Ok listen to me very carefully.
You need to not reveal too much about yourself, ok? As far as anyone can know, you're just my friend and that's it.
I guess you can keep calling me "Yosuke-nii" but just say it's like... a term of endearment, I dunno...
They can't know we're family, since we don't know who's in that chatroom, ok?
Saying where you live, like the town name... I mean, I guess it's obvious we're all in Japan...
But don't like, out too many details so that people can find you, I guess.
I work for Haru so she's ok, and she's dating Akira, but a lot of people are... "unaccounted for" I guess
I don't know a lot of them, frankly.
That's why I'm pretty vague about my job.
I mention I work with kids but I haven't mentioned it's the daycare, and I definitely haven't mentioned WHERE lmao
4:10 PM
And I guess the short of it is... Haru, Akira, and Yusuke... are part of the Phantom Thieves.
Uh... it's been over a month. Nothing has happened yet, but the message at the beginning is always kinda there: "It's always being monitored"
It mentions being run by the Shadow Ops, but Naoya-senpai is there and has no idea about it, so that's a bust.
If only we could go into phones like we could TVs, then we could check it out
i mean... i kinda brought it up before, but...
i dont want you to really out too much about yourself, ya know? we dont know whos watching
for me it was putting myself in danger more than anyone else, but i prefer it that way
its kinda too late lol
i brought it up to kinda... see if anyone would admit to knowing about it. it worked in the long run, i guess
but i guess... i dunno. i dont really want you to get swept up in this
I know!! Thaaank you
...Same still goes to you. Don't put yourself in danger..
Or at least inform us when you do!! Geez. We can't help you otherwise! ...I can't help you otherwise!
So are these two people (Naru and... Nao? Someone called the other person Nao before I think?) just the odd ones out then who are just... mentioning it on there?
oh, did you ever hear about naoya toudou-san? nanjo-san talked about him sometimes
hes part of the shadow operatives
naru... well, naru is just a normal person swept up in all of this
He went missing for a couple days ago... And he turned up in the chat.
Haru and their other partners went after him and... One of them is a hacker? Their name's Oracle
Apparently they... Put a chip in his shoe
But I'm thinking... Maybe there is another instance? I mean, you remember the Phantom Thieves, right? They had to do their crazy heart changing stuff somehow
And I do have a theory that... Maybe? Goro and some others are the Phantom Thieves, but I haven't had anything confirmed
From what I gathered... Akira/Goro in the chat acted the way a shadow would
But what's weird is that he was still in his own body
I think something similar happened with Namatame and Adachi, but we never got full confirmation
Namatame-san and Adachi did get taken over by their shadows to an extent, from what I could smell...
So I think that's possible, mm. But outside of the shadow world itself?
4:07 PM
Wait
4:07 PM
Ok two things uhm
4:08 PM
Is he okay now? Or is he still acting like that?
And
You said they might be related to shadows and personas... Does he have a persona?
Haru says he isn't saying much at all right now, so he's definitely tired. I dunno if he's up for testing whether or not he has a Persona, but... Let me ask her something
I don't know everything, but they smelled off
I dont think that at least the original Izanagis were entirely their own! So I think that's why Adachi could summon a persona still, despite it all... It shouldn't be possible normally, I think
It still smelled like Sensei! but. Different
4:22 PM
The cool glowy Izanagi did smell just like Sensei though ʕ ´∀`ʔ
Well duh!!
I'm just saying, if his shadow could randomly take him over, it'd be safest to deal with it directly, right?.. Before it can hurt him , or
anyone else.
.....Not super fond of the idea of strangers with no idea how things work entering without us, if I'm honest.
Not when things have been so nice and peaceful there for a while now...
Well, they changed the hearts of "corrupt adults." Akira assured me he didn't think of me as one, so I didn't need to worry, but...
I dunno. They could use this power for all kinds of stuff
Double oh! Before I forgot
I talked with the new Iris person for a bit and!! They did not seem to recognise any words related to persona stuff (Don't worry! I played it all off as roleplay terms! It was done very well and secretively)ʕ^▽^ʔ
4:45 PM
So I think they're safe to rule out for now as a user, maybe! Unless they're also being secretive.
Yeah, Haru seems to like him, so I'm not gonna jump on him just yet
The... Moon? Oh yeah, you don't really like the moon that much... He doesn't either
Yu says to bring us together. I dunno why, but that's what he says.
He also says he doesn't think it's... Malicious in itself. But that doesn't mean bad people aren't in it
That one was also connected to the minds of like, everyone, and influenced who appeared.
And it was related to how you could enter the other world! Those were the main two things, right?
4:57 PM
...Could that be how it's choosing who appears on here as users?
4:58 PM
Wait, but then how would it have started that doesn't make sense
If there was no one here first to think of others to add...
Ah, i cant even remember who mentioned it now but yeah.
I dont think ive met this Mochi person but im glad they seem nice. And hopefully this other tatsuya is okay too....
I am not sure if it goes with some of the other strangeness...
This is something that happened in the late 90s. A horrible event. However little to no one remembers it. The event was erased from time along with another. But if it is to be remembered then the world will return to how it was. It will snap back to the old timeline and the world will be doomed.
It is. A deity from the collective unconscious was pulling the strings. I dont think they do...? Well... maybe depending on what my brother and friend tells them. Theres probably info on the other incident, at least.
I dont know... him being in this chatroom at all is concerning. He's too smart to continue falling for the roleplay thing long. Im... im not sure what can be done to keep him from remembering.
Basically... or at least its the start of it leading to the end if more people remember.
I had not gotten the chance to tell him yet. So far ive just told you.
Whatd you do?
It is very concerning... I'm not sure what to do though. If he were to see me in person I believe itd make it worse so i cant go check on him.
Yeah, ahah... it's such a mess.
Maybe... gotta be careful who we tell though. If theres anyone malicious in the chat they may try to trigger his memories on purpose.
Yosuke you can tell or have him ask me about it. Maybe just us three for now? Unless you guys think someone else should know...
My brother and another person working with the shadow ops also have some knowledge of it but they dont have this app yet.
Good, good. I apologize for burdening you with this but my gut feeling said you could be trusted.
True... people involved in the second incident know about it so maybe more in that group have info too.
Yes, true.
The deity i mentioned before tried to make the world end again in the new timeline but was stopped so theres users around from that incident.
ʕ`´ ʔ and birds poop on statues, doggies break everything, cats are cats and owls eat mice! Whole!! and real life bears can kill Yosuke!!! They can killll peopleee
3:39 PM
If you'd be a deer it's because people see them and go ʕ ´∀`ʔ when they pass by !! And kids all love them!
Well it's not really a good permanent solution and I can't even say if it'd actually work but
4:23 PM
Everyone has their personal shadows, right? But stuff like the TV world, and other pocket shadow worlds... with the , deities, and whatnot. Those aren't connected to any one person usually I think! I think? So if this is the app, and it is related to shadows...
If things ever get really bad, to a point where you feel like it's not safe for you anymore! Temporarily going... elsewhere, might not be a bad idea. I don't know how long the radius of the app is? And if Igor is the creator of the app but not the shadow world they might not even be entirely attached so who knows if the radius of the world is the same as that of the app- but I don't think any regular one shadow, even a deity one, could make a pocket dimension that spans across the entire world!
So maybe going on vacation somewhere sometime could help, even if just for a bit...
4:23 PM
...Does that make sense? I don't know if that makes sense
4:24 PM
Ehe, whenever I think too hard about this stuff I don't even know what I'm saying anymore the moment I stop talking.
No one will be better off for it if you crash here... So if you need to recharge for a bit! Just , remember that that might be an option. There's more people here who can keep things going in the meanwhile!ʕ •̀ᴗ•́ ʔو ̑̑
The area of the shadow world attached to the app might not be the same as the area the app works in- I kind of doubt it, honestly. I don't think I've ever heard of that before, at least?
4:30 PM
Heard? Remember? Who knows what word to use there.
Oh!! Hmm, that's a good point. I haven't had any issues myself. I don't smell anything off either! I should see if it smells different when I'm in Tokyo...
Of course!! ʕ^▽^ʔ I hope it will be okay here then... If we can figure out the radius that'd help a lot! Both for those affected and for knowing I don't need to worry about putting Hikaru in dangerʕ; – – ʔ
4:34 PM
You get some rest Yosuke-nii! I'll make sure there'll be plenty of food too for when you wake upᕦʕ •ᴥ•ʔᕤ
To be a little blunt about it. What are your current plans for the future because if you're already passing out this doesn't seem like a very good long term situation ʕ´`ʔ
I... I dunno, man...
I can't just... Let this affect my life like this?
I can't stop working, I'm finally in my field of choice and Haru helped me get this job...
And this apartment means so much to Yu and I, it took us so long to get
Well, yeah, but do you have a choice in how it affects you if it's doing physical harm?...
There's a lot of public transport going in and out of the city, right? Wouldn't it be better to see if you could both at least temporarily find a place outside it to spend the night until we figure things out some more about what we can do? I know it's not always that easy, but...
6:50 PM
It's not like you're going to be safe to work if you pass out in the middle of it!...
Mm... I'm sure the others would be willing to pitch in to help find some solution!! Some place outside but near a station so you can still go to your job during the day!!ʕ`O ´ ʔ
You kinda are!
I guess I could ask if there's some transportation I can get from the SO or something... Maybe there's a safe house? I'm sure there's something...(edited)
7:00 PM
I just
7:00 PM
Hate being a burden lol
7:00 PM
And now I have to go apologize to Akira for flirting too hard ig
You're not a burden! We care about you!!
And if you want me to be harsh then ʕ`´ ʔ sometimes it's important to 'be a burden' and lean on people a little! Because if you don't you'll crash and it'll be way harder on you and them rather then if you let them help you!!!
.... ʕ´`ʔ I just want you to be safe.
7:03 PM
.......No idea about situation with mister Akira though.... ʕ´`;ʔ Good luck?...
Yosuke-nii, you're happy there, right? Like overall speaking?
I think you're a little busy right now so don't worry about answering this with any hasteʕ ´ᴗ`;ʔ
oh, and we’re trying to organise a meet up with persona users who want to come to discuss a bunch of stuff about the app and , everything in Tokyo. Let me or Naoya-san know if you can and want to come
Same for the others you’re staying with
ʕ ´ `ʔ It’s kind of meant as a PSA as well, I think... But if you’d rather stay there! uhm
well maybe you know the PSA already. I don’t know if you talked with Naoya-san
When I'm in Tokyo I kinda see it? Like in the mirror and stuff
I dunno if it's because I'm aware of it this time or what but
Omg this makes me sound crazy...
Naoya-san was pulled into the shadow world without warning trough the app the other day
and if there’s even a chance your shadow could show up in the Tokyo shadow world
8:16 PM
I
8:17 PM
do not want you to get pulled in alone with your shadow without a clear way of exit
Yeah, but I don't know when I'm gonna get it back...
Plus, imagine the scenario: we meet up and decide to go in. How am I gonna tell everyone to their face "I can't?"(edited)
I trust you to know to not start getting mad with it if you do, but ʕ ´ `;ʔ I did that too at the time so. ehe... better safe then sorry?
It wouldn’t be good to go alone! Is what I mean!! But who would you be comfortable with coming along?...
Mm... I understand that...
You know I’ll always be there, right? Even if you’d prefer a team with others to go in! I’ll support you in any way I can
Besides, at the end of the day, a shadow is just one part of you blown into it’s own being- It’s always going to make everything sound as harsh as possible. We know that ahead of time now! So... maybe that’d help too, right?
It’s a shadow! It’s gonna make it sound selfish! ʕ`´ ʔ
But we know that! Even if says mean stuff, its just one part!!! Blown way out of proportion! To get the message across, I guess
We’re not going to be mad at you! ʕ´ ᴗ`ʔ
8:35 PM
No one was mad at eachother back in the day either!! Right?
Please do! And let me know with who you’d want to do this when you’ve thought about it?... Even if it’s not me!! ʕ `ヘ´ ʔ I’ll have to make sure they’ll keep you safe!
8:46 PM
uhmm! hm
8:47 PM
Nothing in specific, I think! Just... going trough the motions
Oh! and uhm, Naoya-san knows I’m, a shadow now
he was nice about it though! He said he’ll help me look into things to fight the moon once this shadow world app mess is over!
Huh? Ofc I am lol. I've told you before that Yu and I spent ages trying to get this place, why would I leave???
I guess if I were to get a serious gf or
Bf
Or something I'd move out, but none of my relationships have lasted that long so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
2:43 PM
Is it because I've been staying with Akira lately?
As for the first part... if Sensei was crying every night!! Would you want him to go away? ʕ´ `ʔ If he suddenly left, wouldn't you be more worried?...
But... if he's making things worse...
Well, you just said it yourself, right? 'whatever or whoever is causing it found out and punished me for it'
4:26 PM
So maybe someone or something is making you a target? ... I was wondering if it'd have to do with you losing your persona, but... I don't know much about the other people suffering from nightmares so I don't know if that checks out
Yeah, I'm assuming I'm being toyed with, especially since they got bad when I said I was better in the chat...
But I dunno what would make me a target? Like
The why
I'm just normal. My persona isn't the strongest either. Why not go after someone like Yu instead?
4:27 PM
I guess Akira is suffering too...
4:28 PM
I don't know
All I know is that wild cards help those around them
I didn't understand anything!! And it's already always hard to read people but i thought i got better at it over time but now i still dont know if he likes me or he doesnt care of if hes making fun of me and now he wants to date you!!! And I dont know anything about him!!
8:00 PM
and most of the time when its super unclear its never for good reasons!!!!!!!!!!!
honestly thats literally how he is
i thought he hated me for the longest time until oracle told me he caught feelings
hes just really hard to read, especially over text
10:37 PM
have you met him in person? its... mostly different
mostly different isnt reassuring!... then youll say something and theyll be upset but you wont know why and you can maybe kind of guess but they wont talk to you about it because 'you should know already' because its 'common sense' and so its like you know you deserve that theyre mad at you btu you still dont know why because common sense is stupid and i dont know what that means and so you apologise but you still dont really know what youre apologising for and then you just try to talk around whatever you thought the issue was but then youll still say something bad and theyll be mad again and youll still dont know why but you know theyre right but you dont know what to do about it and then you just stop talking to them because you dont want to hurt them and then you cry alone at home
First off wanting you here just so I don't have to worry about you collapsing in the middle of the street because that'd make me sad technically counts too!
But also
Once you've rested up a bit you could be an actual help around the house too!! And I love Karu-chan super duper much but doing it all on my own is uhm. Hard sometimes!! I have to take them pretty much everywhere... Even just being able to go grocery shopping on my own knowing someone else is at home to be with them for a bit would be really nice!
And... I'm still just winging a lot of stuff for them too. I'm doing my best! But sometimes having a second opinion from someone else would be nice... And you're good with kids!! So perfect on that front!!
plus it'd be kind of nice on the finances if I didn't have to worry about daycare costs ʕ´ `ʔ And actually probably allow me to work a bit more since I don't like leaving them there if you're not there! But if you're here I could go out a bit more
Also it, get's lonely sometimes, you know? Having Karu-chan around is really nice ʕ ´ᴗ`ʔ But sometimes I miss someone just.. there! To talk with about stuff that's not fun for toddlers.
...I miss living with you
I gotcha... Lol
You're too good to me Ted
Especially after everything(edited)
11:21 AM
But thanks... I think it might be a good idea.
I'm really torn tho...
11:22 AM
Yu might be leaving overseas for a bit for work so I'll be alone in the house for God knows how long, but I'd have to bring Taiyou and I dunno if Hikaru can deal with a cat
Or if she can deal with a baby
And... Then there's the Akira situation
Oh... hm
Maybe we could ask the others if someone could house her for a bit?... I get that that's not ideal but if you do get too exhausted to function and you'll be alone that sounds like it could end in a worse situation for the both of you... What if you do fall down the stairs because of tiredness and hit your head and pass out? No one would be able to help you and Taiyou wouldn't have anyone to feed her either! And I know you're gonna say that won't happen but you also said you almost dropped babies before so what would stop it!
and for mister Akira... oh! We talked!! I don't know if I told you that already
˝୧ʕ๑ ⁼̴̀ᐜ⁼̴́๑ʔ૭ We're friends now
If you want to stay with him, I get that!! But I think he'd understand it too if you explained to him. The nightmares have been affecting you really bad right? He knows that too!! And they just... don't happen outside of Tokyo. I'm sure he'd want you to be safe too...
But if he helps and you'd rather stay there ʕ – 3 – ʔ Keep me updated on if you two smooch
I know he wants me around. I've seen it when I've back read. I just... Feel like I'm using him. Like I'm using you.
They're just nightmares. They are so real I'm struggling to tell if something happened for real or not. It's starting to affect my memory really bad...
But
That's all they are. I just have to remember that between the time I sleep and the time I wake it's not real
......... But
God, does it hurt. I miss regular nightmares where nothing makes sense and they're just stressful, but these are like... Realistic. Like it's ACTUALLY happening.
And I know Akira has been struggling too. That's why I invited him and his partners to Inaba...
Just
I don't wanna use him
Yosuke-nii... even if they're 'just' nightmares, they're affected your mental health. And now they're affecting your physical health too.
Mister Akira likes you and wants you around , and it's the same for me!
well different type of like but the point stands
You're not using us! I want you safe! It hurts way more seeing you sad from a distance and not letting anyone help! If he really does like you, I'm sure it'd be the same for him.
11:37 AM
ʕ ´`ʔ Back when we did live together!! If I had nightmares and crawled into bed with you!! Did you see that as me using you?
11:37 AM
No, right?...
11:37 AM
It's just like that! But on a bigger scale. But the ideas the same!!!
Sure, I HAVE been used by people before, but the ones that I love are...
They're important. It's fine to take care of others... I just... I don't know
Maybe I have too much pride
Oh yeah, is that why you're a bundle of feelings lol?
Mm... I get that
I don't think it's a shame to not be able to singlehandedly defeat a shadow problem thats large enough to be troughout all of Tokyo and affecting who knows how many people !
Yeah !! You should!!!!
And if you need a moment to figure out what you want to do with mister Akira! Sensei is still there for now, right? Even if it's just for a day or two or however long you want!!! You're always welcome here. It's easier to make decisions when you're rested up! It makes talking to people easier too.
11:59 AM
ʕ – O – ʔ I'll get on you for that once you're feeling a bit better.
I think tho a lot of the reason Yu is taking this trip is because being near me makes my nightmares worse...
Even if we sleep in separate rooms, the apartment is impossible to sleep in when he's home
12:01 PM
I dunno, that's the feeling I get
12:02 PM
I guess for now I should go to Akira's to at least rest up for the Inaba trip
Ehh? Well talk to him!! ˓⁽͑ʺˀ́˙̻ˁ̀ʺ⁾̉ʾʾ If you can stay with me or Akira, Sensei can stay home and Taiyou would be okay too, right? If you can explain that wouldn't that make him feel better too? ʕ´ `ʔ Knowing we have at least a temporary solution?
ʕ´ ᴗ`;ʔ Yeah, huh? I suppose that's just the way it goes!
Hmmm
ʕ‘▽^人ʔ I'm always partial to honey~
That's half a joke, hehe. Others!!... Hmmm. Chocolate is always tasty! Caramel... Vanilla... Now I'm making myself hungry.
Awh!! You're too kindʕ ∩˃o˂∩ʔ♡
I made the mistake of telling them about the trip yesterday already, they haven't calmed down since ʕ ´ᴗ`ʔ They get so excited meeting people (especially when snacks got mentioned ʕ – 0 – ʔ)
1:18 PM
Mm.. yeah. Me too. I'm glad he'll be out of Tokyo for a while at least... Hopefully that helps calm things down
1:19 PM
Oh!! ʕ ´∀`ʔ♡ No problem! Ehe, I'm glad I got to talk with him!
hehe, it feels silly saying I need a break, when I've at least been unaffected by all the nightmares and stuff... But having some other people there to keep an eye on Karu-chan from time to time would be nice ʕ ´ᴗ`ʔ♡
It's not your fault!! That's like saying someone who got stabbed is at fault for getting stabbed. I think we should be blaming the stabber here
4:03 PM
....Whoever or whatever that is
4:04 PM
And I'm sorry for overreacting about Karu-chan, ehe ʕ´ ᴗ`;ʔ
There's a lot of things I'm scared about, I suppose! I don't want to lose your support there
youre not overreacting. having a baby wander off is super scary, let alone a shadow one
im kinda in a crossroads if i should go back to tokyo or not
i know haru was nice enough to get me this job, but no one seems to think i should be working it to begin with...
and if i go back... the nightmares will eventually come back and be so much worse
im already having nightmares and im still in inaba. theyre normal ones tho
Mm... Thank you
Well... I think you fit the job well! ʕ ´ᴗ`ʔ♡
But I also don't think going back right now would be smart.... Kids take a lot of energy!!! If you're having to take care of them when you're exhausted and in a bad mood because of that... .
4:10 PM
Who says you shouldn't be working it though! ʕ`´ ʔ
oh, uh... its more that the general opinion is that i should focus my career on music
i remember yu and i having a little fight about it. he thought i was wasting my potential and stuff...
ofc he wants to support me, but... he wants me to be happy too
its just starting to weigh on me more now that im not working
4:14 PM
maybe i should take the plunge? its highly competitive, but i would love it...
Well! Now would be the best time to try it out, right?
While we're still figuring stuff out in Tokyo! It's not like working there right now would be smart
But things change! And time goes on
So might as well make the most of the chances we have! And right now would be a good chance to try something different if you'd like, I think ʕ ´ᴗ`ʔ
4:18 PM
Mhm!!
4:18 PM
I'm trying, hehe~
4:19 PM
For everything that's gone wrong over time, Karu-chan has felt like a little miracle ʕ ´∀`ʔ♡
So I can't complain, ehe
He asked me to make some spare glasses
I don't know if they'll do much at all since they're made for the TV world... but we decided it'd be better to have them just in case
So! Gotta get to crafting
4:34 PM
Hehe, it's okay! It's not like I'm doing that much myself
In an ideal world I think I'd like to be able to forget about personas and shadows and everything all togetherʕ ´ᴗ`ʔ
But ! That's, not very possible for a lot of reasons
so this will do.
I think we're talking on very different levels here, nii
7:59 PM
ʕ ´ᴗ`ʔ But there's not a lot to do about it
7:59 PM
At the start I just wanted a 'normal' life because I thought being a shadow was bad because it'd make me unlikeable!
But that's really the least of the problems there, haha!
8:00 PM
I'm glad I exist, and I'm glad for the things I've been able to help with
I just don't like thinking about what it means now and what it'll mean in the long term
Karu-chan being here now complicates it even further too... Not that that's their fault! It's all just a mess
Most shadows don't die. Either they're connected directly to someone- which I don't think I am, unless they've been kept alive in comatose for years. Or they're just... existing. They can be defeated, but they don't dissappear. They'll reform eventually.
If I did die, what would that mean? I don't want to be reformed into something that isn't me anymore. I don't want to hurt people
And can Karu-chan die? Can they age? You asked that yourself, right?
In case I won't die naturally, I always kind of pushed it away with the thought that the Shadow Operatives could do something to make sure I wouldn't be immortal and wouldn't reform into a problem. Or whatever. But now I have Karu-chan too! So if they would stick around, is that even an option? Am I just going to leave them?
8:21 PM
And that's all assuming we're going to make it that far in the first place ʕ ´ᴗ`ʔ
8:21 PM
I don't know what allowed me to be me
8:22 PM
Or Karu-chan to be Karu-chan!
8:22 PM
And I don't know what's stopping it from breaking.
8:23 PM
What if I turned back into a regular shadow tomorrow? Could you kill me? Would I be a danger? If I got hit by a bus tomorrow and 'died', would I come back as a problem to you all?
What if it happens to them? What do I do then?
8:24 PM
That's all assuming it'd be sudden. What if it isn't? I don't want to watch me lose myself. I don't want that for Karu-chan either. But what if it happens? What if I have to watch them lose their personality? What if they have to watch me lose mine?
8:25 PM
I asked Naoya-san to keep open one of their shadow escape proof cells in case I ever think I'm going downhill
8:25 PM
but theres nothing fun about ordering a prison for yourself to die in in case of
I know that! But its not like nothing is going to happen! im going to have to deal with it one day! even if i die normally of natural causes i dont want to turn back into something other then me!
ehe, i hate thinking about all of thisʕ ´ᴗ`ʔ
but ignoring it is how you get shadows so then best you can do sometimes is push it off to only worry about it at night
which doesnt make for the best night rest but i still have my persona so i guess results are results!
8:39 PM
sorry for going on a rant.
8:39 PM
but
8:39 PM
if you ever do notice
8:39 PM
...uh
8:39 PM
me acting, not like me, i guess
8:40 PM
please promise me you'll call the Shadow Operatives if you need to
mm.. thats what i like to think at least! aha
even if it feels a little mean to karu-chan now.
8:51 PM
Thank you.
8:51 PM
i know that's not really a fair request to make
i just don't want anything to happen
8:51 PM
especially with them now. big shadows tend to influence smaller ones, and the last thing i want to be responsible for is breaking them down with me if it ever gets to that
I don't know. i think id at least be made up out of a couple of different merged shadows - im obviously not from a single person at least. or i dont think thatd be possible...
9:02 PM
but a big one?...
9:02 PM
aha
9:03 PM
well! lets hope not!
9:03 PM
that certainly would not make me feel better about what will happen to whats left of me after the teddie part of me is gone!
Naoya had made arrangements for little Hikaru and Ted to meet him at one of Nanjo corps biiig office buildings. Under which was a shadow ops facility with labs and medical and ect, all the high tech stuff.
When they got there he'd meet the two with a friendly grin.
"Heya, guys! Glad you two could make it. I hope the trip here went well?"
@Ribbon
Staring up at the enormous building before him, Teddie admittedly felt a little intimidated. Knowing what was in there… Well, he was glad they’d be accompanied by Naoya. A huge shadow lab was the last place he’d ever want to go on his own.
Thankfully, Hikaru seemed to share none of her worries. Teddie had been worried they’d remember the lab setting once inside, so they’d gotten a Cool Swirly Lollipop as a distraction. As of now, it was working wonders. Still no sign that Tokyo was making them feel weird. Good!
“Naoya-san! Hellooo!~ We’ve been fine!“ Waving exaggeratedly, she gently pulled Hikaru along over to him. Teddie had explained beforehand they’d be meeting someone, but… he had no clue if they’d remember Naoya or not.
But Hikaru showed no real sign of recognition- or at least, not that Teddie could pick up on. They were never a shy kid, and they certainly weren’t now. Mimicking him, they stuck their lollipop-holding hand up, and let out a “Hellooooo!“
“D’ya remember how the trip went, Honeybear?“
That they did. “Rode a TRAIN!“ It left a big impression. Trains were decidedly cool.
Naoya couldn't help but smile in delight at the kiddo's excitement. It's been a while since he'd last seen them and man they've grown! It was great to see.
"The train, huh? That's awesome!" He nods. "We gotta ride an elevator next, but that might not be as cool." He gives a light chuckle and pats the lil fella on the head. "I'm Naoya, by the way." In case Hikaru didn't recall... which probably they didn't.
Then looks over to Ted, "Are you ready? I know this might be a bit nerve wracking." Not that he would let anything bad happen. Not ever! But just being here might be uncomfy for her, he realizes. At least Karu seemed chill so far.
Wide eyes staring up at Naoya as he patted them, Hikaru seemed to think about what he said for a moment. Maybe because somewhere some memories sparked, maybe because they were thinking about the concept of an elevator. Either way, after a while, they nodded and smiled. “I’m Hikaru! Naoya-sa..“ After trailing off, they gave a quick glance over to Teddie for approval. After they gaining the nod they’d been looking for, their smile grew a little brighter. “Naoya-san!“
With Hikaru continuing to mumble to themself about the elevator ride in between eating their candy, Teddie let out a nervous laugh. “A little, yeah! Thanks for uh- thanks for doing this for us.“
He was eternally thankful Naoya had been nothing but relaxed and kind about the whole shadow situation. Truthfully, having someone with some knowledge on shadows in the know was very reassuring. It remained one of those topics that yes, she COULD talk to her friends about, but…. Well- there was only so much they could say, and usually it didn’t really do much of anything other then worry them.
Having Naoya’s insight on stuff already meant a lot, getting to use actual equipment for maybe some clarity was fantastic. As much as the lab wasn’t a comforting thought in some (many) ways, it held a lot of potential reassurances in others.
“Do I need to worry about any stray dog attacks on the way down, or?“ The grin accompanying the question made it clear it wasn’t really a serious one- Teddie was doing his be(ar)st to break the tension, even if he was the only one really feeling it.
“There’s doggies?!“ Ah. Oops.
“Oh- uhm, no, Honeybear. Probably not. ...Sorry about that."
Gosh. They're adorable! he couldn't help but think as the kiddo gave that lil introduction.
"Of course. Anything for you guys!" He smiles and pats her shoulder. Naoya didn't really care if someone was human or not. What matters is whats on the inside and they're both awesome people! Great friends!
"Snrk-" annd the dog thing makes him snort, stifling a laugh on the way down. "Well there is one maybe you can meet him." He means Argos who certainly looks doggish!
Once they're allll the way down he'll lead them into a room, not dissimilar to the one Yosuke had been in for that disastrous sleep study... but without the actual fancy machine it's more like a regular hospital exam room with seats and a bed and typical tools for checking over health.
"Alrighty, Hikaru, can you sit up here for me?" He pats the bed. He'll be doing this exam himself although he may bring in a helping hand... but he'll check with Teddie first.
"Would you be alright with it if I brought in one of our other doctors to help out? Or do you prefer just me?"
“Doggy!!“
“H-hey, Karu-chan!— We’ll- We’ll see about that later, okay? The doggy is probably still sleeping right now!“ Sending Naoya the most intense ’play along with me here’ look Teddie could muster she held onto Hikaru’s hand a little tighter. She trusted Naoya with a lot, but his definition of safety was… .questionable. He’d love an interview first on how well said doggy was trained, if they were used to kids, and if they weren’t equipped with any killer guns.
Hikaru seemed a little disappointed, but sacrifices had to be made. At least they wouldn’t think about it for long- looks like they reached their destination. The room looked… fairly normal, if not a bit clinical. That was a good sign! Teddie had half been expecting like, a secret murder laser down here, or something similar.
Hikaru for their part had gotten quiet at reaching the room. The bright artificial shining down felt too harsh, the colors of the room too white. Tightening their hold on mama’s hand they cautiously followed further into the room. They gave their candy back to mama, who’d already expected them to not finish the full thing, and took out a wrapper to put it away.
After that, they clambered onto the bed (they did it themselves! Mama wasn’t allowed to help. He did have to hold their hand again after, though) and sat down, slightly swinging their legs around as they looked around.
5:27 PM
Teddie was keeping a close eye on them. They usually liked to talk, so not answering back to Naoya was a little off- but in all fairness, a lot of children were scared of the doctor. Did this count as?- Well, he’d count it. Besides, they weren’t overly upset- if they were, they’d make that very clear. Meaning they’d probably be back to their normal soon, as long as everything went normally. Good!
After giving them a grin and a noseboop he’d at least successfully gotten a careful laugh back out of them.
“Oh?- Uhm—“ Naoya’s question snapped Teddie’s attention back to him. “I m- I mean? Aren’t you… I mean.“ What was a subtle way of putting this?
“I don’t really…. want to get arrested here? Wouldn’t- I assume people would have questions about how I, uhm, obtained a shadow?“ Did anyone else here even know about them? She wasn’t quite sure if she trusted like that.
He'll watch the kiddo get comfy, taking note of the silence. It wasn't strange to be a bit freaked out at a doctor's visit though. He screamed during them as a kid. Eheh.
"Arrested? You don't gotta worry about that. I'm a second in command, at least in the branch of the ops that I'm from. So you're safe with me!" He points a thumb to his chest and smiles. The only one above him is Kei and Kei is one of his best friends. Perks of being some of the 'original' members. At least, of the branch he's in. The rank doesn't entirely carry over... but Kei's does so he can always threaten to call mister Nanjo head of the massive corp.
@Ribbon(edited)
Frowning, Teddie had to think about it for a bit. Even if that was true… She just worried about Hikaru being seen as an anomaly to study- or worse, a potential threat to be dealt with. How willing was everyone in the Shadow Operatives to just believe and be cool with the story of ‘look at this shadow child we found, they’re cool and normal’?
But on the other hand, he was here to get some actual answers- also directly related to their safety and wellbeing- And if having someone else on board helped with that….
After a long pause, he bit his lip and gave a slight shrug. “If it’d help. But- But only one. And only if it’s necessary.”
Tightening his grip on Hikaru’s hand a bit, he stared at a random point in the room. Don’t overthink this too much. As long as they were okay, he’d be fine too. Plus, Naoya was doing his best to keep the tension low- she shouldn’t get too panicky. He knew what he was doing! Probably. Maybe.