[ For a long moment, Maruki only watches from where he stands.
Eventually he gets up to circle around the two of them, eyeing up Loki from all angles. As different as can be from Robin Hood. Louche, aloof, laying in wait.
Its demeanor at rest reminds him of the Akechi that he sees in private now.
Finally, he returns to the desk, sitting lightly on the edge and folding his hands in his lap. ]
Hi, Loki. It's nice to meet you under less volatile circumstances.
[ This feels stupid, but it's a test that needs to be done. ]
Speaks to Loki and he wants to answer by setting that blade alight with an assault against stupidity.
There's no response from his persona. Nothing from Akechi. It continues to twirl the blade with an occasional shift in direction. Left hand always a couple centimeters away from a weapon's hilt.]
What on earth are you doing? It's not going to speak back.
[There's a persistent sensation that always exists with his favored persona - like Akechi's always toeing a cliff's edge, no bottom in sight, and a desire to fly.
No other reaction. No acknowledgement of Maruki. Nothing. It's an extension of his soul, not a being with its own thoughts and feelings.
That's a shame, but most things can be made to cry out with enough effort. Perhaps it needs a different incentive to speak again.
[Loki -
Continues to spin and twirl, despite the not so hidden threat in Akechi's words. It doesn't move to attack. Doesn't change its stance.
And as stupid as this is - personas do talk during awakenings. Make themselves known with that renewed resolve. Akechi remembers a cacophony of distorted voices, contracts and intent clear despite it.]
The strangest sensation, every time. Especially around Akechi, so firmly in the "ally above all others" camp, yet the one that naturally goes up against them most often. In situations like this, though, without any real threat... ]
It recognizes you.
[ How does he begin to explain this. Maruki closes his eyes, exhales slowly, and tries. ]
It's as you told me in the beginning – they're always with us. Even if I didn't summon it, I would be able to feel its recognition of you. Or its response to a possible threat, or...
[ Eren, thanking Azathoth for protecting Maruki from the Green Knight. ]
Gratitude, sometimes.
[ He grimaces, opens his eyes again. A hand comes out to rest on the gleaming golden metal. ]
No, but very little about you or Azathoth is at this point.
[It recognizes you-
It shouldn't.
Maruki should recognize him. Azathoth should work off that realization. It shouldn't have a real, viable personality that contends with its origin. The soul of Maruki Takuto.
A golden gleam under the dim light of the office - it reminds him of that metal helmet that will one day affix to Maruki's face.]
You truly are remarkable.
[Wry, cynical and-
Honest. Sincere.]
But I would advise caution knowing that - two wills won't always align, even if they're born from the same origin.
[Robin Hood and Loki. Different in all ways, but-
Loki wants to fight because Akechi wants to fight.
Robin Hood wants justice because Akechi wants justice.]
Perhaps you're more splintered than you think if a part of your soul became sentient on its own. I wonder what that means.
[Akechi does respect Maruki enough to entertain the notion again - it's not as if he's ever made an attempt to communicate with his own spirit like that.
So he does - tries to feel what Loki does.
It's the same as always - standing on a cliff's edge. I am thou, thou art I - intertwined emotions and sensations. Loki craves destruction because Akechi craves it. No separate will to be found.
With a wave of his hand, a name called, Loki vanishes and Robin Hood takes its place.
Akechi hates it. Makes a three second attempt. Switches back to Loki with a single call.]
[ With all the exasperation his beleaguered middle aged body can hold: ]
The tentacles don't attack. You know this.
[ Ugh. Memory Blow is the weakest attack in its arsenal, good for a quick stunlock, but it runs the risk of turning Akechi too forgetful for this to be of any use. Most everything else would simply wreak massive destruction in such a small space. There is one that's a more concentrated attack without any explosive effects, but it's...
[ And just like that, Azathoth shifts seamlessly into aggro mode. Akechi isn't an ally, and they aren't training or performing an experiment.
Maruki backs away from the blast – not an easy feat in an office this small – and watches as the Tentacle of Healing crumples to the ground. Predictable. Irritating.
He grits his teeth, all of his will focused on Azathoth not retaliating, and rounds on Akechi. ]
If that's going to be your last attack, end this. If it's not, we're going outside.
The outcome would either be dragging you outside to beat you down in front of every dreamer idiotic enough to be out here, or destroying my office. You can guess my preference.
[ ... eh.
He folds his arms over his chest, eyes still on Loki, mind still holding Azathoth back. ]
And showcase your little secret to the world at large? Reveal to stranger and friend alike that you aren't a simple, normal man from Tokyo?
[Please - drag him outside. Akechi-
Loki -
Want to see.
He refrains anyway. A riot gun held back with the thinnest, fraying wire.]
But to your question - it was inconclusive.
[Conclusive, actually, in that he couldn't pick up on anything weird happening between them before or after Akechi attacked. Not that his instincts are anywhere near Futaba or Morgana's level.]
What a shame. Perhaps the element of surprise is what's needed for a more reliable result. I'll test it again another time.
... In several heartbeats. If push came to shove, he might choose to sacrifice the office over his own privacy. Guess he wouldn't know unless it happened.
Maruki doesn't recall Azathoth – won't, not until Akechi does the same with Loki – but relaxes his stance, bit by bit. ]
If it helps for next time, whatever form of communication happens between us... happens less during battle. I suppose. It's hard to explain. But you might not get anywhere by provoking attacks.
Are you saying it happens in your mind without Azathoth being summoned?
[Loki doesn't relent or move - Akechi doesn't move to dematerialize it.
Continues to regard Azathoth. Maruki. The special 'bond' between them.]
Or that you summon Azathoth just to have some company? I would have thought you had your fill of companionship with those who line up to see you every single day.
It is. You're likely the first to ever experience this - perhaps the only one who ever will.
[There's a pause. Loki -
Doesn't vanish. Shifts its position. Sword spinning in open palm - bored and waiting.
Akechi leans against the arm of the couch, halfway sitting on it.]
This goes without saying, but I hope you're writing your experience down to reflect on back in our reality. Everything you discover about Azathoth should be noted, no matter how minor it seems.
Maruki mirrors it, moving back to rest against his desk. Azathoth shifts a few feet away to make room. ]
I have been. If I collated everything I've written into more organized notes, would you be willing to look over them with me? You have the most outside experience with it by a large margin. I'd like your input too.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Eventually he gets up to circle around the two of them, eyeing up Loki from all angles. As different as can be from Robin Hood. Louche, aloof, laying in wait.
Its demeanor at rest reminds him of the Akechi that he sees in private now.
Finally, he returns to the desk, sitting lightly on the edge and folding his hands in his lap. ]
Hi, Loki. It's nice to meet you under less volatile circumstances.
[ This feels stupid, but it's a test that needs to be done. ]
no subject
Speaks to Loki and he wants to answer by setting that blade alight with an assault against stupidity.
There's no response from his persona. Nothing from Akechi. It continues to twirl the blade with an occasional shift in direction. Left hand always a couple centimeters away from a weapon's hilt.]
What on earth are you doing? It's not going to speak back.
no subject
Maruki bows his head, fingers coming up to pinch the skin between his eyes. ]
I figured as much.
[ Another beat of wallowing in the sheer idiocy of this before he picks his head back up. ]
I don't even have to tell you why I felt the need to test that. You can guess what differences exist. I wondered if maybe–
[ Another persona that is a god, that has an ability to change a cognition.
It doesn't matter. ]
You didn't even feel some sort of reaction?
no subject
[There's a persistent sensation that always exists with his favored persona - like Akechi's always toeing a cliff's edge, no bottom in sight, and a desire to fly.
No other reaction. No acknowledgement of Maruki. Nothing. It's an extension of his soul, not a being with its own thoughts and feelings.
Azathoth must be different.
What a fucking surprise.]
Summon it. Let's do a true comparison.
no subject
Ugh. He should have figured. ]
For the record, it doesn't speak... anymore. But.
[ An exasperated, exhausted wave of his left hand, and there's Azathoth, mass of tentacles rising out of the hardwood floor.
They look ridiculous, both of them with their personas summoned in this cramped little office. ]
no subject
[Loki -
Continues to spin and twirl, despite the not so hidden threat in Akechi's words. It doesn't move to attack. Doesn't change its stance.
And as stupid as this is - personas do talk during awakenings. Make themselves known with that renewed resolve. Akechi remembers a cacophony of distorted voices, contracts and intent clear despite it.]
Well, Azathoth? Anything to say?
no subject
The strangest sensation, every time. Especially around Akechi, so firmly in the "ally above all others" camp, yet the one that naturally goes up against them most often. In situations like this, though, without any real threat... ]
It recognizes you.
[ How does he begin to explain this. Maruki closes his eyes, exhales slowly, and tries. ]
It's as you told me in the beginning – they're always with us. Even if I didn't summon it, I would be able to feel its recognition of you. Or its response to a possible threat, or...
[ Eren, thanking Azathoth for protecting Maruki from the Green Knight. ]
Gratitude, sometimes.
[ He grimaces, opens his eyes again. A hand comes out to rest on the gleaming golden metal. ]
That's not normal. I can guess.
no subject
[It recognizes you-
It shouldn't.
Maruki should recognize him. Azathoth should work off that realization. It shouldn't have a real, viable personality that contends with its origin. The soul of Maruki Takuto.
A golden gleam under the dim light of the office - it reminds him of that metal helmet that will one day affix to Maruki's face.]
You truly are remarkable.
[Wry, cynical and-
Honest. Sincere.]
But I would advise caution knowing that - two wills won't always align, even if they're born from the same origin.
[Robin Hood and Loki. Different in all ways, but-
Loki wants to fight because Akechi wants to fight.
Robin Hood wants justice because Akechi wants justice.]
Perhaps you're more splintered than you think if a part of your soul became sentient on its own. I wonder what that means.
[Is that really a persona?]
no subject
Sentient on its own is a stretch. Azathoth can't exist without me.
[ ... Probably? ]
It doesn't act without my will.
[ ....... Well. Sometimes it knows his will better than he does, but. ]
It just– communicates. In a way. You truly never feel a response from either of them when something happens to you?
no subject
So he does - tries to feel what Loki does.
It's the same as always - standing on a cliff's edge. I am thou, thou art I - intertwined emotions and sensations. Loki craves destruction because Akechi craves it. No separate will to be found.
With a wave of his hand, a name called, Loki vanishes and Robin Hood takes its place.
Akechi hates it. Makes a three second attempt. Switches back to Loki with a single call.]
Attack me.
hehe matching
I'm not attacking you in my office.
[ Immediate. Deadpan. What the hell, Akechi Goro. ]
the vibe is immaculate
[Immediate. Taunting. What the hell, Maruki Takuto.]
Make one of the appendages hit me and I'll concentrate on what Loki does. Perhaps I've always missed it trying to relay a message to me.
[Attack him :)]
no subject
The tentacles don't attack. You know this.
[ Ugh. Memory Blow is the weakest attack in its arsenal, good for a quick stunlock, but it runs the risk of turning Akechi too forgetful for this to be of any use. Most everything else would simply wreak massive destruction in such a small space. There is one that's a more concentrated attack without any explosive effects, but it's...
Eh.
Fine.
Piercing Strike it is.
Maruki hates this. ]
1/2
2/2
doesn't
saya goddamn thing.
But Akechi does. Loki shifts position - sword under body. Ready. Waiting.
Retaliation is almost immediate with a joyous little cackle, an Eigaon aimed for the tentacles.]
Scream for me!
no subject
[ And just like that, Azathoth shifts seamlessly into aggro mode. Akechi isn't an ally, and they aren't training or performing an experiment.
Maruki backs away from the blast – not an easy feat in an office this small – and watches as the Tentacle of Healing crumples to the ground. Predictable. Irritating.
He grits his teeth, all of his will focused on Azathoth not retaliating, and rounds on Akechi. ]
If that's going to be your last attack, end this. If it's not, we're going outside.
no subject
[Hands up - placating. Loki-
Doesn't change positions. Stays hovering over the downturned sword.
IS FINE.]
I wanted to test something too. I'm done though.
no subject
The outcome would either be dragging you outside to beat you down in front of every dreamer idiotic enough to be out here, or destroying my office. You can guess my preference.
[ ... eh.
He folds his arms over his chest, eyes still on Loki, mind still holding Azathoth back. ]
What was the result of your test, then?
no subject
[Please - drag him outside. Akechi-
Loki -
Want to see.
He refrains anyway. A riot gun held back with the thinnest, fraying wire.]
But to your question - it was inconclusive.
[Conclusive, actually, in that he couldn't pick up on anything weird happening between them before or after Akechi attacked. Not that his instincts are anywhere near Futaba or Morgana's level.]
What a shame. Perhaps the element of surprise is what's needed for a more reliable result. I'll test it again another time.
no subject
... In several heartbeats. If push came to shove, he might choose to sacrifice the office over his own privacy. Guess he wouldn't know unless it happened.
Maruki doesn't recall Azathoth – won't, not until Akechi does the same with Loki – but relaxes his stance, bit by bit. ]
If it helps for next time, whatever form of communication happens between us... happens less during battle. I suppose. It's hard to explain. But you might not get anywhere by provoking attacks.
no subject
[Loki doesn't relent or move - Akechi doesn't move to dematerialize it.
Continues to regard Azathoth. Maruki. The special 'bond' between them.]
Or that you summon Azathoth just to have some company? I would have thought you had your fill of companionship with those who line up to see you every single day.
no subject
[ Low, deadpan. Maruki is already so tired. But, as a genuine answer– ]
No, I completely meant the former. Whether or not it's summoned, I can feel its responses to things. I don't talk to it, to be clear.
[ He probably would, if Azathoth could still talk back.
A beat, and he sighs. ]
You have to remember that it first manifested as a disembodied voice. The whole thing is odd.
no subject
[There's a pause. Loki -
Doesn't vanish. Shifts its position. Sword spinning in open palm - bored and waiting.
Akechi leans against the arm of the couch, halfway sitting on it.]
This goes without saying, but I hope you're writing your experience down to reflect on back in our reality. Everything you discover about Azathoth should be noted, no matter how minor it seems.
cw they are being friends and collaborators again
Maruki mirrors it, moving back to rest against his desk. Azathoth shifts a few feet away to make room. ]
I have been. If I collated everything I've written into more organized notes, would you be willing to look over them with me? You have the most outside experience with it by a large margin. I'd like your input too.
they're just lil guys
[And in a weird way -
In a strange way -
Leaving a mark on a world that never knew him in the shadow of Maruki own words, his own detailed notes -
Feels like its own bizarre sort of eulogy.]
Don't be disappointed if I have little to add - I'm no Wakaba Isshiki.
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cw: murder, violent thoughts
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