The Ties That Bind(Social Links)

[Gatewalker]

Nagare: Devil 3

> ---------------------------------------------------------
> The four had returned from the Dream, to find it was about as late as they had expected. Quickly and quietly they went thier seperate ways, Mike and Shiro back to the male dorms, Hikari to the female, and Nagare to his car to go home. After a quick stop to get food(as he was in no shape to bother cooking), the proffessor found himself in his apartment.
> Alone, as usual. And after the day's antics, the quiet felt almost strange.
* Nagare roams the apartment, a vague, unsettling feeling. The teacher fiddles, etching his hands into his pockets, almost as if wishing he'd find something in them.
> The key is there, of course. He still had it when they left, as neither Mike nor Hikari had asked for it back yet.
<Nagare> Although it may not have been in -that- set of pants. Nagare probably had the magical nature of that key to thanks, although it probably wouldn't be fond of the washing machine -either way-. The teacher picks the key, looking at the kitchen's k
<Nagare> Although it may not have been in -that- set of pants. Nagare probably had the magical nature of that key to thanks, although it probably wouldn't be fond of the washing machine -either way-. The teacher picks the key, looking at the kitchen's open door. Then he closes it... and opens it again, now with the key, opening the pathway to the Dream... and to the Velvet Room.
<Nagare> As soon as the ocean-like blue of the entrance appears, Nagare enters, heading to the Velvet Room...
> (OOC: The portal is actually swirling purple, it's the VR itself that's blue~ but whatever, Scene Change!)
> As he had expected, Theresa was the only occupant of the Velvet Room this time. With a smile, she gestures to the seat, and pours a cup of tea that was already prepared, "Hello again."
* Nagare picks up the chair and sits in a rather uncharacteristic hurry. It's almost as if he needs to get something out of his chest. "Good afternoon, Theresa. Although I feel the urge to skip pleasantries a bit."
> Theresa half smirks, "Oh really? You always struck me as the sort who enjoyed the little ceremonies expected by polite society."
* Nagare fiddles with air somewhat awkwardly a bit. "We can always pick them up later. But I believe this is important. I'll just skip straight to what I need to ask, since otherwise, I'll just dance around the issue for no reason. It's...," the teacher breathes heavily, then picking up his voice to finish... "... Lilith. Isn't it?"
> Theresa grins and shakes her head, "Sorry, but no. Good guess, though. Much closer then I'd expect on the second try."
> "So, do you want to ask your question now, or have some tea first?"
<Nagare> "Now that my blunder's settled, tea's a good idea. It just sorta unsettled me that the answer could be -that- obvious if true. And that, in a certain way, I'd have sort of cheated."
<Nagare> "Although, if I'm in the right track, the slight sneering at the Eve guess still makes too much sense."
> "Cheated?" She raises an eyebrow, "whatever do you mean by that?"
> Then she laughs, "And I sneered at Eve because I've met the woman and she's the most self-absorbed half-wit I've ever had the displeasure of being stuck in a room with."
* Nagare adjusts his seat, beginning to relax a bit more. "Well. In the Dreamscapes, we blundered - with a little help from fate - into servants of yours. Also, I'd have guessed the very first people to be made would be nimrods."
<Nagare> "Back into the subject, though, it was... almost eerie to see the sheer reverence they had towards you."
> "Hmm." Theresa sips her own tea, not minding the heat or the strength.
* Nagare picks up his tea finally, carefully drinking it one sip at a time... like usual. Overconfidence in the powers of tea is a dangerous endeavor.
> "So, who exactly did you meet? And I hope the visit with them was pleasant?"
* Nagare puts down the tea for a moment, looking up to Theresa. "We met Lilly, the leader of a Lilim cove - we were treated quite well. Also, ask Hikari about how pleasant the visit was - the visible silence alone will make your day. But... seriously... capital 'Her's and 'She's?"
> This causes her to chuckle, "Ah, I remember Lilly. You should be able to trust her, she's fond of her drinks and her pleasures, but also quite protective of her freinds."
<Nagare> "I hope so, certainly. Although, as I said, you might get better stories from Hikari. I'd probably pay live money to see her reaction."
> Theresa's smile grows at this, "Oh I'm sure I don't need to. Lilly can be veeeeery pursausive when she desires."
* Nagare smiles amusedly. "What happened -really- didn't need persuasion. Which makes it all the more amusing. But I guess I shouldn't expect anything else from anyone with a link to you."
<Nagare> "The side effect of being well liked by Lilims I'm rather ambivalent on, though."
> "Oh?" She gives a coy expression, "And why might that be? I've been nothing but a lady~"
* Nagare smirks. "Neither has Lilly. But playful subtlety has been one of your most powerful tools since I've met you."
> "Hmm. Flattery will get you..." she pauses, considers, then smiles playfully, "on second thought, by all means, continue."
* Nagare shakes his head with a grin. "No compliment comes gratuitously from me unless I'm lying, you know. And I know better than to lie to you."
> "I'm reasonably certain you're a horrible liar, anyway."
> As the tea settles into Nagare a bit more, he finds it relaxing him, filling him with a bit more awareness and energy as well. Not alot, but enough to be noticable.
<Nagare> "I used to fare okay at it back when I was practicing. Then my life turned upside down and -that- particular skill was lost. Not that I miss it."
<Nagare> "I also have to add that I honestly needed this cup of tea."
> "You must have used up some of your spiritual energy in there, this time." Theresa notes, "I make my tea with a very, very small touch of Soma extract. Not even as much as was in those pills, but it gives the tea it's strength and it's restorative property."
<Nagare> "If it was just spiritual, it'd have been less unpleasant. But no, there were godforsaken -trees- dropping on me. Flaming trees. "
* Nagare sighs. "Sometimes, I loathe the Dreamscapes.
> Theresa smiles again, a bit more tenderly this time, "They do contain everything. From your wildest desire to your most secret fear, if it can be imagined it exists somewhere in the Dream. The entire land is terrible and beautiful all at once. Now that you've been there, I wonder if you'll be able to look at your own world the same again?"
<Nagare> "I don't think I have even in the more restrained confines of those smaller Dreamscapes. It's... quite jarring, however. I started wondering if -our- world, in fact, isn't just as volatile as the Dream."
> "In some ways it is." She nods in agreement, "The largest difference between the two is that in your world, the majority of people agree on what the rules are. Both the rules of reality and those of society. In the Dream...well, you've seen for yourself already."
<Nagare> "In all fairness, the agreement on rules in -our- world... isn't really all that firm. The true difference seems to be the fabric that holds these two worlds together."
> "Ah," she counters, "but most people would agree, no matter where they are from, that flaming trees cannot maliciously fling themselves at you of thier own will. There is no such agreement on that rule or any other like it in the Dream."
* Nagare blinks. "Wait. So, the fabric of facts is so -fragile- in the Dream that they couldn't even agree on the creations of a single fundamental law."
<Nagare> "Or is it the opposite? Nobody can agree about any rule - thus, the tissue that forges the Dream becomes volatile and mutant."
> This gets a grin, "What part of 'if it can be imagined, it exists somewhere in the Dream' did you not understand the first time?"
* Nagare laughs softly, sighing and scratching his cheek. "Don't mind me, I'm being infected by Mykasi and trying to insert logic where it's a child's trinket."
> Theresa chuckles, "Your world is rational and governed by laws that don't change, so it's in your nature to ascribe them to other things as well. But the Dream...doesn't always follow them. It does in some ways, but that's more something for you to discover on your own."
<Nagare> "I figure there has to be -some- bridging material to keep the Dream afloat even in an inherently fragile manner.
> "Well, everyone at least agrees that it exists. That's something to start from~"
<Nagare> "Besides that, though, all bets are off. The most interesting part is the freedom given to existence in there."
> "It really is." Theresa smiles a bit sadly, "So long as you keep your sense of wonder, you can never get bored in the Dream, there's always something new and fantastic to see."
> "There's a price for it, of course." She shrugs, "But there is for anything worth having."
* El-Cideon is now known as Sierra_Dreaming
<Nagare> "I think I even understand that. Too much contact with the Dreaming could easily disconnect one from reality. And, whether we want it or not, the world of Dreams is still a foreign land where -we- aren't natural."
<Nagare> "We just have the unfortunate coincidence of feeding the material that binds that mess together."
> "Partly that. Partly how in exchange for the infinite possibility of the Dream, you give up the right to be safe. Nothing and no one is safe in there, but it would lose some of it's beauty if it was, don't you think?"
<Nagare> "The same actually applies to our world, though. What we -have-, however, is an illusion of safety. There's a slight irony in that. A place where there is no fact or truth actually exposes its inhabitants to one of the most primal, yet hidden realities in our existence."
> She pours herself another cup and nods, "Illusions are an interesting thing. While Mykasi creates them as easily as he breathes, you see through them equally readily. And it appears that these talents are possesed by the both of you in both worlds, just a little more litteraly in the Dream."
<Nagare> "I figure there'd be a reason why we seem to quibble and mesh so much."
<Nagare> "And that is probably part of it. In a sense, this essentially makes us complete. Somehow. Which is odd, given my own Persona also has a knack for illusions just as much as it has for piercing through them."
> "All Persona have multiple facets, it's how you choose to use them that matters." Taking a long drink of her tea, she sets the cup down and smiles, changing the subject, "So, I'm getting curious. Did you put much thought into your question, or merely your guess?"
* Nagare snickers. "I always put more thought into my guesses than my questions, sadly. At this point, you may slap me for the lack of decor for the question I have in mind."
<Nagare> "But I figure the worst that can happen is that you'll slap me and refuse me an answer. Were you ever a wife, be it by will of desire or will of force?"
> She nods, "I was, actually."
* Nagare scratches his head. "You're even a good sport."
> That gets a snicker, "Oh please, that's hardly an intrusive question."
<Nagare> "You've never been to a Japanese courtroom, I see."
> "Oh, just becuase some stuck up suits consider it intrusive doesn't mean it actually is." she counters.
<Nagare> "It's where I was raised in, remember. It's a nice reminder on -why- the difference in rules between the Dreamscapes and the Landscapes isn't as unbridgeable as it seems to be."
> Theresa nods, "You may still seem uptight compared to some of your allies, but compared to those still living in the land of the courts you've come a long way I think. Even just from the time we first spoke."
* Nagare stretches gently. Theresa's words seem to have hit quite a good spot in his mind. "It's a relief, honestly. Loosening up also doesn't always come easy, but it feels like it was what I needed to actually -live-."
> Then she gets a positively wicked grin, "If you want a bit more help with that, just ask Lilly. I'm sure she'd be MORE then happy to lend a hand or two~"
<Nagare> "I've seen a glimpse of what she can do, really... and I think I'd like to take my steps more leisurely than that. Although Hikari certainly seemed to enjoy -that- lesson," the teacher replies, emulating Theresa's grin with mild at best success.
> Theresa snickers again, "Oh, I'd be dissapointed in Lilly if she didn't. There is no greater shame for a succubuss or a lilim then to have your partner leave unsatisfied."
<Nagare> "I think part of Hikari's post-sobering awkwardness comes -exactly- from the success."
> "Poor thing." Despite the sympathetic words, Theresa's expression is nothing short of amused, "I'm sure she'll come to terms with it in time, but that had to be shocking if she wasn't interested in girls before."
* Nagare grins, tapping his fingers on the table lightly. "Shiro is just as shocked as Hikari is. This is bound to bring some amusement given the presumed chemistry there."
> Theresa shrugs, "Likely a fair presumption. Hikari is an attractive young woman, I'm surprised she doesn't have more suitors as it is."
<Nagare> "I'm honestly not. She seems to have a stern control of her personal walls."
<Nagare> "But this is something I should say to -her- at some point instead of confiding to you if the time comes. And maybe I should consider returning to the real world as well, since time passes almost as unerringly in the Dream as it does in reality."
> Theresa nods, "Well, that just leaves this then," and she holds out her hand.
* Nagare extends his hand to Theresa, in a sense already knowing what to expect. It doesn't stop him from feeling a little rush in his heartbeats, however.
> Nagare knows how this works by now. The moment thier hands touch, the color drains from the room, and time crawls to a halt. The spinning card appears once more, the front still unclear but the back the same as before, appears from a light that originates within Theresa.
> The whispering voice returns to the room, echoing through the small space, 4"Thou art I... And I am thou... Through this bond, thou shalt have the blessing of the Devil Arcana"
> And in a flash, the card vanishes, and the color and time return.
> Theresa smiles, "That's three. Next time I'll be able to give you a bit more of my power."
<Nagare> "Heh. I'm glad for the assistance. Although just having the chance for these conversations is a reward as is."
> "Aw, you know just what to say to make a girl feel appriciated~" she laughs.
* Nagare smiles. "I needed -something- to at least goad a good-looking girl to marry me once, after all."
> Theresa smiles softely this time, "Why don't you tell me about her next time, hmm?"
<Nagare> "Remind me next time. I think this is worth spending some time on, especially now that I'm far more comfortable with it than before. Deal?"
> She nods, "Of course. And make sure to give some good thought to my little game between now and then as well. I'm quite looking forward to your next attempt."
<Nagare> "Believe me, I'm trying. Wouldn't like to disappoint you in it, either."
> "Well, you still have time. I'm sure you'll figure it out by the end."
* Nagare nods, then gets up, bowing politely to his gracious host. "I hope so as well. Once again, it was a pleasure, Theresa. I'll remember to not call you by capital letters unless absolutely needed."
<Nagare> With that, the teacher heads to the door, waving to Theresa with a smile as he retreads to the reality he came from by crossing the door...
> Theresa snickers, "I should hope not, you're not even of my Arcana, much less my Faction." But as Nagare moves to leave, she stands as usual and bows, a smile still on her face, "Thank you for visiting, have a pleasant evening~"
> And thus Nagare crosses the threshhold and is back in his own kitchen once more.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Gatewalker]

Hikari: Chariot 1

> ----------------------------------------
> Wednesday, after the fairly mind-numbing(though never from boredom so much as the pure deluge of information) World History class, Hikari goes her seperate way from Mike and manages to make it all the way back to her dorm before her phone rings! The caller ID notes it as Shiro.
<Hikari> "Hello," Hikari answers.
> "Hey. I've got free time in a bit if you were serious about wanting to pick up some martial arts skills. Still interested?"
<Hikari> "Quite. I hardly availed myself well with the sword in our last battles. If I'm going to carry it, I should know how to use it."
> "Alright then. Make sure you don't have anything else you need to do today and then meet me over at the big bookstore on Gekkan, pretty easy to get to where we're going from there. And you might want to take the bus, you probably won't be in any shape to drive afterwards."
<Hikari> That sounds like a challenge! "Is that so? It's not as though I'm out of shape, you know."
> SHiro laughs, "Yeah, just trust me on this one, alright?"
<Hikari> "Very well. I'll see you soon." Hikari hangs up. Whatever he has planned can't be that tough, can it? She's surely faced worse in the Dream. Well, she'll find out soon enough. Having no other immediate plans, she sets out.
> the bus route that heads to the stop on Gekkan is fairly popular with students from the college, as the bookstore in question is the largest one in the entire city, so it's a route that Hikari's taken before and knows fairly well. WHen she gets there, Shiro can be seen wandering around on the sidewalk near the store, stretching and moving to keep himself warm in this infernal cold weather.
> Seeing Hikari, he waves and jogs over, "Alright, let's go." And then he sets off down the street!
<Hikari> "Go where?" Hikari manages before he darts away. Are they just going to run? She could do that on her own! She chases after him, anyway.
> "Freind of mine is actually a martial arts instructor, he's agreed to let us use some of his space." He answers, slowing his pace so you can keep up.
* Hikari nods. It's easier than talking and uses less energy!
> "Garu's cool," he continues, "and you don't have to watch what you say around him. I've filled him in on the lunacy, and he believes me."
<Hikari> "Does he? I haven't considered sharing this with anyone who isn't already involved in it. I can't help but feel it must tkae a strange sort of person to believe all of this secondhand without a question."
> Shiro shrugs, "Well, he was skeptical for awhile, but he bought it after I went into his backyard and moved to the Dream right in front of him. Besides, he's an open minded kinda guy anwyay."
<Hikari> "The disappearing act would be a convincing factor, yes."
> Shiro just chuckles and keeps jogging, leading Hikari to a Taekwando dojo tucked away just a the end of a street in the shopping district. Trying the door and finding it locked, Shiro taps on the glass until he gets the attention of a dark haired man inside who waves, then comes over and opens the door.
* Hikari bows politely. Intorductions are Shiro's job, of course.
> The man, bigger then Shiro(though that isn't really difficult), has very dark hair cut very short, and his skin is a bit darker then most people around here, making him look not entirely japanese. His most distinctive feature, however, is the fact that his face is rather wide and flat, somewhat squished looking...really, there's no way around it. Dude's ugly.
> He smiles and holds out a hand, "Hey there. You must be Hikari Ishigami, yes? I'm Hyong Garu, nice to meet you."
> Then he shudders a bit as the wind picks up, "Come on in, and let's get that door shut."
* Hikari shakes the proffered hand, with a polite smile and a "Nice to meet you too," before gratefully sidling inside. It's cold out there!
> Shiro follows suit and Garu closes the door, locking it again. Then Shiro starts heading for a door in the back wall as he talks, "Thanks again for letting us use the space, man."
> Garu shakes his head, "No trouble, no trouble. Glad there's something I can do to help with this mess you're involved in."
* Hikari follows Shiro--presumably he knows where everything is and is headed for the practice space.
> Shiro pulls out a key and opens the door, which leads into a smaller practice room. Then he looks back to Garu, "You got everything I asked for in there?"
> "Yes indeed. Just make sure to clean up when you're done and put things back where you got them. And there's also a first aid kit in there, in case something goes wrong."
<Hikari> "I am forced to wonder: does this frequently happen?"
> Garu laughs, "With particularly driven advanced students like Shiro? More often then I'd like. But it's not the frequency of accidents that you have to be prepared for, it's that they can happen at all. Best to always be prepared for the worst, I say."
<Hikari> "I believe I have a certain amount of experience with the worst, given recent events. If Shiro can match the worst of the Dream then I have truly understimated him."
> Shiro snorts, "Dunno about the worst, but I've been able to survive everything in there so far at least. Alright, you go in first and get changed. There should be some womens gis folded up on a box in there, dunno your size so just asked him to put a couple common sizes in there. Lemme know when you're done."
<Hikari> "Well, yes. I'd be very surprised if you *hadn't* survived and you were still here talking to me." Hikari heads inside, looking for the aforementioned box of clothes.
> There's a box against one wall that has a trio of martial arts outfits folded up on top of it. Hikari is able to pick out the one that's roughly her size fairly easily.
* Hikari changes, giving a small knock on the door when she's done and sizing up the room.
> The room has some space, but really only enough for two or three people to practice safely, as opposed to the large main classroom out there. No shelves or anything like that, but a few boxes(all with foam padding on all the corners and edges, just in case) are sitting against one wall.
* Hikari stretches a little, limbering up. It wouldn't do to let her body go all stiff when practice is just about to begin, right?
> Shiro comes in when you knock, having apparenly changed out there already, and throws his bag in the corner. Then taking his spot on the mat, he faces you, "Alright, I need to go over a couple things before we start."
> "First, your main focus here is weapon work, right? Especially the sword?"
* Hikari nods. "Yes. We have it, so we may as well make good use of it, shouldn't we?"
> He nods, "Yeah, it's a good idea. And hell, your weapon's actually magic, so you'll probably get some good use out of it. My spear's just a nice spear, but for some reason I can't use most of my techniques in there without it. Anyway, the second thing to note is that this isn't the Dream. You don't have Brynhildr's strength in here, or her protection."
> "So what I need to know, is if you've been in a real fight out here before."
<Hikari> "No. I'm not unused to strenuous exercise, however. Not *all* of my strength is Brynhildr's. I do take time out of my classwork to stick to a regular exercise regimen. I may not have any personal experience with real violence, but you needn't think I'm fragile."
> Shiro nods again, "Yeah, that'll help, but it's still not quite the same thing. See, right now your body is used to that buffer that Brybildr provides against damage and pain. Your body is going to expect the hits you'll take here to hurt alot less then they will, which will ironically make the pain feel even worse then it actually is."(more)
> "What I'll be teaching you here, isn't how to fend off some bullies or win competitions or any of that crap. This is serious 'for use on the battlefield' style martial arts. It's not a formalized style, it's the stuff I've pieced together from everything I've learned in my life, formally or being being hit with it."
> He grins, then takes off his glasses and sets them over on the box, "Long story short, unless you learn even faster then I did, chances are before we're done here I'll have beaten the living shit out of you. Same way I learned, and the only way I know how to teach it."
<Hikari> Hikari doesn't look disturbed by the prospect. Just as serious and attentive as ever. "If the end result of this is that injuries in the Dream seem less significant then they did before, then I consider the pain a worthwhile lesson," Hikari says. "You have long experience with combat, or was the Dream your introduction as well? I must wonder who your teacher was. Garu, I presume?"
> He shakes his head, "Been fighting all my life, actually. First learned from my old man, then from other teachers. Ran into Garu when I moved here, and as far as unarmed goes, he's the best I've worked with. But yeah, I've been beat up with fists, chains and even swung at with knives and shot at once. I didn't grow up in a nice place."
> Then Shiro opens a box and pulls out two bamboo training swords, tossing one to you, "Anyway, we're not here to talk about me. We're here to teach you how to use one of these things. We'll start with basic forms first, so no pain yet. Just a bunch of repetition."
<Hikari> "It doesn't sound like it." Hikari can only shake her head. It sounds like such a different upbringing from her own that she can hardly imagine it. Maybe best not to try? She catches the training sword in one hand. "I observe the form and echo it, I assume?"
> "Yup, that's the idea." And with that, he starts. the basics are, well, pretty basic. But Hikari learns fast, and has the grip, the motions and the stances down in a fairly short amount of time. It feels...natural. Surprisingly natural, as if her hands were made for holding a weapon more then a pencil or a textbook.
> After finishing the forms, Shiro nods approvingly, "Huh, you might be a quicker study on this then I was. Not bad at all. Takes most people weeks to get the forms down right, and that's if they have a background in unarmed combat first. Without it, even longer."
<Hikari> She's noticed this kind of thing before. "I can't help but be alarmed sometimes at how quickly this sort of thing comes to me. It's not exactly what I was brought up for."
> "It's not your upbringing that matters, I think." Shiro shrugs, "It's more about your nature. That's what the Personas are, right? If STRENGTH Brynhildr, a valkyrie of legend, is your real nature? Then it shouldn't be surprising at all."
<Hikari> "I suppose not. I'd just never considered that my destiny lay in fighting supernatural monsters."
> "Take me for example. I was already good at this stuff, but got even better faster then I should have when Red Hare awakened." Then he smiles, "Hey, don't think shadows are the only thing you can knock around with this. Though for more practical self-defense, you should sign up for some of Garu's classes. Chances are you won't have a weapon if some bozo takes a shot at you, and he's a better unarmed teacher then I'd be."
<Hikari> "I'll consider it. I do have a very full schedule right now, what with classes, studying and schoolwork, dungeons and dragons, dream excursions...I've hardly had time for anything else. There are times, you know, that I think perhaps it's a good thing all this happened to me? I have been so much more focused since these troubles started. Isn't that a little terrible? That other people have to meet misfortune for me to find s
<Hikari>  find some sort of calling."
> "Eh. Better then nobody responding to it. Bad shit happens, that's the way the world works. What matters is that there are people who thrive in it, who rise to the challange and kick ass when this kinda crap goes down instead of just rolling over and crying like most people out there."
> "Anyway," Shiro stretches a bit, then moves back on the mat to face you, "Ready for the second part? This is where the pain starts."
<Hikari> "I'm ready, yes." Hikari stands, watching him, holding her sword, trying to anticipate the first move!
> "Here's how this works. You're on the attack first, and don't hold back. I won't tell you what forms to use, or which stances to attack from. Just like in a real fight, make your own calls. But if you mess up, you'll pay for it."
<Hikari> "Of course," Hikari says, deciding that the best time to attack is right when Shiro finishes talking! Maybe he won't expect it? She darts forward with a blunt thrust at his midsection.
> (OOC: I don't see a real need to roll this out? He's basically going to beat the crap out of Hikari this time, as he has 2 ranks each in Melee Attack/Def, she's got none, and this is just a training thing. Just freeform it from here~)
<Hikari> (OOC: sure.)
> Shiro actively grins as he steps back and snaps his weapon down to parry Hikari's...then counters by kicking her legs right out from under her as her lunge carried her in too close.
> That...hurt. Alot more then Hikari was expecting, both the kick and the fall to the ground. Not as bad as some things in the Dream, but still more then her body was braced for.
> Shiro snorts, "By the way, I won't just be using the sword. Shadows don't all use weapons, and some attack with things I don't even know what to call, so I'm not playing by any rules."
<Hikari> "Mmph," is Hikari's elegant response to being knock flat on her ass. "I can't help but think you enjoyed that very, very much, sensei," she grumbles as she climbs to her feet. "Very well. Duly noted: rules are out the window." She tries a wild swing at his head, standing back a bit test his reflexes from a safe (hopefully) distance.
> Shiro just laughs at the accusation and the lesson contiues(more)
> The next few exchanges go much as the first, with Shiro ducking, parrying or otherwise avoiding Hikari's weapon and countering with a strike of his own. Sometimes she manages to dodge those, but usually they connect and hit with far more force then Hikari might expect a man smaller then she is to have, sending her right to the floor more often then not(more)
> However Hikari is a quick study, and despite being battered by Shiro's counterattacks is refining her technique with every missed strike. The misses become less frequent, and Hikari's own strength is not insignifigant, managing to knock Shiro to the ground once or twice herself. Perversely, the attacks that land only seem to put him in a better mood, and the exchanges become a bit more vicious the more damage they both sustain.(more)
> they both sustain.(more)
> Finally, Shiro responds to Hikari's most recent attack in a new manner entirely. CATCHING her weapon with his open hand, wincing at the sting but still stepping in and planting his foot right into her midsection and shoving her back, pulling it right out of her grip.
> Then he takes a couple steps back and laughs as he pants with exhaustion, "Okay, that's enough for today."
* Hikari grunts and staggers back from that last strike with a wheeze, clutching her stomach for a moment before she can get a word out. "I...yes...yes, I think it is," she pants. "I trust you wouldn't try that last maneuver with a real sword? I begin to wonder if there is a gambit too mad for you."
> He shakes his head, "Not...here, no." He takes a deep breath to steady himself and slows his breathing to normal before going on, "In the Dream though? Yeah, I could. And so can a bunch of Shadows. Remember, I'm not trying to teach you how to fight people here.
> Then he considers, "You might be able to get away with a stunt like that in the Dream too, actually. You're about as strong as I am in there."
<Hikari> "What possessed you to try that? Never mind, I'll just assume you saw a shadow do it first. And...yes, Brynhildr is a great help."
> "Nah, I'd been disarmed and didn't have much else I could do. Last ditch effort, but it worked." He explains.
<Hikari> "So you could have died if it hadn't worked?" Hikari tsks. "Really, Shiro. Maybe we can teach you something about caution while we work together?"
> Shiro snorts, "Come on, I'd been hit with weapons before in there and they didn't take parts off of me. My hand isn't any more vulnerable then the rest of me. Besides, I heal insanely quick."
> "Anyway," he changes the subject, "just give me a call when you want to keep training. I'm not free in the mornings, but my afternoons are usually pretty good. And Garu doesn't have any classes after five on the weekdays, so that's probably the best time."
<Hikari> "Convenient. I, on the other hand, have a nice set of bruises to explain away during the next few days. Although at least now I have a reasonable explanation. It was much more awkward when they came from the Dream. All I could think of to say was that I fell down a flight of stairs, and it seemed to convince no one."
> Shiro winces and laughs, "Stairs? Yeesh, yeah, no kidding. That's the oldest excuse for a guy beating his girl in history."
<Hikari> "Yes, and I haven't even got a guy. It was the first time the Dream had left me so obviously damaged and I hadn't considered an excuse before people began asking. Now I have a perfect one, of course."
> "Yeah, advanced martial arts classes are generally good for bruises. Hell, Garu's school here has been getting more people signing up since things have gone to crap. Lot of people wanting to learn some self defense in case someone goes nuts and attacks them or whatever."
> "Anyway, lemme grab my stuff and I'll duck back out so you can change back."
<Hikari> "I suppose I can't blame them." Hikari nods, waits for Shiro to leave and then switches back to her normal clothes, wincing as various injured spots are brushed.
> As Shiro leaves and the door closes, Hikari feels a power gather around her...and the room goes grey.
> A light, red-orange and almost harsh in it's brightness gathers into the middle of the room, and transforms into a card. On the back of the card is a picture of a man, a classic warlord, standing astride a herd of stampeding horses as they run. The front...Hikari can make out the outline of a horse, but there is no color or definition.
> The card spins, and a voice echoes in the room, 7"Thou art I... And I am thou... Through this bond, thou shalt have the blessing of the Chariot Arcana"
> And as soon as it had come, the card, the voice and the grey all leave.
> Not two seconds later, Shiro opens the door with a surprised look on his face, "Uh, did that just happen?"
<Hikari> Hikari *was* in the process of changing when Shiro barged in, but she was at least mostly dressed. He can get an eyefull of cleavage before she buttons up her shirt, that's about it. "I'm afraid it did," Hikari says in a level tone.
> He doesn't even seem to have noticed, amsuingly enough, "Weeeeird. I didn't think that could happen between Persona users. You don't have these links with Mike or Nagare, right?"
<Hikari> "No, I don't. Not so far, at least. I admit we don't individually spend much time together outside of working on our various mysteries."
> Shiro shakes his head, then laughs, "Well, guess this training'll help out in more ways then one, huh?"
<Hikari> Hikari smiles. Does someone have a camera? "It seems that way, yes."
> -------------------------------------------------

[Gatewalker]

Mykasi: Lovers 1

Hikari: Fortune 5

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Friday afternoon rolls around, and Mike, Hikari, Mika, Mistia and Neimi have all met up out in front of the school. Mike and Hikari are still a bit tired from all the Dream exploration this week, of course, but it's hard for anyone to notice with fatigue being so easily attributable to the cold.(more)
> Neimi in particular is bundled up in two jackets, actually wearing her work jacket underneath her normal one in spite of her principles, and still shivering, "Gah, I think my glasses are freezing to my face! What is wrong with this weather lately?" Shaking her head, she sighs and looks around, "Anyway, so what movie are we going to?"
> Mistia frowns, "Well...that's the thing. Did any of you watch the news this morning?"
<Mykasi> "I missed it." Mike says regrettably, shivering himself in the cold. "What's up?"
<Hikari> "I rarely watch television. And this morning I only wanted to stay in bed."
> Mistia explains, "Well...I was planning on seeing that new Midnight movie that's so popular, but the only theater here showing it is closed as of last night. Somebody went nuts and started, get this, shooting at the monsters on the screen with a gun!"
> Mika shudders, "It was a sold out showing too. Those poor people."
> Mistia nods, "Yeah. Nobody got hurt apparently, but the theatre's closed for a bit. So," she pulls a paper out of her pocket, "I printed off a list of what's showing at some other theatres, figured we could pick something as a group then."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike grimaces wearily. "Another case? Damn. What happened to the person who was shooting at the screen? He get arrested?" At Mistia's comment, "Good thinking. Whatcha got?"
* Hikari just shakes her head. Mike beat her to the most important question: who did it?
> Neimi takes her glasses off to facepalm, "I didn't watch the news, but saw that on a website. Didn't say the name of the theatre, though." Then at Mike's question, she pulls out her phone and starts pulling something up, "Lemme see if I can find out! Just got internet for this thing, so I may as well use it, right?"
> Mistia hands Mike the paper, while listing the ones that looked good to her on it, "Well, there's a new sci-fi movie out called Strange Journey that looked good. And the sequal to that big medical drama from last year, Trauma Center 2 is out as well. Mika and I are up for either of those."
> Mika nods, "There's also a fantasy romance one, called Let Us Cling Together. I'd like to see that, but I don't know if the rest of you like romance movies..."
<Hikari> "I don't watch many movies, but...sequels are never as good as the originals, aer they?"
<Mykasi> "I'm good with anything - Let Us Cling Together and Strange Journey both sound good." Mike nods, passing the list to Hikari. "I'm the sort of dude that'd want to see Trauma Center 1 first - maybe we can grab a cheap DVD copy for another day?"
> Neimi shakes her head, "As a rule no. And I got it here. Woman actually, name isn't officially public yet but an unnoficial news site says her name is Eirin Uemaro...a government employee. And she was arrested, yeah. Doesn't say what's been done with her yet, but it WAS just last night."
<Hikari> "Either one of those is fine by me. I think I would be inclined to watch fantasy before science fiction, but I will bow to the group concensus here. As I said, I don't know much about movies."
<Mykasi> "Poor woman." Mike shakes his head. "And unless Neimi violently objects it sounds like Let Us Cling Together's winning the day."
> Neimi nods, "Yeah, I'm generally bigger on fantasy as well, though I'm a sci-fi buff too. LUCT it is, then."
> Mika smiles, "I hope it's good!"
> Mistia shrugs, "I hope so too. I've heard it's three hours long, so if it's not..."
<Mykasi> "Same! And eh, I watched all three Lord of the Rings movies back to back to back. I'm not worried."
<Hikari> Three hours seems like a lot of movie to Hikari, but hey, she's a patient person. Usually.
> Neimi asks, "Theatrical release or directer's cuts?"
<Mykasi> "I don't remember. Whichever the longer ones were."
> "That'd be the cuts." Neimi looks over at Hikari, "Have you seen those yet? Your English is good enough to follow movies in the language, right?"
<Hikari> "Yes, I believe so. I haven't watched them, no. As I said, I don't watch movies often."
> "We'll have to fix that, then. I'll see if I can borrow them from Jinai, he imported them awhile back. And he'll totally want you to watch them, too. It's practically required watching for anybody playing DnD." Neimi laughs.
> "Dee enn dee?" Mistia asks, prounouncing the letters oddly, "What's that?"
> Neimi sighs, "...I'll explain in the car. Who's driving anyway?"
<Hikari> "I'll drive," Hikari volunteers.
<Mykasi> "Thanks." Mike nods.
> And thus the five all manage to pile into Hikari's car, Neimi claiming shotgun by virtue of being taller then the other three, leaving Mike, Mistia and Mika all squished into the back. While Hikari drives, Neimi explains what DnD is to Mistia, prompting the expected response of, "No offense, but that's kinda silly."
> Mika, on the other hand, blushes just a touch when Mistia puts it down, but doesn't say a word.
> Eventually, you get to the theatre where Let Us Cling Together is playing!
<Hikari> "Yes, it is," Hikari has to agree. "It's a harmless enough way to pass the time with your friends, though."
> As Hikari pulls into the parking lot, you all notice that there aren't nearly as many cars or people as you would normally expect at a movie theatre on a Friday night.
<Mykasi> "Guess people are scared...?"
<Hikari> "I would guess so. At least there won't be any lines..."
> Mistia nods, "Probably. So I'll buy the tickets, everyone just pass me the money for it. Mika, you know what I want at the concession stand, right?"
> Mika giggles, "You get the same thing every week, so I should hope so."
> Mistia winces, a touch embarrased, "Right."
* Mykasi nods, passing Mistia some cash with a grin. "Eh, consistency's a virtue. One I've never learned well."
> Neimi snorts, "Same thing every week isn't so bad. We've got this one customer at the Crown who seriously comes in every single day for lunch and gets the same order. Never changes at all. Pays in exact change and leaves the same tip every time too."
<Hikari> "Well, at least he actually leaves a tip."
> "True." Neimi nods, "We've got a few who don't, which really hurts the servers since the boss refuses to add in an automatic gratuity on the checks. Says it's dishonest."
> Everyone gets out of the car and passes thier money to Mistia, who goes to buy the tickets. Mike can see the person at the ticket counter give her a reaaaaaally funny look when she asks for that particular movie, too.
<Mykasi> "Ouch." Mike winces. "Yeah, relies on tipping then. Kinda weird - got told before I came here that usually it was factored in, but a decent amount of places here don't. Maybe Western influence is kicking in there."
> Mistia wanders back with the tickets, "What was her problem? Well, whatever. Here you go," she passes out the tickets.
<Mykasi> "Some people pass judgments automatically." Mike shakes his head. "Regardless of the situation."
<Hikari> "What was who's problem?" Hikari wonders, taking her ticket.
> Neimi looks over at the woman, still giving you all an off look, "Suddenly, I'm a bit concerned for the quality of this movie. Well, considering some of the stuff I watch, it can't be THAT bad."
> Mistia shrugs, "Anyway, I'm going to go grab good seats. Anyone have a preferance? Front, back? Right in the middle is where I usually aim for."
<Hikari> "The middle is fine. Just not the front. It hurts my neck."
<Mykasi> "Works for me. I'm easy." Mike shrugs. "You two have any preference?" he asks as a followup, glancing to Hikari and Neimi.
> Neimi nods, "Middle or back, yeah. Same as Hikari, front for a three hour movie? No thanks."
> Mistia nods, "Right then." And she heads in!
> Mika, suddenly visably less comfortable without Mistia there, quickly leads the way in to grab snacks.
* Mykasi follows Mika leisurely, keeping a calm smile up to try and keep Mika at ease.
* Hikari just gets a soda. She's not usually big on soft drinks, but she might need the caffeien for a three-hour movie.
> Neimi considers, "Hmm, anyone wnat to split a popcorn? I never manage to finish one on my own."
* Mykasi grabs some M&Ms, before nodding to Neimi. "It's three hours, I'll probably be hungry again."
> Neimi goes halves with Mike on a popcorn, while Mika gets her and Mistia's drinks(apparently Mistia's weekly order is a small diet soda, no ice, and a cheese pretzel). And you all head into the theatre!
> Mistia's in there, having gotten a seat right in the middle. Which wasn't hard, as besides for the five of you there are exactly three people in the theatre, some high-school kids all sitting in the very back.
* Hikari takes a seat--though not next to Mistia. Presumably that's Mika's spot!
> Mika does indeed sit right next to Mistia, suddenly seeming much more calm once there.
* Mykasi sits ... uh, next to Neimi, who probably will sit next to Hikari. Awkward sitting arrangements go.
> You all get assituated in your seats...and the movie(after much previews) eventually starts!
> Let Us Cling Together starts off with a bang, men on horses bearing down on a small town, and a trio of teenaged rebel types trying to ambush them...and getting thier clocks cleaned. Turns out it was all a misunderstanding, as the knights were goodguys too! And thus they join forces with the rebel kids to go save thier beloved leader who is being held captive in his own castle!(more)
> Of course, this same beloved leader later has the main character TORCH a town full of innocent people and blame it on the badguys(and the Hero's best freind who turned on him for doing this). And the movie really tries to sell that this was the correct and right course of action(more)
<Mykasi> "...that's... not a bad start, at least? Cliche-breaking."
> Also, the romantic tension between the Hero and his...sister...is so thick you could cut it and spread it on toast. Which is leaving Mika's face a nice shade of red from the moment it first becomes obvious.(more)
> Neimi whistles lowly, "Weeeeell, that's. Um. Yeah."
<Hikari> "It is."
<Mykasi> "..." Mike blinks, but leans back, not saying anything for Mika's sake.
> The movie goes on, with the beloved leader commiting more and more atrocities in the name of aiding his country, until the Hero finally turns on him, winning an epic duel with the beloved leader's chief henchman. Who delivers the line that it doesn't matter which of them one. The loser should be blamed for the murder so the winner can unite the country as a hero. All the while with the Hero's sister trying to get the Hero to run away with her(more)
> Eventually it comes to light that the Sister is not really the Hero's sister, and is actually the long lost princess of the entire kingdom! And then now that he knows she's not his sister and stops rejecting her, she runs away from him and gets herself killed trying to be a hero.(more)
> Mistia sips her drink, "This is the most inane thing I've ever seen, I swear."
> Neimi shrugs, "Not that bad by my standards."
> Mistia raises an eyebrow, "You have really low standards."
<Hikari> "I don't understand. Does she not want him any more just because they're no longer related?"
* Mykasi shakes his head almost sympathetically. "Oh, geez."
> Of course, then the Hero goes into stone-cold-badass mode and start working on nothing but uniting the land, by the sword if nessesary(which it is), and his Best Freind from before shows back up with a Big Damn Heroes moment, helping him out in this epic final confrontation with the real badguys!(more)
> Mika sighs, "I thought this was supposed to be a romance?"
* Mykasi shakes his head. "Apparently it got weird billing."
<Hikari> "Well, many romance stories end tragically, after all."
<Mykasi> And at Hikari's comment, Mike visibly winces.
> The movie goes on, with the Hero being crowned king of the newly united nation, and ending with him standing atop his castle, looking out over the land...and seeing his sister's image in the moon...
> Neimi quickly checks the 'net via her phone, "...apparently there's a scene after the credits, too. Something about being the real ending."
<Mykasi> "Mmm. I'd like to see it." Mike comments.
> Mistia eyes the screen, "That would have been a halfway decent note to leave on. So any bets on how they mess it up?"
<Hikari> "'Real ending?' Why put it after the credits? Who sits through the credits of every movie they see? Why not put it in the actual movie?"
<Mykasi> "Hero falls into a timewarp, befriends a dragon, dies fighting the Death Star."
> The credits roll, with a suitably epic but ultimately leaving no real impression song.
> Neimi shakes her head, "She said mess it up, not make it awesome."
<Mykasi> "Dragon Guard's ending -was- messed up."
> Mistia shrugs at Hikari, "No idea. It's a trend to put bonus scenes after the credits, but putting the 'real ending' there is just pretentious."
> Eventually the credits end...and the extra scene starts playing. The camera is on the hero, and moving just a bit...until it reveals a man sneaking up behind him. Who pulls out a gun, yells that this is for the small country that the Hero was fighting for in the beginning that the first half of the movie was set in, and shoots and kills the hero.
> Neimi blinks, "What."
<Hikari> "Hmm."
<Mykasi> "... that's... dramatic."
<Hikari> "I can understand why that would happen, just not why you would choose not to include it in the movie itself." Hikari shrugs.
> Mika frowns, "That was...a really depressing movie. Um...sorry I suggested it everyone."
<Hikari> "Being tragic doesn't necessarily make something bad," Hikari says, trying to make the most of things.
> Neimi looks over to Hikari, "Hey, remember how I was saying that Nabara likes heavy political stuff without much supernatural in it?"
<Hikari> "Yes?"
> "This is basically the kind of plot he'd love. Only the post-credits scene would make him rage so hard."
> "Since," she grins, "Ideally for him, he'd be the one playing the Hero."
<Hikari> "Well, maybe he should run the game instead. Although then I suppose he'd be killing us instead."
> "Yeah, we don't let Nabara run DnD games. For a very good reason." Neimi rolls her eyes at the memory.
<Mykasi> "I enjoyed it, yeah."
> Mistia pats Mika on the shoulder, "Well, it wasn't THAT horrible. Just innane. Hopefully we can go see that Midnight movie next week, I'm sure the theatre will be operating again by then."
> Mika nods shyly, then...actually screws up the courage to ask Neimi a question, "Why is that? Is he really bad at it?"
> Neimi shrugs, "Not...bad, per se. His stories are interesting. Just...he views the whole thing as Players vs GM. Like it's his sacred duty to not let us succeed, and if we do, it's only becuase we outsmarted him to do it."
> Mistia eyes Mika, "You sound like you actually understand what she's talking about?"
> Mika blushes and mumbles, "Um...I've played some games like that...online. On message boards."
<Hikari> "Oh? People play them through text as well?"
> Neimi nods, "Yeah, there are some good sites for it. Never could get into playing online though. Just moves so slowly compared to in person games."
> Mistia gets up, "We should probably move this conversation out into the lobby."
* Hikari stands up. "Yes. Or a restaraunt, if anyone's hungry?"
> Neimi considers, "Actually, the Crown's not too far from here, and I can get us a free appatizer. Especially if anyone likes mushrooms. We've got some fried mushrooms with a curry-yogurt-whatever-dip that's incredible."
<Hikari> "Fine by me. Everyone else?"
> Mistia asks, "The Queen's Crown, you mean? You work there?"
> Neimi nods, "I just bus tables, and clean. But yeah."
> Mika nods her assent as well(and presumably Mike too!) and you all head out.
> The Queen's Crown is an "English style pub" owned and operated by freinds of Neimi's father. On the way there, Neimi explains that they're originaly from England, just like her father, and figured thier food(and more importantly alchohol) was different enough from the local stuff that they might have a market.
> It's not wildly successful, but seems to fare well enough at least. As you make it in and Neimi gets you all a table, you do notice that this place at least isn't hurting for buisness right now. The bar is nearly full and there are only a few tables that are empty, though many have only one or two customers.
* Mykasi nods as the table gets set up. "Honestly? If you guys have braised beef, I'm going to be in heaven tonight. It's been forever since I've had Western food."
> Neimi nods, "We do, but it's heavy and kinda bland. This is traditional English food, remember. If you want something with flavor, go for the rack of lamb, it's fantastic. Also heavy, but not bland at all. And comes with the best mashed potatoes you will ever eat."
<Mykasi> "Duly noted. ...oh, wait. Am I offending any vegetarians here?"
> Mistia looks over the menu, "I'm remembering why I only came here once. I don't really like heavy food..."
> Mika shakes her head, "You're fine."
<Hikari> "I'm sure there's a salad of some sort."
> The waitress comes by and takes everyone's orders. Neimi uses her employee powers to get a free appitizer of those mushrooms she mentioned.
> Mistia and Mika end up splitting a soup+salad combo, with Mika taking the soup and Mistia the salad.
* Hikari is fine with the beef depite Neimi's assurance of its blandness!
* Mykasi gets the lamb rack on Neimi's recommendation.
> "So, Mykasi," Neimi looks over while you all wait for your food, "Do you roleplay at all? Or are we three-two here instead of four-one?"
> Mistia gives Neimi an unamused look.
<Mykasi> "Ah, four-one, though I haven't for a while." Mike comments. "I do know the rules and everything else, however."
<Mykasi> "And Mistia, yeah, it's definitely dependent on tastes. While I'd say give it a try sometime, it may not be up your creek, and that's okay too."
> Mika shakes her head, "Um, well, what I played online didn't have rules or anything. I don't know anything about Dungeons and Dragons."
> Neimi raises an eyebrow, "Freeform? Online freeform? You really have more patience then I do."
<Hikari> "It's not for everyone. It's an excuse to socialize, at least, something I think I haven't had much opportunity to do in the past."
> Mika looks embarrased at Neimi's comment.
<Mykasi> "Heh. I liked the freeform I tried, actually. But..." Mike trails off a bit, looking out to the crowd.
<Hikari> "...But?"
> Mika looks over, suddenly curious.
<Mykasi> "...it was with Xav." Mike says quietly.
> "Oh." Mika looks down.
<Hikari> "Ah." Hikari simply nods.
> Mistia suddenly looks a touch embarrased as well.
> Neimi looks around at everyone, "I'm missing something here, aren't I?"
<Hikari> "I think it's for Mike to share, if he wants to. I don't know if this is the place. That's up to him."
> Mistia shakes her head, "Don't worry about it. So," she quickly attempts to change the subject, "what's the big difference between rules and freeform or whatever?"
<Hikari> "I wouldn't know, really. I'm new to this sort of thing." Hikari looks to the more dedicated nerds at the table.
<Mykasi> "Heh, it's okay." Mike shakes his head. "Sorry, I just made things awkward." To Neimi, "Talk to me later, I'll explain." And then to Mika, "You want to explain? You'll probably do a better job than I here."
* Mykasi also gives a grateful nod to Mistia.
> Neimi eyes Hikari, then Mistia, then Mike, then shrugs.
> "Well...I've never played with rules, um, a system, so..." Mika tries to shluff off having to explain.
<Hikari> "Then how did anything happen?" Hikari prods, not wanting the girl to get away with hiding more.
> About this time, the appitizer comes out! Crispy breaded deep fried mushrooms with a curry and yogurt dip of some kind. It smells weird, but good.
* Hikari is quick to try it while she awaits an answer.
> Mika looks over at Hikari, "Well...sometimes there's a moderater who just decides if things succeed or not. And sometimes it's just...everyone playing thier character and talking and...stuff."
<Hikari> "Hm. I suppose it's like what I've played without numbers or direction?"
> "Usually a looooot less fighting or conflict of any sort in a freeform," Neimi adds.
> "So where do you play, anyway?" Neimi then asks Mika, as the theme seems to be trying to get her to talk.
> Mika quickly shakes her head, "You wouldn't have heard of it. Really small forum."
* Retrieving #personador modes...
> The mushrooms are...good! Well, if you like a really strong mushroom flavor, which they have so much that even a liberal dipping in the sauce can't mask it.
<Hikari> "Well, I certainly wouldn't have. I don't spend a great deal of time on the internet. Is there a particular theme to it, at least?"
> "It's purely a freeform site," Mika explains, "And mostly modern day or fantasy anime style."
* Mykasi enjoys the mushrooms, listening in. "If it's a close-knit community, that can get pretty fun, I'd imagine."
> Mistia half sighs, but smiles a bit, "You do sound like you enjoy it. Okay, why don't you show me the site later and I'll give it a try?"
> Mika quickly shakes her head, "N-no, that's okay! You don't have to..."
<Hikari> "Come on, what could it hurt, Mika?" Hikari says, since apparently more encouragement is needed.
> "R-really...it's fine. She doesn't have to..."
> Mistia shakes her head, "Okay." And then changes the subject yet again, "You're right, Neimi. These mushrooms are good."
> Neimi eyes Mistia, but then nods, "Yup. Probably the best thing on the menu all around. There's nothing else like them around here."
<Mykasi> "They are quite good, yes."
<Mykasi> "... Though, I'm curious - a question for you four." Mike says. "Outside of Japanese - and English, for Neimi - what's your favorite food type?"
<Hikari> "Italian," Hikari says instantly.
> "Thai," Neimi says, also without hesitation.
> Mistia thinks about it for a minute, "Hmm. Honestly, I really do just love Japanese food more then anything else. I'd...probably have to say Chinese, then?"
> Mika half smiles, "Um, I really like hamburgers, and those are American, right?"
> Neimi then reconsiders, "Well...Thai or Indian. I've had some bad Indian, but the good is SO good. Never had bad Thai though."
* Mykasi nods and grins. "Discounting Japanese and American... uh... Probably Mexican, myself."
> Mika thinks, "I've never had that."
> Mistia nods, "Me either, actually."
> Neimi makes a face, "And I never will again."
* Mykasi makes a face back at Neimi. "You lack taste! But yeah, bad Mexican's reaaaaaaally bad. Good Mexican is excellent."
> "Only had it once," she explains, "and the horrible things it did to my stomache could only be explained by H.P. Lovecraft. Ugh."
<Mykasi> "Ooof. Yeah, bad Mexican does that." Mike winces.
> Mistia leans in to Hikari and whisper, "Who's that, do you know?"
* Hikari shakes her head. "Afraid not, no."
> Mika leans over and whispers as well, "I think he writes about tentacle monsters..."
* Hikari simply raises an eyebrow.
> Mistia looks at Neimi with a touch of horror and revulsion...
* Mykasi doesn't notice this side branch of the conversation.
> Neimi blinks at Mistia, "What?"
> The real orders come out about then, thankfully saving Mistia from having to explain that, and everyone digs in.
> As you all eat...Mike and Hikari suddenly notice everything else but the two of them freeze in place. And the color drains out of the world.
<Mykasi> "FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF----"
> The green light that Hikari is used to swirls out of Neimi and comes to rest before her, while two lights, one red, one white, come from Mika and Mistia. Together, these two lights settle in front of Mike, and merge into one soft pink light.
> Then as one, the two lights transform into spinning cards, that both of you can see.
<Mykasi> "... pink. Of course."
> The card before Hikari spins slowly, on the back are two ten sided dice, with faces, each wearing a different mask, where the numbers should be. On the front...the form is still blurry. It's...a humanoid figure...a woman? Yes, a woman. Of some sort. It's still to vague to see more clearly.
<Hikari> Hm. That's different.
> Before Mike, the card is a simple one. Two silhouettes of women, one red, one white, facing eachother with one hand each raised and just lightly touching. The background is split the same, only reversed in color, with the white woman on the red feild, and vise versa. Thier hands touch right on the border between the two. On the front...the image is too blurred to make out at all.
> As one, two voices seem to sweep through the room, coming from everywhere at once. 3"Thou art I... And I am thou... Through this bond, thou shalt have the blessing of the Fortune Arcana", 13"Thou art I... And I am thou... Through this bond, thou shalt have the blessing of the Lovers Arcana"
> The cards spin one last time, and the pair feel a power settling over them. Then the cards vanish, and color and motion surge back into the world.
* Mykasi attempts to keep a straight face as the events settle in. "This is good food."
<Hikari> "Yes. Yes it is."
> Neimi nods, "Yeah, the lamb? That's the second best thing on the menu. If you drink, come in sometime and ask my boss about the dark beers, have one of those, the mushrooms and the lamb all in one night and you'll basically have the perfect trio here."
> Mistia shakes her head, "I've tried a couple of western beers, and...yeah, just like most western food, way too heavy. Give me sake or a nice light wine any day."
<Mykasi> "I like cheap beer. But then again, American, it's either that or absurdly expensive stuff." Mike grins.
* Hikari doesn't have much to say about beer. Nothing to say about intoxicating beverages at all, no sir! She's carefully quiet during this part.
> Mika seems a touch uncomfortable at the subject as well. Though presumably for a different reason.
<Mykasi> "Anyway, this was fun. Thanks, all." Mike says, finishing up and glancing to Neimi.
> Neimi nods, "Yeah, this was fun. Not my normal social circle, but meeting people is fine too. Maybe we should get together and check out Strange Journey sometime? I'll look up some clips online."
> Mistia looks over to Mika...who after a moment nods, "Um...maybe, sure."
<Hikari> "Maybe. Hopefully it's shorter than this one. And has a better ending. And no implied incest."
<Mykasi> "Sure. I'd be up for that." Mike nods happily.
> Mistia then passes a quick greatful smile to Mike over Mika's head, and adds, "Alright then. Friday's our weekly movie night, and I do want to see Midnight next week, so maybe the week after?"
* Hikari simply nods.
<Mykasi> "Alright, sounds good." Mike nods.
> With tentative plans made, they finish thier meals and head back to the dorms~
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