seta souji (
socials) wrote in
thenearshore2016-07-21 02:30 am
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Who: Souji and Reiji
What: There was a hiccup in Heaven, and Reiji finds himself under new management.
When: April 6th
Where: Izanagi's shrine
Warning: Reference to shinki death but otherwise N/A.
[ Generally speaking, Souji has seen some pretty interesting things, in the past year. So this entire god thing, it's not that strange, compared to summoning gods and fighting others; exploring an alternate world inside the TV; fighting monsters called Shadows, and inner selves called Shadows; spending time in a different plain of reality that was housed in a limousine. But... it's still strange. So after having fought the weird Jell-O cube at the school, he'd gone to his apparent shrine to recover and try to figure out where he'd go from there.
It's the next morning that he gets yet another surprise, as he's heading downstairs from his room and into the kitchen. He can see one of the tatami rooms from the lounge area of the kitchen, and he has to pause, then take a step back to get a second look, when something catches his attention out of the corner of his eye.
Slowly, his eyebrows raise, and he heads towards the figure just sort of... lying around in his new house. Aside from a stray cat he'd brought across the Shore with him and his soulless shinki - who he hasn't seen yet this morning, strangely enough - Souji thought he was rather alone. His eyebrows raise higher when he gets a look at who it is, and he kneels down, carefully reaching a hand out. Before he makes contact, though, he's suddenly struck with an image, and an understanding - yelling, a gunshot, blood.
Death. Reiji's, he realizes.
His fingers curl into a fist, and he has to steel himself for a beat, two, before he loosens it so that he can reach out and touch his shoulder. ]
Reiji?
What: There was a hiccup in Heaven, and Reiji finds himself under new management.
When: April 6th
Where: Izanagi's shrine
Warning: Reference to shinki death but otherwise N/A.
[ Generally speaking, Souji has seen some pretty interesting things, in the past year. So this entire god thing, it's not that strange, compared to summoning gods and fighting others; exploring an alternate world inside the TV; fighting monsters called Shadows, and inner selves called Shadows; spending time in a different plain of reality that was housed in a limousine. But... it's still strange. So after having fought the weird Jell-O cube at the school, he'd gone to his apparent shrine to recover and try to figure out where he'd go from there.
It's the next morning that he gets yet another surprise, as he's heading downstairs from his room and into the kitchen. He can see one of the tatami rooms from the lounge area of the kitchen, and he has to pause, then take a step back to get a second look, when something catches his attention out of the corner of his eye.
Slowly, his eyebrows raise, and he heads towards the figure just sort of... lying around in his new house. Aside from a stray cat he'd brought across the Shore with him and his soulless shinki - who he hasn't seen yet this morning, strangely enough - Souji thought he was rather alone. His eyebrows raise higher when he gets a look at who it is, and he kneels down, carefully reaching a hand out. Before he makes contact, though, he's suddenly struck with an image, and an understanding - yelling, a gunshot, blood.
Death. Reiji's, he realizes.
His fingers curl into a fist, and he has to steel himself for a beat, two, before he loosens it so that he can reach out and touch his shoulder. ]
Reiji?
no subject
"I won't let you hurt them!'
The gunshot rings out. His vision flickers, the world around him dissolves, but his resolve does not.
And then the vision ends. When Souji touches him, Reiji stirs. ]
...?
[ There's three seconds of silence as he looks up without moving, violet eyes darting around Souji's temple. ]
Hello, Souji-san. I feel like I'm supposed to explain myself at this point, but I'm not sure if I can.
[ He sits up, careful to not take up too much of Souji's personal space. This is probably another one of those supernatural things, he would expect. After all, teleportation isn't scientifically possible. ]
I'm quite sure I was someplace else before this. Sorry for the hassle.
[ What is... going on....? ]
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(A lot, really. Losing people is a powerful fear when you find yourself in life or death situations.)
But he pushes those thoughts aside for now, because Reiji - Reiji doesn't know. He doesn't remember. Souji knows that's how shinki work.
He smiles apologetically at him, leaning back as he sits up, settling into seiza as he lets him sort of just... get a look at the tatami room around them, and the shrine-house beyond the doorway. ] No apologies necessary, especially since I probably have an explanation for the situation?
How do you feel about breakfast, though?
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If he remembered, he would have agreed that perhaps it was foolish to go up against a gunman with only a sword that he had no familiarity with using. But he would do it again, even if all he could do was buy a few more seconds for the others to escape. After all, a star shines brightest when it dies.
Of course, he doesn't remember any of that. Maybe it's better this way. ]
Well... [ Breakfast?? It is morning, but it seems a bit sudden...? ] Only if you let me help you make it.
[ He's assuming Souji didn't leave him lying here for like hours while he did other things. ]
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But bad things always do happen to good people.
Smile more reassuring, now, he shrugs his shoulders with a small laugh. ]
I don't have any problems with that. [ He moves to get to his feet, offering him a hand up once he's standing. Something more light-hearted like making breakfast... he kind of needs it, after that revelation. ] It just seems like it might be a good idea to get you off the floor. I'm not sure how long you've been here, honestly, and we don't have any way of telling.
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Thanks. Well, if this counts - I left the school with everyone else after the jelly cube was defeated. I think I went back to the Far Shore, but that's it. Then I woke up here.
[ Pause. He looks more serious than the last time they talked at the cafeteria, but he seems to be taking all of this rather well. ]
You have a really nice place, by the way.
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This is far more important. He's definitely concerned about the means Heaven's used to give Reiji his assignment. A trip to talk to someone about it is probably in order, at some point. Right now, though - at least they're both composed and in a safe location. ]
Thanks - it's not what I expected when I was told I had a shrine, but I won't complain. I can show you around later. For now... [ He gestures, before moving to lead the way into the open kitchen. ] Did you have a god partner, beforehand?
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[ It's been A Day and he still doesn't know sufficient. ]
I'm not sure. I came to this world alone. I was told that I should know who my partner is, but I haven't found anyone who's given me that sort of vibe. I would assume I'm unpaired.
[ He enters the kitchen after Souji, tapping one finger on his chin while he thinks. ]
Do you stay here alone?
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Luckily. The different, ah, shores, are rather interesting to consider. It's strange to think I can walk out the front door and wind up over on a different plain of existence. [ ok souji you walked through a glowing blue door only you could see and hung out in the limo on the other side, you can't talk.
He stands aside to assess what's in the fridge, regarding it before he turns to look at Reiji. If he's here, and unpaired... ]
There's a cat somewhere, but I'm not sure where she went. The shinki that Heaven assigned me, temporarily, was here last night but I haven't seen him since I got up. [ Souji gestures between the two of them with his free hand. ] Which is why I think they might have assigned you to me, if you woke up here and he's not around now.
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We'd get used to it eventually. I wonder how exactly they are able to make this sort of portal. [ Magic, obviously - but that's not an answer that will satisfy his curiosity.
When Souji mentions that they might be paired together, he doesn't reply immediately. There's a flicker of something analytical in his eyes while he thinks - they've only just met, and a gut feeling tells him that he shouldn't really be rushing into things so hastily. But Souji seems like a calm person, more than anything else. And it's not like he has anything else to fall back upon.
He'll put his faith into it this time. So he smiles. ]
I'll do my best.
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Well, it's some form of magic. But it's obviously specialized, because it's linked to certain locations. There very well could be someone here who could explain it, given the fact that this is a different world and there's people from all kinds of places that have been brought in.
[ As he finishes getting things out, putting them out on the counter, he turns to face Reiji properly. Multitasking the conversation and this is perfectly fine, and it was his intention to make sure that it was treated like it was normal, in case Reiji might have reacted in a different way than this calm route he's taken. But since he's placid throughout it, he confronts it with a smile of reassurance. ]
These assignments are meant to be partnerships, and teamwork in some cases. So if at any point you feel like I'm not doing a good job, please tell me. And if you'd like to ask for a different god to work with, I promise I'll find a way to make that seamless for you.
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[ He doesn't say much, but his intention to investigate should be apparent. Of course, that's not the priority right now, so he leaves it at that. ]
Thank you. And likewise for my side. If there's anything I can improve on, just let me know.
[ It feels like his intuition has been proven right. Souji is someone he can work with, if he keeps his word - which Reiji believes that he will. ]
I'm sure we don't have to keep it formal, though? Let's be friends too.
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Of course. I have to admit, I doubt we'll have many problems between the two of us.
[ They're both calm, and have opened communication already. Souji's sort of thankful that they were paired up.
He smiles easily, holding his hand out to shake, much like when they first met. ]
Partners and friends. I'd like that.
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[ He says this with a wink, giving Souji a firm handshake as with before. Despite his casual manner up till now, there's strong conviction behind that motion. ]
Well, that's decided! Yoroshiku ne, Souji. [ First names already - that's how he rolls. ] Do you mind introducing yourself a bit more? I'd start first, but I don't think there's more I can say apart from what I've already told you.
[ You know, since he... doesn't remember anything.
When Souji starts working on making breakfast, he'll help out while they continue their conversation. ]
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Yoroshiku ne. [ Said sincerely, since the double meaning is there. ]
Of course - I'm not really sure where I'd start, but I don't have any problems with that. An optimistic part of me would like to think it could jog a memory or two.
[ He's an efficient worker, at least, and it's easy to fall into a rhythm with another person there to work with. ]
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Well... you could tell me what you like. Hobbies, favourite food, animals, colours, stuff like that.
[ It's quite easy, and he isn't really sure if he should be asking about Souji's past just right now. It seemed too heavy a topic to touch just on a second meeting. Better to stick to more casual, useful information - he wouldn't want to upset the other, and it'd be easier to bond if they did something that both of them were interested in. ]
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But Souji focuses on the question, humming a thoughtful, soft noise at the back of his throat. He chops as he thinks, quick and efficient before he swipes the dice to the side neatly, one thing at a time with an easy method that he follows. ]
Well, I have a lot of hobbies, so I'll save that. Food... I like cooking for others more than myself, but my little cousin and I used to make omurice for breakfast and doing that gave the food a special memory. So I'd say I like that the most. [ Which is probably why he defaulted to ingredients that could make it, but regardless. ] My top three favorite animals are housecats, dogs, and foxes, which I've had a lot of contact with. And I like calmer colors, which could be just about anything in the longrun, I realize.
[ He crouches to get under the counter, to get a couple pans out. ]
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You're good. Food is important, I think. It makes people happy.
[ He supposes he should supply with some information of his own, but they're sparse compared to what's given to him. ]
I like tomatoes. And cats too. My favourite colour is purple or blue. That's all, I think... I'll find more things to say about myself eventually.
[ It's said rather thoughtfully. He seems to be taking this whole memory loss thing in stride. ]
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[ He regards Reiji thoughtfully with that answer, but he smiles regardless. He's doing well with his state as a shinki, which is a relief as much as it is unsurprising. He seems levelheaded, and his death...
Awful as it was, it also helped give him a good image of the kind of person that he is. ]
We won't know what you might remember, or find out about yourself. So I'm looking forward to finding them out with you.
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Do you mind if I play music here? Nothing too loud, of course. Just that I feel it could make this place better.
[ He should probably look into getting earphones for his phone, too. As well as a way to put more music on it. The radio is nice, but it doesn't replay things reliably. ]
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I think I'd like that, actually. We could probably find speakers to set up in the rooms, sort of like a surround sound system for a minka. It'd definitely liven it up a little more.
[ He's used to Nanako's TV shows. Yosuke's music. Rise's songs. Reiji's music certainly wouldn't be out of place. ]
Actually, I have a question for you, too.
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Sure. You can ask me anything.
[ He has a vague idea of what it probably would be, though. ]
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Since we're going to be partners now, I'm meant to give you a second name so that you can take a different form. For fighting ayakashi. And apparently some gods just go ahead and give their shinki the name without talking to them, but I wanted to know if you were okay with it. I want us to be able to communicate these kinds of things.
[ Souji gestures around the kitchen space. ] From music to prayers, you know? Anything that comes to mind for either of us.
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He can't say he's not excited. Souji bothering to ask also cements their partnership as, well, a partnership, and not an ownership. ]
By all means, go ahead. And - thanks.
[ With that, he waits. ]
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[ That settled - because it's important, to distinguish things, to distinguish that Reiji is still a person, not an object - Souji lowers his hand to his chin and considers him for a long moment. There are things he can glean from memories that he now has but Reiji doesn't, and from his personality. Their conversations.
He eventually lets out a soft sound. ]
I'm not fond of what we're meant to recite, but... [ He drops his hand. ] Grasping thy true name, I bind thee here. With borrowed name, I dub thee my servant. The name answers, the vessel to sound. I call thee as my divine instrument. The name, Suwa Reiji. The vessel, Ryou. Come, Ryouki.
SOCIAL LINK GOOOO
'After all, we're partners now.' Not servants, even if the scripted text says so.
For a brief moment there is silence before a soft golden light envelops his form - a curious but not uncomfortable sensation. A second later he knows he's no longer in human form, mind elsewhere from his body which has now turned into something else.
The light resolves itself into a decorated sword, floating in the air where Reiji had been. The hilt is positioned just at the correct height for Souji to grasp it - a substance with the sturdiness of metal and the clarity of golden glass, curving down to meet the blade in the form of four wings. The sword itself glows from within - a purple blade outlined faintly by gold.
Very anime. ]
Wow. This is quite cool, if I may say so myself.
[ glass sound effect ]
Souji does well to not lift his hand to shield his eyes from the light, and is rewarded by the... very ornate sword in front of him. He can't help the soft huff of a laugh as he reaches out, taking the hilt in his hand, natural as anything. Maybe he's self taught, but he at least knows how to hold a blade, has handled enough of them across a broad range of styles that this isn't too farfetched. ]
I think it suits you. [ Flashy, but capable, even with the decorations around the hilt. It's frankly a Lot to take in.
Definitely very anime. ] How does it feel?
the persona crew must need to clean up so many broken glass every day
At least, he hopes he does. Even if he doesn't, he'll work until it's achieved. ]
Kind of surreal. It's like I'm here but not really? Like some of those 'out of body phenomena', I'd suppose. But it's nice.
[ There might be a bit of sparkling coming out from the wings now. ]
I'll get used to it. I'm not really sure what I should be doing per se, though. Do you feel anything different?
considering all those friendships
He adjusts his grip, holding the sword two-handed now as he assesses it. A good weight, not too heavy but obviously not light enough so as to be weak. Well balanced. He doesn't swing it - him - right now, since they're smack in the middle of the kitchen. He has more sense than that. ]
You're sparkling a little. [ Amused. ] There's a sort of... draw, maybe? I'm a summoner, of sorts, so it feels a little like the connection I have with my Personae when I'm about to summon one of them.
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Though, Souji being a summoner might also clue in to his experience with this whole shinki business. Maybe there was a similar system back home. ]
I'd say draw it, but maybe outside?
[ He'll tone down the sparkling for now. ]
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Good plan. I like this kitchen, so I'd rather not take a chunk out of it somehow.
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Right, right. Let's go.
[ He doesn't say much until they're outside, instead taking the time to look around, so to speak. ]
I'm ready whenever you are.
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I wonder if you have some kind of power in your vessel form, and that's what I'm picking up on.
[ Bringing the sword around again, he holds it with his right hand, left supporting it under the decorative hilt. ]
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That should be it. I saw several other gods doing stuff with their shinki's vessel forms, too.
[ When Souji does access the draw, a golden rune circle will appear beneath his feet. Whether he'll actually finish the draw is up to him, however. ]
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Souji doesn't necessarily do anything beyond pulling on the thread he feels, until that rune appears. And then he considers it thoughtfully, before he takes Reiji's vessel and extends him out and upwards at a slight angle. So that if anything happens, it'll be aimed above the garden.
And then he twists his wrist, much like when he crushes the tarot cards he uses to summon his Personae, and thinks to release. ]
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And then there's a soft hum as the runes below him start to turn much like a wheel, and a connection opens. Souji would feel the impression of something dazzlingly bright against an impossibly dark backdrop - a star. Not in the sky, but in space; with uncountable other stars barely visible due to the four-pointed lens flare that its light might give. Probably a star in a galaxy, but somehow alone in the emptiness that its impression gives.
Energy starts pouring in from parts unknown, light and heat pooling along the blade and accentuating the golden glow on its edge. It's just a trickle for now, but still steady enough to be used.
If Souji leaves it be, it'll continue to accumulate in Reiji's vessel. ]
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You have star power, of some kind. It feels like really powerful energy. [ He lets it accumulate for a little longer, curious about its uses, but deciding that there will be plenty of time to practice with it.
Slowly, he eases the connection to what it was when he first called for Reiji as Ryouki. ]
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That's... quite cool, actually. I wonder what it means.
[ For Reiji, it's much like being surrounded by a sudden inpouring of fireflies. ]
I hope it's useful.
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I'm sure it will be. We'll just have to learn how to harness it properly.
[ Just to get a better feeling for the weight and force, he gives the shinki a few swings, forward and backhanded, left hand still supporting underneath the hilt. ]
Would you like to change back?
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Give me a bit. I want to try out something.
[ There's a beat of silence, and then the energy within the blade disperses out in a shower of twinkling lights. The individual points are much softer than the brilliance they had displayed together when stored in his vessel form, and they float around slowly as if in an unseen breeze. ]
Okay, I'm done.
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Suwa Reiji. [ It's convenient that he can change with just a name, after the initial rites.
Less sketchy, too, with the lack of the word servant being thrown around. ]
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That was amazing.
[ He looks happy. That's one that he can learn and improve on, at least. ]
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It was. I'm really looking forward to finding out what we can do with it. And I'm pretty glad that you're a sword, honestly.
[ They have a lot of work ahead of them, but that at least means that he won't have to learn how to wield a completely different weapon at the same time. Maybe if he gets another shinki, but not with his first one when they're both wandering in the dark. ]
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You're familiar with swords?
[ Him being a sword fits, he thinks, so that's that. ]
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I started off with golf clubs. [ He's laughing, softly, but is definitely serious. ] And bats, sometimes. But then we started basically scavenging loot from fights and taking them to a man in town who did metalwork, and he'd make us weapons mostly for artistic reasons.
[ The sword definitely suits him. So does the starlight. ]
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I hope we can get weapons more easily here, at least. [ A pause. ] Could you teach me how to use a sword, then? I'd like to learn.
[ Since he's pretty sure he doesn't know. ]
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He perks a little, and inclines his head. ]
If you're okay with learning from someone that was self-taught.
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I'll need one too, but that can be solved later. [ What matters is that he gets a teacher in the first place. ] I'm perfectly okay with that.
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I can heal most injuries with a couple different Personae, but that doesn't mean they're any fun to get.