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LABY - IC INBOX
[ TEXT - AUDIO - VIDEO - ACTION ]
[ TEXT - AUDIO - VIDEO - ACTION ]
[OKAY.
OKAY.
The pieces are starting to fall together. A horrific jigsaw puzzle with an image for an answer he isn't impressed by. All of their shitty flirting, the camping night, the battle and the pathetic doe-eyed look in Maruki's eyes.
Oh, he does not like the implication.]
OKAY.
The pieces are starting to fall together. A horrific jigsaw puzzle with an image for an answer he isn't impressed by. All of their shitty flirting, the camping night, the battle and the pathetic doe-eyed look in Maruki's eyes.
Oh, he does not like the implication.]
[It's none of his goddamn business. He doesn't care about what pathetic little woman Maruki decides to date - Venat and Night Sky's only benefit in this scenario is that they're exceptionally powerful to be allied with. Either one would be fine for that purpose.
He's not happy it's Venat, but-
It doesn't matter. He doesn't care about this sentimental shit in the slightest. It's all temporary, delusional nonsense.]
Can I ask you something? I'll preface it by saying it may sound somewhat rude, but it's not my intent.
He's not happy it's Venat, but-
It doesn't matter. He doesn't care about this sentimental shit in the slightest. It's all temporary, delusional nonsense.]
Can I ask you something? I'll preface it by saying it may sound somewhat rude, but it's not my intent.
Edited 2024-07-07 01:14 (UTC)
[It'S nOt HiS iNtEnT.]
Whatever sentimental nonsense you decide to get up to is your business. Congratulations, I suppose, if that's what you're looking for.
However, you understand this will only make things more difficult, don't you? We are temporary intruders in this false world. You may have a choice to make as soon as tomorrow.
Let me make one thing very clear to you - I will not wait if you falter. We are allies, but if you hesitate because of a relationship of all things, I will not think twice about leaving you behind.
Whatever sentimental nonsense you decide to get up to is your business. Congratulations, I suppose, if that's what you're looking for.
However, you understand this will only make things more difficult, don't you? We are temporary intruders in this false world. You may have a choice to make as soon as tomorrow.
Let me make one thing very clear to you - I will not wait if you falter. We are allies, but if you hesitate because of a relationship of all things, I will not think twice about leaving you behind.
Thanks. It was more of a friendly warning than anything else. I doubt Venat will be around the castle much, given her nature, but I can't promise she won't be at all.
Anyway - this changes nothing about my overall goal, Akechi. You don't have to worry about my resolve weakening in that regard.
I appreciate your honesty, and your dedication to returning at all costs. I certainly won't be the one to let you down.
Anyway - this changes nothing about my overall goal, Akechi. You don't have to worry about my resolve weakening in that regard.
I appreciate your honesty, and your dedication to returning at all costs. I certainly won't be the one to let you down.
[HE'S SO MAD.]
What she does is her business. Of course, she's welcome here whether you two are dating or not.
As long as you're aware of the inevitable, how you choose to live in this fake world is up to you. Enjoy your time together, however short it will be.
What she does is her business. Of course, she's welcome here whether you two are dating or not.
As long as you're aware of the inevitable, how you choose to live in this fake world is up to you. Enjoy your time together, however short it will be.
[ Hello naughty Akechi, it's dinner time.
It's a fairly lazy meal, all things considered – perhaps one of these days, Maruki will make the connection that defaulting to spaghetti neapolitan after a difficult day portends dark omens for how the rest of his night will go.
But that day is not today!
He's taken his usual seat next to Akechi after picking at his food a bit while lingering in the kitchen. Normally he'd put the trusty crossword book between them for something idle to muse over, or start a mild debate about solipsism, or bring up a bit of network gossip–
Tonight, he produces the notebook Akechi gave him when he first moved in – the cover a little scuffed and corners battered from all it's been through so far – and flips it open, past pages and pages of scribbled notes and diagrams, to the most recent entry.
At the top of the page is the number seven, and then a bullet list of names and nonsensical information.
Unceremonious, and exhausted: ]
So, I've had some interesting conversations about the mutable nature of reality lately.
It's a fairly lazy meal, all things considered – perhaps one of these days, Maruki will make the connection that defaulting to spaghetti neapolitan after a difficult day portends dark omens for how the rest of his night will go.
But that day is not today!
He's taken his usual seat next to Akechi after picking at his food a bit while lingering in the kitchen. Normally he'd put the trusty crossword book between them for something idle to muse over, or start a mild debate about solipsism, or bring up a bit of network gossip–
Tonight, he produces the notebook Akechi gave him when he first moved in – the cover a little scuffed and corners battered from all it's been through so far – and flips it open, past pages and pages of scribbled notes and diagrams, to the most recent entry.
At the top of the page is the number seven, and then a bullet list of names and nonsensical information.
Unceremonious, and exhausted: ]
So, I've had some interesting conversations about the mutable nature of reality lately.
[A night like any other, dinner made and their usual seats taken at the counter. Nothing is amiss in this routine and yet-
Akechi's waiting. Pressure in the form of silence pulling strings of tension between them.
For once, he can't predict if Maruki will bring it the world's largest elephant in the smallest studio apartment.]
I wondered when you would bring that up.
[And there it is - words set in the space between them, in a worn notebook Akechi pretends he doesn't recognize.]
Interrogation wasn't on my agenda for the evening, so you made my job much easier. Please, feel free to continue.
[The little plate of spaghet forgotten, every mushroom pulled from the noodles and eaten - he dabs a napkin at his mouth and waits. Go on!!!]
Akechi's waiting. Pressure in the form of silence pulling strings of tension between them.
For once, he can't predict if Maruki will bring it the world's largest elephant in the smallest studio apartment.]
I wondered when you would bring that up.
[And there it is - words set in the space between them, in a worn notebook Akechi pretends he doesn't recognize.]
Interrogation wasn't on my agenda for the evening, so you made my job much easier. Please, feel free to continue.
[The little plate of spaghet forgotten, every mushroom pulled from the noodles and eaten - he dabs a napkin at his mouth and waits. Go on!!!]
[ It isn't even a surprise. That's the worst part.
Nothing stays quiet for long in Somnius. It's part of why Maruki warned Finnick against speaking so openly about his experiences around others. The anonymity of Tokyo is so far from his grasp that it– well, it might as well be another reality entirely.
He expected this. Of course Akechi met one of them and heard about this already. ]
Who did you speak to, then?
Nothing stays quiet for long in Somnius. It's part of why Maruki warned Finnick against speaking so openly about his experiences around others. The anonymity of Tokyo is so far from his grasp that it– well, it might as well be another reality entirely.
He expected this. Of course Akechi met one of them and heard about this already. ]
Who did you speak to, then?
Someone referenced in the paper you're about to go over with me, I'm sure.
[The name would be easy enough to provide - Finnick who offered valuable intel in some areas, less in others. Finnick, who travels worlds against his will, but doesn't seem disturbed by it.
Finnick who knew a version of Maruki. It's all quite interesting.]
As I said before, please continue. I'm all ears.
[The name would be easy enough to provide - Finnick who offered valuable intel in some areas, less in others. Finnick, who travels worlds against his will, but doesn't seem disturbed by it.
Finnick who knew a version of Maruki. It's all quite interesting.]
As I said before, please continue. I'm all ears.
[ Maruki stares at him for a moment before a corner of his lips ticks upward, a quiet breath of a laugh exhaled as he reaches over to lightly shove Akechi's shoulder. ]
Helpful as ever, Detective Prince. Thanks.
[ It's nothing but fond. Did he really expect Akechi to be the first to budge and give information up? Not really, no.
Maruki drums his fingers idly on the page as he speaks, looking only at Akechi. He doesn't need to read anything to refresh his memory on this. The whole strange interaction burned into his mind like the sun that set over the beach that day. ]
A man called Finnick approached me toward the end of my time off. What began as a standard friendly conversation with a new arrival quickly took a turn when he revealed that he came here from another reality aside from his own, whether others from their own realities also resided. Like Somnius, a bit, but stranger in some ways.
[ Most of the question marks on the page have to do with the specifics of that reality. Warlock? Summoning ghosts? Not quite himself? God, who knows.
Regardless, his eyes stay on Akechi as he goes on. ]
As you've likely been told, a version of myself was there with him. Not me, although you'd certainly be forgiven for assuming it was me, considering how easily he gave up every piece of information I requested and some I did not.
[ There's no tempering the judgment in his tone. He no longer feels the need to do so when it's just him and Akechi. ]
So, there's direct confirmation of the existence of multiple realities, although it's not as if either of us really needed it to know it's true. Several things about this bother me, but I want to hear your thoughts before I start down the list.
Helpful as ever, Detective Prince. Thanks.
[ It's nothing but fond. Did he really expect Akechi to be the first to budge and give information up? Not really, no.
Maruki drums his fingers idly on the page as he speaks, looking only at Akechi. He doesn't need to read anything to refresh his memory on this. The whole strange interaction burned into his mind like the sun that set over the beach that day. ]
A man called Finnick approached me toward the end of my time off. What began as a standard friendly conversation with a new arrival quickly took a turn when he revealed that he came here from another reality aside from his own, whether others from their own realities also resided. Like Somnius, a bit, but stranger in some ways.
[ Most of the question marks on the page have to do with the specifics of that reality. Warlock? Summoning ghosts? Not quite himself? God, who knows.
Regardless, his eyes stay on Akechi as he goes on. ]
As you've likely been told, a version of myself was there with him. Not me, although you'd certainly be forgiven for assuming it was me, considering how easily he gave up every piece of information I requested and some I did not.
[ There's no tempering the judgment in his tone. He no longer feels the need to do so when it's just him and Akechi. ]
So, there's direct confirmation of the existence of multiple realities, although it's not as if either of us really needed it to know it's true. Several things about this bother me, but I want to hear your thoughts before I start down the list.
Edited 2024-07-07 23:47 (UTC)
[The light shove is met with an undeserved smugness - as if this was really a battle to be won and that touch was a concession.
Maruki stares at him and-
Akechi matches it. Expression neutral and unwavering as Maruki speaks - he's sure they're both searching for the same things right now.
Finnick - not a surprise. Other people like Finnick, new information and disturbing an entire world seemed to lose part of its inhabitants. An invasive species expelled to rot elsewhere in Somnius. Maybe that's a sign this is meant to be a grave.
The thought is funny. He resists the urge to laugh.
Maruki brings up the elephant - himself. Finnick's words were a comfort in some ways, lacking in others. It wasn't the Maruki in front of him. Another one on a different path in a different reality. Maybe from the future, the past, somewhere beyond all of them entirely.
It's how Maruki's tone shifts that interests him and the reason Finnick began to pull back on the conversation becomes clear. Privacy is important to the good doctor, for many reasons. Akechi's seen it reiterated time and time again.
Akechi's own thoughts?
He's calm, for one. The new intel less shocking to someone who has traversed cognitive worlds for years and seen a plethora of palaces. Of layers of Mementos. His finger taps at the edge of Maruki's notebook to tilt in his direction, glancing at the rapidly written notes. The shorthand.]
I didn't assume it was you for a moment. If it had been, our discussions on differing realities and the cognitive world over the last few months would have been far more exciting. You would have slipped up at some point.
[He pushes the paper back to its original position - straight. Between them. Equal ground.]
As for my overall thoughts - I have two that come to mind immediately.
One - having an influx from another world is an item to note, however it's not so different from those who have many pulled from their original worlds to Somnius. Eren and Kurogiri have stated there were multiple people who arrived with them.
[Ah, his spaghetti. Chopsticks dig through the noodles one more time to find the lone, final girl mushroom deep in its depths. It gets popped in his mouth.]
It could be as simple as the will of our captor overriding the will of another. Of course, that's conjecture. My source stated there was no such ruler in their last world, though we both know that's impossible.
[Theirs too. Ren's presence a-
Comment he holds in his chest. Doesn't note. Not yet.]
Two - it truly brings into question which of 'us' is real, doesn't it? Though there's no doubt in my mind that I am the true Akechi and you are the true Maruki, it's quite a philosophical dilemma. Where did the other Maruki go? Where will he go? Perhaps he'll simply fade into obscurity, along with the endless multitudes of other Maruki Takuto's living countless lives in false realities. Maybe one of you is famous somewhere and can afford an apartment bigger than a shoebox. It's all quite fascinating.
[It's kind of funny. It's so hilarious, he could puke.]
Of course, I'm kidding. For the most part. If it's a matter of everyone else being a cognitive version of the original, they'll simply die when the ruler dies, none the wiser. The true versions will continue to live, so we have nothing to concern ourselves over in that respect. It's an idle thought.
Maruki stares at him and-
Akechi matches it. Expression neutral and unwavering as Maruki speaks - he's sure they're both searching for the same things right now.
Finnick - not a surprise. Other people like Finnick, new information and disturbing an entire world seemed to lose part of its inhabitants. An invasive species expelled to rot elsewhere in Somnius. Maybe that's a sign this is meant to be a grave.
The thought is funny. He resists the urge to laugh.
Maruki brings up the elephant - himself. Finnick's words were a comfort in some ways, lacking in others. It wasn't the Maruki in front of him. Another one on a different path in a different reality. Maybe from the future, the past, somewhere beyond all of them entirely.
It's how Maruki's tone shifts that interests him and the reason Finnick began to pull back on the conversation becomes clear. Privacy is important to the good doctor, for many reasons. Akechi's seen it reiterated time and time again.
Akechi's own thoughts?
He's calm, for one. The new intel less shocking to someone who has traversed cognitive worlds for years and seen a plethora of palaces. Of layers of Mementos. His finger taps at the edge of Maruki's notebook to tilt in his direction, glancing at the rapidly written notes. The shorthand.]
I didn't assume it was you for a moment. If it had been, our discussions on differing realities and the cognitive world over the last few months would have been far more exciting. You would have slipped up at some point.
[He pushes the paper back to its original position - straight. Between them. Equal ground.]
As for my overall thoughts - I have two that come to mind immediately.
One - having an influx from another world is an item to note, however it's not so different from those who have many pulled from their original worlds to Somnius. Eren and Kurogiri have stated there were multiple people who arrived with them.
[Ah, his spaghetti. Chopsticks dig through the noodles one more time to find the lone, final girl mushroom deep in its depths. It gets popped in his mouth.]
It could be as simple as the will of our captor overriding the will of another. Of course, that's conjecture. My source stated there was no such ruler in their last world, though we both know that's impossible.
[Theirs too. Ren's presence a-
Comment he holds in his chest. Doesn't note. Not yet.]
Two - it truly brings into question which of 'us' is real, doesn't it? Though there's no doubt in my mind that I am the true Akechi and you are the true Maruki, it's quite a philosophical dilemma. Where did the other Maruki go? Where will he go? Perhaps he'll simply fade into obscurity, along with the endless multitudes of other Maruki Takuto's living countless lives in false realities. Maybe one of you is famous somewhere and can afford an apartment bigger than a shoebox. It's all quite fascinating.
[It's kind of funny. It's so hilarious, he could puke.]
Of course, I'm kidding. For the most part. If it's a matter of everyone else being a cognitive version of the original, they'll simply die when the ruler dies, none the wiser. The true versions will continue to live, so we have nothing to concern ourselves over in that respect. It's an idle thought.
[ It is kind of funny. Maruki does genuinely laugh at that, the idea of a version of him who's famous. For what? Absurd. ]
You're right. It's entirely possible that there's a reality out there where you did get your greatest wish to have me as your assistant. We're incredibly wealthy, though it comes at the cost of having to promote a new brand of canned tea.
[ The joke goes a long way toward getting Maruki to loosen up a bit. The topic is as personally concerning as it is professionally intriguing, and it's weighed on him for days as he met more people, heard more stories, sorted through his thoughts.
It really is a relief to get to finally put them all out in the open with someone who understands.
And who thinks on a level similar to his, but different enough to spur his thoughts in fresh directions. Maruki takes a moment to enjoy his own spaghetti – he's going to start doubling up on mushrooms for Akechi next time – before he answers any of that seriously. ]
You know, I never even felt concern that I might or might not be the "real" Maruki. I guess I think of it in different terms than you do. Is any reality truly more or less real than another? Doesn't it all depend on perception and belief, in the end? But the way you're looking at it...
[ The gears are t u r n i n g. ]
Cognitive versions of others that cease to exist when the ruler of the reality dies, huh.
[ For the moment, set aside what Finnick told him.
Maruki flips several dozen pages in the notebook until he hits a stopping point – a small slip of paper stuck between two pages. He pulls it out, lays it between them as well.
Palace.
Actually, they're having this conversation now. ]
And what if the ruler doesn't die, but has their heart changed?
You're right. It's entirely possible that there's a reality out there where you did get your greatest wish to have me as your assistant. We're incredibly wealthy, though it comes at the cost of having to promote a new brand of canned tea.
[ The joke goes a long way toward getting Maruki to loosen up a bit. The topic is as personally concerning as it is professionally intriguing, and it's weighed on him for days as he met more people, heard more stories, sorted through his thoughts.
It really is a relief to get to finally put them all out in the open with someone who understands.
And who thinks on a level similar to his, but different enough to spur his thoughts in fresh directions. Maruki takes a moment to enjoy his own spaghetti – he's going to start doubling up on mushrooms for Akechi next time – before he answers any of that seriously. ]
You know, I never even felt concern that I might or might not be the "real" Maruki. I guess I think of it in different terms than you do. Is any reality truly more or less real than another? Doesn't it all depend on perception and belief, in the end? But the way you're looking at it...
[ The gears are t u r n i n g. ]
Cognitive versions of others that cease to exist when the ruler of the reality dies, huh.
[ For the moment, set aside what Finnick told him.
Maruki flips several dozen pages in the notebook until he hits a stopping point – a small slip of paper stuck between two pages. He pulls it out, lays it between them as well.
Palace.
Actually, they're having this conversation now. ]
And what if the ruler doesn't die, but has their heart changed?
Edited 2024-07-08 04:17 (UTC)
[The hypothetical's a running joke whose longevity he didn't expect. It's not one he dislikes and he briefly entertains the thought of switching out Wonda and Kirin coffee for the tea. A retort he's about to clap back with when-
Maruki continues. The conversation shifts - slowly lodging out of the current puzzle and placed onto an empty table with no other pieces. Akechi's own words meant to fill in the blanks or-
'And what if the ruler doesn't die, but has their heart changed' a reminder that the table isn't empty at all. The other pieces there, but spread to the edge, on the floor, grasped firmly in the grip of a man too intelligent for his own good, ready to slot them into place with every confirmation. It's not Akechi's job to add more - it's to shift them to the correct area. All information gleaned, thought about and remembered from the cryptic hints dropped over the months.
Maruki would make a good assistant - in another life, another world, another reality where they wouldn't be at unknown odds against each other. Others. Without a seedy underbelly ready to snap at those who stick their nose where they shouldn't.
Amused and almost pleased, he touches the familiar paper with his finger to slide out of the book. Out of place. ]
Then it depends. That may be a question better suited for the Phantom Thieves, though I suppose that's impossible now. From what I can gather-
[There's an opportunity here. The same one he exploited in the media - Shido's plan come to light after months of waiting. The Phantom Thieves change a heart. Kill a man. Cause a mental shutdown. Connect it all together and-]
When a heart is changed, the person is irreconcilably warped for 'the better' - or so the claim is. One can reasonably assume the way a person views others is changed and thus, the cognitive versions inside their world adjust to that. One can also assume if a person's view of you changes in reality, it changes internally as well. However, as you saw in the news, things can rapidly get out of hand. A mental shutdown. A psychotic break. A changed heart. All are possible.
[It's incredible how easy it is to fall into the same patterns as he did in Tokyo. Not a lie or a truth - somewhere in between. All things are possible in the cognitive world, all ways of operating a version of 'changing' or 'destroying' a heart.
The Phantom Thieves and the Black Mask weren't so different in the end.]
A palace is manifestation inside a person's heart - not always fueled by negative intent, but caused by strong distorted desires. From what I can tell, it colors the entire perception of the world around them and thus, their cognitive self falls victim to that same view. A palace can be a many things - a castle, tomb, bank, ship, space. Perhaps even a rural town surrounded by a chaotic labyrinth.
Maruki continues. The conversation shifts - slowly lodging out of the current puzzle and placed onto an empty table with no other pieces. Akechi's own words meant to fill in the blanks or-
'And what if the ruler doesn't die, but has their heart changed' a reminder that the table isn't empty at all. The other pieces there, but spread to the edge, on the floor, grasped firmly in the grip of a man too intelligent for his own good, ready to slot them into place with every confirmation. It's not Akechi's job to add more - it's to shift them to the correct area. All information gleaned, thought about and remembered from the cryptic hints dropped over the months.
Maruki would make a good assistant - in another life, another world, another reality where they wouldn't be at unknown odds against each other. Others. Without a seedy underbelly ready to snap at those who stick their nose where they shouldn't.
Amused and almost pleased, he touches the familiar paper with his finger to slide out of the book. Out of place. ]
Then it depends. That may be a question better suited for the Phantom Thieves, though I suppose that's impossible now. From what I can gather-
[There's an opportunity here. The same one he exploited in the media - Shido's plan come to light after months of waiting. The Phantom Thieves change a heart. Kill a man. Cause a mental shutdown. Connect it all together and-]
When a heart is changed, the person is irreconcilably warped for 'the better' - or so the claim is. One can reasonably assume the way a person views others is changed and thus, the cognitive versions inside their world adjust to that. One can also assume if a person's view of you changes in reality, it changes internally as well. However, as you saw in the news, things can rapidly get out of hand. A mental shutdown. A psychotic break. A changed heart. All are possible.
[It's incredible how easy it is to fall into the same patterns as he did in Tokyo. Not a lie or a truth - somewhere in between. All things are possible in the cognitive world, all ways of operating a version of 'changing' or 'destroying' a heart.
The Phantom Thieves and the Black Mask weren't so different in the end.]
A palace is manifestation inside a person's heart - not always fueled by negative intent, but caused by strong distorted desires. From what I can tell, it colors the entire perception of the world around them and thus, their cognitive self falls victim to that same view. A palace can be a many things - a castle, tomb, bank, ship, space. Perhaps even a rural town surrounded by a chaotic labyrinth.
[ Maruki listens so, so intently to every word Akechi says – part diligent pupil in the professor's office hours, part inherently skeptical researcher. It all aligns with what he pieced together by closely watching the Phantom Thieves over the course of his tenure at Shujin.
Irreconcilably warped – that's something that has been a significant part of his own research. Could changing someone's cognition be undone? What risks are inherent to a person's new perception not aligning with the rest of the world around them?
The mental shutdowns and psychotic breaks are different, of course. There's no recovering from that. It stands to reason that if one direction of warped cognition is infallible, so is the other, but–
He wonders, sometimes. With the time and space that now separates him from Christmas Eve, he does have to wonder if it really would have been that simple.
But the explanation of the palace is new information. He ascertained that access to the cognitive world was both feasible and the method being employed by the Phantom Thieves; he hadn't considered that every cognitive world would be individually tailored based on the target's own distorted thoughts and feelings.
He thinks of Kamoshida, the horror stories told to him both by staff members and students in his office. Madarame, everything Kitagawa said to him in quiet confidence. A criminal as deeply corrupt as Kaneshiro – as Shido. How horrific their cognitive worlds must have been, how dangerous, even beyond the threat of shadows that Akechi has explained to him before.
And then– ]
Ah, you went exactly where my mind was going.
[ He's taken a pen out from his shirt pocket, jotted down a few notes as Akechi's spoken, and now he taps it idly against the half-filled page. ]
It's tempting to think of Somnius that way. Or Seven, the realm Finnick told me about. And it does tie back to my theories on the collective unconscious being used and manipulated by the powers that be here.
[ A consideration of the hand that's always held completely flush against his chest. If he were to tip it now, just slightly–
He looks from the page to Akechi again. ]
Within the palace, can only the ruler's cognition be changed? Or can those "real" people who enter have theirs affected as well? What about the cognitive versions of others that only exist there?
[ It's all asked with the same intellectual curiosity, but he does punctuate it with a somewhat self-conscious laugh. ]
Sorry, it's okay if you don't know, of course. My mind is running away with a new concept as usual.
Irreconcilably warped – that's something that has been a significant part of his own research. Could changing someone's cognition be undone? What risks are inherent to a person's new perception not aligning with the rest of the world around them?
The mental shutdowns and psychotic breaks are different, of course. There's no recovering from that. It stands to reason that if one direction of warped cognition is infallible, so is the other, but–
He wonders, sometimes. With the time and space that now separates him from Christmas Eve, he does have to wonder if it really would have been that simple.
But the explanation of the palace is new information. He ascertained that access to the cognitive world was both feasible and the method being employed by the Phantom Thieves; he hadn't considered that every cognitive world would be individually tailored based on the target's own distorted thoughts and feelings.
He thinks of Kamoshida, the horror stories told to him both by staff members and students in his office. Madarame, everything Kitagawa said to him in quiet confidence. A criminal as deeply corrupt as Kaneshiro – as Shido. How horrific their cognitive worlds must have been, how dangerous, even beyond the threat of shadows that Akechi has explained to him before.
And then– ]
Ah, you went exactly where my mind was going.
[ He's taken a pen out from his shirt pocket, jotted down a few notes as Akechi's spoken, and now he taps it idly against the half-filled page. ]
It's tempting to think of Somnius that way. Or Seven, the realm Finnick told me about. And it does tie back to my theories on the collective unconscious being used and manipulated by the powers that be here.
[ A consideration of the hand that's always held completely flush against his chest. If he were to tip it now, just slightly–
He looks from the page to Akechi again. ]
Within the palace, can only the ruler's cognition be changed? Or can those "real" people who enter have theirs affected as well? What about the cognitive versions of others that only exist there?
[ It's all asked with the same intellectual curiosity, but he does punctuate it with a somewhat self-conscious laugh. ]
Sorry, it's okay if you don't know, of course. My mind is running away with a new concept as usual.
Edited 2024-07-09 19:07 (UTC)
[Akechi is only obligated to tell this man about palaces - he did. Made good on a promise from many weeks ago and there is nothing else that needs to be said.
Deviate back to the original topic. Move away from palaces, changes of heart, psychotic breaks and-
The gap between their knowledge has dwindled to a metaphorical sliver. Maruki knows almost everything he does at this point and only half of it can be attributed to the man's needling questions.
Akechi has willfully shared more than he ever thought - trains of thought difficult to stop when a wall is waving it forward, when the brakes don't work quite right, when-]
I wonder.
[Important questions - logical ones. Confirmations found in Wakaba's research, more than likely, but Akechi's own short lived experience working with others in Metaverse, in his own years learning on the fly, have given him some insight.
More spaghetti, despite his churning stomach. It's good. He hates it.]
It makes me hesitate to state 'only' anything. Even if I had experience or a full comprehension of the cognitive world, could anyone truly claim to completely and utterly understand a human heart? No, I think not. Those words would be foolish, even from a god.
[Legs cross and uncross, chopsticks set beside the plate and he turns to stare at Maruki in full.]
A palace ruler is the person in question - that is the focus. That is the goal. To go into another cognitive world, to trap or deal with someone beyond them-
[A beat. A phone placed in his hand in a desolate hallway before they were stained with red, red, red.
He goes dead silent.
Wheels churning. It doesn't matter. A lost boy's corpse in desolate cellar and that bizarre sensation, that jump in his chest, was nerves before the end.
A hand is waved - apologetic.]
My mind wandered - it tends to do that. You asked an interesting question, is all. To be frank, anything is possible - or so it seems. Could you change a heart inside the heart of another? Can you change someone else's perception of the world in a palace? Would they even know? Could a version of yourself be killed, if someone who knew you was prepared to end your life? It's all quite fascinating and should be researched more thoroughly.
Deviate back to the original topic. Move away from palaces, changes of heart, psychotic breaks and-
The gap between their knowledge has dwindled to a metaphorical sliver. Maruki knows almost everything he does at this point and only half of it can be attributed to the man's needling questions.
Akechi has willfully shared more than he ever thought - trains of thought difficult to stop when a wall is waving it forward, when the brakes don't work quite right, when-]
I wonder.
[Important questions - logical ones. Confirmations found in Wakaba's research, more than likely, but Akechi's own short lived experience working with others in Metaverse, in his own years learning on the fly, have given him some insight.
More spaghetti, despite his churning stomach. It's good. He hates it.]
It makes me hesitate to state 'only' anything. Even if I had experience or a full comprehension of the cognitive world, could anyone truly claim to completely and utterly understand a human heart? No, I think not. Those words would be foolish, even from a god.
[Legs cross and uncross, chopsticks set beside the plate and he turns to stare at Maruki in full.]
A palace ruler is the person in question - that is the focus. That is the goal. To go into another cognitive world, to trap or deal with someone beyond them-
[A beat. A phone placed in his hand in a desolate hallway before they were stained with red, red, red.
He goes dead silent.
Wheels churning. It doesn't matter. A lost boy's corpse in desolate cellar and that bizarre sensation, that jump in his chest, was nerves before the end.
A hand is waved - apologetic.]
My mind wandered - it tends to do that. You asked an interesting question, is all. To be frank, anything is possible - or so it seems. Could you change a heart inside the heart of another? Can you change someone else's perception of the world in a palace? Would they even know? Could a version of yourself be killed, if someone who knew you was prepared to end your life? It's all quite fascinating and should be researched more thoroughly.
[ Could anyone truly claim to completely and utterly understand a human heart?
It's funny. It's so genuinely funny that Maruki can't stop himself from smiling at it.
Well, that's his life's work, regardless of how he ends up going about it. One day he'll be able to prove Akechi wrong.
Until then– ]
I agree, it should be researched more thoroughly. I look forward to the work I'll be able to do after the New Year.
[ He's abandoned the spaghetti and turned toward Akechi almost fully on the stool. One elbow rests on the bar, arm hanging down to clasp his hands together as his thoughts take on a shape of their own.
They really ought to be talking about everything brought up by Finnick, but. ]
More importantly, though– Akechi, let's follow the line of thinking that we are inside of a palace. That Somnius is the cognitive world of whatever ultimate ruler there is.
[ A little shrug. ]
We don't know that to be true. Circumstantial evidence of cognitive manipulations and thoughts, dreams and wishes manifested consciously, subconsciously or unconsciously both provide a good basis. But in my mind, it's still only a hypothesis.
[ A thoughtful pause. This is all theoretical, of course, but– ]
Hypotheses ought to be tested. If we're in a cognitive world, which is the only place where – as far as everything you've told me and what I've observed back in Tokyo goes – cognitions can be changed... That wouldn't be possible in a "real" world, would it?
[ It would. He knows it would. He could do this no matter what reality they were in. ]
Seeking the ruler would be our ultimate goal. But it would be a shame if we did that and nothing changed because we were wrong about this being a cognitive world. If the same principles don't hold true, then it wouldn't matter what we did to a ruler – it wouldn't guarantee escape from this reality.
[ And he really does mean we. ]
Wouldn't it be wisest to test these principles first, before it gets to that point? I don't know specifically how, of course, but as you just posited through all of your hypotheticals, it really could be anything. Affirming the change in one person's perception, whether they're "real" or a cognitive being themselves–
[ A goblin, a gelfling. Dolls, as Akechi put it once. ]
Well, that would certainly be more concrete evidence than what we currently have to work with.
[ It's all stated calmly, with intellectual curiosity and interest, but his mind is already seven steps ahead and only picking up speed. ]
It's funny. It's so genuinely funny that Maruki can't stop himself from smiling at it.
Well, that's his life's work, regardless of how he ends up going about it. One day he'll be able to prove Akechi wrong.
Until then– ]
I agree, it should be researched more thoroughly. I look forward to the work I'll be able to do after the New Year.
[ He's abandoned the spaghetti and turned toward Akechi almost fully on the stool. One elbow rests on the bar, arm hanging down to clasp his hands together as his thoughts take on a shape of their own.
They really ought to be talking about everything brought up by Finnick, but. ]
More importantly, though– Akechi, let's follow the line of thinking that we are inside of a palace. That Somnius is the cognitive world of whatever ultimate ruler there is.
[ A little shrug. ]
We don't know that to be true. Circumstantial evidence of cognitive manipulations and thoughts, dreams and wishes manifested consciously, subconsciously or unconsciously both provide a good basis. But in my mind, it's still only a hypothesis.
[ A thoughtful pause. This is all theoretical, of course, but– ]
Hypotheses ought to be tested. If we're in a cognitive world, which is the only place where – as far as everything you've told me and what I've observed back in Tokyo goes – cognitions can be changed... That wouldn't be possible in a "real" world, would it?
[ It would. He knows it would. He could do this no matter what reality they were in. ]
Seeking the ruler would be our ultimate goal. But it would be a shame if we did that and nothing changed because we were wrong about this being a cognitive world. If the same principles don't hold true, then it wouldn't matter what we did to a ruler – it wouldn't guarantee escape from this reality.
[ And he really does mean we. ]
Wouldn't it be wisest to test these principles first, before it gets to that point? I don't know specifically how, of course, but as you just posited through all of your hypotheticals, it really could be anything. Affirming the change in one person's perception, whether they're "real" or a cognitive being themselves–
[ A goblin, a gelfling. Dolls, as Akechi put it once. ]
Well, that would certainly be more concrete evidence than what we currently have to work with.
[ It's all stated calmly, with intellectual curiosity and interest, but his mind is already seven steps ahead and only picking up speed. ]
Edited 2024-07-10 03:00 (UTC)
[Maruki is not a stupid or naive man.
Every word is stated with a hidden intent, a double-meaning. Honest, and not. Truthful, and yet. It's all ands with Maruki and it's never been more apparent than this moment, under fading sunlight and Akechi's piercing gaze meant to rattle a just kidding out of him.
It doesn't happen.
This isn't musing. Not passing, idle thoughts. The implication from their previous conversation to the topic at hand clear and-
For a second, Akechi laughs - mirthless and blasé. Just kidding doesn't come out of Maruki's mouth still. Only coherent thoughts. Logical assumptions. Rot.
A plan.
It's a putrid, festering tint at the edge of every word. Akechi was right about Maruki, in a sense, and it gives him a moment of brief satisfaction. A request. A probe. All hidden in the words. He isn't hiding anything and yet-
Would anyone else really understand what the humble researcher is asking? Unlikely.
Even he can't peg the full undertone in full. Are they really allies, maybe? With a sordid plan hinted to test resolve. Willpower.
Akechi doesn't care - a shared goal confirmed. Leaving at all costs, implied. That's all he needs.]
As you know, I'm one that values fact, evidence and the truth above all else.
[His hands fold neatly against his knees and he leans forward, looking every part the conspiratorial ally.
Maruki Takuto's company has never been hated or enjoyed more than this moment - each sensation flipping like a rapidly rotating hourglass. ]
Let me know when you're ready to try and I will make myself available to assist.
Every word is stated with a hidden intent, a double-meaning. Honest, and not. Truthful, and yet. It's all ands with Maruki and it's never been more apparent than this moment, under fading sunlight and Akechi's piercing gaze meant to rattle a just kidding out of him.
It doesn't happen.
This isn't musing. Not passing, idle thoughts. The implication from their previous conversation to the topic at hand clear and-
For a second, Akechi laughs - mirthless and blasé. Just kidding doesn't come out of Maruki's mouth still. Only coherent thoughts. Logical assumptions. Rot.
A plan.
It's a putrid, festering tint at the edge of every word. Akechi was right about Maruki, in a sense, and it gives him a moment of brief satisfaction. A request. A probe. All hidden in the words. He isn't hiding anything and yet-
Would anyone else really understand what the humble researcher is asking? Unlikely.
Even he can't peg the full undertone in full. Are they really allies, maybe? With a sordid plan hinted to test resolve. Willpower.
Akechi doesn't care - a shared goal confirmed. Leaving at all costs, implied. That's all he needs.]
As you know, I'm one that values fact, evidence and the truth above all else.
[His hands fold neatly against his knees and he leans forward, looking every part the conspiratorial ally.
Maruki Takuto's company has never been hated or enjoyed more than this moment - each sensation flipping like a rapidly rotating hourglass. ]
Let me know when you're ready to try and I will make myself available to assist.
[ There's no conscious hidden intent in Maruki's words. To his mind, Akechi is his ally, has proven enough times that they have the same goal and similar enough feelings on several critical topics. Their differences are stark, but haven't yet thrown up any obstacles that couldn't be handled. Akechi knows him well; he would never say it, but he feels he knows Akechi as well as anyone could. At this point, there's so little that could rattle Maruki's resolve in their bond that he can't even imagine a reality where it wouldn't come to exist if ever they met.
But perhaps it is a subconscious test after all. The most overt gesture either of them have made. It's all well and good to talk, to theorize, to dream – it is another thing entirely to act, and Maruki has never been one for inaction. He wouldn't presume that Akechi has ever been either.
Not a true test, and yet, it still solidifies something deep in his soul. Bedrock, unshaken, immovable.
He grins at Akechi, as wide and warm as ever, but perhaps a bit of something else at the edges as well. ]
Any time. We've been afforded relative peace at the moment... Comparatively speaking, anyway. I can't think of a better time to start than the present.
But perhaps it is a subconscious test after all. The most overt gesture either of them have made. It's all well and good to talk, to theorize, to dream – it is another thing entirely to act, and Maruki has never been one for inaction. He wouldn't presume that Akechi has ever been either.
Not a true test, and yet, it still solidifies something deep in his soul. Bedrock, unshaken, immovable.
He grins at Akechi, as wide and warm as ever, but perhaps a bit of something else at the edges as well. ]
Any time. We've been afforded relative peace at the moment... Comparatively speaking, anyway. I can't think of a better time to start than the present.
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