towerofanimus | 005 | ❝Come back for the hope that you've stolen...❞

Entry tags:

005 | ❝Come back for the hope that you've stolen...❞

Characters: Yu and you ~~it will never get old~~
Setting: Starting in the morning of the return from Infighting on the dorm's second floor, wandering later on
Format: Your choice
Summary: Birthdays were had in Hell, so he decided to celebrate by flooding the dorms with origami cranes and do several other things.
Warnings: I sense a few New World Fools...

Yu wasn't one to say when he was hurting, nor was he the kind of person to simply ignore when others were either. It was hell, the last month... and according to the notes he'd received from Naoya and Zo the main portion of the tower hadn't fared well, either. So for remainder of the first day, all he did was continue making paper cranes in his shared dorm room. If anyone asked, he probably was too absorbed in how calming it was to respond much...

Floor One
After dropping off the little paper figurines at the doors of the other Persona users and his friends, Yu found himself wandering down to the cafeteria. He hadn't eaten much of anything for the last month and barely stomached whatever Ken and the others had brought him from the table, so finding all of these ingredients in the cafeteria?

It was like he was finally back in his element after what felt like an eternity.

The teen soon lost himself in the scents and mundane actions that come from cooking, probably making extra on purpose for anyone who wanted to try something that wasn't guaranteed to poison them. After all, he does know his way with a knife and a stove... even if it was a pain figuring out Fahrenheit-to-Celcius every now and then.

Floor Five
Yu tried to avoid this floor as much as he possibly could for reasons only a select few fully understood. He always ignored the red-collar workers as they went about their jobs, doing what they always did. Yet the sensation he had when coming here...

For once, he could recognize it. That emptiness and the suffocating feeling as though death were clawing up his legs again, trying to drag him down into the pits of hell. The crushing void within his heart to the point where he could almost hear their screams as death claimed them all over and over again.

He almost fell to his knees once or twice, taking hold of something before he could. A rail, someone's arm... he didn't know. All he knew was he wanted out of here before the despair that nearly claimed the spark of hope that still resided in his heart returned once more.

Floor Fourteen
Over the several months Yu'd been here, the media room had become a place of solace where he would meet with his friends and bond. Whether it was over music or video games didn't matter. He just enjoyed the time he spent with them.

This time, however, he was looking for someone in particular... someone he couldn't find at the "wrap-up party" last weekend. After a while of waiting, he sat down and began playing a little game again. Maybe they just decided not to come today...

Floor Twenty-Two
For some reason this week, Yu had begun to frequent the art gallery much more often than he normally did. After all, it seemed to be a place where a certain goddess kept finding him... and all it did sometimes was show him his fears. Oddly enough when he looked at the paintings now, it wasn't mostly his own world he was looking at...

It was of a surgeon cutting open a patient who remained awake, abominations and many grotesque creatures oozing out of the person's abdomen. Yet he didn't flinch, didn't so much as make any acknowledgement of what it was he saw. All he did was keep walking and enjoying the silence all the while hoping someone would soon break it.

Night, Your Floor of Choice
Cooking wasn't the only thing that was cathartic for the teen. No, there had also been a reason he had tried making a weapon for himself only to find a new friend giving him one instead. It had been a month, and his skills were a little rough around the edges, but he'd decided that it wouldn't hurt to stay out until around midnight and fight once the monsters came out.

If you're lucky, someone might even hear a single word being muttered before the sensation of electricity remaining stagnant in the air became more poignant: "Persona."

[ooc note: For Purse Owners Yu's met and seen their Personas, there is an origami figurine of them in their rooms somewhere (more than likely just at the door ~~unless you're his roommate~~). For close CR, there's an animal other than a crane for them of their choosing. He was in a giving mood. :c

ALSO! If you'd be so kind as to also state the day of the week in the comment as well, it would be greatly appreciated! You can also have your characters wander into him on accident on either lounge floors. It gets old saying "Yu sit here, wat do?" after a while... |3]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Almost a month ago. Sounds like you've been here even longer...

[Four months, Shirogane had said. Was that how long Narukami was here? Or longer?

More importantly, what had happened in those four months? Izanami had claimed Narukami had deduced her identity, so what else had he managed to figure out...? Was there a reason Narukami had gone so pale just now? Or was it something else altogether? He never was the easiest kid to read.]

H-hey, are you okay...?

[For the time being, Adachi would have to keep up the act. Not do anything to give himself away. He'd done pretty well with that over the past eight months or so, hadn't he?]

...Four months this weekend, actually.

[Almost a month ago... Yu wants to laugh at the coincidence, since it was about that time when he snapped and learned of an all-consuming void. Yet he doesn't. Instead he keeps it locked away, says nothing on it. After all, Adachi wasn't the only one who could put on an act.

The urge to either call one of the twelve with him now was strong, but he doesn't. It is the same with the sword resting against his hip. After all, with what all Adachi had done... even with that little letter in March, he has no idea of knowing just when Adachi is from. Or what timeline. After all, Jason had annoyingly pointed out the possibility of all of them being from different worlds separated by even the smallest of choices. What if Adachi was innocent in his (yeah right, Yu thought), or if he'd chosen to throw Namatame in instead of stopping Yosuke?

The possibilities were making his head swim, but he doesn't show it. Instead he keeps eye contact...]

I'm alright. [A lie, but he was a lot better off than he was not even six days ago.] No one had it easy the last month.

[One thought lingered, though: Why had Naoya not warned him? Was it because Yuko had walked in before he could and he simply forgot? Or maybe he never ran into him. Either way, all he could do was approach this as carefully as possible. One slip up, and he could very well unleash what had happened in December on the tower...]

Doesn't sound like it.

[No power, no food... Hell, don't ask Adachi how he managed to survive with three cabbages alone, but he managed all the same. Good thing, too. Because Magatsu Izanagi had nearly driven him out of his mind as the month drew to a close.

Regardless, Narukami still wasn't looking so good. And Adachi still couldn't tell what he was thinking at all... What the hell was he supposed to do?

Finally, he reached out, placing a hand on Narukami's shoulder.]

C'mon. Let's get out of here. Dojima-san's been worried sick; he'll be happy to see you.

[A reunion with Dojima-san wasn't exactly something Adachi had wanted to offer, but it was the right thing for him to say without looking too suspicious.]

[Four food bars, two of them were laced with medical waste and he couldn't keep it down. He would have gone for the cabbages in a heartbeat. In short: both their diets sucked.

Perhaps it's hard to tell, but Yu stiffens slightly at the touch. He can almost literally feel Izanagi-no-Okami bristling in his head while the chill goes down his spine. His gaze grew distant, cold as steel until the mention of his uncle being here. That's right... someone had mentioned that on their first day back.]

...Oji-san is here, too?

[Something in him twists. Guilt, maybe? It's hard to place, and maybe a flicker of it shows through his emotionless mask. He couldn't help it; his family and friends always were a soft spot in his armor.]

Sorry. I wouldn't wish this place on anyone.

[Not even the one trying to lead him away from this floor, the one man he hates yet pities the most in any world. He's almost eerily silent as he begins to step away from the viewfinder.]

...What's the last thing you remember, Adachi-san.

Huh...? Oh, before I woke up here, you mean?

[That's a weird question to ask, but...]

Er, I was planning on visiting Dojima-san at the hospital. Namatame had just been relocated to another hospital that morning, so I'd figured I should give Dojima-san an update, then head back to the station to pick up some more of his slack.

[It's almost strange to recall life before winding up in the Tower, seeing as Inaba---no, more than Inaba, the whole goddamn world---has been completely wiped out altogether.]

[It's odd, but it's also telling more than he'll ever let on. If he was from just after the relocation, then-

Well shit, son. That means that not only were the odds high that they were from the same universe, but if he remembered correctly... that is also before all of them confronted him at the hospital upon realizing just who he really was.

...Forget needing an adult, he needs a certain junior detective friend of his. But then, his hands weren't so clean now either. It reflects in his tone, his eyes, maybe even the way he carries himself just a little differently as they're walking. Something had happened between when Adachi recalls and now.]

I see. [It was the least he could say, and adding a little more so he doesn't seem suspicious:] Not the farthest back I've heard of. Not the latest, either.

[No, out of all of them... he more than likely is.] Can't imagine how hard that must have been, trying to do the work for two people while all of that was going on.

[...And keeping up a certain charade, like they both are now. But hey, he can try and play nice... so long as someone doesn't slip up.]

[Not the farthest back but not the latest... You really aren't making this easy for him, are you, Narukami? Still, at least he's giving Adachi something to work with, and he nods, looking just as tired as ever.]

Yeah, you can say that again. [But he manages a weary smile, just as he always has.] But with Dojima-san injured like that, I had to step up to the plate, y'know? He needed my help. And in a place like this, he could still use a little backup...

[He isn't the leader of the team for nothing, Adachi. They have to keep you in your toes ~~for the lulz~~, after all. Must have been fun, burning that warning letter.]

...How is he?

[Even with all that's been tossed at his feet, he still takes time to worry about the others. Figures, huh.]

Same as ever.

[Much to Adachi's displeasure.]

He was pretty worried about Nanako-chan when he first showed up.

[It goes without saying that he still is.]

... I can't blame him. I was even worried for Namatame when I first got here.

[Which says something... he guesses. It kills him inside to think it, but with what he witnessed happening to twelve year olds? He knows the people in charge of this place wouldn't discriminate. Maybe Nanako would be better off far away from here-

No. If he began thinking that way, there wouldn't be much turning back. It was that line of thinking that caused what happened in that little "game" of Ruana's in the first place.]

Really? Even after what happened, you were still worried for him...?

[After Nanako getting kidnapped, after she nearly died from the shock, after everything Adachi knows Namatame did to make life miserable for them but could never admit his knowledge of?]

Edited 2012-07-02 17:57 (UTC)

Yes. After all... [Oh, Adachi. You never change, especially when your arrogance gets the better of you.]

His alibi for the first murder was rock-solid.

[Remember, remember, the fifth of December... The fog-covered treason and plot... He casually glances at Adachi, but says nothing more on it. After all, Izanami had been left behind and his ~~Social Link~~ bond was strong with that particular goddess. If Adachi isn't able to figure it out, he'll likely spell it out.

Not to mention he can't really say anything about sneaking everyone in the room with Naoto to hear Namatame's story.]

Edited 2012-07-02 18:04 (UTC)

[...He doesn't much like the sound of those words, not one bit.]

You think so, huh? [Adachi shrugs.] Well... it's not like that really matters anymore, I guess. Everything's gone.

[A sidelong glance to the viewing station. To the ravaged little town of Inaba. But his focus quickly returns to Yu, to the matter at hand before things get too out of hand.]

C'mon. Dojima-san's waiting.

[He probably doesn't like the look in his eyes, either. However, he is otherwise calm.]

I know. [What he knows, however... that he leaves to interpretation. There is nothing but animosity and the sick taste of the bile he'd upchucked during the second week coming to mind at just the thought of looking back where Adachi is glancing. In the back of his mind, he's almost daring himself to say it:

'What you did didn't mean a thing. We stopped you and your little game. This had nothing to do with you; you just got lucky again.'

Yet his mouth remains shut. If Dojima's still in the condition Adachi hinted at, then he probably doesn't know his partner is the criminal they've tried to catch the whole time.]

Everything, but not everyone. [He won't deny it; Naoto experienced it from what he can guess, and he can't help but remember his own punishment.] No wonder she chose you for your emptiness.

[It's said offhandedly. Like it's old news, like he doesn't care... but that couldn't be farther from the truth. He takes a few steps away, closer to the center staircase and distancing himself from the sight and that now-terrifying sensation. Yet the thought of going right up to face his uncle after what he did, even if it was an attempt at mercy...]

...Let's go to the cafeteria first. Something tells me he probably hasn't had much with those injuries.

[...Was he stalling?]

Huh...?

['No wonder she chose you for your emptiness.' So not only had Narukami managed to figure out exactly who Izanami was... he was able to figure out who the true murderer was all along.

He knows Adachi was responsible for their deaths.

Shit. Shit. Adachi grows pale at the realization. How the hell did he find out? From Izanami? Had Shirogane figured it out? Who else knows? Who else has he told? Who else will he tell if Adachi doesn't---]

[...No.

He won't tell anyone else. Nobody else has to find out, not if Adachi has anything to say about it. But what can he do...?

Before he can even think of anything, Narukami's already given him an opening. The cafeteria? Well, he can't exactly do anything there. But they've got a few flights of stairs to travel down...

And anything could happen in that time.]

...Yeah. [He's not confirming Narukami's observation, though he's not doing a thing to deny it right now. Instead, he nods his head at the brat's suggestion.] All right. Let's go.

[Someone never changes...

Yu glances back over his shoulder briefly, ignoring the stomach-churning sight of a destroyed Inaba to look Adachi in the eyes before making his way for the stairs.

This is all assuming he hadn't told anyone about a certain incident, that he didn't have other friends who would know what happened. That he wouldn't just come right back again the next day. Believe him, he has his bases covered even as that soft little click that follows a Persona change sounds off in his head.

Anything can happen, indeed.

In traditional Narukami style, he says nothing; only nods in agreement and continues moving. Your move.]

Edited 2012-07-04 03:21 (UTC)

[Fan-fucking-tastic.

He takes his hand off Narukami's shoulder and allows him to lead the way to the stairs. But unlike the rest of those stupid teenagers Narukami wastes time with, Adachi's not so much a fan of Follow the Leader.

Cat and Mouse, though? He can get behind.

On the topic of soft little clicks... Narukami may very well hear one coming from right behind him before he can even push off the first step.

Someone's got a gun.

Adachi hasn't thought this through. This isn't a good idea. A move like this is impulsive, risky, and just plain stupid. But he can improvise. That's what he always does.]

...I wanna ask you something.

Edited 2012-07-04 04:00 (UTC)

[The only question is... Who is the cat, and who is the mouse? Because they both come in silver and dark brown.

A chill goes down his spine, a sickening little click that sounded just too familiar and the sensation of the hair on the back of his neck standing on end nearly causing him to shudder instead of freezing in place. He glances behind him the best he can without turning his head, trying to get a clear look of Adachi's face to no avail.

'Keep him talking.'

There is little sign of fear otherwise. He knows what will happen if someone pulls that trigger, and it won't be a pleasant sight for either of them.]

What is it?

['And did you even need to use a gun?' Because your improvising strategy sucks.]

How is it that you're always able to keep your cool under pressure?

[Well, as cool as he can save that almost-shudder that didn't escape Adachi's notice. He smirks.]

What's your secret, Narukami?

[More importantly...]

What other secrets are you hiding in there, huh?

[He straightens up his arm, aiming straight at the back of his head for emphasis.]

Edited 2012-07-04 23:02 (UTC)

[Adachi can't see it, but there is a frown crossing his lips. Considering he had a hole of another sort in his head not too long ago, he.... Nope, even after processing the situation, he just can't seem to do it.

He wanted to know? Well, it's quite simple if you think about it. Even when he can practically feel the barrel against his skull, his voice is calm.]

There are worse things then having a gun pointed at you.

[Especially here, when normal people would just come back the next day. Not to mention the shit they've all gone through the previous month alone.]

You're going to need to be more specific than that, Adachi.

Edited 2012-07-05 01:30 (UTC)

Am I really?

[Can't be helped, he supposes. Brats will be brats.]

What exactly did she tell you about me?

[Oh, no. Was that really all he wanted to know? Well, sorry to say but:]

Not much, really. [Oh hey, was this tone familiar?] We only talked three times back home, and even then... you and Namatame were only mentioned once... when I asked if she was the one who gave us the power.

[Don't believe him? He'll even quote her.]

"Don't you remember? I met you here when you first came to town, and did the same thing as what I did to those two. I greeted you, that's all."

[A faint smirk crosses his lips.] It was December for you, right? Well... it was March for me.

[March?!]

...That's all she said?

[Because if so, that still doesn't explain how the hell he got caught. How Narukami and his gang of misfits were able to apprehend him, if what Yuko said is to be believed...]

[March.]

That's all. Aside from what our roles were in her little game to try and understand humanity.

[Ask, and maybe he'll tell you. After all, he's been generous so far, hasn't decided to turn around and kick someone's ass again... He's a lot more powerful then when they first fought, so it shouldn't be too much of a challenge...

Come on, Adachi. The answer is, quite literally, in front of you.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[1/2]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject