I'm uncertain if it is our powers reshaping themselves for this place or something else.

[He toys with the cake.] Age, gender, ethnicity, social class... There doesn't seem to be any particular overlap. If we're to believe the people in authority here, this was an accident. Of course, I have my doubts. But so far, I see nothing we have in common. It will call for further investigation no matter what. I did notice some sort of... racism? Speciesism? There is a divide between the inhuman and the human here. It all sounds a little too fantastic to me but I suppose, given our lives, it probably is hypocritical of me to think that in the first place.

[scaling]

[ As to be expected, Akechi's analysis is thorough and, as far as he can tell, completely correct. There's plenty to dig through and comment on there, his own thoughts to be shared, but something sticks out far too much not to be asked about first. ]

... Personas? [ Plural? ]

[grakraka]

[He pauses, chewing the cake in his mouth slowly. Having a full mouth is a good excuse to decide how to answer before speaking. Maybe a question for a question?]

First, what was the last event that occurred from your perspective? Obviously from your reaction I can guess the general time period.

[scaling]

[ So this feeling like he's missed something important might not be his imagination playing tricks on him. But even so, can he trust any explanation Akechi has for it? Well—Akira can at least listen and make that call for himself. ]

I was in Niijima-san's car. She said she was taking me somewhere to lay low until tomorrow, but... [ Akira shrugs a shoulder. They can both see what happened to "tomorrow." ]

[grakraka]

[He can't help the look of surprise that crosses his face as he blinks once before recovering with a soft, somewhat sardonic laugh—the laugh, though, doesn't seem aimed at Akira.

That does explain a lot. It actually amazes him Akira can stand to be around him at all in that case.]

I see. That is interesting. That was a few weeks ago from my perspective. I suppose we can add either time paradoxes or alternate dimensions to the growing list of things going on here.

[scaling]

[ The surprise reflects into his own expression when Akechi elaborates. When he felt like he was missing something, he didn't think it was weeks. And if what Akechi's said now and during their last meeting is to be believed, he was apparently present during those weeks. Or some version of him, anyway.

Next to the other things they've experienced, it really isn't all that strange, but...

Akira reaches up to tug at a lock of hair as he considers the possibility being laid out. ]

What happened during that time?

[grakraka]

Quite a lot happened. Though I obviously don't know all of it from your perspective.

[But he doesn't know where to start. Frankly, he's still processing much of it himself. He frowns as he tears off a piece of cake before popping it into his mouth.]

I have two Personas, for the record. That is the answer to the question you asked before. I realised during our time together that our powers are the same, or at least very similar. I have some developing theories as to why you have so many more than I do but... well, the differences are obvious to me, I suppose.

[There are things he understands now about Akira, about his friendships and connections, that were put into stark contrast with himself only a little while ago. But now that he isn't in the middle of a breakdown—not that he feels great by any means but he can hold it back for now—he doesn't particularly want to put into words how worthless he feels compared to him.

And he would have to, if he answered 'what happened', so he answers something else Akira asked instead, trying to distract him.]

[scaling]

[ Nice try, Akechi, but the non-answer doesn't slip by unnoticed.

But he doesn't press it just yet. Somehow, Akira has the feeling that trying to pry answers will only make him dodge giving them harder. Besides, Akechi is offering up a rather interesting piece of information. ]

Have you been to the Velvet Room? [ He always assumed that his ability to access it when nobody else could see the door was due to his gift of the Wild Card. If Akechi really does have the same sort of power, it would make sense that he could as well. ]

[grakraka]

[He sighs, more exhausted than annoyed.] Is that another advantage you had over me? Like Morgana?

[Though he does remain curious about Morgana's origins and how he knew what he did.]

[scaling]

[ So he doesn't know what it is. Akira imagines there are a few possible reasons for that.

Well, either way—he's not going to explain it right now. If Akechi wants to drop vague statements without going deeper into them, he better be prepared to deal with the same.

And anyway: ] "Advantage"? I wasn't trying to compete with you.

[grakraka]

[Although he notices the lack of follow-up, he can't say anything without having it turned around on him. But he notes it for later.]

I know that. It isn't... quite what I meant. [It was part of it, though, but explaining all of that would be such a mess.] I've been doing this for years, you see. But I didn't know about stealing hearts. I didn't... know anything about that.

[Akira can infer, then, at least to some extent the only thing Akechi would have known for changing someone. It was the only way Shido taught him.

Though, even if Shido did know about all of that, he wouldn't have told him. In retrospect, it makes sense. Someone confessing their crimes would have been very, very inconvenient to him. He should have questioned that. He should have done so many things different. Well, it doesn't matter now.]

[scaling]

[ Years... He knew Akechi's experience with the Metaverse extended further back than he claimed, but that's longer than Akira would've thought. He presses his lips together, considering the rest. ]

... There's no way you could have known.

[ Because Akechi is right: Morgana is valuable in ways that extend beyond being a friend and teammate. The process of taking hearts is so out there that it's likely none of them every would've come up with the idea on their own. When it comes down to it, the Phantom Thieves only exist thanks to Morgana. Without his guidance, would they have ended up killing Kamoshida's Shadow? It's a real possibility. One he'd rather not dwell on. ]

Would you have, though? [ Stolen hearts, that is. There's still much he doesn't understand about Akechi's motivations. He knows that Akechi is (was, he supposes) working for someone powerful, but he can't imagine that forced confessions would ever have been as effective in furthering their goals as the mental shutdowns were. ]

[grakraka]

[With a soft laugh, he shakes his head. If they figured out everything based on his phone conversations, then they knew he was answering to someone. In that case, they also probably knew enough to guess at what a cruel person the mastermind was. Even if Akira has yet to see his Palace, he shouldn't need much explanation.]

I doubt I would have been allowed to, no. But it might have given me a viable solution to a certain problem... well, maybe. [He runs a hand through his hair. Even if he could have done things the way the Phantom Thieves did, he doubts he could have done all of Shido's palace by himself.] It would have changed my way of thinking a little if it matters. I don't know if for better or worse, though.

[If he knew there was a more peaceful way of doing things, it might have only served to highlight how monstrous his deeds were. At least, it felt that way when he learned of it in the first place. If he had to live with that feeling, maybe he would have tried harder to do...

Well, 'what if's feel pointless now.]

[scaling]

[ Akira only nods; it's as he expected. "A little," but he doubts it would've been enough to sway Akechi from his path. Learning about the alternative method during Sae's Palace certainly wasn't enough to derail the murder attempt he was plotting.

And yet, the Akechi sitting next to him feels so different from the one he heard planning his impending death. "I'm glad I got to see you again," he remembers from that distant dream. Not the sort of thing he'd expect to hear from someone who once sounded pleased at the thought of putting him in the ground.

What happened during that blank spot of weeks that, if genuine, could shift his attitude regarding Akira that much?

He chews quietly as he considers another statement that came along with the previously recalled one. ] What did you mean last time, about your "efforts"?

[grakraka]

[While Akira is quiet, Akechi doesn't push him to talk more, nor does he try to fill the silence like he usually might. He doesn't really mind it too much.

At his question, he tilts his head. He remembers saying that. Unfortunately, at the time, he really did think it was all temporary. If he had known better, he would have been more careful with his words. He knows he can't get away with saying he only meant guiding him, either. It still leaves a gap for Akira between the person who betrayed them and the person sitting next to him. Even Akechi would have a difficult time putting into words what has been happening with his emotions.

He sighs.]

You wouldn't believe me if I told you the answer. [Not accusatory but simply a fact. He doesn't blame Akira for it at all.] It was... a very long day.

[That somehow sounds like an understatement, even without knowing everything.]

[scaling]

[ It's true that Akira likely won't immediately buy into whatever explanation is given. The last time Akechi tried to trick him, it was with an elaborate story. It's curious that he hasn't jumped on the opportunity to do that again, but there's always the possibility that he learned from the previous failure.

That, or he's being honest.

Akira sips the milkshake-reminiscent concoction from one of the straws. ]

More unbelievable than all of this? [ He cocks his head towards their surroundings, offering the drink to Akechi. ]

[grakraka]

[Akechi takes the milkshake offering, looking pretty delighted about it. While he over-exaggerated things for his public persona, he does actually enjoy sweets quite a bit. This festival of free treats might as well be catering to him.]

It depends on your perspective, I suppose. You did just escape death by my hand from your point of view, so something that is the opposite of that might seem just as fantastical.

[Although it doesn't say everything, it also says a lot.]

[scaling]

[ Well, he was right about it being hard to swallow. The whole "sucked through a mirror into a world of magic and monsters" thing is easier to accept than the concept of Akechi apparently saving his life. He at least has his experiences with being thrown into the Metaverse to bolster the former; in the case of the latter, there's still the matter of why.

Akira lets his gaze linger on Akechi's face, trying to parse his features for any sign of a lie. When he comes up empty-handed, he exhales quietly. Akechi has a way of answering questions that only leaves him with more. ]

Are you sure it was just a few weeks?

[grakraka]

[It shouldn't be so funny to him but he can't help a burst of laughter, forcing him to cover his mouth. The layers of irony might be enough to crush him. He quiets himself quickly, though, and gives a somewhat apologetic look.]

My apologies but this situation is just... [Not really funny at all but he has to cope somehow. Trailing off, he shrugs.] As I said before, I don't expect you to believe me. It's fine.

[scaling]

[ The outburst gets raised eyebrows in response. It really isn't funny, but Akechi's reaction does lift some of the weight from his thoughts, inexplicably. ]

It's almost too unbelievable to be a lie. [ Because surely Akechi would pick something more within the realm of possibility, wouldn't he? It seems like a weird angle for him to play.

But he's not going to keep pressing it right now. For every word that Akechi's given him, there feels like ten more that he won't say. Akira turns his musings elsewhere for now. ]

Have you seen anyone we know here?