nexus_sages | Paying tribute to the ages

Current Mood: curious

Entry tags:

Paying tribute to the ages

[In a very populated corner of the forum area, an intricate Japanese stall has been set up, containing small treats, along with a great deal of masks. Behind the stand is a small Mikoshi shrine, the entrance concealed by a blue fabric, inlaid with gold trimmings. Standing in front of these Japanese structures is a man, well-dressed in a blue suit and tie. His wardrobe clashes with the scenery, as he looks like someone who stepped out of an american hotel, circa 1930’s.

He speaks up in a very calm voice, but loud enough for all to hear.]

“Jidai Matsuri. For those not versed in Japanese culture, the festival, originating from Kyoto, is a time to celebrate the ages. Many other festivals are held during October, but this seems to be the one my master has fondness for.”

[A pause, while Theodore gestures to the Japanese stall behind him.]

“In honor of Japanese cultures, I’ve decided to bring something not often seen here to the Nexus. To excite or enlighten those who wish to learn more about the world and themselves.”

[He steps behind the mask stand, gesturing to the different character faces that line the stand walls. It’s very hard to count how many masks are there, but each one seems different then the next.]

“Masks are a common part of Japanese summer festivals, but my master finds them to be fascinating all-year round and feels that many other people can appreciate the beauty in such works of art. Thus, I have been tasked with sharing these wonderful gifts to you, the travelers of the Nexus. Donations are appreciated, but not necessary.”

[He plucks a mask off the wall, one that resembles Hello Kitty. No, he will not be putting it on, rather showing it off to any nearby person instead.]

“Feel free to find one that matches your personality. I can assure you that you will not walk away empty handed. If you require assistance, I will be here to answer any questions you may have.”

((The masks are enchanted (but not in a terrible lol way), and if your character chooses one, they will be able to recall a memory from their past (good/bad/sad/angry, you name it) or perhaps a very vague vision of the future. If you would not like your character to experience this, feel free to leave a note, and Theo will present your character with something normal. Enjoy!))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

And somewhere else in the Nexus, a much more modern phone is getting a message.

Be there soon.

She hates masks. But she'll come for Katsuya's sake. It's the least she can do. But it's entirely his fault if Theo decides she's some kind of bright-haired goth, given how much paler her new all-black wardrobe makes her look and the fact she's not a naturally happy-looking person.

((Dunno if you know about Verity's power? She's got a magic spell stuck in her that lets her always know when someone is lying to her. This includes sarcasm and knowing when someone believes something to be true when it isn't. This doesn't include lies of omission. She can also see through illusions. So, tons of fun at a LOL, I know.))

[Theo just watches Katsuya pull out his cell phone, not saying anything until the message is sent. He doesn't object to meeting more people, especially those tied to Persona-users.

When Verity does arrive, Theo is surprisingly not taken back by her appearance or wardrobe choices. He's generally accepting of all travelers of the Nexus, and she is no exception. Although he will make an mental guess that this is Katsuya's friend, given how quickly she arrived here.

He'll let the two of them talk first before intervening in their conversation.]

((Yup, totally fine with Verity's powers! You're good. :D))

Oh noes, Katsuya is not aware of this mask hatred and will feel awful about this decision once he finds out. The officer gives a cheery smile her way when she arrives.

"A piece of my world seems to have decided to make its way to the Nexus." Katsuya gestures to the shrine. "Well, not my world exactly, but a parallel one. The Velvet Room denizens are very important to those with Personae."

He's holding a red sentai mask that looks like a Power Ranger's bird cousin.

This should not surprise him, given her curse. But so long as nobody tries to make her wear one she can do this. It's easier to tolerate things that make him so cheerful.

Her gaze flits curiously between the masks, the shrine, and the stranger before settling on Katsuya again. "I'm sure he has a name, dear," she teases quietly, "and he's standing right here." And if he's not going to greet her properly, he deserves to get teased.

[Theo takes a moment to assess the situation, waiting for a opportunity to say something without seeming rude or interrupting the ongoing discussion. He finally steps forward, bowing to Verity in a polite way.]

"A pleasure to meet you, friend of Katsuya. My name is Theodore, or Theo for short. Either name works for me." [He extends one gloved hand to Verity.] "May I ask for your name as well?"

Oh heck. And he was getting to it, he swears. Katsuya flushes slightly and drops his gaze down to the mask in his hand.

"It's--" And there Theo goes, introducing himself. Katsuya nods. "That. Yes. S..sorry."

He was excited to show this place to her he forgot his manners. Oops.

Of course he was. But still, he isn't there yet, so she has to introduce herself.

She gives Theo a thin smile and shakes his hand. "Verity. I'm glad to meet you. And thank you for... whatever it is you do for people like Katsuya." Her gaze flicks to the masks again, and she has to admit, "I don't understand what the masks are for, sorry."

[He smiles back, and if Verity can sense any sort of power, she might feel a unique presence coming from Theo's glove. It's nothing harmful, but rather relaxing.]

"Verity. That's a very pretty name." [He steps back in order to show off his wares to the woman, as if eager to explain things.] "The masks are for the celebration of a Japanese festival. Many people like to wear them in order to have fun or to pay tribute to their ancestors. Masks have many different meanings and uses, thus my master felt the Nexus would appreciate such a gift."

[He returns his gaze from the masks to Katsuya and Verity.] "Perhaps you'd like to find one for yourself? Maybe Katsuya would be eager to help as well?"

"The Velvet room is a place in between dimensions, sort of like the Nexus is. The only ones allowed within are those who have been granted Personae. Igor serves the god Philemon, and Igor and his attendants, like Theo here, have been critical to helping users such as myself hone their abilities."

Where Katsuya comes from, every Persona user had access to the Velvet room. He's not aware that nowadays these younguns only let their ~~protagonist~~ leader into such a place.

"The festival itself Theo speaks of celebrates the shift in the Japanese capital from Kyoto to Tokyo. It's a tradition to pay tribute to our ancestors who shaped the country's history. The masks used to hold great historical significance, but in modern times are mostly for fun." Katsuya gives a very nostalgic smile down to the sentai mask he's holding.

"...My brother loves this festival, growing up. He wore this mask every chance he got until it no longer fit him." Again Katsuya bows his head, as if in prayer. Honoring the bond he shares with his brother, and with Jun, wherever they are. For once the memory isn't painful. It's a treasure, something he cherishes. It's thanks to Theo he was able to ~~fix the reversed arcana~~ remember the bonds he shares.

"I thought it would be something you would enjoy, Verity. You love stories, so..."

"Thank you." It's not often people compliment her name, so she particularly appreciates the compliment.

But oh, that face. That one she's making right there. She's just not good at hiding her feelings. "No, thank you. Masks creep me out. It sounds like a.... an interesting festival, but, no. Why don't you pick one out for your brother's boyfriend, since you got one for Tatsuya?" Anything that gets them away from the idea of pushing a mask at her.

[Oh, oops. Theo notices her discomfort towards the situation, and isn't sure what to say next. He takes a small step back, concealing a few of the masks in his shadow. The attendant's gaze rests on Katsuya, hoping he'll be able to make Verity feel better.]

"Ah, I'm not offended by this turn of events. My sincerest apologies, Miss Verity."

It's okay Theo. This happens from time to time, usually when Katsuya gets too excited over something to stop and think if it will be something verity will appreciate or not. The officer looks somewhat startled, before the guilty expression creeps back on his face.

"I suppose not. Since a mask is meant to conceal one's identity at it's core...it must cause you trouble." Verity may not have a Persona, but she has abilities of her own. Katsuya hadn't thought of how a place like this must feel to her. how she must see Theodore, since his human appearance is more for the 'clients' of the Velvet Room's comfort than a depiction of his true nature.

"Exactly." She looks relieved that he figured it out, and she's grateful neither of them is pushing her about it. As for how she sees Theo... who knows. She's from a world full of people who don't look human, so it's unlikely to bother her. Looking back to Theo, she explains, "I have a curse that means I always know when someone's lying. It gets in the way of a lot of things."

And with that unpleasant business out of the way, she'll take hold of Katsuya's hand and hope he stops pouting. "So what's the shrine for?"

"Oh. Once again, I apologize for not understanding the circumstances before hand." [He seems to be blaming himself for the incident, even though he had no way of knowing about Verity's powers beforehand.

As for his appearance, it will thankfully stay and look the same, due to the space the three are standing in. Being in this Velvet-Room like setting helps the attendant look and seem normal to Nexus-goers, at least for a long period of time.]

"Shrines are normally carried as a part of the festival, to honor dead emperors who've longed since passed on." [Hesitantly, he looks over at the shrine, then back to Verity and Katsuya. "I'm uncertain if I can let you see the inside of this one right now."

He's not pouting he's...okay he's kind of pouting. but since Verity doesn't seem to be taking this too terribly, he'll perk up relatively quickly. She can have the hand that isn't holding the Featherman mask. He may feel somewhat warmer to the touch. Helios is stirring within such a place.

"The masks used to be representative of older centuries, as a way to honor the dead through re imagining them in the present. The shrines were a means of bringing the memories of emperors past out to the people, where they could be respected by everyone." Katsuya gives Verity's hand a slight squeeze.

"There are many of the older generations that feel as though Japan is losing it's hold on it's history. The younger generations have phased out wearing masks to emulate the dead and begun wearing masks of things they find amusing in the present. Still, there is no denying that a sort of energy surrounds festivals such as these, when the shrines are brought out."

Edited (Why does every keyboard i use have a broken shift key) 2015-10-23 01:52 (UTC)

"It's okay, you couldn't have known. No harm done." But there will be if she keeps having to reassure them. She's not exactly in her right mind right now, and it's hard to care about other people's feelings when she's in mourning for billions of people. "And I get that I'm not who the shrine is for, it's fine."

He's usually warm to the touch. This is enough for her to be a little worried. She'll make sure he isn't coming down with something later. "Things change, and people think there was some golden past that was perfect, but there really wasn't."

She's cheerful today isn't she?

"Maybe I should go, so you two can enjoy your festival." She knows she's a buzzkill.

"Um, actually it's..." [He pauses for a moment, then just completely gives up on actually trying to explain what the shrine's significance is. Sometimes the best proof has to be shown, rather than explained.

He can sense that there seems to be some disharmony in Verity, although he's most certainly not aware of the situation that occurred on her homeworld. He gives Katusya a worried look, before walking towards the shrine entrance.]

"Perhaps we should all continue talking elsewhere...I believe the change of scenery will do us a great deal of good, instead of standing here in an uncomfortable place."

"...I apologize Verity. I had assumed this was something you would find interest in." Katsuya does understand what Verity is going through right now, but it doesn't stop him from sounding somewhat more tired at her reaction. The teasing had given him hope that she was feeling more herself, but it was clearly too soon for normal socializing, or to introduce her to parts of his world based on illusions or magic.

"It was lovely for you to come out all this way." He doesn't apologize for the inconvenience. He knows it will only sour her mood more. Still, it's put a damper on his own mood too. He gives Theo a somewhat apologetic glance. This clearly was not how he planned this meeting to go.

It would be more accurate to say the officer hadn't thought about this at all before he'd acted.

Theo's being so kind, and if she had just a little more energy she'd be able to appreciate it better. "It's someone else's religion, and I understand that. I don't want to be disrespectful." Religious tolerance is a good thing in a place like New York. She's seen what happens when people forget that part.

The change in Katsuya's tone hurts. She thought she'd get more than a week... guess not. "No, it's..." Sigh. She doesn't have the energy for this right now. "Sorry. I'm sorry."

She'll be going now.

"I assure you that you're not being disrespectful, Miss Verity. My intent was not to seem like I was isolating you specifically from anything either. In fact, I do not mind bending the rules for such a strong person like yourself."

[He just stands next to the shrine door, watching to see what she does next. Despite everything that's going on, he really does want what's best for both Katsuya and Verity, despite knowing none of their history with each other. For now he's done all he can.

Your move now, Katsuya.]

Well.

The officer stands there, dumbfounded as Verity removes her hand from his and leaves. Stand there entirely too long without moving. Stands there until she's gone and then slams his now empty hand against his forehead with a few choice swears in Japanese.

"Stupid. So stupid...of course this place would be no good. Anything magical or illusory just makes her powers hurt her, or reminds her of Loki." And that whole thing is another can of worms Katsuya doesn't understand entirely.

"I'm sorry Theodore. I really..." He sighs, pulls the mask he's holding back into view. His expression is pinched and closed off. He almost throws the mask away entirely.

He can't.

He let his present walk away to hold onto the past. Again.

"....I can't believe I thought she'd care about this place. She likes stories, but not religion or traditions for the sake of them."

[Theo just stands there, letting Katsuya get out all of his frustrations, trying to process all the different human emotions the persona-user is going through. Finally, he reaches over with one hand and offers to take the mask from Katsuya, in order to ensure it doesn't get damaged.]

"Perhaps Verity needs her time to think, as do you, Katsuya." [He produces a box for the mask out of nowhere, offering to store the treasure safely, if Katsuya allows it. The next few words tumble out of his mouth without thought.]

"Can I offer you a drink?" [Because, as we've learned in Persona games, alcohol fixes everything. Sort of.]

"...She's been through so much, and I..." Katsuya sighs deeply, his shoulders slumping. "I was being selfish. I thought coming here would get her out, give her something else to think about. I should have..." Many things. The biggest mistake was letting her walk away without explaining.

"I'm sorry Theo. Truly." He doesn't even seem to process Theo offering to store Tatsuya's mask away.

The old Katsuya would have let things be. Would have accepted this as just another failure added to the top of the pile and let things be. The old Katsuya bound by a self fulfilling prophecy of loss and loneliness.

"May I offer you my number?" Katsuya scribbles the battered cell phone's number onto a card and hands it to Theo. "I would truly like to talk more with you later. Find out what all has been going on in other worlds. Your world. But...later. I have to go find Verity first."

The old Katsuya is no more. The officer adjusts his sunglasses and turns to leave, still carrying the mask. His past and his present would have to learn to get along.

"I understand. Go to her, but I would recommend allowing her to be selfish for a bit. Give her that time, as you can always come back to think about your own personal life later down the road."

[Theo, instead of taking the mask, will be alright with receiving the card. In exchange, the attendant procures a silver key from his pocket and offers it to Katsuya.] "Of course. There will always be time to catch up in the future. This key will allow you to find us much easier in the Nexus next time."

[Theo says nothing more on the matter, but the look on his face is hopeful towards Katsuya's lament. He hopes the police office will able to fix things for the better.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Paying tribute to the ages

Curse you! Now I'm going to dream about the damn things.

Re: you two are awesome btw

Aw shucks, no you

We're all awesome. :D

Re: yay :D

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Keyboards just hate you I guess.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Luk is Katsuya's lowest stat for a reason.

Re: gotta rebalance those stats

But he needs max STR for putting his foot in his mouth

Re: or being reckless, gotta be tough for that