| Spin, spin, sugar; [Ryou, Ren, Ng] | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 12 2017, 08:13 PM (597 Views) | |
| Czernobog | Jul 7 2017, 02:15 PM Post #11 |
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Best Influence.
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Wei took a sip of his drink after the unintended contact, and took the book. He maintained eye contact through the whole operation. The boy's manner changed after the brief freakout. Sort of like watching a glove as one person's hand is removed and someone else's is put in. Wei was reasonably convinced by the shift in body language that something was going on. It seemed to work differently from normal possession, so he didn't quite know what was happening, but it was fairly obvious that something unusual was happening. He picked up the book and his drink, and moved himself to a different table, careful to stay outside of Arakawa's field of vision as he did. He wanted a clear line of sight and the ability to hear what was being said between him and the Taira kid: at the very least he could leap into action if need be. The weight of the ring in his pocket seemed very noticeable to him. He had expected this to be an open-and-shut "no," but it seemed that the Bedlamite tendency toward overreaction to minor problems was oddly proportional here. He'd have to be careful here. |
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| Wagoo | Jul 7 2017, 05:55 PM Post #12 |
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I'm sorry, but it seems like 'souvlaki' is just meat, bread, and sauce. What's the difference? Oh, and takoyaki is not merely breaded meat from the sea? Your nation's only true claim to specialized food is sushi, and you have no other method of argumentation. ... Takoyaki? Sushi? ... Impressive. Sure enough, Aesop seemed to be appeased that Ren had disproved the Persona's argument over food. Both had forgotten how the conversation had shifted from Ren's nerves to uniqueness of food, but for now, both were debating the topic with civility for the moment. Aesop, I have a question. Could you answer it calmly, even if you don't like it? Ren looked as a bus passed by, delivering some people who had off that day to a bus stop further down the road. I shall listen, came the calm answer. Is there anything you're ever unsure of? Ren stiffened, as if awaiting an impact from somewhere. ... Yes, but that is not a matter for you. I assure you, the situations you have found yourself in are not cause to consider. That which you have chosen with convention regarding Astaroth is a success, and perhaps will lead to more assurance, conviction, and confidence in the future. In his mind, Ren could hear tearing sounds; Aesop, presumably, was continuing to make a pig of himself on Samos. Ren, meanwhile, shook his head to clear himself a little, and tried to remember how to deal with cube roots. It was a partial success; while Aesop was blocked out for now, Ren had trouble with doing the simple equation in his head. A calculator continued to be the rule of the day for that subject. Ren sighed, shook his head, and turned around. Ryou Arakawa was there, watching him. It seemed to take Ren a few seconds for him to register that Astaroth was watching him. His face, which went from a kid troubled by something normal, slowly shifted into someone looking at a deep abyss with no way to climb out. His breathing became shallower, and his mouth hung a little open as he breathed, revealing his tongue had curled back if someone were to look close enough. His legs shifted from standing up straight to bending at the knees, and his hands, which were originally at his sides, slowly went up to the back of his head before clasping together, as if awaiting arrest. He took a step back with his left foot. Then another with his right, onto the pavement of the road. A car passing by let out a beep, and Ren jumped forward again back onto the sidewalk. He looked around, trying to appear embarrassed and casual, but he still seemed more akin to a deer in headlights. After looking around for a few more seconds, he slowly began to walk away from the observation of Astaroth. This isn't going to work, he thought to Aesop, and it was clear to the Persona that his User had no nerve. You have an ally, albeit a reluctant one. Do not discount him yet! |
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| Zesseract | Jul 8 2017, 12:45 PM Post #13 |
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Ryou's eyes narrowed at Ren's sorry sight, though he couldn't well-decide if it was his balking gait that bothered him, or his recalcitrant want to avoid him. Being stuck at the Lounge didn't -exactly- make it easy for him to give chase. It'd be seen as poor form for him to flag the teen down, he couldn't leave his station and couldn't run outside to fetch him... on the other hand, he really wanted to see what Ren had accomplished -so far- with regards to the whole 'slaying' of him business. Virtually any encounter with the boy could prove fatal, something which he looked forward to. So, to see him avoid their inevitable meeting, greatly irked him. Still, he'd very much unequivocally handed Ren control over his own fate, he couldn't renege on his promise. Control, once taken away, could scarcely be recaptured, but it brought freedom of a sort; uncertainty, was a completely different thing, and while it could be argued that such could bring despair, Ryou was of a different mindset. It didn't bear worrying about something one had no control over, rather one should focus their attention on what was immediately perceivable and within scope of their reach. So what about Ren's refusal to come in prompted Ryou's scorn? Currently it was his haphazard attempt to get away, and endanger himself further. (I've heard of people trying to wriggle out of an appointment...) Disappointed, he tried for a more direct approach, reminding Ren of their last meeting in Reitaku's library; His gaze narrowed such that it resembled his own on that day, the familiar feeling of control bubbling up from some ancient place, long buried in his mind. His eyes fixed on Ren's own, as he slowly drew breath, words of power forming in his mind, as he recanted the ancient charm of summoning. Intoning 3 simple syllables, he hoped to get across his 'invitation' to Ren, "I-RAS-SHAI!" He sang in that familiar host pitch, as he unequivocally regarded Ren. |
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| Wagoo | Jul 11 2017, 05:22 PM Post #14 |
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Alright, sure, Ng Wei is an ally. But I can't let onto him, the advantage is too good! Then do not make contact when you go below. Should your eyes glaze over him, only have your gaze rest as much as any other stranger. That action should inform him if he has any ounce of understanding, though I admit to wondering if that is a choice word for this situation. Ren and Aesop continued their debate like this as they slowly walked away from Astaroth's site. But then, out of Arakawa's mouth came another word. And with that word, Ren paused, looking around. At first, nothing seemed to change, but the passersby on the street began to all look upon Ren oddly. Why wasn't he entering the Lounge Adyton? Wasn't it weird? But more importantly, why did it seem like there were more than usual looking at Ren? Ren let out a shallow breath he was holding, looking at Arakawa, though Astaroth was likely the one looking back at him. He will not attempt any method that is obvious, and as long as you do not accept food and drink, nor touch him in any manner, I believe you shall survive safely to move on another day. Follow those guidelines, and he will have no power here. Aesop's words caused Ren to take a deep breath inward. But now, that was enough for him to step forward, though he still looked harried, anxious, and confused out of his mind as he walked steadily towards Arakawa. Tellingly, however, Ren continued to refuse to make eye contact. |
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| Czernobog | Jul 11 2017, 07:18 PM Post #15 |
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Best Influence.
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Wei sat in his seat, watching the scene play out. He looked bored, and his posture was loose and relaxed. It was no use tensing up before you sprang into action -- you had to let your hindbrain do its thing. Of course, he couldn't let himself do the things that were most natural: a knife to the kidney, an elbow to the pulmonary plexus, choking, or the good old wire-noose. None of those were acceptable here, because they were intent to keep this Arakawa kid alive. He could understand that: Arakawa had just called up something he couldn't control properly, he hadn't picked whatever was about to happen. Still, Wei felt a lot better about killing him than he did about depriving him of his freedom. It just felt more dignified and respectful. Hell, if the cops ever tried to arrest him, he'd rather get shot than arrested. At least that was over more quickly. So, wearing a facial expression more suitable to folding laundry, Wei watched things unfold, and listened. |
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| Zesseract | Jul 13 2017, 01:00 PM Post #16 |
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Ryou smiled internally at Ren's eventual descent into the lounge, half contented with the results of his invocation, while wrestling with thoughts of whether or not Ren had it in him to perform as their agreement required. He needed but play to this country's social mores to get him in, he'd expected more of a resistance from him, but then he could've also misjudged Ren; That outburst of his had been brought about by Aesop, after all, but he couldn't entirely discount him as such a display arose from a concord of wills... then there was his own "arrangement", which seemed irregular in every fashion possible. Still, he was rather pleased with the results of his little gambit; his mind moved onto other things he could accomplish with this "soft pressure" he found himself exerting, he needed to be careful exercising it though... as it could easily be reversed upon himself. But so long as he kept up his facade, fell in place and didn't openly question things, he should've been fine... he thought. Granted the Adyton was something of a departure from what was expected of him, given the norm was that a student would go to a club as part of their extracurriculars, but he found pleasure in having the sort of acquisitive power that allowed him to do things for his own sake. It was liberating, and about the closest thing he could call "autonomy" when he was still economically dependent on his parents. There were still so many things outside of his control, and such a narrow window of time to get them sorted... he tried not to let these thoughts get to him, savoring the fact he'd at least gotten Taira -albeit reluctantly-, to discuss the matter of their agreement. When Ren should come near the threshold, the busboy would lead the two's descent into the Adyton; it was a shame they didn't keep an oracle to keep in that cavernous place, as it'd help lend to the place's credibility. Still, for all its faults, the lounge wasn't without its charm... the wait staff for example, were rather attentive : "We're serving beignets with a raspberry filling along with any order of coffee; is there anything you'd like me to fetch for you in particular, or would you like to hear about our specials? " his tone warm, and just a touch over-welcoming. |
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| Wagoo | Jul 17 2017, 02:55 PM Post #17 |
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Ren stood there as he finally got to the top of the steps, looking down below. He knew that nothing was down there but a coffee shop with an atmosphere of attempting to be intellectual (others might call it pandering to hipsters). Everyone would be completely normal, going about their day drinking something, reading a book, or if they were one of the staff, working their job. But that Astaroth had not only found him but goaded him into going below was clearly causing unease. Which nobody else except for the ring bearer (and even then, it was a BIG if) cared for, and would probably go home in the evening to sleep. Does he need to sleep? The thought wandered across his mind before coming to a conclusion. No, if he lets Arakawa go without sleep, he'd create more trouble than it's worth. He shall be aware that his vessel dictates what he can do, Aesop chimed. If it is lost due to not acknowledging its needs, then a cessation of existence shall be an inevitable fate. The idea that Astaroth had to spend time sleeping brought a feeling into Ren. It was not relief, but it did help stomach the hesitation he felt as he looked down the stairs. So naturally, it didn't last long; feelings of walking into one of the lairs of the beast were returning, and it only increased the deeper he went. They didn't go away as he finally made his way to the bottom of the stairs, and looked about the Lounge Adyton, running his left hand through his messy hair as he did so. One man with a birth mark on his head was reading the Changeling, while another lady was enjoying some sort of drink that looked more like a milkshake, her Banana Yoshimoto book left open while she checked her phone. Ng Wei, the ring bearer, was looking at Ren. He seemed to be putting up a façade of calm, which contrasted with Ren's own look of unease akin to peering over a deep cliff. He put both hands in his pants pockets, but it did little to make his expression soften into normalcy. It certainly didn't help that Arakawa was still standing right next to him; Ren was being careful not to look in his direction, hoping that Astaroth's willingness to hold up a masquerade would keep him from attempting anything to defeat Ren. He shuddered for a moment- which resulted in him flinching noticeably with fright, though he did not scream or have both feet off the ground. He looked around briefly after his flinching, checking to see if he had made a scene or not. Nobody normal aside from the lady was looking, and she returned to her phone a second later. Ren let out a shallow breath, turning around a bit. He wasn't facing Arakawa, but it was enough for nobody to take notice. "I'll... I'hll beh just fahn wit..." he began, but stopped. All that learning his parents and uncle helped put him through, and he still relapsed into Okinawa-ban. It both irked and disappointed him, but it also gave a moment's respite from his worries. "Just the usual brew with cream and two sugars," he finished, returning to his normal accent. Ren finally managed to take a deep breath. Much quieter, he spoke again. "I'm not doing it," he eventually forced out of his mouth. He tensed up, hoping Astaroth's preference for the masquerade would stay his hand. |
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| Czernobog | Jul 17 2017, 03:18 PM Post #18 |
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Best Influence.
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God, even if he wasn't possessed, this Arakawa kid seemed like a total dick, Wei reflected. He had the smug manner of a cat playing with a mouse. Which, Wei supposed, was characteristic of the way that christian devils seemed to behave. It would be way too early to tip his hand and reveal everything, though. Wei was prepared for things to go spectacularly south, though. Nothing was going to happen. Probably. He picked up the Water Margin and began to skim it several hundred pages in. It wasn't a translation he particularly liked, and he wondered how people in this country enjoyed anything, if that's how they experience the classics of literature. Part of him missed taking literature classes, even if the curriculum was really Japanese, full of cherry blossoms and meditations on the temporary nature of things. Some of the books had been good. The works of Ryu Murakami had always been his favorite. Periodically, Wei would glance up and look at the two boys, trying to figure out when to intervene. |
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| Zesseract | Jul 18 2017, 12:21 AM Post #19 |
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Ryou lead Ren down the steps to the Adyton's seating area, a sort of central hub around which the stage was usually set up, unbeknownst to him any onlookers that might have been listening in : "I'm glad you decided to take my offer..." he said in an uncharacteristically cheerful tone, which segued nicely into his next line of inquiry: "Have you had any luck finding anyone, Taira?" alluding to their past conversation a couple of weeks ago, he decided to sidestep the issue of their arrangement at the time, seeing as he could eventually move to touch upon that topic when he so desired. It was to his surprise, then, that Ren decided to confront him head on about their pending business... and his refusal to undertake it, at this he couldn't help but feel relieved. He mouthed Ren's words internally, as he envisioned a great burden being lifted from his shoulders, as the boy opposite to him handed him the keys to his own freedom. "I'm glad." he said simply, his servile mask melting into a contented smirk as he explained himself further. "I was only now becoming accustomed to Nagashima's quirks, I'd hate to leave so soon." He spoke as though he'd recently moved here, and while that was true, Ren knew. He knew full well the intent of his expression, and what leaving actually entailed. "Ah, but where are my manners? I should see to your order before anything..." he gave the boy a curt bow before turning his back to him, "Please, have a seat..." he added while looking behind his shoulder, "It'll be my treat." It painted well that he should treat his friend, and given Taira's uncomfortable expression, it seemed he could do with a bit of comfort... plus he needed a reason to stay, and a compelled conversation seemed as good a reason to Ryou as any. He soon returned with Taira's order, deigning to take a seat across him on the table he'd chosen. "I don't think Ishikawa-san will mind if we catch up for a bit... " he offered, in a startling attempt at levity, "So... how are things?" |
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| Wagoo | Jul 21 2017, 07:07 PM Post #20 |
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It was evident that Ren was extremely unnerved, and certainly regretful and scared, as Ryou sounded pleased. He... he thinks I'm giving up!? Crap, I can't have this trick go to waste! Then calm your demeanor, before the conclusion that there is a trick comes forth! Aesop chimed. Ren obeyed almost immediately, trying to steel himself. He still looked incredibly uncertain and worried about something though, but not nearly as much as he had a second ago. "Oh, uhm...." he began, trying to think up a response to Aesop's question. "I don't think so?... I mean, I've talked to some people, but nothing really... concrete." He kept his hands in his pockets, gripping them tightly (his phone and wallet were in the lower pockets). "Well, if you're... glad, then that's a good thing to hear...?" he answered, sounding totally unsure in his statement. "I'm not really accustomed to Nagashima at all myself." He took in a deep breath, unknowingly holding it in as Astaroth responded through Arakwa's mouth. He was certainly still scared of who was underneath the body, and really going on in there. So as Arakaway turned around and walked away, Ren himself slowly turned around. It didn't take long to spot Ng Wei, still watching. Ren pointed to himself, and made a motion walking with two fingers before pointing towards a table near Wei, but had a gulf of a filled table between them. Ren then pointed to Wei, and made a motion of putting his finger between his lips. Come on, please stay there quiet, he thought to himself. Then again, the ring bearer seemed to be the type to not do so. Sure enough, it didn't take long for Arakawa to return, Ren's order in hand. Ren didn't really look at it though, setting it down on the table after taking it. Whether it was paranoia or priorities, the coffee remained there, cooling off. Especially if Astaroth wanted a further conversation. "You're sure he won't mind? At all? I don't want to... well, know what happens if you get in trouble because of... me." Another look of dawning comprehension came on Ren, and he looked more worried. Occasionally, some of the patrons looked, but nobody seemed to care to look for long, and returned to whatever they were doing beforehand. "Well, things are... complicated. I'm sure you've seen what's happened this week online." |
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