Glassdell Session 2B: The Velvet Room 2

[20:23:13] [~castfromhp] January 5, 2007. It's a snowy Friday night, and most of KU's student body has returned to the campus by now, ready for the start of classes the next week. The more high profile bars of Caraway Lane have a stream of young customers wandering in and out, enjoying a last weekend without homework.
[20:23:37] [~castfromhp] BGM: http://www.listenonrepeat.com/watch/?v=_dHSWlj88mA
[20:25:28] [~castfromhp] The Royal Raven, however, is as quiet as always, without the hustle and bustle of the other bars on this street. Tonight, its sign is hard to read from the heavy snowfall and wind, and the sidewalk outside is thicker with accumulated snow, not having as much foot traffic.
[20:27:44] * Poe is perched snugly under the eaves, making baleful eyes at the snow while waiting for GUESTS.
[20:28:27] * Ryoko waits under the awnings, making a token effort to stay warm. The scar still aches.
[20:29:20] * Kimi is hilariously overdressed as she makes her way towards the door of the Raven, dressed in a winter formal suit that she keeps in pristine condition for presentations. Not like she speaks during them, but looks are important. It's probably the most expensive bit of clothing she owns, which isn't saying much. She's also wearing earmuffs and heavy snowboots, carrying her laptop case
[20:29:20] * Kimi with her on the sidewalk. She's hurrying - she decided to wait for Ryoko to heal up after all.
[20:29:24] [~castfromhp] Poe, there have been a small handful mundane customers in and out tonight. The Royal Raven gets those, after all, still being a bar as a front. Its clientele has fewer students, though it is still a young crowd overall.
[20:30:05] * Poe probably swoops down to bother them roughly half the time V:
[20:31:02] * Ryoko 's clothing is, unsurprisingly, well-tailored - a fashionable navy blue winter coat, black slacks, and her typical white scarf.
[20:32:52] * Kimi reaches Ryoko without too much delay. She breathes in and out hard when she reaches Ryoko, waving her hand and signing something that probably means 'Sorry for being late' since she doesn't have her phone out.
[20:33:07] [Ryoko] "Just us for today, then?"
[20:33:23] * Kimi looks around a moment, looks back at Ryoko, shrugs, then nods.
[20:33:28] [Poe] Eventually, Poe gets bored of harassing people and starts to head inside - oh look, it's that girl who works at the dessert shop MAYBE SHE HAS SWEETS. With that in mind, he flaps back down, lands in front of her, and fluffs up, looking cute. :>?
[20:33:44] [~castfromhp] As you arrive, the heavy door of the Royal Raven swings out, letting a flurry of snow inside. There's a couple standing in the doorway, and they take a moment to shield themsevles against the snow before walking out.
[20:34:06] * Ryoko sighs. "Having just us two handle it isn't exactly what I'd planned, but...I suppose it can't be helped."
[20:34:09] * Kimi makes sure she's not in their way.
[20:34:23] * Ryoko looks down at the raven and steps aside.
[20:34:37] * Kimi looks down at Poe, squinting.
[20:34:41] * Ryoko makes a rather light attempt at shooing it away.
[20:35:43] [~castfromhp] The guy is short and Asian, maybe 5'4'' you'd guess, and his black hair pokes out from under a furry hunting hat. He mutters a quiet "excuse me" as he leads a taller brown-haired girl out into the street.
[20:35:55] [Ryoko] "Well, it'd be rude if we simply showed up unannounced, so I guess it'd best if we order something. I don't really drink, but I could go for a snack, honestly."
[20:35:58] [Ryoko] "Apologies."
[20:35:59] [Poe] :>?
[20:36:00] [Kimi] Wait a minute... she's seen this bird before, hasn't she. The one that had a bit of cloth around its neck and lived at the shop she worked at. ..That actually -was- a scarf? Kimi holds up a hand to stop Ryoko. ...why the hell is it here?
[20:36:15] * Kimi of course, expresses none of this vocally.
[20:36:26] [Ryoko] "....what's wrong?"
[20:37:12] * Kimi fishes in her pockets. Maybe for bread for Poe? :D
[20:37:14] [~castfromhp] Inside, the dark wooden interior of the bar is slowly being sprinkled with white snow as the door slowly starts to close again.
[20:37:16] [Kimi] Oh wait no, it's just her phone.
[20:37:38] [Ryoko] "...let's just head inside. It's a bit chilly out here."
[20:37:42] [Kimi] {I think I've seen this bird before... It's hard to forget one with a scarf. I wonder if it's someone's pet.}
[20:38:32] [Ryoko] "I....wouldn't really worry about it. It also sounds odd and potentially illegal to keep a raven for a pet."
[20:38:38] * Kimi nods, picking up her laptop case again, with a curious look at Poe again before heading in. ...Ryoko first. Kimi seems a bit hesitant, but does after a moment.
[20:39:06] * Ryoko heads inside with a nod, and shuts the door in front of Poe after Kimi enters.
[20:39:08] * Kimi looks again at Poe as she enters, with an almost apologetic look.
[20:39:21] * Poe just scoots in after them. :>
[20:39:35] * Kimi probably paused long enough in the doorway for the blasted bird to get inside.
[20:39:51] [Kimi] Oh well, one of the staff will take care of it. Not her problem.
[20:39:59] * Kimi glances around the bar, a bit nervous.
[20:40:28] [~castfromhp] A woman with light blonde hair, tied into a ponytail tonight, greets you as you walk in. "Welcome to the Royal Raven." She walks from behind the bar and delivers a filled highball glass to someone sitting down, concealed by the booth separators around the table.
[20:40:47] [Ryoko] "Um....hi. Two seats at the counter, please?"
[20:40:56] * Kimi just sits at the bar and plops down her invitation, back facing up.
[20:41:01] * You are now known as Alexandra
[20:41:45] [~Alexandra] "Certainly." The woman returns to her station at the bar, taking a glance down at the invitation. "More special guests, I see." She adds a bit quietly.
[20:41:49] * Kimi nods at the woman, glancing around. She's clearly uncomfortable not having a corner seat, but until she knows what's what this'll have to do.
[20:42:01] [Kimi] ...hm? More?
[20:42:12] * Kimi looks a bit confused at that. Did the boys come by already and not tell them?
[20:42:12] * Ryoko takes a seat next to Kimi. "I'll handle the bill."
[20:42:24] * Kimi nods at Ryoko, bowing her head a bit in gratitude.
[20:42:50] * Ryoko pauses to take a look at the menu - she could go for something to eat.
[20:42:50] * Poe plops down at his usual spot on the bar.
[20:42:59] * Poe expectantly waits for BREADS.
[20:43:13] [~Alexandra] As you approach the bar, you can take a passing glance into the booth the woman delivered a drink into. There's a man in his late 20s, impeccably dressed in a business suit and with perfectly styled brown hair. He's contemplating a chess board at the table.
[20:44:04] * Kimi glances the way of the raven, then back at the hostess. ...Huh, so it's a pet -here-. She glances back at the man in the booth, curious and a bit suspicious too. She's getting sort of agitated being out here in the open with so many PEOPLE nearby. ...even though it's all of like four and a bird.
[20:44:39] [~Alexandra] The menu has a number of fancy mixed drinks along with a note that they take requests as long as the bartender recognizes the recipe or you can explain it. As far as food goes, there are a few small eats on the fancier side - raw oyster, shrimp cocktails, marinated olives, a few options for things to go with bread.
[20:45:25] [~Alexandra] "Do you have one as well?" The woman nods to Ryoko. "There's no charge for our special guests here." She begins to cut up a large baguette and places the slices in a small bowl for Poe.
[20:45:40] [Ryoko] "....I'm thinking of going for the bruschetta, honestly."
[20:46:25] * Ryoko immediately finds this odd. It's clearly this woman was either the one they had an invitation to meet, or would be the one leading them to that person, based on her reaction.
[20:46:37] * Kimi thinks about it, but decides to hold off on ordering until the matter of this guest business is settled. She taps at her phone. {I'll wait a bit.}
[20:46:52] [Ryoko] "You sure? Okay."
[20:47:03] [Kimi] {Go ahead if you want.}
[20:48:27] [Ryoko] "One order of bruschetta proscuitto, then. And a request to speak in private regarding this guest business."
[20:48:33] [Ryoko] She keeps things formal yet direct.
[20:49:28] [Ryoko] "....tomato salad on the side, to add to that."
[20:49:33] [~Alexandra] "Certainly. May I interest you in a drink while I prepare your bruschetta? It will be on the house, of course." Though the woman is already taking out martini glasses and mixing a drink as she says this.
[20:49:52] * Kimi glances Poe's way... then pulls a taiyaki cookie from her pocket, unwrapping it from a napkin, breaking off the tail, and scooting it the bird's way.
[20:50:05] * Kimi nods at Alexandra.
[20:51:00] [Poe] Poe immediately abandons the bread in favor of cookie.
[20:51:24] [Ryoko] "I, uh....no, I'm not particularly thirsty, thanks."
[20:51:33] * Alexandra mixes the drinks, including a teeny tiny martini glass for Poe, and slides them your way. Then she ducks down behind the bar and pulls out a package of wrapped prosciutto, slicing thin portions off of it.
[20:51:53] [Ryoko] More odd behavior. If that thing's spiked, it wouldn't end well, and she's probably not supposed to drink so soon after her surgery anyway.
[20:52:15] * Kimi eyes the drink, not sure what to make of her giving one to the bird. She decides 'what the hell' and downs it.
[20:52:44] [~Alexandra] "Are you sure? It is customary for our guests to have that particular drink. Think of it as a small initiation ceremony."
[20:53:22] [Ryoko] "....initiation for what?" She looks around the bar. No one else is finding this at all strange? Really?
[20:53:42] * Ryoko looks to Kimi. "Don't you find all this a little bit off?"
[20:53:54] [~Alexandra] Kimi, the room swirls and turns a distinct shade of blue, and you find yourself sitting at the bar with only the blonde woman there as well. The floor's become tiled, and it seems to stretch to infinity, and to the side is a player piano with an old man with a long nose sitting at it.
[20:54:08] * Poe finishes the cookie tail and then dunks his face into the itty bitty martini glass.
[20:54:31] * Kimi 's eyes widen and she almost panics a bit before remembering this is all linked to weird bullshit anyway. She eyes the woman and the new man with some suspicion.
[20:54:34] [~Alexandra] Ryoko, Kimi seems to be staring off into space after having her drink. There's really no one else in the bar but you and whoever's in the booth at the far side of the room.
[20:54:47] [~Alexandra] Poe pops into the room too!
[20:55:06] [Ryoko] "...now you're going to have to tell me what's going on. What's in that drink that's making her like this?"
[20:55:32] [~Alexandra] "An initiation into a most peculiar destiny." Alexandra says on Ryoko's side. "I'm sure this is far from the strangest experience you've had since New Year's."
[20:56:05] [~Alexandra] "A key to a particular door in the mind. It opens a passage to a space between dream and reality, mind and matter. Join her, will you?"
[20:56:32] * Ryoko 's fingers uneasily massage the stem of the martini glass. "...I'm going to regret this, aren't I?"
[20:57:31] * Kimi glances at Poe as he appears, a bit on edge... seems like she's waiting to see if Ryoko shows up to this.
[20:58:07] * Alexandra shrugs. "I'm sure you would regret it more if you simply left without learning anything more about your situation."
[20:58:22] [Ryoko] "....if this is the way to do it, even."
[20:58:45] * Ryoko pauses briefly in contemplation before throwing her head and the contents of the glass back in one swig.
[20:59:14] [~Alexandra] Ryoko finds herself in the blue tinted room as well when she looks back down after chugging the drink.
[20:59:16] [~Alexandra] BGM: http://www.listenonrepeat.com/watch/?v=LqZpngl1LwI
[20:59:30] * Poe waves at Kimi. And Ryoko, when she finally shows up.
[20:59:59] * Kimi relaxes a bit when Ryoko shows up, looking around more contentedly... until Poe waves that is. She blinks and stares.
[21:00:09] * Kimi then... hesitantly waves back.
[21:00:15] * Ryoko finds the bird to be the least unsettling thing about all this, really.
[21:00:18] [~Alexandra] "Now that you are both here, I would like to welcome you both to the Velvet Room. My name is Alexandra."
[21:00:57] [Poe] "And I am Poe, the Velvet Room's messenger. A pleasure to meet you, ladies."
[21:01:17] [Ryoko] "....the bird speaks." And Poe hops to the front of the queue of strange things.
[21:01:32] [Ryoko] She's not shocked as much as she is mildly impressed.
[21:01:32] * Kimi reaches for her phone again. {Not a bad place... a little open, but I like the color.} When Poe speaks, she cocks her head back at him again, considering on if she wants to activate her persona to scan Poe.
[21:01:48] [~Alexandra] "I presume both of you have in addition to the invitations a ring of keys?"
[21:02:18] [Ryoko] "Right here." She procures the mentioned items from her inner coat pocket.
[21:02:34] * Kimi takes her invitation back and fumbles for a set of keys. She plops it down on the counter. Looks like in addition to the key they share, the circuit-printed usb and the red usb, she's added a bunch of mundane keys to the ring.
[21:03:53] * Kimi eventually decides not to waste her energy on scanning Poe and just nods at him. {I'm Kimi Miyama.} she types, not sure if Poe can read.
[21:04:13] * Alexandra takes out a pair of gold-rimmed glasses and puts them on as she leans in to inspect your keys. Her eyes seem to focus on the shared keys before she nods and straightens up again. "There really are eight this time I suppose." She mutters.
[21:04:31] [Kimi] {Though I don't think this is the first time we've seen each other...}
[21:05:05] [~Alexandra] "Igor, would you like to take over?" Alexandra takes the prosciutto - it seems to have made it to this side as well - and begins assembling it on bread with chopped tomato and basil.
[21:05:11] * You are now known as Igor
[21:05:31] [Ryoko] "Eight? So far I only know of two others bwesides us in this situation."
[21:05:34] [Poe] "A pleasure, miss Mee-yama. And no, I believe you work at the shop my home is near."
[21:05:56] * Kimi nods. Her excellent memory recalled the scarf.
[21:06:01] [Ryoko] "...in any case. I'm Ryoko Shimizu."
[21:07:20] [~Igor] "Greetings." The long-nosed man at the piano speaks up. "As my assisant said, I am Igor, and I am delighted to make your acquaintance. There are indeed eight individuals of startling potential who have found themselves struck by a most peculiar destiny."
[21:07:46] [Ryoko] "Which of them have already shown up here?"
[21:09:04] [~Igor] "A young woman named Ramita Patel and two young men named Jeffrey Miller and Nicholas Blackfield. And of course, our mascot here at the Velvet Room, Poe." Igor says in a slow rasp.
[21:09:12] * Kimi nods at Igor and types. {And can I ask the nature of these events and their destiny?}
[21:09:13] [~Igor] Alexandra gestures to Poe at the last sentence.
[21:09:15] [Poe] "Let's see. A Jeff, a Ramita, a BLACK FROST -" Oh look, sarcasm from the bird. "Myself, of course, the two of you. There is another gentleman who has yet to arrive - unless I am much mistaken."
[21:09:21] * Poe bows. Birdbows.
[21:09:48] [Ryoko] "...so they did rush on ahead without telling us."
[21:09:50] * Kimi squints at Poe when he says Black Frost, but she immediately returns the bow when Poe lowers his head. Some manners never die.
[21:10:00] [Ryoko] "I really shouldn't be surprised, but I -am- disappointed."
[21:10:26] [Kimi] {Don't be. I was thinking about doing the same.}
[21:10:54] * Ryoko briefly gives Kimi a slightly hurt glance.
[21:11:11] [Kimi] {Of course I decided not to! Don't look at me like that.} :<
[21:11:54] * Poe cranes his head to keep up with the texting.
[21:12:14] * Kimi is one of those abnormally fast texters
[21:12:22] * Igor turns his bug-like eyes toward Kimi's phone from across the room. He stares a moment but seems to have been able to read it as he replies. "I am sure you have seen some it already. Another world opened up alongside yours filled with strange and malevolent creatures. They are both born from humanity and the darker aspects of the human psyche. Think of it as a test for humanity, and you are its representatives."
[21:12:22] * Poe is FASCINATED.
[21:12:35] [~Igor] *some of it
[21:13:02] [Ryoko] "Why us, then?"
[21:13:30] [~Igor] "You are miss Miyama and miss Shimizu?" Igor is reaching for a leather-bound book hidden within the piano.
[21:14:03] [Ryoko] "That's correct."
[21:14:10] [Kimi] {So this -is- something supernatural.} she types, holding the phone towards Igor. Her expression looks... much more intrigued than frightened or disturbed by now. {That's correct, sir.}
[21:17:03] [~Igor] "We of the Velvet Room have helped many through similar trials before. Almost always, an individual of great potential is brought to sign a contract before entering the room." He opens up the book. "It is a simple contract, simply stating that they are willing to take responsibility for their actions - past, present, and future."
[21:17:46] [Kimi] {I don't remember signing a contract.} she wrinkles her eyes with suspicion, looking at the book with curiosity.
[21:18:14] [Ryoko] "Not to mention that you're talking about an indivudual, but you mentioned eight people."
[21:19:47] * Igor nods. "Naturally, this means the situation has changed then. The Velvet Room ordinarily welcomes only one special guest at a time. That guest receives a Key to the Velvet Room, and when they have seized their destiny or...found themselves unable to fulfill the terms of the contract, they Key returns to the room."
[21:20:28] [~Igor] "You may take a look." Igor lifts the book into the air, and it floats over to the bar.
[21:20:46] * Kimi reaches for it and puts it between herself and Ryoko.
[21:20:53] [~Igor] Indeed, all the contract within seems to say is "I, the undersigned, do agree to take responsibility for all my actions, past, present, and future."
[21:21:01] * Ryoko looks over the fine print.
[21:21:38] [Kimi] {Seems pretty simple, though with possibly hefty implications...}
[21:21:41] [~Igor] And underneath it is the signature of a "Czeslaw Maltsev". In a similar writing to the signature, a second note has been added: "Finding myself unable to fulfill the terms of my contract, I have passed on my responsibilities to the following: Basil Cartwright, Cassandra Husher, Jeffrey Miller, Kimi Miyama, Nicholas Blackfield, Poe, Ramita Patel, Ryoko Shimizu."
[21:22:38] [Ryoko] "....I've never heard of him."
[21:22:38] [~Igor] "You see," Igor says as you read, rubbing his hands together, "it seems as if you have inherited the destiny of another."
[21:22:46] [Ryoko] "And more concerning, how has he heard of us?"
[21:22:52] * Kimi scratches her head, then looks at the name. {Oh, Nicholas texted me before to see if I could find anything on this guy. Didn't say why. Guess this is why.}
[21:23:46] [Kimi] {I'm more curious on how he's passed the terms of this contract onto us without our foreknowledge. Not that this seems to be too bad...}
[21:23:52] * Poe focuses on the little glowy screen instead of the book.
[21:24:49] [~Igor] "I cannot say I know the answer to any of those questions. Nor, if I knew, would I be empowered to tell you. The Velvet Room is to help and guide its guests, but ultimately they must find the answers they seek on their own."
[21:26:26] * Kimi looks up, then just sets her phone down, intending to let Igor explain. She does type one final :> as she sets it down for Poe's benefit.
[21:26:32] [Poe] :>
[21:26:37] [Poe] Poe pokes at the phone.
[21:26:59] * Kimi glances to make sure he's not damaging it but otherwise leaves him be.
[21:28:50] [~Igor] "You will undoubtedly find yourself facing difficulties you would have never imagined before. I can offer you this advice. You will not succeed without forming strong bonds of trust between others. Humanity's greatest triumphs never come alone." Igor grins widely and folds his hands together.
[21:29:19] * Kimi looks a bit uneasy at 'strong bonds of trust'.
[21:29:23] [~Igor] "I am sure, like those before you, that you will have questions about what you have experienced. While we are limited in what we can tell you, we will endeavor to answer to the best of our ability."
[21:29:34] [Ryoko] "....if only I could convince them," she adds with some bitterness.
[21:30:55] [Ryoko] "I guess we start with what that other world -is-, and what those creatures were. Calling them aspects of the darkest parts of humanity, while poetic, doesn't help us all that much."
[21:31:36] * Kimi gently takes her phone back. {Shadows.}
[21:32:21] [~Igor] "The creatures are called Shadows, and I am afraid that is as accurate as one gets. They are the physical manifestions of humanity's darker desires and maladies. They will vary by the nature of their origin."
[21:32:39] * Kimi nods once, then twice. Her persona was correct.
[21:32:45] [Kimi] That's good.
[21:32:48] [Kimi] That's very good.
[21:32:52] [Ryoko] "So what does it mean if that shadow looks quite like someone we know?"
[21:34:17] [Poe] "Probably that it was derived there from."
[21:34:21] [~Igor] "Then it must mean that Shadow was born from that person's mind, a material form of their subconscious."
[21:34:21] * Kimi waits for Igor to answer Ryoko's question, but in the meantime types her question and keeps it ready. {What is Persona, exactly?}
[21:35:27] [~Igor] "Persona is the power you have all awakened to, the power of your inner self. It gives form to your will in ways most humans will never grasp."
[21:36:01] [Ryoko] "....I'm guessing it's born from us sorta like Shadows might be born from humanity, then?"
[21:37:07] [~Igor] "That would be quite correct."
[21:37:52] * Kimi looks... rather excited at Igor's answer, like a world of possibilities unfolding in her head.
[21:38:00] [Ryoko] "....now I'm wondering what these Persona say about us."
[21:38:26] [Poe] "That's up for you to determine, isn't it?
[21:38:29] [Poe] "
[21:39:01] * Igor nods in affirmation of Poe's statement. "This journey will be one of self-discovery."
[21:39:16] [Ryoko] "But that really isn't all there is to it, though."
[21:39:35] [Ryoko] "Czeslaw had a responsibility he couldn't fulfill - one he
[21:39:40] [Ryoko] 's passing on to us."
[21:40:14] [Ryoko] "We're humanity's representatives who are the only ones who are able to interact with its darkest side, but..."
[21:40:25] [Ryoko] "What exactly are we -doing-, then?"
[21:40:31] [Kimi] {I wonder what circumstances happened that he couldn't carry out his responsibility... it's not necessarily death, I imagine. We should definitely try to find out more.}
[21:40:32] [~Igor] Alexandra speaks up now, bringing with her a plate of bruschetta. "Czes made a crucial mistake."
[21:40:52] * Kimi listens
[21:41:24] [Ryoko] "We've got the power of Persona, and the access to the shadow world or something....so then what?"
[21:41:53] [~Igor] "The special guests of the Velvet Room have never succeeded without seeking the strength of others. Czes chose to forgo this process for months. We could give him advice, but we could not force him to make a decision he was not willing to make."
[21:42:13] * Kimi 's expression, which had been rising into almost giddyness, suddenly falls again.
[21:42:40] [Kimi] {He failed because... he wasn't very social?}
[21:42:53] [Poe] "He failed because he thought he could shoulder the burden on his own."
[21:43:10] [~Igor] "There is a reason behind the other world's appearance. Czes called it the Durance, and perhaps there was a reason he chose that name. Or perhaps not. In any case, it has always been the responsibility of our guests to discover this reason and do whatever is necessary to resolve the situation."
[21:43:35] [Kimi] Durance... Kimi doesn't bother repeating it on text but she tastes the name and ponders over it.
[21:43:49] [~Igor] With this, Alexandra starts cleaning up the leftovers from making the bruschetta.
[21:43:53] [Ryoko] "I'm starting to wonder what the point of asking questions is if we're simply supposed to figure it all out..."
[21:44:29] [Kimi] {I wouldn't think so. This has actually been helpful so far.}
[21:45:56] [Ryoko] "Okay.....then I guess our best bet is to just ask about what, exactly, Czeslaw did."
[21:45:58] [~Igor] "We are empowered to answer certain questions, particularly about the nature of the power you wield." Igor rasps. "For instance, the keys that you wield. They empower you to enter and exit the Durance at will, so long as you can find the proper doorways. You should take care you do not lose those keys, especially within the Durance itself."
[21:46:11] [Ryoko] "What was so different about his experience, then?"
[21:46:16] [Kimi] {It seems at least they're able to tell us about the power we've awakened t} she's in the middle of typing when Igor spits it out.
[21:46:23] [Ryoko] "Besides being a lone wolf about his responsibilities, anyway."
[21:46:41] * Kimi grimaces at the thought of losing her keys.
[21:46:57] * Kimi glances over at Poe again, pondering something, but then looks back at Igor.
[21:47:15] [Poe] :>?
[21:48:32] [~Igor] Alexandra sighs and speaks up again. "We don't exactly have the answer to that ourselves. He may have left notes or traces of what he's done in the Durance, or those he eventually chose to help him may still be around. What is the most confusing is why he would have passed on his power to a new set of eight individuals."
[21:49:33] [Poe] "Generally, the power of Persona is only given to one person at a time."
[21:49:42] [Ryoko] "Offhandedly, it seems like he wanted to be certain that we'd be forced to work together."
[21:49:59] [Ryoko] "Bonding us to this responsibility from the get-go forces us to consider that option immediately."
[21:50:01] [~Igor] "Why his key did not return to us after he lost contact. How he has managed to produce eight keys when there was one before. Those are also questions we cannot answer, I'm afraid."
[21:50:32] [~Igor] Alexandra nods. "That seems likely."
[21:50:36] [Ryoko] "....that's a thing keys do?"
[21:50:39] * Kimi erases the text and begins typing again. {I've started making my own notes on what I've observed about Persona - the abilities it grants me, the... energy that seems to leave me when I use this power... Just how much more powerful are we than normal humans? How can we develop this power and better utilize it to its true potential?}
[21:50:42] [Ryoko] "Doesn't that mean he's still alive?"
[21:51:12] [Poe] "Hard to say."
[21:51:20] * Kimi feels like she's interrupting and hunkers down a bit.
[21:51:33] [~Igor] Alexandra shrugs. "He stopped visiting the Velvet Room. We cannot seek him of our own volition, so we haven't been in touch."
[21:53:47] * Igor begins to speak again, clearing his throat and loosing his words deliberately. "An ordinary human faced with a Shadow will almost certainly fall to it. One who has awakened to the power of Persona will have a greater connection to the spiritual power within them, their spiritual Resonance, and it is this that allows them to face Shadows on more equal terms."
[21:54:39] * Kimi listens
[21:55:41] [~Igor] "Your power will grow as you forge strong bonds with others. This is one of the special functions of the Velvet Room. Our guests are normally chosen from those who are outsiders arriving in a new place. They are full of potential and may grow to take many forms."
[21:56:48] [~Igor] "A Persona is a mask that lets them face the difficulties of their new life, and they will form many of them, receiving many rings of Keys. Unfortunately for you and the others, you are all somewhat more defined. The Velvet Room can still aid you in forming new Keys that will empower your Persona, but you must first forge strong bonds of trust with others before we can do so for you."
[21:56:51] [Kimi] Oh boy, there that is again.
[21:57:29] * Kimi nods, hesitantly.
[21:57:54] [Poe] "Of course, if you should call on me at any time, I shall arrive with all haste, Miss Miyama."
[21:57:59] [Poe] Birdbow.
[21:58:43] [~Igor] Alexandra adds. "And the Velvet Room is always open to all of you, should you need to a place to meet."
[21:58:59] [Ryoko] "So how do we return?"
[21:59:05] [Ryoko] "Just go back to the Royal Raven and drink again?"
[21:59:13] [Poe] "Yes."
[22:00:59] [Ryoko] "...I do have at least one more question, though. And this is more for Alexandra."
[22:01:15] [Ryoko] "Do you know that man who was in the Royal Raven with us?"
[22:03:05] [~Igor] Alexandra nods. "He introduced himself as George Lockhart when ordering his drink, and it seems like he was here to meet some acquaintances."
[22:03:31] [Ryoko] "Odd. I'm concerned he might have overheard us."
[22:03:46] * Kimi doesn't seem too worried about that.
[22:04:35] [Kimi] {Is this Room a safe haven, then?}
[22:04:52] [~Igor] "He seemed rather distracted, and we were speaking quietly. He struck me as a man devoured by his own thoughts tonight. I'm still a bartender, even if I am the assistant to the Velvet Room, and that type of customer is common."
[22:05:51] [Ryoko] "Given all that I've experienced in the last week, I'm just concerned that even the smaller things aren't what they seem to be."
[22:06:05] [Ryoko] "Or I'm simply growing daft and paranoid, whichever."
[22:06:40] [~Igor] "It is." Alexandra continues, taking out a shaker and flipping it in her hands in a practiced fashion. "Upon taking our drink, you'll enter a trance and find yourself in this room. I might recommend next time you visit you take a private booth, but we usually do not have many customers outside of the weekend."
[22:06:47] [Kimi] Oh whoops, missed Poe's line. She returned the birdbow.
[22:07:52] [Ryoko] "Good to know."
[22:08:10] [Ryoko] "....past this, I'm honestly unsure of what else to ask except for advice, really."
[22:08:59] [Poe] "May I ask a question?"
[22:09:08] [Poe] "What happened to you on New Year's Eve?
[22:09:09] [Poe] "
[22:09:09] [Ryoko] "You just did."
[22:09:11] [~Igor] Alexandra nods. "It's been a year since Czes was called on by the Velvet Room. I can only imagine his absence has made things worse, and- yes Poe?"
[22:09:12] [Ryoko] "Hm."
[22:09:18] [Poe] Poe birdscowls.
[22:09:29] [Ryoko] "Well, it all started with that laser light show."
[22:09:38] [Kimi] {I'm willing to do the legwork to find the answers to all of this, and I'll be sure to return if I have more questions about Persona, Though I'm more curious on who you people are, bound to this Room, beyond names. ...first though.}
[22:10:04] * Kimi turns to Poe, glancing at Ryoko, fingers already willing to interject if needed, but she waits.
[22:10:11] [Ryoko] "Kimi, Nick, Jeff, and myself were on the roof of the KU lounge watching the festivities from a great vantage point."
[22:10:33] [Ryoko] "We descended after we figured something was wrong with the lightshow and following quake."
[22:10:50] [Poe] "And then?"
[22:10:58] [Poe] "You mentioned a Shadow in the form of someone known to you."
[22:11:02] [Ryoko] "The building wasn't the same, and looked more like distorted versions of the KU academics wings."
[22:11:10] [Ryoko] "Yes, a journalism professor."
[22:11:29] [Ryoko] "Along with other Shadows seemingly made out of newspaper."
[22:11:51] [Ryoko] "We didn't really make it out unscathed, even with our Personas."
[22:11:56] [Poe] "Hmm."
[22:11:56] [Kimi] {It was in an older section of the 'Durance'. Since the other parts we were in appeared to be parts of campus, I imagine this was in an older building from the initial construction.}
[22:12:19] [Kimi] {The shadow was bound by a ritual, with a note left by someone who identified themselves as C. Must have been him.}
[22:12:29] [Poe] "A ritual?"
[22:12:33] [Kimi] {As soon as we got our Personas however, it broke free.}
[22:12:37] [Poe] "Do you have any idea how long it had been there?"
[22:12:43] [Ryoko] "We did take pictures of the notes he left behind."
[22:12:45] [Ryoko] "No clue."
[22:12:53] * Kimi shakes her head, but she pulls up her laptop so she can pull up pictures of the notes.
[22:13:19] [Kimi] <~castfromhp> They're covered with a bunch of inscrutable stars, bisected circles, Hebrew writing, and other pop occult symbols. Lots of it is crossed out. Blood stains a few of the papers, and one of them actually has some writing on it, in a shaky hand. "You seal them by their form. Name and secret. The room up ahead already seems set up for it. -C"
[22:13:32] [Poe] "Hmmmm."
[22:13:44] [Ryoko] "Can any of you shed some light on it?"
[22:13:55] [Kimi] {If sealing this Shadow was his work I'd say it was insufficient.}
[22:14:22] [Poe] "I would say it held fast until someone else took up the torch, as it were..."
[22:15:18] [Kimi] {Then what caused it to give way?}
[22:15:39] [Poe] "You said that it gave way once you manifested your Personae?"
[22:15:51] [Kimi] {In any case, I used my new power to assess the creature's identity and strength... we left, but not without sustaining heavy injuries.}
[22:15:53] * Kimi nods.
[22:16:25] [Kimi] {That seems to be the case.}
[22:17:42] [Kimi] {And now the creature, apparently the Shadow of a professor on campus, has free reign of the Durance again.}
[22:17:55] [Poe] "Did you not defeat it?"
[22:17:57] [Kimi] {We're going to have to be careful.}
[22:18:01] * Kimi shakes her head.
[22:18:14] [Kimi] {We fled. I don't think we could have beaten it like that.}
[22:18:47] [Kimi] {One of my powers seems to be analyzation.}
[22:20:01] [Poe] "I see."
[22:20:09] [Poe] "I am glad you still live, then."
[22:20:11] [Poe] :>
[22:20:35] * Kimi is a bit flattered and shrinks into her suit.
[22:20:44] [Ryoko] "Two of us had to go to the hospital for our injuries, which....doesn't leave me very confident about our chances."
[22:21:00] [Ryoko] "Then again, only half of us were there, and we had only just acquired our powers."
[22:21:14] [Ryoko] "I suppose the first order of business is to gather all eight of us and figure something out."
[22:21:26] * Ryoko sighs. "....and hope we don't bloody hate each other.:
[22:21:28] [Ryoko] "
[22:21:39] [Kimi] {We'll grow stronger in time. As long as we're willing to.} she adds, a bit hesitant herself.
[22:22:10] [Ryoko] "If it were up to me, though, I'd try to figure out what happened to Czeslaw. Surely he's left something of value behind."
[22:22:32] [Poe] "I am sure you will! I'm here, after all."
[22:22:34] [~Igor] "That's what I would recommend as well." Alexandra says from behind the bar, lining up a set of shots.
[22:22:58] [Kimi] {I don't suppose you three were involved in anything on New Years' yourselves if you're supposed to stay here... though...Poe is a bit freer, I guess. Did you see anything unusual, Poe?}
[22:24:13] [Poe] "Of a sort. I was down at the docks enjoying the night's repast and the fireworks when - as you did - I saw the flash of light that signaled the approach of the Durance. A young man - Basil, I believe he said his name was - and I then proceeded to fight off a giant eelbeast that emerged from one of the warehouses. It had been sealed, most likely by the same method, though I saw no note."
[22:26:26] [Kimi] {So entrances to the Durance are all over the city. That's a bit worrying.}
[22:26:40] [Kimi] {And they can get -out-?}
[22:26:59] [Ryoko] "Sealing them up ourselves doesn't seem viable, frankly."
[22:27:14] [Ryoko] "I'm guessing part of this journey is seeking the source."
[22:27:16] [Poe] "Not fully - the lad was able to draw it back into where it had been sealed by use of his Persona, while I defeated it."
[22:28:41] * Kimi blinks.
[22:28:56] [Kimi] {You? I'd have liked to have seen that.}
[22:29:21] [Poe] "I shall be more than happy to recount the tale, madam." Poe puffs up proudly.
[22:29:40] * Kimi has relaxed again, very odd for Kimi to be outside of her room.
[22:29:50] [Kimi] *to be so outside
[22:30:13] * Kimi nods, actually interested in hearing.
[22:31:15] [Ryoko] "....as much as that sounds like it'd be an interesting tale, though, I think I need some time to think on this and plan things out."
[22:31:18] [Poe] "I dove upon the ruffian, talons flashing, and my Persona joined me in the battle! As the lad drew it back to the realm whence it came, I pressed the attack, and it fell before me! But not, unfortunately, before I suffered injury most unfortunate."
[22:31:20] [Ryoko] "This won't be easy."
[22:31:21] [~Igor] Alexandra laughs. "Poe's always like this." She starts filling up the shot glasses with a blue liquid. "If anyone gets bored of his stories, take this shot and you'll be back to the world you know." She jokes."There is a bit more the Velvet Room can offer you though, which I can explain after this harrowing tale."
[22:31:22] * Kimi looks at Ryoko. {We're going to have to gather up as much information as we can. That's going to be very important.}
[22:31:25] [Poe] "My poor tail feathers ;_;"
[22:32:20] [Ryoko] "THe best I can do scouting-wise is just go through the KU rumor mill. I'm sure you and Nick will be much better at finding more practical information."
[22:33:10] * Kimi looks at Poe's tail feathers while typing idly. {I'll do my best. Information is a bit of a talent of mine after all. You were always the one who was interested in martial arts, so I hope you don't mind if I leave the fighting to the more experienced like you... Just don't go hurting yourself again like that.}
[22:33:35] * Kimi says this to Ryoko, mind.
[22:33:39] [Ryoko] "I don't intend to."
[22:33:41] * Kimi isn't even looking at her phone.
[22:34:50] [Ryoko] "...."
[22:34:53] [Ryoko] "Kimi."
[22:34:56] [Ryoko] "Do you trust me?"
[22:35:08] * Kimi looks up, confused by the sudden question.
[22:36:02] * Poe leans in, looking interested
[22:40:18] [Kimi] {What kind of trust are we talking here?} she's thrown off by the question entirely. {You're my friend, but I'm kind of slow to get comfortable around -anyone-. :< I trust you a pretty good bit for how long we've known each other, though, I can only think of two or so people I'm more comfortable around. Does that work?}
[22:40:38] * Kimi frowns to go with the :<
[22:41:02] [Poe] "Am I one of them?" Poe is NOT HELPING.
[22:41:05] [Ryoko] "It's a start, but I know this is going to be a question I'm going to have to ask everyone."
[22:41:26] [Ryoko] "And it's going to eat at me until I can figure it out, I know it."
[22:41:43] [Kimi] {Why?}
[22:41:58] [Ryoko] "I want to make sure all eight of us can get to the point where we trust each other not out of necessity, but because that bond is there."
[22:42:18] [Ryoko] "Not to do it simply because we're avoiding Czeslaw's mistakes but....but because I care."
[22:42:44] [Kimi] {Okay, I have to admit...}
[22:43:01] [~Igor] "That is a wise decision, Miss Shimizu." Igor drawls. "Though it shall be a difficult achievement, as I'm sure you are aware."
[22:43:27] [Kimi] {I'm a little scared of this whole thing about making strong bonds with people. I haven't been good with people for years.}
[22:43:38] [Ryoko] "I understand. I don't blame you, even."
[22:43:54] [Ryoko] "Hell, you hesitated with me."
[22:44:00] [Ryoko] "But...that doesn't bother me."
[22:44:16] [Ryoko] "It just means I'm going to have to figure out how to earn it."
[22:45:00] * Kimi looks at Igor with worry and nods.
[22:46:27] [Ryoko] "...I didn't intend for things to get so heavy, there. Sorry."
[22:46:34] [Kimi] {I feel like... this is an opportunity that's been coming for a long time. I want to embrace this power we've been granted. But bonding with others just to increase that power seems like it'd defeat the purpose, not to mention... well, what if I can't do this?}
[22:46:48] [Poe] "I'm sure you can."
[22:47:00] [Kimi] {What if I can't bring myself to form these bonds and I end up dragging everyone down because my Persona hasn't grown for it?}
[22:47:06] * Poe birdpats Kimi. "The fact that you're at least considering it means you can."
[22:47:16] * Kimi flinches a bit.
[22:47:24] [Poe] "So, madam, cast aside your fear and grow ever stronger!"
[22:47:30] * Poe doesn't notice.
[22:47:36] [Ryoko] "....well, you've been able to talk to me, right?"
[22:47:42] [Ryoko] "We just start anew."
[22:47:53] [Kimi] {For a manner of talking.}
[22:48:02] [Ryoko] "You're not the only one marching into unfamiliar territory, after all."
[22:48:13] [Ryoko] "I don't know many of these people, either."
[22:48:21] [Ryoko] "But we'll be able to get through it together, for starters."
[22:48:56] [Kimi] {You're sure it's going to be alright?}
[22:49:32] [Ryoko] "....I'm -not- sure, really. But I'm pretty sure our chances of it being okay are better if we try this together."
[22:50:19] [Kimi] {Alright... you keep your eyes forward, I'll watch your back, then.}
[22:50:39] [Kimi] {Thanks, Ryoko. ...Thank you too Poe.}
[22:52:30] [Ryoko] "Thank -you-. We'll make it, Kimi."
[22:52:46] * Kimi doesn't look so sure, but she nods anyway.
[22:52:59] [Kimi] {So... from the names in the book, we should speak with these others... 'Ramita', 'Basil', and 'Cassandra'.} she starts to go back to business.
[22:53:26] [Ryoko] "Right. THe boys might have gotten in contact with one or more of them. Poe might be able to track down Basil."
[22:53:41] [Ryoko] "Alexandra mentioned something about how the Velvet Room can further help us, though."
[22:53:44] [Kimi] {Ramita came by earlier according to the lot of them.}
[22:53:55] [Kimi] {So maybe they traded contact information already.}
[22:54:01] * Poe nods.
[22:54:04] [Ryoko] "Then we ask for her contact details if they've got it."
[22:54:04] [Poe] "They did."
[22:54:12] [Ryoko] "Meet up with her later over a bit of tea."
[22:54:21] * Kimi looks to Alexandra and looks around for a pen or something. {Could we leave contact details for Basil and Cassandra if they show up?}
[22:54:43] [~Igor] "Yes." Alexandra says. "We can offer advice in the form of divinatory services. Igor has already done a general reading for the lot of you, and perhaps that is something you could speak to your friends about."
[22:54:59] [~Igor] "Certainly." Alexandra pulls out a pen and a notepad, offering them to Kimi.
[22:55:55] [Kimi] {Divinatory services?} that intrigues her a bit, but she takes the pen and paper, writing her name, number (a note: TEXT ONLY it says) and email address, then slides the notepad to Ryoko.
[22:56:32] * Ryoko fills out the paper with her phone number, MSN, and e-mail.
[22:57:07] [Kimi] Oh, Kimi threw her instant messenger on there too sure
[22:57:52] * Igor starts to shuffle a deck of cards, each with the same back as your invitations. "And if you would like, I could perform a reading for one of you now. The Velvet Room is accustomed to handling one guest at a time, and our readings indicate the direction of their overall endeavors with the Durance and Shadows. So we are not sure how accurate a reading might be for an individual when our guests number so many."
[22:58:12] * Kimi looks at Ryoko.
[22:58:13] [~Igor] "You are, of course, welcome to a reading regardless."
[22:58:13] [Ryoko] "Go for it, then. Some help is better than nothing."
[22:58:32] * Kimi nods.
[22:59:00] [Kimi] {Which of us, then?} she asks Ryoko.
[22:59:11] [Ryoko] "....I'll go first, I suppose."
[22:59:55] [Poe] "I would also like a reading."
[23:01:38] * Kimi does too but this is probably a lot for poor Igor
[23:05:00] * Igor shuffles the deck and faces Ryoko, drawing three cards from the top. He flips the first, revealing a lone man draped in black standing at a river, 5 cups surrounding him. "The five of cups represents an element of your past, in this case a great loss or setback. It has interfered with an inheritance, and perhaps a mistake was made somewhere."
[23:07:25] [~Igor] The second card flips up, showing a king on a throne holding a cup. "The King of Cups. It represents calm understanding and the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully and cultivate the strengths of those around them. Perhaps this is the role you shall play."
[23:10:30] [~Igor] "And your future." The third card flips in the air, revealing a man set on a cross and hanging by a rope. The card flickers and fades for a few moments before coming into full view. "The Hanged Man, in Reverse. Hm, it seems this future is in flux. Unchanged, however, this card represents selfish and untrusting attitudes and an unwillingness to make concessions. You may be facing some difficulties earning the trust you seek, though I
[23:10:30] [~Igor]  imagine one of your potential will be able to overcome these obstacles."
[23:11:28] * Tom is now known as DamienLunas
[23:11:34] [~Igor] "As for any further readings, may I ask you come back on a later date? The Velvet Room is open to you at all times, and I have never had to perform readings for multiple guests before."
[23:12:50] * Kimi nods.
[23:13:17] [Ryoko] "Apologies for pressuring you like this. I'll try to gather the others here, but we'll save the individual readings for our own time."
[23:13:35] [~Igor] "Of course."
[23:14:14] [Poe] "Mmm."
[23:15:24] [Kimi] {Thank you for the hospitality, Igor. Alexandra. Poe. You've been good hosts and I think I'll enjoy being a guest of the Velvet Room.} she types. ...huh.
[23:16:38] [Ryoko] "Likewise."
[23:17:27] [Poe] "Feeling more confident?"
[23:17:36] [~Igor] "The Velvet Room exists for the sake of guests like you. It is our pleasure to provide assistance for those who are shouldering humanity's burdens."
[23:18:16] [Kimi] {A little. Not too much. But I guess that's something that we'll be working on.}
[23:18:19] * Kimi answers poe
[23:18:27] [Poe] :>
[23:20:20] [~Igor] "Any time you're ready to leave," Alexandra says, gesturing toward the shot glasses, filled with a blue drink, "simply take this drink and you'll find yourself out of your trance."
[23:21:56] * Kimi nods and looks towards Poe again, holding her hand up a bit hesitantly, but then reaches for her shot glass instead. She waves goodbye and downs the drink.
[23:22:02] [Poe] "Well, I'd best get settled in before the cats start coming out. By your leave, ladies. Igor."
[23:22:07] * Poe dunks his beak. Etc.
[23:24:12] [~Igor] And you find yourselves back in the Royal Raven. Alexandra sets a plate of bruschetta in front of you - it seems the one in the Velvet Room didn't correspond to what Alexandra was making here. "The snow and wind are picking up," She says to Kimi, "so feel free to stay here as long as you need to. We can call you a taxi as well, if you'd like."
[23:24:16] * You are now known as Alexandra
[23:26:02] * Kimi considers it, nodding, and typing {Thank you. I'd actually like to stay a while longer... maybe the shrimp...} It seems... she's actually smiling and not as tense back in the bar proper, even with Lockhart nearby. She seems rather comfortable.
[23:26:30] * Poe is pretty :> at that. At least one of the shy people isn't being a PARANOID WRECK.
[23:26:47] [Ryoko] "You can have some of the bruschetta if you'd like."
[23:27:29] [Kimi] {But that's yours.} she fusses.
[23:28:27] [Kimi] She's not ungrateful for the offer, though.
[23:28:27] [Ryoko] "It's delicious, though! At least give it a try."
[23:28:45] * Kimi considers... eh, sure why not.
[23:29:42] * Kimi spends a while at the Raven then, chatting with Ryoko and actually enjoying a social outing for once. And now, she knows to keep a special eye out for Poe back at Chanoma.