[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.
No, you're not. You know much more about the actual functions of the cognitive world than she did.
[ One hand up, palm out. ]
Not to discredit her work. It was foundational. But I'm not looking for help with the theoretical cognitive psience behind... [ Vague gesture to Azathoth's whole Deal. ] I'm looking for your input based on what you know about personas and the like. There's no one else who can provide that, and even if there were, I wouldn't want to share it with them over you.
[ Simple statement of fact. Akechi has more than earned this trust, and everything he says will be taken into the most genuine consideration. Maruki respects him more highly in this regard than he may realize. ]
And yes. It stays between us, as previously promised.
The whole of Maruki Takuto - There's no one else who can provide that, and even if there were, I wouldn't want to share it with them over you.
I wouldn't want to share it with them over you.
A man who chooses Akechi Goro despite-
Blood soaked palms, sleepless nights, vicious verbal onslaughts that last until Akechi's throat is numb and raw, stone to flesh, glass to eye.
Blood soaked palm against his back, late night conversations, vicious verbal onslaughts that he stands and takes and takes, flesh contorted back to life, a note in a pillow, a grounding voice in a bathhouse, an ally in a grotesque distortion.
Persistent. Annoying. A limit will be reached. Akechi can't stop and -
Maruki brought him peace, for a split second, with an arm pressing him down and brilliant colors in what was left of his eyes. Powerful. Strong.
For the first time-
Akechi thinks Maruki will be fine on his own - that a cabal can't stop him and-
He hates him more than ever. More than anything. The swirling, spiraling sensation in his chest a foreign entity to be expelled. Loki vanishes back into his heart to deal with it. Disappears in a swirling blue flame.
The TV station needs him. Fans need him. Shido needs him. The sordid dark undertow of Tokyo needs him. Teachers, reporters, prosecutors and lawyers need him.
Joker didn't need him - stayed in his presence anyway, the short term mockery of a friendship enjoyable.
Maruki doesn't need him, but continues the pursuit of conversation and meetups, check-ins and in depth discussions, not needed. Wanted.
Akechi Goro - wanted and-
He blinks - eyes dry. The windowpane behind Maruki bright from the sun shining in.]
Right. Then I'll certainly do my best to connect the dots where needed. [A hand rests against his chin, eyes falling down to the couch fabric in thought.] I remember some of what those sniveling researchers who work with Shido discussed as well. Perhaps that will be of use too.
[ With another wave of his hand, Azathoth dissipates as well, only its usual aurora left behind to linger for a few moments in the office. Maruki looks at it until it too disappears, then back to Akechi.
Cosmic lights for him, blue flames for Akechi. He has to wonder what that rival with a plethora of personas would produce. ]
Oh? I'll hear out anything you can remember, of course.
[ A scratch along his jawline. ]
I sometimes wonder if I knew any of them in my previous life.
[ It's plausible. It's also entirely possible Shido handpicked people who weren't involved in the rather niche community by design. It wouldn't matter either way, of course. Just an idle curiosity that pops into his head from time to time.
Maruki checks the clock on the wall, bites the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling. ]
I did block out the rest of my afternoon for a serious emergency. You've inadvertently given me half the day off.
[ so do you wanna like.... hang out, or........... ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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.
no subject
No, you're not. You know much more about the actual functions of the cognitive world than she did.
[ One hand up, palm out. ]
Not to discredit her work. It was foundational. But I'm not looking for help with the theoretical cognitive psience behind... [ Vague gesture to Azathoth's whole Deal. ] I'm looking for your input based on what you know about personas and the like. There's no one else who can provide that, and even if there were, I wouldn't want to share it with them over you.
[ Simple statement of fact. Akechi has more than earned this trust, and everything he says will be taken into the most genuine consideration. Maruki respects him more highly in this regard than he may realize. ]
And yes. It stays between us, as previously promised.
cw: murder, violent thoughts
The whole of Maruki Takuto - There's no one else who can provide that, and even if there were, I wouldn't want to share it with them over you.
I wouldn't want to share it with them over you.
A man who chooses Akechi Goro despite-Blood soaked palms, sleepless nights, vicious verbal onslaughts that last until Akechi's throat is numb and raw, stone to flesh, glass to eye.
Blood soaked palm against his back, late night conversations, vicious verbal onslaughts that he stands and takes and takes, flesh contorted back to life, a note in a pillow, a grounding voice in a bathhouse, an ally in a grotesque distortion.
Persistent. Annoying. A limit will be reached. Akechi can't stop and -
Maruki brought him peace, for a split second, with an arm pressing him down and brilliant colors in what was left of his eyes. Powerful. Strong.
For the first time-
Akechi thinks Maruki will be fine on his own - that a cabal can't stop him and-
He hates him more than ever. More than anything. The swirling, spiraling sensation in his chest a foreign entity to be expelled. Loki vanishes back into his heart to deal with it. Disappears in a swirling blue flame.
The TV station needs him. Fans need him. Shido needs him. The sordid dark undertow of Tokyo needs him. Teachers, reporters, prosecutors and lawyers need him.
Joker didn't need him - stayed in his presence anyway, the short term mockery of a friendship enjoyable.
Maruki doesn't need him, but continues the pursuit of conversation and meetups, check-ins and in depth discussions, not needed. Wanted.
Akechi Goro - wanted and-
He blinks - eyes dry. The windowpane behind Maruki bright from the sun shining in.]
Right. Then I'll certainly do my best to connect the dots where needed. [A hand rests against his chin, eyes falling down to the couch fabric in thought.] I remember some of what those sniveling researchers who work with Shido discussed as well. Perhaps that will be of use too.
no subject
Cosmic lights for him, blue flames for Akechi. He has to wonder what that rival with a plethora of personas would produce. ]
Oh? I'll hear out anything you can remember, of course.
[ A scratch along his jawline. ]
I sometimes wonder if I knew any of them in my previous life.
[ It's plausible. It's also entirely possible Shido handpicked people who weren't involved in the rather niche community by design. It wouldn't matter either way, of course. Just an idle curiosity that pops into his head from time to time.
Maruki checks the clock on the wall, bites the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling. ]
I did block out the rest of my afternoon for a serious emergency. You've inadvertently given me half the day off.
[
so do you wanna like.... hang out, or...........](no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)