oh my god saionji what is it this time

[thirdarrow]

Who: Takakage and Saionji (closed log)
Where: Libra Ward, 13th Hour
Summary: Takakage teaches Saionji how to use her persona.
Warnings: small shouty yellow subject, to quote Desco

big bro kobayakawaaaaaaaaa come help me with my persona

im in my room

The message was delivered in plain text as-is, with no explanation. Takakage sent three replies asking for more details, but Saionji didn't respond.

Sigh.

It had been merely a week since Saionji arrived. To be honest, he was surprised that she hadn't come running to him earlier. Perhaps she found someone else to do her bidding....

He arrived outside Saionji's apartment at eleven p.m.. Hopefully she hadn't fallen asleep - her message was sent an hour before that.

I'm outside. Could you open the door?

Comments

[thirdarrow]

"Yes, that's right." He gave Saionji a more obvious smile. She was learning... kind of. Hopefully she'd keep this up...?

His expression became more thoughtful at her second question. "Hmmm... I'm not so sure. I haven't been able to tell with regards to my Soul Persona so far, but with Public Personad I assume the attendants at the Velvet Room can tell you - since they have been registered in a compendium and all."

The strategist was about to continue speaking, but a low growl from behind a corner cut him short. A large canine demon prowled into the open space, eyeing the two humans.

Takakage unsheathed his sword, dismissing Ondine and summoning Koppa Tengu by his side.

"Don't make any sudden movements. If we startle it, it will attack.

[konpeitoqueen]

It was useful to learn. No, not useful... essential. Adapt or die. That's how it worked, and hell no was she dying.

Not again.

"Alright then! I'll go visit the 'Velvet Room' soo-" And the growls cuts her off, too. She's about to command Okuni, so it's a good thing Takakage responds quickly.

There's a desire to argue that she can help beat it!- but she knows perfectly well that he's the knowledgeable one here. She stands still, but not letting her knees slack. It's an energetic stillness, one reminiscent of the stages of Buyo dance. She's ready to bring into action, anytime, and it's more of someone pausing a video of her walking rather than her, well, stopping.

Please don't fuck up, Takakage.

[thirdarrow]

The demon eyed the two humans before it, its small brain unable to decide who to attack. Takakage took advantage of this trait, and began to move slightly away from Saionji, worsening the beast's indecision.

"It can't choose who to go after." The strategist kept his voice to a whisper, just loud enough for Saionji to hear. "I can distract it for a while. When I give the signal, hit it with Dream Needle. Get ready."

He was still watching the canine intently. It seemed to be a beast of fire - then, water would be quite effective at dispatching it. He could draw water from his book, using the tome as a concentration point for atmospheric moisture. The Orthrus's heads seemed intent to go in opposite directions, but after a while they finally decided on attacking Saionji first. However, Takakage had already noticed the subtle shift in its position -

"Now!"

Slashing forward with his sword, he sent a shockwave towards the demon. The blue crescent was swiftly followed by a burst of water from his book. Koppa Tengu contributed its share of needle-sharp feathers as well.

Hopefully it would work.

[konpeitoqueen]

...Okay, a cue. She's always on time for music and stage cues. Always. On sight, on target, and-

This demon is... it's really big, isn't it...? Saionji is not good with animals, in the conventional sense. She doesn't know how to take care of them, or what eats what, and how to train them... but she does know how they squirm, and how their eyes shift when their focus does.

So, when it begins to paw towards her, she notices just a split-second after Takakage. "Dream Needle! Use Dream Needle!"

Hopefully it works, because if it doesn't, she's fucking running.

[thirdarrow]

The demon howled, collapsing under the combined weight of water and tons of needles. Fire flickered along its hide for a moment before the canine dissolved into glitter, leaving a faint charred smell in the air.

Takakage remained tense for a few more moments before he was convinced that the threat was truly gone. He relaxed slowly, and it was a while before he replaced the sword back into the strap that fastened it to his belt.

"You're not hurt, I hope?"

[konpeitoqueen]

Check. Check, 1, 2, oh, she squinted her eyes shut and shielded her face.

Um.

"Thankfully, no." She's apprehensive, though, because- yeah, she could sense the bit of tension, too. Takakage isn't invincible. Neither is she.

She should... go home.

"I'm tired! I'm going home." Whatever much of a home that apartment is, anyone. But it's- it's better than her clan, or... murderisland.

Saionji turns on her heels, walking back to her place without any warning. "...Thanks, Big Bro! Try not to die until I can fight well myself."

[thirdarrow]

Takakage sighed. He still has to walk you back, Saionji.

Koppa Tengou soared in front of him, keeping pace above the girl while he caught up.

"I suggest you pay a visit to the Velvet Room as soon as possible. It will help."

Other than that statement, the walk back to the apartment building is silent.