Mirrorverse Yusuke Toplevels!

[bufubulous]

Who; Yusuke or (mirrorverse) Kitsune Yusuke & Anyone around!
What; Open logs for the mirrorverse event
Where; The market, the park, and the mirrorverse
When; The duration of the event
Warnings; None but will update if anything comes up



Bullies should be taught a lesson - Wandering the Market - Mirrorverse Kitsune Yusuke! Replies will come from the journal: paintingthestars - OTA

There was something odd about Yusuke.

Well, a lot of people who knew him tended to describe him as such, but something was a different kind of odd about Yusuke. He seemed slightly unfamiliar with the world around him, for one. Which was odd because he’d been here for months now, and the young man had really gotten quite good at navigating the place. But, instead, he was roaming the city with a light in his eyes like he was experiencing everything for the first time.

Because in all honesty? He was. This was not the Yusuke of this place, though he realized that the one here had something of an interesting life. He lived in the orphanage and clearly was also quite talented at painting. He didn’t paint enough stars, though. Someone should tell him that, the young man had noted to himself once he stopped rifling through the canvases stacked against the wall. He was also free by comparison, there was no Lord Madarame here. No one to boss him around or snap at him to get back to painting when he was behind schedule. If he wanted, he could go where he liked, paint what he liked, do what he liked, without a schedule.

Tossing the glowing orb from hand to hand as he meandered down a street, the young Kitsune felt at least a passing guilt for having switched places with the Yusuke of this world. But… He should be fine, right? It was only for a little while, and he’d never been to this side of the mirror before! There was so much to see! So many things to consider painting, and the sky. The night sky was so very different. It was beautiful compared to the gloom he was used to looking up at.

He wanted to paint the night sky before he went back; he wondered if the other him would mind if he borrowed a canvas and some paint… Surely he wouldn’t, right? From one artist to another, the desire to create should not be stifled!

The kitsune was startled out of his thoughts, though, as he heard something of a commotion nearby. Tilting his head at an angle, he took in the sight of a man berating a child for being in his way. A sharp frown crossed his face, and he traipsed closer with an annoyed aura about him. He hated people who picked on children for simply existing innocently. It wasn’t like the kid meant to get in the way. Rolling the orb between his fingers, he stopped a few feet away before he called upon a little fox-fire and the illusion of several very large oni were manifested menacingly behind the child who had his back turned to him, as though about to charge. The colour drained from the man’s face before he sputtered and ran off like a devil was following him, leaving a very confused child behind. But by the time the child turned, the illusion was gone and all that was left standing behind was a gently smiling young man in a summer yukata, looking absentminded and almost serene as he walked over to pick up a few things the kid had dropped.

Chuckling deeply, as thought slightly amused, he handed them over. “It seems as though he remembered he had somewhere to be. Here you are. You’re not hurt or anything, yes? Good. You should run home soon, it’s getting late.” He straightened as the kid smiled and hurried off, vaguely wondering if he should see about finding the man to make sure the lesson stuck… Or maybe a snack first… Then lessons once the night was a little later, timing was everything you know? Tilting his head thoughtfully as he tried to decide, his eyes glinted yellow in the lamplight. “I wonder what food tastes like here…?”




Admiring the Night Sky - The park - Mirrorverse Kitsune Yusuke! Replies will come from the journal: paintingthestars - OTA

The young kitsune had finally caved and collected a few supplies (a small canvas, a couple paint brushes and tubes of paint) from his other self’s room and stashed it away in a hollowed out tree in the park. He would paint the night sky, to interpret it in his own way and finally feel satisfied that he could paint a normal night sky.

But, for now, he had to wait for the sun to finish setting and for the stars to appear. So the kitsune shifted to his comfortable fox form, a white-coated creature with three tails and markings on its face rather similar to the other Yusuke’s mask. The star ball was carefully balanced on his tails with a practised ease as he took a nice little stroll around the park.

Keen eyes watching the world around him, he slipped behind bushes or under benches if he noticed someone nearby. Sometimes wandering closer to the sparse food stands that smelled rather good, hoping for scraps if he could get them. If not, he moved onward and back towards the tree that he’d hidden the supplies away in, finally deciding on a little nap while he waited for the night sky to reveal itself.

((ooc: Find him around the park or napping under the tree!))



Into the metaverse mirrorverse - Yusuke in the mirrorverse, replies will come from his normal journal: bufubulous - OTA

He most certainly should not have touched the mirror, Yusuke decided, as he stared at the world around him. How foolish of him to have given into his curiosity. He should have known that something bad would happen. It had just been so very odd when it appeared. He’d just been on his way out to meet up with everyone at the hide-out, only to see the mirror and to look at a reflection and know there was something other about it.

It had looked… Sad and… Tired… and hopeless.

Like he used to look in those quiet moments alone where he wasn’t quite up to convincing himself that things were normal and fine with his life. A hand had reached out instinctively to see if the mirror image might copy him, but it didn’t. He’d touched the glass, and then suddenly he was not in the world he’d come to know in the last few months.

The oppressive gloom of the place was heavy in the air. The teen frowned lightly as he took in the unfamiliar sights around him. It was hard to not liken the atmosphere to the metaverse, but… It was something else entirely, a beast of its own. “Where is this…” He murmured, looking one way and then another.

The teen soon discovered going back wasn’t an option granted to him, and he swallowed some anxiety at the fact that he was supposed to meet up with people… Would they realize where he’d gone? Should he sit here and wait to see if perhaps someone else came in through the same mirror? Or-

Then he heard a voice belonging to someone he hadn’t heard in a few months since even before arriving at Aterat. “Yusuke! Where are you?? It’s time to show me your next work” The voice sounded like it was getting closer, as though they were heading this way with purpose. The teen froze for a split second before reaching for that other part of himself, calling forth the thief disguise provided by his persona and feeling some comfort as the mask settled over his face. It was bolstering, gave him a strength in more ways than just combat. A reminder that he wasn’t that Yusuke anymore… This couldn’t possibly be his Sens- the Madarame of his world.

That said, one look at the man as he rounded a corner set off alarm bells in his head. The man approaching, adorned in a gaudy looking gold coloured kimono not unlike the one Madarame’s shadow had worn. If he didn’t know better, he would have thought that was what he was looking at. Stunned into silence, he stared at the man for more than a moment before turning tail and running down an alleyway. If it was his shadow, it would be foolish to try to take it on alone. He could just make out an angry shout behind him, though. “Where are you going?? Damn mangy creature, we had a deal!”

That was… a new insult…

He was wearing a fox tail and mask though, he supposed. Still, he didn’t think on it much beyond that, instead focusing on figuring out what way to go next… Because before long? The teen realized he was rather lost in what seemed like a far more maze-like city than he was used to.

Comments

[bufubulous]

The hug was a surprise, but not an unwelcome one, considering his own habit of forgetting personal space and the alarming situation they were currently in. If anything, it was appreciated given it solidified that she was really there in front of him and not some kind of hallucination born of this place, coupled with his panic from before.

They had found each other, and together, hopefully, they could find a way out of this. The teen didn’t want to entertain the thought that they might be trapped in this place permanently, considering it was impossible to leave the way they came in… At least not without certain conditions or keys, perhaps. It was something they would need to think about, perhaps once they’d had a chance to calm down and work out their anxieties.

Her comment gets a quick shake of his head. “No more foolish than I was, I’m sure. It was… Too strange to look upon one’s reflection that seemed so off without reacting in some way.” Even if the smarter reaction might have been to do anything but touch it… Still, he’d acted without thinking himself, and so they were both guilty of being somewhat foolish, he was sure. “We shall simply have to find out way back out of this place together, yes? There must be a way back out of here. Perhaps other mirrors might reveal the solution?”

[haruine]

It was certainly a comfort that he seemed alright with the hug. In fact, it made her heart swell a little that he wasn't pulling away or anything like that. They really were doing a fine job of reacclimating to one another. Somehow it made her feel infinitely better about the entire situation. They would find a way out of this together. That was assured now!

"If we are both here, then I suppose we are equally foolish..." At least she could try to comfort him in a small way. By...bringing them both down! She nodded. enthusiastically at his comment. "Precisely. I could not resist once I saw what sh--it? It. What it looked like." There was a slight edge of frustration to her tone. That thing that had looked like her had brought far too many memories back that she did not want to think about. It had been beyond foolish to touch it though.

"The other mirrors? Oh! I think that's a fine place to start! As it stands I'm afraid I cannot think of anything better."

[bufubulous]

It was a very Haru attempt, perhaps, to comfort by bringing them both down. But it was at least a little comforting to know they’d both made the same mistake, because that made it seem more like a natural reaction to the mirror they’d each been faced with, right? So while he still felt a little foolish, perhaps the foolishness had been only normal for the situation they’d found themselves in. “Do you think they’re only an ‘it?’” He asked with a thoughtful tilt of his head. “It looked so very real to me, the expression it wore… I can’t help but wonder, given what we’ve come to on the other side of the mirror.” What if the image in the mirror was simply another version of themselves from another reality?

The teen nodded though, glad to hear that she agreed with him. “Then we can start there, and should that fail, we’ll have to investigate further for other possible solutions?” He responded with a thoughtful nod, glancing around. “We just need to find one first… I’m afraid I got rather turned around after I arrived, so we may need to wander awhile.”

At least should there be anything dangerous here, they had their personas to use as a means of defence, right? He was hopeful they wouldn’t, but it seemed naïve to think there wouldn’t be more unpleasant aspects to this world, given the atmosphere.

[haruine]

"I...hope it's only an it. Perhaps that's foolish of me as well." The truth was that she did not want to think of it as being real in the slightest. Something inside of her twisted at the thought, as if it were trying to tell her just how wrong she was. They were real. The other them's seemed to exist in some real and meaningful way which was awful for her to think about. Awful and just confusing. Where had they come from? Were they from an entirely different world? If so, then that would imply that another version of her father existed there. Perhaps a version like the one in his Palace. That was not something she wanted to know about. Or experience ever again.

"Though...we did experience an alternate reality back home." Of course, she hadn't mentioned much about that to him. It was ...entirely too complicated to have gotten into and she had already told him so much about the future. It seemed strangely relevant now though, at least in terms of providing some sort of evidence that other versions of themselves could exist in another world. This seemed to be on a bigger scale than what Maruki had done though. Which was...rather frightening to think about.

She frowned deeply at his admission and then looked down awkwardly at her feet. "I...so did I. I know I came from..." she pointed to the right. "That way. Or...I think I did!" She most certainly should not have phrased it as 'know' because she really didn't. Her face scrunched up and she let out a huff. "This place all seems so very similar. Much like mementos but without a navigator." If only Futaba was here. She would certainly be able to figure a way out of this place!

"I suppose...all we can do is start in a direction and hope for the best."

[bufubulous]

The way she put it seems a little concerning to the teen, not that his hadn’t stirred rather complicated emotions as well by the look on its face. He tilted his head and glanced at her through the mask with a worried frown. Perhaps it was simply like his, or perhaps it was something else. “I don’t know if it’s foolish to hope that, all things considered… How did your reflection look, Noir?”

Yusuke tilted his head slightly. The metaverse was as much of an alternate reality as he could imagine, given when he was from. “Do you mean the metaverse, or…?” Should the teen ask about the time beyond his own? No, but the fact that she brought it up made it seem a bit relevant at the moment… And he didn’t want to miss on details that might help them now.

Mementos without a navigator was honestly a good description. “You’re right, I can’t help but wonder how much easier we might find our way around if Futaba were here? Every time I think I’ve spotted a path of progress, I feel as though I’ve looped back to somewhere familiar.” Which was also alarming, feeling like he was going in circles without making any discernible progress to get out of this place.

Looking in the direction Haru had indicated, the teen nodded quickly. “I believe that would be the best option myself… Better than standing here and hoping answers come to us, I think. Plus… we don’t know what might be here. It feels so different from Aterat, I can’t help but wonder if there might be things less shy about approaching those waiting around to be approached here.” At least with two, it would be easier to spot trouble coming as long as they kept their eyes open.

[haruine]

She shook her head rather enthusiastically at his question. "Oh, I imagine not much different from your own." That was...possibly the worst attempt at avoiding a question that had ever existed. Haru was clearly not talented at lying or changing subjects. Even her expression revealed a certain unease with the question and embarrassment at not being able to cover up the question. Strangely, this of all things seemed to be the first time that their time difference truly seemed to pose a difficulty. A part of Haru simply wanted to avoid discussing it because of how much it bothered her. Another large part of her wanted to avoid discussing it because she didn't want to add more burden to him. He had his own mirror self here and she was certain he probably had his own complicated feelings to sort through. He hardly needed more.

"No...not the Metaverse. It's...oh," she sighed. "It's so very complicated. After we found the truth behind Mementos we were able to triumph over it." That seemed....like a good enough explanation. Right? "However, someone else was able to harness the power from it and they used that power to affect the real world! They..." she frowned and put her knitted her fingers together near her chest as she recalled what he'd done. "They were...quite misguided in what they did. However, they truly thought it was what was best for people. The world became what they thought was a perfect reality for us. Only Ren noticed that things were not right." And she still felt utterly awful for how easily they had all just fallen into their new happy lives. "For many people it was living in a world where our loved ones had never died. Or where they were the people we had always wanted them to be." Was that too much of an explanation? Oh, dear, now she was just second guessing that to no end. It really had been far too much to tell someone. But it seemed oddly relevant to what this may be. At least from what she had seen. It had seemed like this person in the mirror had looked like her and yet...there were some differences. Perhaps the differences came from living a slightly different life? Maybe that was a silly theory.

Maybe she should second guess herself yet. Oh no, was she second guessing herself about second guessing herself?

She let out a heavy sigh. "I continue to miss her more and more. Perhaps we started to take her for granted." There was a light smile on her lips with that, clearly just joking. Futaba would never let them take her for granted. Besides as a friend group they were actually all fairly good at making sure everyone knew they were appreciated.

Once they had agreed she started on her way, though there was a certain degree of hesitation in her steps. Clearly she was not used to not having someone specific to follow and she most definitely lacked the confidence to be that person herself. Still, he was very right in saying it was better than standing here and hoping answers came to them. "I think," she pointed in the direction they were walking (though the fog obscured whatever she might have been trying to point at). "I think I spotted a city that way not too far off? Perhaps there will be people there that can give us some direction?" Now that he had mentioned things being less shy to approach she was a bit...less confident in finding help.

[bufubulous]

Yusuke tilted his head at that, and one would get the impression that his brow was raised under the mask. That seemed to him like a rather vague response… But could he really blame her? If it was like his own, then it was certainly not something she would want to dwell on. His had given him the impression that if it was a real person, they were a real person, that they were still in a position like he had been. “I see… In that case, I believe I can somewhat imagine it. Mine looked like I used to… Before I met everyone, I mean.” He offered, if only because it seemed fair to offer up, in case she wanted to say what she saw that bothered her so much, but wasn’t sure how to start.

Not the metaverse? Yusuke definitely looked confused at that news. Though a frown slowly spread across his face as she explained the situations to him without getting too far into the details (though he couldn’t help but wonder the details). “A different reality for us all, then…?” He murmured thoughtfully. As her words sank in he realized just what that probably meant. Living in a world where loved ones had never died, or been how they wanted them to be… That definitely meant something by the look on his face. Her father was alive… And a Madarame who was different…? Yusuke couldn’t deny the moments he wished he was wrong about the man’s true self, that he was the father figure that Yusuke wanted so dearly… But it left an uncomfortable pit in his stomach. Had he really carried on as though that were the honest reality, like nothing they’d been through had ever happened? To have settled into a ‘perfect’ life that someone else crafted for them? “And Ren was the only one who noticed? That must have been terrible for him to endure alone- but you said this was put to rest, so we must have realized something to join him… right?”

Futaba absolutely would not have let them if they ever started to seem like they were going to. Yusuke couldn’t even imagine it. “If she were ever to appear we might startle her with how relieved we might be.” he added with a small chuckle. Really, if any of their other friends arrived, they would be over the moon, undoubtedly. Though Futaba would be exceptionally helpful in these moments, certainly…

The fog was terribly thick, and it left him slightly on edge to not know what might be beyond it. The idea that they might bump into something without realizing it after taking a few steps was a bit worrying as they continued. But he followed her gesture curiously. “A city? Yes, surely where there is a city, there would be people we could try to learn from.” Hopefully… Maybe… If they weren’t hostile concerning people who weren’t supposed to be here normally. “Barring that, at least perhaps shelter while we take time to figure out our next steps.” He squinted at the fog, wishing it would clear a little… But, following Haru in that direction, it seemed like it was going to continue.

[haruine]

"I'm sorry." It wasn't hard to notice that he'd observed her hesitance. For a second she did feel bad for not wanting to discuss what her mirror self had looked like. It was nothing against him, of course. If it had been anyone at all she would have reacted exactly the same. She gave him a sympathetic smile to commiserate with him. "I see. That must have been quite unpleasant for you to see. Mine looked like..." she was grateful for the mask, at least it hid her downcast gaze. "Somewhat like the version of myself in my father's Palace." Which seemed like more trouble than it was worth to explain at the moment. Only partially because she simply didn't want to explain it.

"It was strange that we each had our own desires granted but still existed in the same world?" Sort of. It was all so very complicated and yet...it was strangely similar to what this seemed to be. Perhaps not quite the same, but it had similarities she couldn't deny. A frown touched her face as she watched him to see how he reacted to what she'd told. There was clearly a lot for him to think on and she felt somewhat bad for having to be the one to bring news to him like this again. "I...must admit I still feel rather terrible about it all. It was so easy to fall into the lie of a life I had always dreamed of." And it was the same for everyone. Having been gifted the things they had always desired from the people they loved the most? How could they have not fallen into it? "Once we all came together at the café though we realized how wrong it would be to continue living in a world that was just a lie." After all they'd fought for, they certainly couldn't let it end on a lie, could they? Not to say it wasn't a terribly hard decision for them to make. It certainly had been. For several of them it had meant losing their parents once again and that...well, it had not been easy for any of them. Not that they had ever really spoken too much on it. She had arrived here just as things had finished there.

She laughed at that, though there was an uneasiness in her laugh due to the topic and the general atmosphere that this place held. "We would! She'd probably not know what to do with it." Which would be interesting. Though this line of thinking was only making her more and more sad about just how much she missed her friends.

"I think. Though..." she put her hands together a bit awkwardly. "I might be wrong," she wasn't wrong there was a city up ahead. Haru was definitely one to consistently second guess herself though. "I only hope they will be a bit more helpful than natives in Aterat." None of them were particularly rude, but they were not the most helpful people around. Though she got the distinct impression that was hardly their fault. "This fog is terrible, isn't it? It feels like there could be something revealed at any step. Though...I do feel a bit exhilarated by the thought of what might be there." Oh. That was strange to admit, wasn't it? She was both frightened and excited at the same time, what a strange mix of things to feel in such a terribly strange location.

[bufubulous]

“It’s alright, Noir. I can at least understand the hesitation…” He responded with an understanding tone, even if he was concerned about the truth. And he dipped his head in appreciation for her understanding of how unpleasant seeing himself looking to be in such a familiar state he had hoped was long behind him had been. It had left him with so many questions about this other version of himself. Realization struck him, though, as Haru went on to explain what she had seen in the mirror… “Your cognitive self… I see…” He murmured with a sympathetic tone. He hadn’t even been a person to Madarame, instead an object. Perhaps that was why he hadn’t seen that version of himself. It could hardly exist as an alternate person. But that just left him wondering what Haru’s father had seen her as. “I’m sorry, that must have been quite jarring as well. I know not of what yours looked like, but the way a palace ruler can see us is always upsetting in my experience.”

Listening to her explanation on this other reality, he found himself frowning more deeply behind his mask. “I can understand that feeling, even now the idea that I would so easily fall into a life that was not real and accept it after everything we worked through with those who we faced in the metaverse… It seems almost an insult to what progress was made in life. A blind eye turned again.” He murmured, imagining how frustrating that must have been for their leader to watch. It was understandable in a way, that they should accept that which they wished was real, and for Haru to have her father back also made sense, but that it was all a lie of a world created by someone well intentioned. There was at least a little relief to hear that they had all come together, that they had realized how wrong accepting that reality would be. “That is good to know… It seems like there is a lot I still have to know and catch up on from our world.” He was somehow even further behind than he realized, though to be fair, he was sure everyone was trying to save him the worry. “I would hate to think I would choose to live in a lie again, no matter how beautiful a picture it was painted to be.”

Yusuke had to admit, he truly missed the others as well. The ease in their interactions, even the odd disagreement, had a particular tinge to it that just felt like they were all meant to be together. A feeling of belonging, and he was glad for the people who were here now… But it would be nice to see everyone again. He smiled a little at her comment, though. It was hard to not imagine Futaba’s reaction to them all being rather excited by her arrival, but it would be similar for any of the group to appear, really.

“Then we shall have to try this direction and see how long it takes us to reach it. I could hardly doubt you, Noir. It isn’t as though I have seen much from where I arrived to know myself, but I don’t imagine you could have mistaken something for a city.” He responded with a reassuring nod, because unless it was an illusion… There had to be something there, right? “Even if we can glean something from their reactions if they don’t volunteer to help, that might be useful…? Somewhere to start is better than nothing.” He responded with a nod, setting his course in the direction Haru had indicated. “I agree, it’s so very thick I somehow doubt the lights of a city could be seen through it unless you were directly next to it?” He gestured, waving a hand around in the fog as if to test it while they walked.

There was a small smile to cross his face at her next words. “It is almost as exciting as turning corners in the metaverse. A distinctly unique sense of anticipation, I think?” He responded, finding himself at least in some agreement. There was a certain element of excitement in their adventures, and even as this one was far more unknown to them than the metaverse… This wasn’t too far off, was it? It only needed more caution.

And he blinked, coming to an abrupt halt as he nearly walked into a lamppost. It seemed he was right about the fog being too thick for light to pierce far. “I would believe that we have proven your eyes correct about a city, if this is anything to go by.” He reached out to touch it, just to make sure it was a solid construct and not an illusion. Squinting at the world beyond it, he could almost make out the shadows of walls.

[haruine]

“It's quite strange really, to be in such a revered position..." she mused aloud almost unconsciously. A part of her had always wondered what the Palaces that came before hers had been like. It had always made her feel slight set apart from the rest that she had missed so many while each one of them knew everything there was to know about her father's. Of course she never saw it as an unfair or anything of that nature. Rather, it just made her feel a tiny bit left out. Perhaps that was part of why it had taken her a bit longer to relax around them all. The slightest hint of a forced smile tugged at her lips at his response. "Mmm, I suppose I cannot disagree with that. It was a bit unsettling to see how my father truly saw me." Having proof thrown at her face that her father only wanted a daughter that obeyed his ever word and was content to just be a tool definitely had stung.

"That was how I felt as well. It felt like a betrayal of what we had achieved and a betrayal to our true selves. At least in the end we made the correct choice. We were given a chance to stay in that perfect world. We all came together and collectively decided that was not the life we wanted to live." At least that was something to be proud of. Together that had all come to the conclusion that a life that was nothing but a lie was not worth living. They had worked hard to overcome adversities that had been thrown at them and throwing that all away seemed like too big of a waste.

"Thank you, Fox. I appreciate that bit of confidence!" Even if it was a simple thing to have confidence in. Even the smallest amount of confidence in her was always appreciated. Mostly because it made up for her intense lack of confidence in herself. She did chuckle at his agreement as she cautiously walked through the fog. "That was precisely what I was thinking of! Each turn we make holds a certain thrill! I often find myself trying to guess what sort of shadow we will face. Sometimes I even dream of it!" And they were always very pleasant dreams to be had. Certainly better than the nightmares involving her father. Though...perhaps there was something a bit strange about enjoying dreams about shadows.

"Oh! Do be careful, Fox! Unless you want me to call Lucy for a shield," she said with a little smile. Was that some teasing? Perhaps....just a tiny bit. It seemed like a good time to try to lighten the mood, even if it was only a tiny bit. Now that they had reached the city the hard part would be over, right? They simply needed to find someone to get directions from. Or any information at all. The only problem with that idea was the fact that she wasn't quite seeing anyone. Though...for a moment she thought she saw something that looked oddly familiar. Almost like the outline of a shadow.

"I...hmm...perhaps my eyes are playing tricks on me in this fog but I thought I saw...no," she waved a hand. "Forgive me, I was mistaken."

[bufubulous]

Knowing he should know what Haru’s cognitive self had been like, while not knowing from his current point in time, was a bit odd… He couldn’t help but wonder what it had been and feel a little bad that he wasn’t the Yusuke who could know of this and offer some slightly more certain support. “I don’t know how your father saw you, at least not from my current time, but I am sorry that you’ve had to see it again now in an unexpected place.” He finally responded carefully, knowing how incredibly upsetting it could be. That their parental figures had seen them as nothing more than tools was horrible when they should have been there for them.

If they were to have to live in a lie again at all, it was at least something of a comfort to know that they rejected it once they had the opportunity to. It made some of the worry about what he was missing a little less, even if it was still there. At least what was to come had already, more or less, seem to have proof that it turned out alright. Not many people could say they had such a comfort concerning the knowledge of their own future. Not many could say they knew anything of their future at all, after all! “Thank you, Noir, for sharing that. I know one shouldn’t know much about their own future… But I’m glad that we all made the right decision, in the end.”

Yusuke’s eyes lit up though at her excited description of how she saw their trips to the metaverse. It was hard to not wonder if everyone on their teams saw things in such a way, at least to some extent. “Precisely!” The teen agreed with a bright tone. “It’s hard to not stop and sketch them sometimes, even if perhaps that is ill advised before they have been defeated. They’re all so unique and interesting facets of human emotions, and there seems to end to their variety. Even after all the time that had passed, I try to commit them to memory to portray after the fact.” Perhaps it was silly that he still brought a sketchpad into the metaverse, but similarly it was hard to not be intrigued by the shadows that dwelt there.

“I shall endeavor to, but it almost seems as though it jumped out in front of me.” He responded with a dramatic and slightly sincere tone in response to her teasing, his brows raised behind his mask as he looked up at the lamppost and then at the outline of the city lurking in the fog… They had at least found their way to it, and proven Haru correct, but what lay beyond? Was this city at all like Aterat, where there might be people willing to help? Or… was the atmosphere an indicator of what they could expect within? “Though I admit, I should like to see Lucy still if the opportunity presented itself. I haven’t seen your persona yet, after all!” And she had undoubtedly seen his already, even if he hadn’t been there yet!

Then, it almost seemed like perhaps he’d spoken too soon… He glanced at Haru curiously before his eyes drifted in the direction she’d been focused. “I think I would believe your eyes more readily in this instance, Noir… We are in unfamiliar territory, and I doubt you would simply be 'seeing things.'” He responded carefully moving forward with a little more caution. Narrowing his eyes, he nodded his head just slightly in the direction from before. “… I fear I may have seen something myself just now.” Were there shadows here? Or perhaps it was only a person, obscured by the darkness and the fog?

[haruine]

"Thank you, Fox. I appreciate that," she said with a weak smile. There was probably more she could have added on but a large part of her simply didn't want to talk about it anymore. Deep down she was aware oft he fact that it wasn't the best way to handle a situation. There were things both of them more than likely needed to speak on, but it seemed they both had a strong desire to avoid that. Besides, now was certainly not the time for some deep discussion about inner feelings.

"I will admit I somewhat struggle with what I should or should not tell you about the future. Things get rather...complicated to say the least." Complicated and rather strange. The strangeness was one of the things that made it rather difficult for her to try to explain the situation. There were quite a lot of parts that still made no sense even to her. "I am glad that it gave you some comfort to know we all made the right decision in the end."

She chuckled at his eyes lighting up, clearly pleased that he agreed. "It feels like something of a shame that we have never simply taken a day to allow you to do that!" He could probably produce some wonderful pieces if he was given a bit of time to sketch. Surely with their variety of abilities they could keep him safe. "I do agree and besides that they are very cute! Even the ones that some might consider a bit more unsettling I see as rather adorable!" His own enthusiasm managed to bring hers out and she completely lost any sense of propriety. "I would love to see you draw a group of them together!" She could think of a specific few she would be quite excited to see him draw.

"Ah, I see, it attacked!" While most people may have a slightly sarcastic edge to their voice there, Haru didn't. She sounded completely and utterly sincere, as if she might genuinely believe it attacked him. Stranger things had happened! She started ahead of him, cautiously look around the strange foggy city they'd found themselves in. "I am certain you would like to see her," she said with a chuckle that betrayed another tidbit of knowledge she had that he didn't. Something inside of her turned as he said he saw something as well and her expectations that they might be in for a fight began to bubble to the surface.

"Whoever is out there, be warned we can certainly defend ourselves!" Perhaps they shouldn't have been so quick to assume the creatures resembled shadows. The nature of this place meant that their own suspicion impacted what they'd stumbled upon. Out of the fog and into their view came three shadow like creatures that looked vaguely humanoid and yet without any features at all. Somewhat like the shadows in mementos before they actually engaged with them. "Oh dear."

[bufubulous]

“Of course, Noir.” He responded with a soft, sympathetic tone. There were a lot of things they definitely could stand to discuss, on multiple subjects… The situation, the matter of disappointing parental figures, the future that Yusuke only had learned bits and pieces of… But there were enough things that neither of them would wish to speak on at length, and at least there was the current matter at hand they could blame for why they might push those things aside for now. “It is, I appreciate that you’ve shared what you have in the first place… I’m sure it truly cannot be easy to decide what could or should be said in the first place, I trust that you and Ren have told me the important details at the end of the day.”

And it wasn’t as though this would have any effect on his return whenever he did go back, he realized… It had been said that they did not retain their memories of their time here, so it wasn’t as though knowing could affect the future… So, all in all, it was only worrying to not know what he was missing and what they might be carrying on their own for the sake of not burdening him with whatever truths might not have been shared yet.

Which lead him to his next thought, as she seemed to be quite excited about the idea of taking a day to allow him a chance to sketch the shadows in mementos. “If we ever have the opportunity, I should welcome a day for us to simply explore and admire them from afar while trying to capture their likeness.” It would be fun, as well as interesting, to learn which ones Haru thought were beautiful or cute herself by her tone. It seemed like her appreciation for the beings was quite varied! “I could always try to draw some from memory, but there is something to be said for seeing them fresh and in the moment.”

“Most certainly, using the cover of the fog to sneak up on us!” He responded with another dramatic gesture at the fog in the surrounding air, the dastardly light post had nearly gotten him too. He was quite sure that would have smarted to walk into, but perhaps not as bad as a real enemy would have been… It was hard, though, to not tilt his head at the chuckle that escaped his friend. “Now I believe a comment like that makes me all the more curious about what your persona looks like.” Clearly it had made an impression on the him of the future!

Yusuke watched as the beings approached through the thick wall of fog, his frown deepening and instinctively shifting his stance for something more stable should they attack… “I believe they are taking you up on that challenge, Noir… Perhaps I spoke too soon about wishing to see Lucy.” He added with a quieter tone, eyes shifting from one shadow-like entity to another. “We weren’t being humorous when we said we would defend ourselves if need be, if you intend to take us as an easy mark, you’re mistaken.” He directed at the creatures himself, hand reaching up to his mask as he watched to see if they’d proceed to attack or if they had something else in mind… Either way, he didn’t like it.

[haruine]

"I imagine Ren is much better at handling it than I am," she said with a smile. He probably knew exactly what to say and when to say it. Meanwhile she seemed to eternally stumble through the mess of time differences and the overly complicated events of their lives. "My only hesitation is in overly burdening you." Friends did not want to burden each other, right? At least she did not want to burden him. So much of the future he would experience would be filled with pain and unpleasant situations. For each battle they won it felt as though they were presented with another mountain to climb. It seemed best to just assure him that they succeeded, rather than weighing him down with too many of the unpleasant details.

She put a delicate hand over her mouth and giggled. "It would be an interesting opportunity. One I would also enjoy! If only to see what magnificent piece of artwork you would make from them." She nodded at his statement. "Perhaps doing it simply from memory would allow you to be more creative though? You could compose a picture of them doing anything you desired them to! They could even be having a tea party." There was a mischievous grin on her face at that to indicate her teasing.

"Shame on them! Sneaking up on people who are already lost and confused. I have no respect for those that would do such underhanded things!" She said with a firm nod. Horrible pole attacking people like that. Utterly horrible. Though, at least with this, she was simply jesting. Just a tiny bit though. A part of her did still wonder if perhaps a pole in a place this could truly sneak attack someone. Unfortunately, the jesting was cut short by the approaching shadowlike creatures. A moan came out of the fog as they wiggled their way closer. The humanoid blobs shook and jiggled as they approached causing Haru to buckle down in preparation for a battle. Excitement shot through her like a bolt of lightning as she reached for her mask.

Just as she did so, one of the closest creatures lunged forward, sending a flurry of black energy spikes in their direction.

"Behold!" With a tear of the mask Lucy appeared above her, quickly casting Life Wall on the two of them. The wall came up swiftly, blocking the incoming attack and sending it back at the creature with relative ease. Unfortunately, it seemed it's own attack did little damage to the creature, only causing it to stumble back a few inches before it resumed it's path towards them.

[bufubulous]

“I don’t know about that. I think you’ve both done rather well.” He responded confidently, though it was probably more that Haru had said more than Ren had about the future… But she had already arrived first, so Yusuke presumed that she’d save Ren from explaining the things she had. Whatever else was probably not that important… Right? Though he tilted his head as she continued. “The future does sound like a heavy thing… But I couldn’t think of it as you both burdening me with anything, so much as mentally preparing me.” That was a better way of putting it, right? Sure, he was concerned… But he also knew what he was going back to on some level, and concerning or not, he at least had an idea of what was coming.

Haru needed to remember that giving Yusuke an artistic idea was never something he could take as a teasing joke. He considered things seriously! And so he was tapping his chin lightly at the very idea. “A shadow teaparty… That could be an interesting piece to develop, could it not? Something with personality and an interesting theme.” He smiled confidently, yes he might just try that at some point!! It could be dramatic, or humorous, or simply unique depending on how he went about it. What a challenge!

That said, he forgot the idea for now as the shadowlike creatures seemed to seriously intend to attack. So much for hoping the local creatures in this place were at least peaceful or open to giving directions! His fingers reached for the edge of his own mask, before he gaped in some obvious awe at the sight of Lucy. She was absolutely magnificent to behold! So lovely and stylish, and impressive! Were those guns beneath that skirt??

His hands fell away from his mask for a dumbfounded minute. “She’s magnificent, Haru! Quite an elegant and deadly spectacle!” He commented in an excited tone, before he noted that the creature was still making its way towards them and he remembered his intent to call upon Goemon as well. “It seems they’re rather durable, doesn’t it?” He commented, ripping the mask from his face with a shout for Goemon and sending a well-aimed bufula at it. It seemed to at least freeze in place, even if it didn’t take it out. “Perhaps a well-aimed shot should put a stop to it, hm?” He suggested the follow up as naturally as he would have back in Mementos or a palace with a hopeful and excited grin.

[haruine]

Preparing him. She appreciated the positive outlook on the things he had learned in regards to the future. If only he could truly take the knowledge he gained from here home. Perhaps it would change things to make the situation easier for all involved. Alas, from what she had heard that was not how this place worked.

Ah, he had taken that suggestion seriously? She really shouldn't be surprised by that. Still...it did seem like an idea she would find quite interesting to see carried out. "Oh please do show me if you do use the idea!" Now she was truly excited for the possibility he might truly make a work of art out of her silly little idea. In her mind it was a wonderful image of particularly disturbing looking shadows with twisted little pinkies out while they had a marvelous tea party. It would be a sight to behold!

The praise for her Persona caused a vivid blush to appear below her mask. Complimenting a Persona was complimenting a part of oneself and she was hardly used to such energetic compliments. "Thank you, Fox. We both appreciate your flattery," she said with a smile. At his suggestion Haru gave a nod. "A wonderful suggestion!" With that his question about guns beneath her skirt was answered as it opened up to reveal an arsenal of weapons. One-shot Kill went out at the frozen opponent, blasting into it with a severe gun attack. Between the two of them their fighting was truly a spectacle of lights, sounds, and well, destruction. The creature shattered into pieces but it seemed as though Haru was not willing to stop there. Instead Lucy produced another attack, this time a swirling barrage of violet, teal, and yellow, that bombarded the enemy in spiral of circles and colorful ribbons. The attack managed to slow the other few that were coming, doing enough damage to seemingly weaken their endurance.

"Your observation on their durability seems to be quite right." And yet her tone hardly seemed frightened. In fact, she sounded exhilarated! A far cry from how she usually was.

[bufubulous]

“You have my word, Noir. You will be the first to see it should I create a piece based on the idea!” He responded with a bright tone, as genuine and honest as ever, even as he kept his eye on their rather unpleasant company.

He tilted his head slightly, though noting the blush on his friend’s cheeks with some surprise. Had she not been told that before, or had he said something odd…? Hm… It had been a genuine, honest opinion, after all. But as she spoke up, a smile crossed his face again under his mask. “Of course! I’m glad to have shared it, and for the chance to have finally seen her.” He added with a nod, before standing back to give her a chance to put the suggested plan into action. Hopefully… Hopefully this would work out as he had thought and not turn out to be another futile attack!

Yusuke was left gaping again at the impressive display, an excited tone in his voice as the creature shattered into pieces and the others were slowed somewhat by this other strange looking attack. Clearly, she made another excellent member of the team, bringing a whole other kind of attack to the table for them to team up with!

“How wonderful! I believe this means we have a solid plan for dealing with our rather stubborn foes, doesn’t it?” He responded with a hearty laugh of his own, directing Goemon to send another ice attack at the shadowlike creatures.

[haruine]

As strange as it might be to others, she found herself somewhat excited for the potential of that painting.

"Something positive to have come from this place!" She was happy to have shown him and pleasantly surprised by how similar his reaction had been. Friends truly were a wonderful thing, especially when they were friends as good as hers were. They were all so lovely when it came to building each other up.

"A perfect plan of attack!" She said as she sent another one-shot-kill from her guns. After another few rounds back and forth of them combining their powers it seemed as though they might have exhausted their enemies for now. "Do...you think that's it?" Though she sounded a bit of disappointed she did recognize they couldn't fight forever.

[bufubulous]

Yusuke moved back a couple of steps to give Haru the space for Lucy to let out another attack. It was a rush, to enjoy the teamwork and to see the plan executed so very effectively as the remaining enemies were taken out to leave them standing victorious and silence falling around them. The calm was a stark contrast to the attacks from only moments before, and he turned her with a similar feeling at the fact that it seemed to be over as quickly as it started. “It would seem so, at least for the moment… Something tells me this isn’t the only encounter we may find in this place, though.”

But he smiled again, something sharp and excited as he let some of the tension leave his shoulders as he dropped the combative stance. Rolling his neck and kneading at his shoulder. It had been a while since he’d experienced the particular thrill of battle… Almost half a year, he realized, perhaps this would be good for a bit of practice. “But I dare say it wouldn’t have gone so smoothly if I’d been on my own. We make a good team, I think!” He added with an excited chuckle, finally starting to walk again. “Lucy is truly a wonder, Noir. I know this is a rather unfortunate situation we’ve found ourselves in, but I am glad for the opportunity to have gotten to see her.”

[haruine]

"I fear you may be right," she said with a frown. The silence that overtook them was nearly deafening and she found herself somewhat missing the thrill of the battle. Alright, perhaps quite a bit more than just somewhat missing the thrill of battle. As strange as it might be she had quite enjoyed that. Though...it seemed as though he might feel the same.

Which gave her the confidence she needed to relax just a tiny a bit. She rolled her both her shoulders around trying to release some of the pent up tension she'd built from being so focused on the battle at hand. All the while she bounced on the balls of her feet with a proud expression on her face. "We do indeed, Fox! Our combo there was quite lovely. If only we had the star here..." Then perhaps they could make a Showtime together! Ideas of what a they could combine together danced through her head. There were so many things they could combine between them to come up with something truly creative. Her smile widened at his compliments, though there was the ever present hint of a blush under her mask.

"Thank you. I feel quite lucky to have had the growth to have her come to me."

[bufubulous]

The star! That was right, it was a pity they didn’t have access to it… They could have probably coordinated something quite magnificent! He hummed slightly, “I wonder if Ren arrived with it.” he mused to himself, given he was still from a slightly earlier period and was unsure at this point given he hadn’t thought about it in a while. That said, Ren had gone through the looking glass with them, as far as he could tell. Which was perhaps unsurprising that their leader might have known better than to touch the mirror, or perhaps he had and they hadn’t run into him yet. It was an odd thought, worrying in its own way. But he smiled instead to focus on the idea that at least took their minds off of this odd situation while they resumed their… uncertain path. “I wonder what we might have come up with, had we the chance!”

The thanks get a nod of agreement. They were rather lucky that their powers worked here at all. Though Yusuke himself was perhaps slightly unaware that her Persona might not have been the one she started with, having been from before, his own even changed once as yet. “We are quite fortunate. I’m afraid this would all be terribly difficult without them…!”

[haruine]

"Oh! I didn't ask him!" And she suddenly felt very foolish for that. It seemed there was always something else to talk about and it had just completely slipped her mind. Perhaps if he had though then they could actually do something. "We should try to remember to mention it when we escape this place." Because they certainly would escape, right? There was no doubt about it. They'd been in worse situations than this. Granted they had their leader then and the rest of the team, but they could do it.

She was completely distracted by the thought of what they'd make with the star now though. Everything else took second place to her ponderings. "Perhaps something with a dance! An icy dance that ends with a dramatic rocket launcher explosion!" Could he even dance? That was a concern for later, for now she was trying to picture it in her head. "Or perhaps you carving an ice sculpture of me dancing and then we blow it--" she put her hands over her mouth and blushed. "I'm sorry. I'm bit a bit silly thinking of this." It was a terrible idea. Terrible and silly.

[bufubulous]

To be entirely fair to Haru, the question had slipped his own mine as well when Ren had appeared. “Neither did I, Noir. I suppose it’s one of those things that rather slipped out minds, considering everything that’s happened since you both arrived.” He responded with a small shake of his head. They would have to do something about correcting the unasked question, though, once they returned. The potential was just too great!

Even he got rather caught up in her idea, nodding along and responding with an equal amount of animated energy. “Oh, something beautiful and artistic, certainly! I rather admire the idea of some sort of dance, it is a wonderful art form… And an explosive finale that packs just enough punch to really take the enemy by surprise, why it sounds perfect, Noir!” He responded with a final, wide gesture of his arms. “One must never hold back for the sake of true artistic expression. One must entertain all possibilities and follow their inspirations regardless of how serious or silly they may seem in order to reach a satisfying outcome!”

This was a young man who had made Ren pose in a church, Haru. There was no ‘silly’ where art and Yusuke were concerned.

[haruine]

"Very true. It does seem like things happen in a rush here." It was easy to forget about something when a series of new strange things seemed to appear or happen every few weeks. At last nobody could ever say it was truly boring for long in a place like this. Sometimes she really liked that about this place. It was still a bit overwhelming now and then to be so completely free but it was also very exciting. So many new things to see and do!

Of course the fact that he went along with her idea only made her blush just a tiny bit more. People being so willing to go along with things she said was still quite a foreign concept. "I used to dance." The admission was hesitant, the burden of so many years of not communicating her interests to others still weighed her down. "Thank you for the words of encouragement, Fox." It was truly a miracle she remembered to keep codenames at the moment. "I have always admired that in you. You seem so quick to simply follow your ideas no matter what others may say or do around you." He seemed to even be able to deflect the strange looks that others occasionally threw his way. Sometimes she really wondered how he did it.

[bufubulous]

“You did?” Yusuke turned properly to look at his friend, curious about this new information about her. Perhaps that made sense, given the way she moved in battle and the way she carried herself. So it wasn’t hard to imagine such a thing at all, though he again wondered at how hesitant she sounded to admit something like this about herself. Did she not have any support for her creative endeavors over the years? For all that his life had been… limited… He had always been encouraged to follow the spark of creativity, at least.

Her own compliment gets a small, pleased smile. “Of course, Noir!” He said with a sweeping gesture as they started walking again. “While I have recognized on occasion that my ideas might border on the absurd, it seems terribly wasteful to not pursue one’s creative endeavors to the fullest. An idea, even one that does not work out, has value.” As… crushing as it can be, but he’s not focusing on that right now! “One should pursue the spark that inspires them to create, and dance is a truly beautiful form of art that inspires other arts in turn.”