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

[bufus]

"I can assure you it would." Her own experiences with how the researchers around her grandfather operated assured her of that much. After all, they hardly hesitated to experiment on her. She could only imagine what might befall creatures with no connections at all. Humans were a crafty sort, always with an eye towards advancement. If they were able to take anything from such powerful creatures, they would try to find a way. Either way, she imagined it would not be pleasant for both sides if the truth were found out.

"I see. Which yokai are those? The ones that are tied to deals rather easily?" Surely it would not be the kind he was, but perhaps if she got him to list some it would narrow the choices down on what he might actually be. She was still rather curious on that little fact.

"I see. That does seem like a foolish risk to take. What would a human even gain from joining in such festivities?" Was there some sort of power to be gained from it? Or were there truly people foolish enough to do it simply for fun? That seemed utterly ridiculous.

"Perhaps..." she frowned. "Though I must admit I do not particularly wish to return."

[paintingthestars]

It was sad in a way, to hear that certainty in her voice… Made him wonder about her experiences. At the very least, her actions had not indicated that she was a potential threat. Even if she was, it was a little late in the conversation to have considered that… Silly kitsune that he was. Instead, he’d let his curiosity lead him and taken a liking to the young woman.

“The ones who don’t think of humans as an enemy or a meal on sight, really. It’s easier to gain their trust and get the upper hand when they don’t see you as a threat on sight. Easier to best them at contests, or to steal something they cannot be without.” The kitsune responded with a small tilt of his head. He has a feeling she’s looking for a more precise answer here, but it was a bit of a long topic.

The kitsune agreed, it was a foolish risk to take… But humans did seem to love to take risks that weighed more heavily on the danger side rather than the reward. “That depends, really. Some, I presume, do it for the excitement, as some humans are prone to such folly… Others for a prize of some kind. We do have contests for them now and again, valuable magical talismans granted to the winner. Usually limited in use, but enticing all the same.”

The frown on Yusuke’s face indicated much the same, really. “Nor do I… But I expect we’ve been dealt the less lucky hand than our counterparts on that front.”

[bufus]

"I see," she said with a little sigh. Well, that had not worked out quite how she had hoped it would. "What would you say are some of the most friendly towards humans of your kind?" Maybe this question would go better! It was more specific, easier to narrow it down.

"You think some do it simply for the...thrill?" How ...well, yes, he was probably right now that she thought on it. Some humans did push things too far simply for that sort of thrilling reward. In a way she supposed she could count her grandfather among those. He was pushing the boundaries of that other realm every day simply for the reward of knowledge and potential power. Despite the obvious dangers of doing so, he still pushed on, believing the reward from each new fact he uncovered was enough to make it worthwhile.

"A physical reward at least seems more logical. I imagine if my grandfather knew of that he would have me investigate." It was quite logical that he would not go into a situation like that himself. He lacked the Potential, which would mean he would be in inordinate danger. She however could certainly take care of herself!

"Perhaps. We shall see when we return." It felt inevitable that they would, even if she wished it were untrue.

[paintingthestars]

“Hmm… That is a good question, though I believe those considered the most friendly are those who tend to reside in houses among people. Zashiki Warashi, for example, the guestroom child, is often good luck and only plays minor pranks on humans. Harmless tricks or disturbances, very childlike.” He responded, tapping his chin thoughtfully as he came to the conclusion. But given he described them as children, and he was young but not quite that young, it was unlikely that this yokai was one of those.

Yusuke smiled a little as she questioned him and her expression seemed to give way to the realization that humans would do just that quite easily. Perhaps she had some experience with someone like that. “Humans are funny creatures like that, in my experience. Though yokai can be just as foolish in their own ways, in that we’re all alike.” Curiosity and interest, looking for excitement or answers, they weren’t so different on that level.

“Would he?” That was interesting, but also potentially unfortunate for Mitsuru. What if she ended up on the wrong side of a yokai, more cunning or powerful than she could handle? That seems terribly irresponsible for an adult, even if he had felt respect for the man before. “Are you well-equipped to deal with something like a hungry or annoyed yokai, I wonder?” He digs himself now, between curiosity and something like concern born of his own bad experience with adult humans.

[bufus]

"That's not what you are though, is it?" He seemed like he played pranks, but he didn't seem as though childlike would be fit him as a description. Perhaps she should have spent more time studying the myths and legends of her own home. Between school and her grandfather's whims she had little chance to pursue things of her own choosing.

She made a thoughtful humming noise as she thought about his statement. "Strange to think there might be more similarities between us than we might otherwise note." But perhaps not surprising. The tales she did know often gave yokai certain human characteristics; such as a drive for revenge or the ability to love.

She blinked at his question and seemed a bit perplexed on how to answer for a moment. "I am." What she ended up choosing wasn't quite an answer though....hmmm. "Perhaps if you tell me what you are, I can tell you what I am." What had he said earlier about deals? Oh well, that was out the window.

[paintingthestars]

“It is not, I’m afraid.” He responded to her question with a not quite apologetic smile, having realized what she was angling for. A way to narrow down her options on what he was… It was a good way to go about it, but he also wasn’t about to simply give her the answer like that. Though… He was pretty sure it wasn’t too hard to figure out if one knew the stories. His favoured foods, the starball that he carried, being easily tied to a deal… Perhaps she was the kind of human who hadn’t had such stories shared with her. That was unfortunate, at least as far as their game went. It made him realize that she might never win… Which, despite knowing it made him the winner, was a little disappointing.

“I suppose it’s hard to imagine, given our different shapes and abilities, but I’m sure the similarities are greater than our differences at times.” He commented with a small shake of his head. It was probably just slightly more complicated when you factored in the ones that preyed upon humans… Though he could also point out that humans preyed upon each other in their own ways.

There was something rather amusing at how easily what he’d said about deals had been tossed aside to propose one to him, but he couldn’t really blame her either. “What you are is human, that much I can tell from your sight and scent alone.” He responded with a tilt of his head, eyes glinting yellow slightly before he finally nodded. “But I suppose if we adjust the terms to: I’ll tell you what I am, if you explain the abilities you possess that give you the capability to deal with yokai, who might be dangerous.” It was all about the wording. She could easily simply state her humanity with the earlier terms. This was more… specific to ensure the Kitsune learned what he wanted in payment for sharing what he was.

Holding out a hand, he continued. “Do we have a deal?” He at least had the decency to make it official, and to give her a chance to back out should she have second thoughts.

[bufus]

“Too bad," she said with a sigh. "I believe I should have spent more time on myths and legends. It's not like me to be at such a loss." There was a hint of embarrassment to her tone that she felt slightly ashamed to let slip through. It seemed like it should have been something so much more simple than it was and yet here she was struggling to try to place what myth he himself came from. Frustration was starting to mount in her in terms of their little contest. Losing was also not something she was used to. Or fond of.

"That would make a bit of sense given we both exist in the same locations." Perhaps they did not come from the same places precisely, but they both ended up in the same world. It would make sense that they were similar and that they influenced each other in some ways.

"That seems a bit unfair," she said with the shake of her head. "For you to be able to tell that much with only my scent." She contemplated the revision to her suggestion and nodded in agreement. She could see what he was trying to do and she respected it. It was clever and something she might have done had he been the one to suggest a deal with so little specifics. "Alright. We have a deal then. Do we have to do anything to seal this deal?"

[paintingthestars]

Yusuke could tell she was more than a little frustrated with the fact that she couldn’t figure it out, but it tied in to what he’d said earlier. The stories of yokai weren’t taught or told nearly as much as they used to be… The times had changed, and much was being forgotten or ignored. “I would put the blame more on those who failed to share the stories less and less with each generation, more than putting it entirely on yourself.” He responded with a small tilt of his head before shaking it. “But now that you realize the information you lack, I believe the only answer is to learn, is there not?” She was a smart human, clearly. The sort used to knowing things, inquisitive enough to ask or to seek answers herself.

A deep, slightly surprised chuckle escaped the kitsune at the accusation. “Can it really be called unfair if it’s something of a natural sense? I cannot help what I am and what comes naturally to me any more than you can.” He did have advantages, though. That much could not be denied. He was glad that she agreed to the deal, though, without trying to twist the terms at all in response to his own. “I believe humans shake hands to solidify deals, do they not?” He responded, holding out a hand again. He wasn’t going to ask for blood or anything like that, Mitsuru. Besides that, Yusuke tended to be a yokai of his word. More often honest than not, he was more honest than he should be.

[bufus]

"I prefer taking more responsibility than that," she said just a bit more harshly than she otherwise would have intended. Responsibility was a huge deal for her with her grandfather often focusing on her needing to be responsible and prepared to carry on his legacy one day. "You are right though, it has been made apparent that I should look into learning more about this subject." She heaved a sigh. "It makes it even more unfortunate that we will return to that other world." From the little she'd already taken in of this world there was a library filled with knowledge she could spend an eternity engrossed in. Having to return to that dismal other place seemed even more disappointing now.

"I suppose not." She admitted a bit reluctantly. He was depressingly correct about it not precisely being unfair given that he was just born that way. "They do," she took his hand firmly in her and shook it twice before letting go. "We have a deal then." One she assumed she would be the one to go first and so she she began. "I have the ability to summon something we call a Persona. Her name is Artemisia. To put it as simply as I can, a Persona is a physical manifestation of one's inner thoughts. Being able to conquer one's inner thoughts and tame them into a Persona is a natural ability to some but an artificial one for others. To control one you must have a strong enough will to overpower it and then use it for your own power. I have had the ability to summon mine since I was very young and have used her against many Shadows." She realized quickly that Shadows would mean nothing to him and so she quickly added on: "Shadows are monsters that appear during the Dark Hour, they feed on unconscious human minds during this time. Shadows are created from human emotions, usually negative ones. Shadows have varying types of bodies but they all wear a mask of some sort. The small types are the most common and they're rather easy to deal with. They often are capable of using elemental magic of one particular type. There are also larger ones that are able to strategize to some degree and that often posses a number of different attacks. My grandfather has sent me out to gather considerable data on both types."

[paintingthestars]

Yusuke found the harshness in her response a bit surprising, blinking in surprise. “Hm… If you wish.” He had been attempting to be kind there, but it seemed he had struck some kind of nerve… How curious. Though, given her description of her grandfather thus far… Perhaps she had taken it as a slight against the man. How odd that she would rather shoulder blame than admit that it didn’t fall entirely upon her shoulders. Though he had to admit, her education would likely not be an easy one now. “True enough, that world was rather lacking in its resources alongside its abysmal selection of food.”

He withdrew his hand once she shook it, feeling satisfied with that much for their agreement. It seemed a safe enough deal, and one that she seemed keen to deliver on if the explanation she launched into was anything to go by. The kitsune listening with a great deal of focus. So she had the ability to summon something to fight for her, that would indeed be useful in both self defence and offence if the situation called for it. Not to mention a surprise to Yokai, who might approach her for less than pure reasons. Few humans possessed such abilities, especially in the modern world. Even those who held contracts with yokai for their services were rare enough.

And shadows… Sounded not entirely unlike some Yokai. “I see… So between this persona of yours, and these shadow things you speak of, you certainly would not be on an uneven footing with most yokai.” He responded, tapping his chin lightly. “I suppose I have been concerned about that front for nothing. My apologies for underestimating a human.” He added with a little gesture, before a curious expression crossed his face. He had seen his other self, the one who belonged in Aterat, call upon something on occasion. It was hard to not wonder if it was something like that as well… “What does this persona of yours look like?”

He wasn’t stalling on sharing what he was, not really. The kitsune was simply curious by nature, and Mitsuru would have to gently nudge him to remember to share himself.

[bufus]

"Indeed it was." That was all she allowed herself to say on that matter. Even now she found herself wondering if there was a way she could stay here. Perhaps that was wrong of her, to want to trap her other there, but it was only fair to want to be out here.

"I would like to think I would at the very least be able to hold my own. The magic I'm capable of through her includes offensive ice spells as well as defensive healing magic as well as a few other more obscure things." It seemed a bit wise to keep at least some things to herself and what better thing to keep close than the fact that she could charm a foe or cause them to flee in panic. She gave a nod at his apology. "Your apology is accepted, but unnecessary. Most humans lack any sort of ability to do what I am capable of." It wasn't completely unique to her, but it was on the rare side of things. It seemed logical he would have never run into it.

"Hm." She looked at him for a second as if judging the merits of showing him. He seemed curious enough and there was no reason for her to not think he would keep to his word. While they hadn't agreed on any sort of displays, she wondered if she showed him if he might not show her a glimpse at what he might really look like. The form he had currently couldn't be all there was to him. Finally she made the choice to show him, thrusting her hand towards her temple. There was nothing in her hand, this version of Mitsuru had perfected summoning without an Evoker long ago.

"Come Artemisia!" A bitter cold swept the area as the Persona appeared in all her glory. The woman was solid and stiff, almost like a marble statue. She worse a dress that was accent with armor around the chest and shoulders. Her face was half covered in a red mask that hid any emotion that might have been present on her face. In her hands she held a long chain whip that seemed to flow around her like a flurry of snow.

[paintingthestars]

Truth be told, Yusuke himself rather wished the same for himself… Though he more wondered if there were some way to broker a deal with his other self to switch now and again, that at least seemed somewhat fair than being trapped there for the rest of his days… Perhaps he should write the young man a letter before he left, the Kitsune mused to himself.

His attention snapped back to Mitsuru, though, a light smile on his face. Clearly there had been far more to the young woman than met the eye, and he couldn’t help but muse to himself at how silly it might have been to have not considered that. People and yokai alike were terribly complicated, and if she had survived in that other place she surely had some kind of ability to help herself there… “So even among humans in your world you are an exceptional sort, hm?” That is quite interesting, it made him more curious about her world, if anything. The things her grandfather studied or had her assist with, shadows and persona, what an intriguing place…!

Truly, it was a smart angle to consider. He might just be willing to show more than simply telling what he was. Should she be so open with him in return? Though he wouldn’t have broken their deal at all, he was a yokai of his word… It was just that he was caught up in an eagerness to see such things, his curiosity leading him. The kitsune wasn’t disappointed, either, as she called forth her persona. Her ‘Artemisia’ was truly a wonder to look upon, Yusuke’s yellow eyes widening with obvious surprise. Mouth dropping open in an awed little expression, even for a creature who wasn’t strictly normal and could manifest such a wide and strange variety of illusions… This was nothing like that.

This seemed solid and real, and he could easily sense the power coming from it. “My goodness, she truly is a magnificent being…! I would say many lesser yokai would cower at the sight of something such as her, and the more powerful soon learn that underestimating you is a mistake.” He commented with a gesture and a small clap of his hands.

[bufus]

"I'm not certain if I would say I was exceptional, but I am unique I suppose." Though not solitary in her uniqueness. "Most of the others I know did not come to the ability naturally." And she supposed she should have some sympathy for how they came into the ability. When it came to that particular subject she tried to be practical more than anything and well...she listened to her grandfather.

With a wave of her hand she dismissed Artemisia. Her disappearance wasn't all at once instead she faded slowly in cascade of snowflakes. "I would offer to show you her magic, but it's rather destructive." And there was nothing that she could think to attack that wouldn't cause quite a commotion. There had been far too many lessons from her grandfather on the importance of keeping her abilities and their work a secret for her to let go of it now. However, it was almost nice to share it with someone. In a very strange way it felt almost as though an known weight had been lifted from her shoulder.

"Until today I had never showed her to anyone outside of the Kirijo group."

[paintingthestars]

“I see, so there are others like yourself…” He mused thoughtfully. “Having observed my other self through the mirrors, I admit I find myself curious if he is somewhat similar somehow after seeing Artemisia… He seemed to call on some large being as well. “Though, perhaps not… If he was, I expect you would have approached me with a more familiar expression. If you do not know my face, he must be a stranger.” The kitsune tapped his chin lightly, before watching as the persona faded from view with scattered snowflakes in the air. That was really quite beautiful… He truly needed to get his hand on some of his other self’s supplies while he was here.

The yokai at least could accept that showing off the persona’s magic was a bad idea, given where they were. “Yes, I expect that it might be frowned upon to cause disruption and destruction in the middle of the market. I shall save my curiosity for another time, perhaps.” He responded, at least somewhat sensibly… Even if he was curious.

But her admission gets a brighter smile. “Then I am honored to be the first that you’ve shared her with outside the group!” And he was. That certainly indicated something particularly special if she didn’t show it to just anyone. Yusuke felt as though he’d been let in on quite a secret… Which meant he finally was satisfied and remembering his end of the bargain. “I suppose that would mean it’s my turn in our little ‘show and tell,’ is it not?” He rolled the star ball between the fingers of one hand and considered how to approach the subject. Really, just stating it seemed like the only way to do it. That wasn’t very… fun, though. So he decided the show portion was probably at least a little more interesting. “So I ask for one moment.”

He held up a hand for her to wait before disappearing behind a stand. One might wonder if he was making a break for it, but he really was a kitsune of his word. There was a certain energy in the air, and footsteps shifted from two legs to four and out from behind the stand strutted a sleek, furry creature. A fox with three tails, the star ball now balanced atop them, and distinct facial markings on its face. It came to a stop at her feet, sitting relaxed. “This is what I am.” He finally said, which was a little odd looking for words to be coming from a fox’s mouth, but that was it.

[bufus]

“There are. Though the ones I know personally were artificially gifted." They would most certainly argue that it was no gift at all. Mitsuru would disagree, but whether that was her own opinion or simply her clinging to her grandfathers was up for debate. She put a hand to her chin thoughtfully. "Hm, that would be quite intriguing if he were capable. It would solidify the idea that there were others out there that came to this ability naturally." He certainly wouldn't have been a result of their experiments. She would know that much. Now she found herself quite curious to talk to this other version of the boy before her. It truly was too bad that they wouldn't be able to reside in this place, it seemed like there was quite a bit to learn.

"Discretion is a useful skill to have. I only hope that, should I ever satiate your curiosity, it's not because we needed to fight." While she had no complaints about her grandfather sending her into danger, she still would rather a brief...reprieve from combat. Just a brief one.

"You seem like a worthy choice." He was pleasant enough. More than that though was the fact that he had his own secrets. Those with their own secrets were much less likely to betray the confidence of another. After all, doing so would all but ensure that their own secrets were leaked. It seemed safe in a way to trust him. There was also the logical aspect of it: what would he do with such information in this place? Nothing that could actually harm her or the Kirijo Group.

"A moment then," she said with a nod to him as he walked off. For a moment she wondered if he wouldn't create some illusion and take off. Perhaps she had been wrong to tell him her secrets and trust in a deal being followed through. Those fleeting fears were replaced with a look of surprise as he came out. There had been shadows that had taken on more solid strange appearances that resembled creatures but they were nothing like this. Nothing she had ever seen was quite like a talking fox with a ball.

"A kitsune...." her voice sounded almost mystified by it. "How foolish of me to not be able to put the pieces together." It really had been. They were all there if she had just spent a bit more time studying the myths of her home. She didn't mean to stare at him, but she also couldn't quite help it. He really was strangely beautiful and so she did the only thing she could really think of: she gave him a small bow. "It is an honor." Because really she should show at least some respect to such a majestic individual.

[paintingthestars]

“So this is an ability that can be achieved without it being natural to the person. How strange to think.” He murmured thoughtfully, though in a way that still rather made Mitsuru special if her ability was slightly different from those who achieved it artificially. To think his other self might be similar to her in some way? What were the odds of such a coincidence?? “I wish it were easier to communicate with our other selves. I’m sure you and I both would be able to ask and learn more about it if we could.” Again, so odd to find similarities and differences between them… Yusuke wished they hadn’t been dealt such a poor hand in all of this, or that the rules were different somehow.

“Given where we are bound to go after our time here… I suppose it would probably be best to hope to not need a display at all.” He mused, small frown on his face. Though, now that he knew her, there was every possibility he would seek her out when they returned. It might be nice to have an ally in that strange other realm, especially when some of the other residents tended towards the unpleasant.

Her comment gets a rather pleased smile from the Kitsune. “You’re too kind to have said so.” And it meant she was owed the returned honor of knowing his secrets. He had a feeling, given what he’d seen and learned from her, that it was a safe enough secret to leave in her care.

There was a pleasant chuckle from the creature at the mystified expression on her face. It seemed that the answer had made the pieces fall into place! “Indeed, that is the answer. But, as we established, you had not have the foundation of knowledge necessary to guess the answer before now.” So she wasn’t really foolish, but he knew better than to call out those who hadn’t taught her these things again. “And I am honored that we could share our secrets. You seem a safe enough person to trust with it in turn for the secrets you shared with me.”

[bufus]

"Yes. My grandfather found a way to artificially instill it in others." There was a hint of pride in the statement (which arguably should not have any pride in it) that she made no attempts to mask. After all, in Mitsuru's eyes her grandfather was an amazing man and he had given them a gift. "It can be a...rough procedure but the power is quite a gift." And they were being given the opportunity to be a part of something that was much bigger than they were. That was what mattered, wasn't it? "Perhaps there is a way to communicate through the mirrors. Maybe we could leave them messages? Of course we would have to write it backwards on our end and hope they caught on as well." She had faith that her other would realize such a small detail!

"I fear we may at some point there." There was something off about the place, something that gave her more than a little pause. Danger was present there to some degree at least. Perhaps it was only her being paranoid, but a bit of paranoia might be good all things considered. She doubted they could stay on this side forever, eventually they would be back there and they would have to deal with the situation.

"Thank you. I really am the one that should be honored." Her tone and expression still held that transfixed mystified look to it, how could it not? If only she really could take all this knowledge back with her. "My grandfather would think it was wonderful to meet you."