Reverse Tarot - yu-narukami

Contact me when you land, you'll be coordinating with a local team upon your arrival.

I'm off the plane. I hope I haven't kept them all waiting for too long.

They'll be fine.

9:02 PM

Head to Yongen-Jaya and their navigator will bring you up to speed.

9:02 PM

In the meantime, I recommend checking that app. It is still under investigation but part of the local team is there as well.

9:03 PM

Please keep personal details to a minimum when speaking in said app.

9:03 PM

Good luck.

Will do. Thank you for the help, Mitsuru-san.

You can thank me once he's safe again.

I promise to make sure that he is taken back safe and soundly. I will speak to you again soon.

"Yu?" Yosuke paused in the doorway to Yu's room, knocking gently on the doorframe. He leaned in, a serious expression on his face, trying to find the right away to say this. "I wanted to ask you something," he started, pausing to find his words. He looked around the others room to fill the space. "Uh, I heard someone named Viper had entered the metaverse recently. Who is he?" This definitely looked suspicious. Yosuke had always been too busy working and going to school to work with the Shadow Operatives, and now he's suddenly taking an interest? Well, he did know the Phantom Thieves-- wait. "Um, someone from the Phantom Thieves ran into him, is all. We just wanted to make sure he's not trouble." Right, this sounded like a solid lie. He couldn't let anyone know Saori and he were secretly coming and going from the other world. Even Saori meeting someone on the other side had been a danger. Thankfully, she didn't seem to know anyone the same way he did. If he were to be caught by someone he knew, prowling about... especially now that the rescue team saw his metaverse outfit. He tried not to think too much about it, then offered Yu a little smile. "I get if you can't tell me, I just thought I'd ask." (edited)

Admittedly, Yu’s room looked more like an office than a bedroom. The only sign of someone living there had been the futon leaning onto one of the several loaded bookshelves and half-opened closet filled with countless hanged blazers and folded business casual clothes. Otherwise, the main set pieces seemed to be filing cabinets with Yu's current and past cases and a large desk that the man had found secondhand, a few active files neatly placed on top, both private detective and Shadow Operatives related, as well as some random trinkets which occupied both the desk space and some of the upper levels of his bookshelf. Positioned behind that had been a lounge chair and side table next to a dimly lit lamp which sat Yu, still dressed in his typical daily wear. The window had been propped wide open, sounds of distant chatter and city bustle letting itself freely into their apartment in exchange for the occasional clouds of cigarette smoke that Yu would puff out. The environment had been pretty relaxing overall, allowing the detective to enjoy a casual novel in relative peace, escaping from the typical overwhelming nature of his daily life. That tranquility was destined to meet its end, coming in the form of Yosuke’s knock at the door. “Come in.” Confirmations like that hadn’t typically been necessary. Well… They used to not be, before things had begun to change in recent times. Relationship wise, things with Yosuke had been… Difficult, to say the least. They didn’t fight—But, then again, it felt like they didn’t really talk in general. At least, not how they used to. Even when they did, it rarely felt like Yu was talking to Yosuke. It felt… Hollow. Like something was missing that had left both of them in pieces with nothing to put them back together. (edited)

11:20 PM

Not that he blamed Yosuke for any of that. His partner had been through so much that he understood why things had been so fragmented… But, ever since he’d been kidnapped and they took him back from the other world, everything had felt even more suffocating than before. It was almost as if Yosuke had been replaced by… Something, which looked and sounded like him, but felt empty of the warmth and joy that had once permeated the man and everything that surrounded him. Of course, he knew that the person who entered his room was still Yosuke. He would have been able to make out a fake in an instant if any deity or otherwise attempted to pull a trick on him, but… There was still something horribly wrong. Something that Yu wished desperately he could do something to fix, even a little. As the other began to speak, he placed a bookmark into his novel and set it down onto the table, resting his other hand onto the edge of the windowsill and focusing his attention fully onto Yosuke. Usually he hadn’t been so upfront about something unless it was really bothering him… Whatever it was, it must have been serious. What had come out of his mouth wasn’t something he expected, though, almost dropping the cigarette out of his hand in shock at the name. There was no doubt on who Viper was, both from his work and the chatroom. Adachi-san had been one of his closest working partners in the Shadow Operatives, as much as the other had attempted to come off as if he despised his presence. The act didn’t exactly do much for him; the man had changed, as much as he wanted to pretend otherwise, and Yu could see clear as day that there were no plans of him returning back to the person he was a decade ago.

11:20 PM

Not that it’d be so easy to convince Yosuke of that. The distaste that Yosuke still had for Adachi was completely understandable, but that wasn’t something he particularly wanted his partner spreading to the Phantom Thieves… It wasn’t like they needed to he made keenly aware of all the negatives before having a chance to truly meet the man. “I know he won't be causing trouble.” That was a good enough answer, wasn’t it? It hadn’t really answered Yosuke’s question, but… He couldn’t tell Yosuke who he was. For Adachi-san’s sake, if nothing else. …Though, the more he thought about it, maybe that wasn’t such a definitive statement. He felt dirty thinking about it, but… If there was something good that could come out of it, then maybe offering up Adachi-san’s identity wouldn’t be too harmful, right? After all, Yosuke likely deserved to know he was around, considering their history. "I'll let you know who he is, but you need to tell me something first." His tone was firm, both convincing himself and his partner of his potential deal. That firmness hadn’t particularly reached his face, which, although tried to echo the tone of his voice, hadn’t entirely matched that level of confidence. These sorts of ultimatums weren't particularly his style. Withholding information from his partner, especially regarding someone who he knew affected him deeply, wasn't something he ever wanted to do, but… If he wanted to help Yosuke, he didn't have any other choice. After one last drag on his cigarette, he pushed the end into the nearby tray, eyes momentarily gazing out onto the nearby cityscape as he exhaled and collected his thoughts. This was for Yosuke's own good, even if it wasn't a conversation either of them wanted to have. He just needed to remind himself of that while he dangled such essential information over his partner's head.

11:20 PM

That still didn't make him feel terrible about it. But, if he had the leverage to potentially use to help his partner, he should take the chance, right? This was for the best, even if it meant playing a game of secrets he never liked. “What's hurting you so much?” Despite a slight anxiety about the deal, he still did his best to meet Yosuke’s eyes, gaze as soft and loving as ever. If he ever wanted Yosuke to trust him with the truth, he needed to make it clear that this was a safe place that he could be comfortable enough to confide his feelings in. It was what Yosuke needed—No, it was what they both needed, after the tinge of melancholy that had engulfed their lives. “I want to help you, but I can't if I don't know what's wrong.”

Yosuke had taken a glance around the room, to see if maybe it had a little more life than last time he came in there, but it didn't. It was still more of an office with a bed, not the cozy escape like Yosuke's room. Yosuke had posters and old instruments on his walls, a TV, his computer and keyboard-- Yu had... Blazers and paperwork. He supposed that was the difference between them, but he did have to wonder if Yu really found his room comfortable. Yosuke balls his fists as he crosses his arms and leans into the doorway, trying to resist the urge to grab a cigarette of his own. The question directed at him was a bit surprising, but not unexpected. Yu wasn't stupid, could read him like a book. He KNEW Yosuke was hiding things, and frustratingly, didn't realize that Yosuke couldn't talk about it. But getting the information was useful for him to know who exactly was prodding around, and if they were a danger to Saori, or in danger themselves. "Ok," Yosuke agrees. He figured that he could at least give something of an answer, at least to toe around the truth. (TW; mentions of being kidnapped) "You know, it doesn't feel good to wake up after you're pretty much kidnapped and placed into a strange place. I was defenseless." He pauses, looking to the floor, trying to decide how to word this. "After I woke up in that other world, I heard someone talking to me. They threatened me. They said they would continue to torture me in my nightmares." This was only half true-- there was an agreement between them. "And I just... With everything that happened, I haven't slept well. My head hurts. Getting back to work after everything has been hard. It's just... It's just a lot, Yu." He wasn't lying, but he was definitely omitting information. He looks down, scrubbing his face. His head hurt again. "Sorry I didn't... Say much before about it. I figured what I was feeling was kinda obvious." He looks back up, tired looking, "So... That's what's up."

Watching Yosuke’s eyes scan the room had felt a little anxiety-inducing, as much as Yu didn’t wish to admit it. Yu’s room hadn’t exactly been the most interesting place—even he was aware of that—but… It felt like home, at least to him. He’d never been the type who needed much, especially in a place where so few people other than himself ever saw into. Practicality over display was something his parents had always taught him when it came to his personal surroundings—To the outside, he needed to make a show, but places like his room should have been clean and simple. Whether that was just so he didn’t have much to worry about packing up whenever they moved or it was because they didn’t want him to have many distractions from the various fields of study they pushed him into wasn’t exactly clear to him, but the spotless walls and professional setting had felt much more comforting than a place like Yosuke’s room ever had to him. Not that he looked down on his partner’s abode. Really, it was the opposite—He loved the charm that it brought, and how much it screamed “Yosuke,” but… That wasn’t how he liked to embody himself. Too much clutter only made him more anxious than anything. Then again, there was probably a reason that his partner was often the one who made furniture and decorating decisions for any place outside of Yu’s room… Getting lost on that train of thought nearly made him miss the faux brunet’s brief agreeance to his question. Luckily, it wasn’t a particularly difficult statement to make out, leaving Yu to shoot over a light smirk that he hoped would help him to relax rather than intimidate. Though, knowing the situation, he found that expression quickly dropping, choosing to simply focus all of his attention onto his roommate, keeping quiet until he had finally finished.

5:33 AM

…Of course Yu knew that Yosuke couldn’t have gotten far on his own out there. Given how deep he was, and how ravenous those things were… It really was a miracle that Yosuke hadn’t been in a much worse place than they found him in, even in the short time it’d taken between hearing of his disappearance to coordinating the rescue team. And, given the experiences of the Investigation Team and his own common sense, it wasn’t exactly hard to guess that the situation wasn’t ideal in any regard. Those first words hadn’t been anything to take much note of. All of that made sense. What didn’t, at least to Yu, was the next talking point. Someone talking… No, threatening Yosuke with the power to control dreams…? The words made Yu blink, his mental gears turning as he thought of the implications. Nightmares… They had stopped right after Yosuke was kidnapped, didn’t they? …Before his mind got too invested in that, he had to pry himself away from his thoughts back to the topic at hand, wishing to take in everything that his partner spoke of. The rest of it had been obvious enough—He had seen how tired Yosuke was, how much the man had been hurting and struggling to get by. That much was easy enough to respond to, Yu physically pushing himself from his seat and approaching his partner, meeting his eyes once he’d looked back up from the ground and doing his best to shoot him another comforting smile. “...I know it’s been hard, Yosuke.” His soft words were accompanied by an outstretched dominant hand, looking to give his partner what little physical support he could, if the other wished for it. If Yosuke hadn’t been interested, though, the arm would soon return to his side. “You’re so strong for pushing through it all. I’m really glad to know I have one of the most strong-willed people out there as my partner. Truly, I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”

5:33 AM

There he went with the compliments. And, if this was almost any other conversation, that would be about the end of it. This definitely wasn’t normal—Far from it. As much as Yu didn’t want to push more than he had to, there was just too much that had been left out there in the open that Yu wanted—No, needed to know more about. “But…” This was difficult to bring up. Really, if he could have backtrack, he would, but… It was too late now. If he wanted the full truth, he was going to get it now or never. “...You aren’t telling me everything, are you?” Leaving out information with a detective, no matter how oblivious Yu could be, wasn’t going to cut it. There were too many holes in his story that he couldn’t help but begin to over analyze every little thing in his statement. Yosuke wasn’t lying to him, but… Talking about it so briefly made it clear that there was more than met the eye. If it was trauma related, Yu didn’t want to dive too deep into it, but given the context… Well, he didn’t really have a choice but to drive on through. “Do you know who was talking to you?” He had to know, right…? That is, if Yu’s assumptions were correct, which, if he was on the right track… “…Speaking of nightmares, they stopped for everyone after you went into that world, didn’t they…?” The dots were too easy to connect. He hadn’t even noticed for a while, but… With how Yosuke had directly brought it up, there was no way to overlook it now. It was in clear view, and Yu would get the truth, even if he had to ask some leading questions. “Did you… Have something to do with that?” His eyes dug into his partner now, analyzing every little movement, every sign that he had learned to pick up on working as a Tokyo detective for a decade. Looking for signs of lying was something he almost never did, but now his gaze was fixed like a hawk onto his partner, as if he’d been looking into a top of the list suspect. “How did you respond to their threats?” (edited)

5:33 AM

The questions were practically pouring out. This had quickly turned from a simple inquiry from Yosuke to a full-on interrogation—Really, Yu should have been behind that desk, and Yosuke sitting across from him, desk lamp dimly lighting the room like… Well, like how Dojima-san had interrogated him over everything related to the Inaba case way back when, before everything went array. …Thinking of himself in that way wasn’t exactly flattering, but Dojima-san had done it out of care then, and he was doing the same with Yosuke now.

Yosuke says, "Listen... I just can't say anymore, alright? I'll be in my room," before he turns away.

[ OPEN ]

you prolly already knew, but it's nozomi

6:18 PM

please don't tell anybody

i'm tryin to keep it on the down low because i don't wanna risk her career

I knew it. acFeelinIt

6:19 PM

You can trust me to keep my lips sealed. But I'm happy for you two. I always knew you guys would make a cute couple. acJoy

ya think so?? thanks...

6:21 PM

i kinda worry i ain't good enough a lot

Then you clearly don't know yourself.

6:22 PM

You're one of the kindest, strongest, most supportive people I've ever met. Anyone would be lucky to have someone like you as a partner. pcContent

thanks, man...

You don't have to thank me. I'm just saying the truth. acHeart2

Narukami-san! Hello! I was told to check in with you once I made my way into the app!

It's good to see you, Fuuka-san.

9:23 PM

Is there anything you want me to update you on?

Uhm. . .as much as you can? I've been focused so much on getting into the app I haven't had a chance to read the files yet!

I will say, I got here a little late, so I might not have the full picture... But I'll do my best. acPleased

9:27 PM

Essentially, this chatroom came likely from the place that Makoto-senpai and I get our unique abilities. There is another world connected to this app called Phlegethon, which we recently found out is ruled by Hi-no-Kagutsuchi after a recent expedition. No one got too hurt, luckily, but... We suspect he has two people working under him, Yosuke Hanamura and Saori Hasegawa. Nothing has been entirely confirmed on that front, but it seems incredibly likely.

9:28 PM

Hi-no-Kagutsuchi regained his full power after our last trip in, and now... Well, we aren't really sure what he's planning next. acSad

Wow a lot has happened. . .I'm glad everyone is safe. For the most part.

9:31 PM

Still, that name sounds awfully familiar. Saori, Saori. . . . .

9:31 PM

Does anyone seem to know her?

Makoto-senpai mentioned that she was close friends with his sister back in high school.

Ah!

9:32 PM

Oh, no. And now she's wrapped up in all this?

9:33 PM

Things really have gotten complicated. . .

9:33 PM

Well, thank you for telling me all this! I think I have a grasp on the situation for now.

9:34 PM

I'll definitely keep you updated if I figure anything new out!

Thank you. I'll do the same.

9:35 PM

Feel free to swing by Tokyo HQ. Makoto-senpai, Adachi-san, and I would probably benefit from having more in-depth chat over things. acAgree

I'll make sure to do so! Now that I actually have access to the app I can move to a different setup!

Yo. You good? @Phea: full-time twink bullier

2:56 AM

Nanako's that close to Tokyo. So i can only imagine things aren't so great rn

I'm doing about as well as I can. acBlush

Uhuh.

2:59 AM

So. Where's she going for uni? I can already put the pieces together. But..

3:00 AM

Part of me's hoping it's not the obvious.

I'll give you three guesses.

...It's in Tokyo isn't it.

3:01 AM

She didn't listen, huh.

You would do great at the Midnight Trivia Miracle Quiz.

I didn't do that great at it last time.

Your context skills are impressive, at least. acAgree

Have to be in my line of work.

3:02 AM

Well. You'd hope.

3:03 AM

So. What's her reasoning?

Since she's getting a full ride to University of Tokyo, she can't pass it up, no matter what Adachi-san and I say about her being a prime target because of... Well, us.

3:06 AM

I don't want to tell her that she can't pursue her dreams due to our past mistakes of not killing Hi-no-Kagutsuchi where he... Stood isn't the right term... Hovered?

3:07 AM

...Regardless, I know this is her dream, but she's completely refused to listen to why things are so dangerous... It's not great. acSad

We'll keep her safe.

How can we...?

3:16 AM

...Sorry, I shouldn't be so pessimistic.

If she's going to be in Tokyo. Then, I say we should rotate between one or two of us keeping her company, as she comes in and out of the city ...Or maybe just Adachi.

3:20 AM

Rather than another person with him.

3:21 AM

..hmm

3:21 AM

I'm bad at plans.

I don't think that would stop Hi-no-Kagutsuchi.

...Yeah. you're right.

If she's in or near Tokyo, no matter what we do, she's in danger.

What do we do, then?

3:44 AM

...We'll save her. If anything happens.

...Thank you, Chie.

man. This mess sucks. But we'll manage. We always do.

hey, i'm goin out for a bit. you good?

I'm okay. It's just another late night of work. acPleased

well, call me if ya need anythin, okay?

You don't need to worry about me.

11:02 PM

I can take care of myself. acHeart2

...I'm sorry, that was probably too harsh, wasn't it. acSad

nah, it wasn't! i was just a lil busy at the time

11:17 PM

i know you got shit covered, i was just wantin to check in before i headed out

Thank you. I'll make sure to keep you in mind if I run into issues. acAgree

hehe, good!

Have fun on your date. acJoy

ehh? pfft, i dunno if i'd call this a date

Why not?

i'm takin somebody i just met to the metaverse to prove it's real, that ain't exactly romantic

Sure.

the hell ya mean "sure"???

Nothing.

yeah, right...

I just think you would benefit from seeing someone. acFeelinIt

11:35 PM

You don't want to end up like Adachi-san.

i wouldn't end up like him anyway!

what're you lookin at me like that for??

Rest in peace Sho... Sad decrepit and alone...

ah, shut up! i ain't gonna be alone OR decrepit OR sad

just cuz i'm single right now don't mean i'll be single forever, i've seen plenty of people before

Have those relationships lasted? acSigh

not really, but they happened!

hey, you of all people can't judge

I've been in a committed relationship for five months now. acConsent

and before that?

Moving around so much makes dating hard. acSad

uh huh

11:22 AM

...actually that's fair, that's kinda been my issue too

11:22 AM

but hey! more than can be said for adachi!

I don't think that's a high bar... acShiver

you're the one who brought him up earlier, i'm just sayin that's why i'm not gonna end up like him

I admire the tenacity, as always. ...But there's only so much that heart of yours can take.

What do you mean by that?

Is it not obvious?

...Don't you even dare touch anyone else I care about, or I'll make sure you rot in the deepest pit of hell for the rest of eternity.

Then you had best protect them as well as you can, Narukami.

Then you better count your days.

Hm. I'd hoped you'd give something a bit more... Inspired. Especially in the face of ensuring her safety.

Don't fucking get near her.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

hey, kid. ya alright? seems things got pretty heated in there

Read 8:40 PM.

if ya dont answer, im gonna call sho to deal with ya, and im sure ya dont wanna put up with his naggin (edited)

6:42 PM

...ya aint even gonna read my messages now, are ya?

6:42 PM

when he comes knockin on your door, dont say i didnt warn ya

yo

7:55 PM

just saw what went down in chat, you need anythin?

A hot stud? In my DMs? ;) (edited)

dude...

8:01 PM

...how do you feel bout comin over? it's been a bit, yeah?

lol

8:06 PM

should i take that as a yeah?

I'm on the train now. ;)

sweet. see ya soon

It's been a while since we've met up. Has everything been going well? No sort of creepy people watching you or threats against your life by strangers? @Shy, the Galactic Base Baller

Nothing weird so far, just a normal college experience. Taking the train into the city with Miwa-chan is nice though, at least I have someone to talk to

I'm glad to hear that.

11:31 PM

Just... Know that something bad might happen soon, and I'm sorry that I can't stop it, but I will fix it, okay?

?

11:37 PM

That’s not a totally ominous message. What’s going on?

...You know who I was texting with in the chat, right?

I haven’t even had a chance to look in there recently

Hi-no-Kagutsuchi decided to make a visit, then he chose to speak to me in direct messages and threaten the people I love, you specifically.

12:01 AM

...Now that you're here, there's nothing I can do to keep him from hurting you.

Yeesh, this guy really needs a hobby

12:08 AM

Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye out for anything suspicious. You’ll be the first to know if I get a bad feeling about something

12:08 AM

Plus I’ll have Miwa-chan to look out for me too! I’m not going anywhere without a fight

Didn't we already say you can't fight this thing...?

It’s a figure of speech Bro. At any rate, he’s used to going after people that aren’t ready for him. Not only do I know to expect him, but I’m in peak physical condition. I bet I can outrun whoever this guy is

No amount of running will save you. He's a deity that has control over essentially all of Tokyo and his twisted version of it. You won't escape if he decides to target you seriously.

Can you please stop being so doom and gloom? I’m just trying to stay optimistic here

12:37 AM

And I appreciate the warning but not it feels like all you’re doing is trying to scare me

I'm just trying to be honest.

Anyway, haven’t you already beaten this guy before? What’s stopping you all from just pulling up on him now?

Because we physically can't get near his true form. There's nothing we can do right now.

12:43 AM

And if we did it the same way we did before, he would just come back again, sooner or later. We need to find a permanent solution. (edited)

Have you thought about handling it like Pokémon? Beat him down until he’s weak and then try to capture him? I’m sure the Kirijo people could figure out a way to do that

We've thought just about everything up. There's been nothing that seemed feasible. Not without delaying him for someone else or getting the people forced under him potentially hurt.

12:54 AM

This is why we didn't want you in Tokyo. There's nothing we can do to stop him, and he just wants to make our lives a living hell for his own entertainment, and his stupid spite.

Well you guys are going to have to do something eventually. I know it sounds cruel, but if your only option is to delay him, that might be what you have to do. At least then you’ll have more time to figure out a permanent solution without Tokyo being in danger. I might be able to help too if I knew more about what was going on

You're not getting involved. I can't let you get any more hurt than you already will just being here.

1:04 AM

...I know you're smart and strong, and you want to play a part and help, but... This life is painful and unforgiving. I can't lead you down this path.

It can’t be any more painful than watching you suffer and getting pushed away

1:09 AM

I need to go to bed. I’ve got an early morning tomorrow. I’ll text you when I get home.

...Okay.

1:10 AM

I love you, Nanako. I'm... Sorry.

1:10 AM

Sleep well.

Yeah. Love you too.

hey. are you busy?

Sleepy...

6:36 AM

But what's up?

heh. i know the feeling. i was... hoping to talk to you about something. i noticed kagutsuchi appeared in chat, the other day.

6:39 AM

i wasn't sure how to bring this up to you at first, because i didn't want to alarm you. but... it's for the best that you know. the night before that, i was at a jazz bar in kichijoji. he was there waiting for me, in a false human form. i could practically smell him as soon as i walked in... or sense him, anyway.

He... What?

he wanted to meet me in person, apparently.

6:44 AM

probably because i wasn't at the p-1 climax. guess he got curious.

Did you kick his ass?

as much as thanatos was urging me to, no. we just talked. he's... pretty much exactly what you and adachi described to me.

6:48 AM

orders fancy drinks even though they don't do anything for him. loves the sound of his own voice.

6:49 AM

a theatre kid through and through.

6:52 AM

the appearance he used was plain, but both his voice and the way he talks... pretty distinct. if he ever approaches you in the real world, you'll probably recognize him right away, even if you don't sense his presence.

I...

7:01 AM

Sorry, that is a little much to take in... acSad

i know. i'm sorry.

7:02 AM

...it's all become pretty overwhelming, huh.

...Yeah.

i know it's not getting any easier, but... we have to hold on. for a little longer, at least.

7:09 AM

whatever happens... i've got your back, yu. don't forget that, okay?

Thank you, Senpai, but make sure to look out for yourself too. It's never good when Hi-no-Kagutsuchi takes a special interest in someone.

don't worry. if he decides to ambush me again, i'll handle it.

7:18 AM

there's nothing he can do to entice me. and nothing he can use to get under my skin, even if he might try.

...That makes one of us.

if he confronts you in reality, call me.

7:21 AM

don't worry about whatever else i might be doing. i'll pick up.

...I might just beat the shit out of him if I see him in real life.

i don't blame you one bit.

7:23 AM

but that may be just what he wants.

Of course it is... But I'm tired of letting him ruin my life. I at least want some sort of relief, even if he feels nothing from it and it does nothing to his true form.

that's understandable. but... my guess isn't that he'll feel nothing. he might just find it amusing, if anything. and i don't know if you'd find that relieving.

...Maybe.

7:32 AM

...I'll try to call you, but no promises.

good.

7:35 AM

...i know it may seem like there isn't much to find the good in, right now. but... even though i've only seen him once, i think i know what may bother kagutsuchi more than anything.

7:37 AM

in spite of all he's doing, you think it'd mess with him if we kept our hopes up? enjoyed our lives, even with all the suffering he wants to inflict?

I think that's a little easier said than done, Senpai.

i know. i'm not denying that.

7:43 AM

this isn't me trying to feed you some sort of bullshit positivity thing off of a fortune cookie. i know that things are bleak right now, and i'm not telling you to ignore that.

...it isn't easy, by any stretch. in fact, it's one of the hardest things to do in times like this. i'm not saying it's something you have to do, right away, with all the ease in the world. i couldn't do it, at first. thirteen years ago... i was faced with a very real possibility that everything i knew and everyone i loved would come to an end within a matter of weeks, because of nyx. it'd be just like what happened to my parents, all over again, and... even worse. and i couldn't stop it. i was terrified. and i shut myself away from everyone. but... sooner or later, i had to realize that i couldn't keep doing that. that in spite of it all... i had to fight. i had to live. it was thanks to my sister and the rest of SEES that i came to that realization. there's always something or someone to keep us going. even when we can't see it. so... don't you lose sight of that, either. don't lose sight of us. everything is going to shit, that much is true. but that makes it all the more important for you to trust us. lean on us. even when everything in you just wants to hide, you're not alone. we're fighting with you. we're living with you. ...maybe i'm just rambling. but i just want you to know, from experience, that when things are at their absolute worst, we don't survive by isolating ourselves. we gotta do the opposite. even when it's the hardest thing to let ourselves do so.

8:25 AM

you don't have to respond to this, if you don't want to. but... try to think on it, at least. that's all i ask.

...Yeah, I'll try.

8:28 AM

I just wish I killed him the first time, so we didn't have to get into this mess.

i wish i'd been there, too. but we can't change the past. we're here, and we can only change what happens in the future.

8:33 AM

we'll survive. and we'll win.

...Okay, Senpai.

...anyway. i'll let you get back to it. sorry to talk your ear off.

8:35 AM

just... remember what i said, yeah?

I'll try.

that's all i ask. kirby_happy

(edited)

@waffle | himbo collector Hey, Sho. Something's been bothering me the past couple of days.

yeah? what's up?

Why was someone looking for you by name in the group chat?

...oh yeah, that

10:17 PM

well, long story

Two dozen words or less.

i was gonna wait on telling you about it until everything was set up, but i contacted that guy because he's another persona-user

10:19 PM

guess it was just a matter of time until he got the app, but he's one of the phantom thieves

...Why are you looking for the Phantom Thieves?

because they're our ticket to taking kagu down without the waiting game

We don't even know if the method we have in mind will work... I would rather you not get yourself put under the Shadow Ops' reticle based on a hypothesis.

we're running outta options, and i wanna make sure that bastard does as little damage as possible. we gotta take what we can get

10:24 PM

i wanna bring this to the others too, maybe in case yuki could make sure shit goes smoothly

10:25 PM

if your bosses decide they got a bone to pick with me, fine, but if this works, they can't deny the results. and if it don't? we're all cooked anyway

...Make sure to keep yourself out of too much trouble. You know I can't get involved without upsetting my superiors.

i know. all we gotta do is make some noise in the collective unconscious and phlegethon might open right up for us

Do you really think it will be that simple...?

we can't know unless we try

10:31 PM

and the alternative's not gonna be good for any of us

...I trust you.

i won't let ya down.

I know you won't. Just don't be too disappointed if it doesn't work out.

either way, we'll figure somethin out

...Thank you.

eh? what for?

For doing something about... All of this.

11:55 PM

I know it's a little late, but do you want me to grab something for dinner? I could use a bite. acPleased

yeah!! you know i won't say no to that :D

It would be pretty worrying if you rejected...

12:10 AM

Do you have a console set up? We could play a couple games, too. Or watch a movie. acFeelinIt

yeah, i'll get the switch hooked up real fast

@Shy, the Galactic Base Baller Hey, Nanako, how are you? It's been a while since we've actually gotten time to meet up—We could see each other tomorrow to grab food and do something, if you aren't busy. I know a good beef bowl place. It doesn't quite rival Aiya's, but I think you would still enjoy it. acPleased

9:30 PM

And go to the arcades. Although, I haven't been able to play many of the games recently, so you would absolutely destroy me... It would still be fun, though. acAgree

9:31 PM

Just get back to me whenever you can. I know you're pretty busy, so I won't push if you aren't able to make it. Love you. acHeart2

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