15strangers | (no subject)

WEEK 2

[The unfortunate death, and subsequent execution, has no doubt weighed on everyone's minds since. The dam has burst, and now, the idea that someone may kill another in this place is not just a possibility anymore. It is reality, and a very terrifying reality at that.

Yet, there is a strange side effect to the murder's aftermath. When the Titled go to sleep on Saturday evening, they will dream, even if they don't normally do so. When they wake up, their dream stays with them, and a thought comes to everyone. A realization.

Their dream had been a memory they lost. Now, they have it back, as if they had never lost it.

Nor is that the only change. They also feel just a little more confident in their power. Confident enough that they find that their ability has evolved to become stronger. Whether that's a good or a bad thing, well...

Soon enough, too, the Titled's phones start pinging, and when they open up their LIME app, they receive a simple message:]

Your Mall Map has been updated!

[And indeed, those who go to check the Food Court will find an elevator on the eastern end which leads to a brand new wing that had previously been obscured by the barrier.

Dio and Wake's information is also slightly different from before on the LIME app, but...maybe it's best not to think about it. Last week had been...disheartening.

Hopefully, this week will be better, right? Surely, this week, temptation won't win out again....right?

Well.

There's only one way to find out.

Welcome to Week 2, Titled.

There are thirteen strangers in this place.

This week's crab is Dungeness.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He brushes a few kisses over Goro's cheek. ]

Every step counts, Goro...

[ That's what he'd like to believe with everything in him... ]

Anyone can accept advice, but it's what you do with it that really matters.

Well... [He manages a faint smile.] I do know I don't feel as alone as I did before I met everyone here. Before, you and Sae-san were the only ones I felt a genuine bond with...

[ Ah... ]

That's right... you couldn't have known to go find confidants...

[ Er... though... how the hell did he even know to go do it? ]

[He pulls back just enough to give Akira a puzzled look.]

Confidants?

[ He nods. ]

I can't remember where I learned about them, but...

[ Guess the best way to explain it would be... ]

All the closest bonds you've made here would be considered your confidants. Basically, we bond with people, help them, and the power from that makes us stronger Personas users...

[ He gives a quiet, thoughtful hum. ]

When we maximize our bond with a fellow Persona user, it can awaken them to their strongest Persona.

I do recall something...strange about certain relationships. Particularly you and Sae-san...it was almost as if our bond was something tangible.

It's not quite like that here, so it must have been related to my Persona abilities...but I've definitely noticed that some of my... [He hesitates on the word, as if using it feels strange.] Friendships here have a similar feel to them, in terms of emotion.

Crazy, huh?

[ He falls quiet for a moment, his smile fading into a thoughtful look. ]

I just wish I could remember who taught me about them.

[ A soft blink out of thought and he sighs. And then he manages a soft grin. ]

Well, as soon as we're out of here and can remember everything, maybe I can take the time to teach you how to properly "wildcard."

I'd appreciate that. And maybe I can teach you a few of the things I've figured out about what one can do in the Metaverse. I've picked up a few fun tricks from experimenting with taking advantage of common cognition.

That so?

[ A small grin. ]

Any chance I can get some spoilers on what they are?

Hmm...well, mostly it's just visual, like adding a little extra flair to my summonings...but I have figured out how to create light effects around my sword that actually increase its range and power. It takes a moment to prepare, so it's difficult to use without someone else creating an opening, but it's a very powerful attack.

[...Yeah, he's basically talking about a nasty followup attack.]

[ Huh... ]

Impressive as ever, detective... I definitely look forward to seeing that.

[ Then, there's a small, teasing grin. ]

Though that sounds a bit sci-fi, if you ask me... Sounds like someone took some notes from a childhood favorite.

[This blush says you're spot on, Akira.]

The...game that inspired it is actually more fantasy than sci-fi, really.

[More blushing.]

Though I do enjoy science fiction, too. The sword I use as Crow becomes an energy blade in the Metaverse. And Meridies-san has the toy gun I use.

[ Oh, no... That's cute. You're cute, Goro. His grin turns incredibly fond. ]

It's no wonder I fell for you.

[ He's glancing to the side, his cheeks darkening for a moment. There's a pause as he moves to press a kiss to his boyfriend's cheek. ]

My source of inspiration isn't as exciting or cool as yours. Though, coincidentally, the story of Robin Hood was one of my childhood favorites.

[ A glance to the side. ]

... Not that I can remember much beyond that, since my memories of home are almost completely gone.

[ But it doesn't seem he'll be aiming for lingering on that topic. ]

I wonder if Croix'll let me see it.