IC ! INBOX [MAIN CHAT AND CALLS AND RPS FOR DRESSING ROOM]

[takutomaruki]

"Hi! You’ve reached Takuto Maruki! I’m not able to take your call right now, but I’d love to get back to you as soon as I can. Please leave me your name, number, and a little bit about what’s on your mind, and I’ll return your call within the next two days. If it’s urgent or you’re feeling unsafe, please call 119 or head to the nearest emergency room. Take care, and I’ll talk to you soon!"

ROLEPLAYS HOME/LAB N/A

LORE POWERS FUTURE ARCS

CONFIDANTS LAB REPORTS CREDIT

code

Comments

[cybermask]

do you want your memories?

[takutomaruki]

[Who the hell is-]

Who are you?

[cybermask]

someone who probably shouldn't be doing this. I have less reasons to care..... Glitch

[takutomaruki]

[Interesting...]

[Glitch- someone related to the fields of computer or has some connection to them. Azathoth's tentacles hover behind him as he looks down at his own screen.]

I also can't find many reasons to believe you. With multiple dimensions involved, there is absolutely no guarantee you will be accurate.

[cybermask]

can you find any reason i wouldnt be? Its a pattern. It's just a matter of decoding that pattern. I happen to be an expert in coding and hacking.

1/2

[takutomaruki]

[Maruki huffs]

I am surprised you are asking for my permission honestly. While I am sure I...won't be thrilled to watch them but I would be willing TO TO TO TO-

The screen glitches the moment he presses send on Futaba's screen. Maruki sighs as he palms his forehead from his end- looking at his message with a forlorn look on his face.

2/2

[takutomaruki]

The chat goes dark- the interface pooling in like water flooding a narrow space. Numbers start floating in the midst- rendering the chat nearly inaccessible from Futaba's screen.

00100000 01010111 01101111 01110010 01101100 01100100 00101110 00100000 01101001
01110011 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01110100 01101000 01110010 01101111
01110111 00100000 01101101 01111001 00100000 01100010 01101100 01101111 01100111
00101110 00101101 00101101 00101101

01110001 01110101 01101001 01110100 01100101 00100000 01100101 01100111
01101111 01110100 01101001 01110011 01110100 01101001 01100011 01100001 01101100
00101100 00100000 01100001 01110010 01100101 00100000 01110111 01100101 01110010
01100101 00111111 01010001 01110101 01101001 01110100
01100101 00100000 01100101 01100111 01101111 01110100 01101001 01110011
01110100 01101001 01100011 01100001 01101100 00101100 00100000 01100001
01110010 01100101 00100000 01110111 01100101 01110010 01100101 00111111

00101101 00101101 00101101 01110100 01101111 01110010 01101101 01100101 01101110
01110100 01100101 01100100 00101110 00100000 01000100 01100101 01100001 01110100
01101000 00100000 01110111

-------

[ooc, Azathoth's hidden message: quite egotistical, are we?]

[cybermask]

[Alright that's a new thing, not exactly what she was expecting. She pounders at her screen for a moment.]

I know how to read that. Why'd you switch?

[takutomaruki]

Suddenly Futaba's screen, or the headphones attached to them erupt with a sound—a deep, guttural resonance that feels like the very air around her is trembling. It's not just noise; it's a distortion, layered with whispers in other celestial languages she wouldn't recognise, and a low drone like a thousand voices chanting in unison from a distant void.

The voice emerges from the cacophony, alien and fragmented, as though it’s struggling to manifest through her device. Each word seems to overlap, breaking apart and reforming in unsettling patterns. It’s as though the sound is reverberating through dimensions, pulling pieces of itself from places that shouldn’t exist.

"Thissssss issssss noooooot a puzzzzzzzzle for you to solveeeeeee."
"....a cageeeee."
"And I~ hollld the keyyyyyyyyyy."

The computer screen would glitch again, displaying a string of distorted symbols, flickering binary, and for just a moment—a golden, unblinking eye staring directly at her from the centre of the screen before it vanishes into static.

[cybermask]

[She tilted her head.]

Why?

[This was definitely a persona, or something of that nature, but it acting completely out from a human... maybe she could stand to learn a few things.]

[takutomaruki]

The voices collapsed in on themselves, FUtaba's message floating in the empty static and the silence itself nearly felt like...amusement? Amusement born from offence or perhaps even some shock at the fact that this Futaba simply brushed off all the occurrences that happened before her.

Don't meddleeee

The chat flashes again- words pulsing and reverberating just in case Futaba starts typing again.

You can't send any further messages to this chat.

[cybermask]

[She leaned back in her chair. Alright, fine whatever you are. You've got her attention. Maruki is her prey now.]

A random Angel approaches.

[angel_of_mercy]

[An angel, clad in silks and gold armor, seems lost among the crowd and, despite her loud appearance, none of the cognitive beings seem to notice a winged being is among them. She idly toys with her spear, which is chipped and broken...]

Let's see... Perhaps if I poke...

[She's taken to poking random passers-by with the blunt end of her spear, delighting in the reactions as the cognition beings can't seem to understand that she's the one doing it. It's an unangelic thing for someone who looks like her to do.]

Re: A random Angel approaches.

[takutomaruki]

Maruki has had a round of eventful days in the past few weeks. Dealing with the party's aftermath...the preparations, setting up Morning's gift- he was back in his casual disguise. His go-to black hoodie- something he will have to switch up from during summer when it arrives, oh well.

He's had a decent run getting groceries. Something nice for those who live with him and lo and behold, he's even bought (as free as it can get) a cycle for his future meanderings. There's only so far he can go with Azathoth teleporting him around and with things calming down, getting in shape wasn't a bad idea, was it?

While currently he's walking on foot, considerin a decent helmet for himself when he does get back to cycling, he's met with a rather bizarre sight.

An angel, in the middle of the street was poking random cognitions with their spear. Newcomer maybe?

She looks awfully familiar to...

He can't help but stare, one hand clasping his groceries consisting of eggs, miso paste, vegetables, meat- all the good stuff. He held it up carefully, not wanting to endanger them when the flimsy plastic bag could very well fall to its demise if it's pushed or torn at the wrong place. Alas, Maruki would find himself realising that he wasn't being subtle while gauging the angel's reaction.

Re: A random Angel approaches.

[angel_of_mercy]

It was easy to gauge that someone had been staring at her, in a sea of cognitive beings whose gazes washed over her like a stream over a rock. And despite it not showing on her face or in her stance, she was surprised to see Maruki himself had seen her. Using her wings as a slight speed boost, she found her way toward him, still schooling her expression, to give nothing away.

"Takuto Maruki, I assume..."

It was most likely not her world's Maruki; He was defeated and laid bare, while she could still feel an Old One's Grasp on this one. He was of no danger to her, not yet, but she still kept her guard up, fingers tightening slightly on her Broken Spear.

"I'm Zadkiel, Angel of Mercy and Forgiveness. I was also known, and still am, the Daughter of Eve called Gogo Akechi. Refer to me as either, both are true of me, after all..."

[takutomaruki]

Maruki wasn’t expecting the angel to notice him, let alone approach—most of the cognitive crowd certainly hadn’t. He’d been caught in a moment of silent, wide-eyed gawking, trying to determine whether the winged woman poking strangers with a broken weapon was actually part of the cognition or just… passing through like him.

And now she was right in front of him.

He tensed for just a moment, his fingers instinctively tightening around the plastic handles of his grocery bag—before he immediately relaxed them, shifting his grip and angling the bag slightly away from his body in a silent show of harmlessness. After all, she didn’t look hostile. Surprising, yes. Regal. Ethereal. But not immediately threatening.

"Ah—! That’s me. Takuto Maruki, yes," he said with a small, placating smile, brushing his bangs aside slightly as he dipped his head in polite acknowledgement. His voice was calm, smooth, friendly—just enough to coat over the brief stammer that tried to sneak into his greeting.

There was something otherworldly about her presence—the gold trim, the soft light radiating off her like morning sun filtered through a stained-glass window. She looked more like a Persona than a person, or perhaps one of those rare shadows with too much self-awareness—but regal, poised, deliberate.

And familiar, somehow.

"Forgive me if I was staring—I didn’t mean to be rude,” he added quickly, lifting his free hand slightly in a gentle apology. "It’s just that...You reminded me strongly of someone I met recently. Another Akechi. She—well, she goes by Gogo too, I believe. We met in a cognitive jazz club called Jazz Jin. She was... quite sharp, and very clear about her boundaries."

His smile softened further, not quite apologetic but sincere.

"I’m still new to all the differences between the… countless versions of people I’ve encountered here. But meeting someone like you—" his gaze flicked, briefly to the chipped edge of her broken spear, before returning to her eyes, “—it’s a rare honour. You truly do carry yourself like a being from a higher plane.”

He chuckled lightly, more at himself than anything, and held the grocery bag up slightly like a peace offering. "And here I am, with nothing but miso paste, veggies and eggs. I feel underdressed for the company."

He straightened a little, the edge of nerves still playing just beneath his steady demeanour. "But...thank you for introducing yourself. Zadkiel. Or Gogo. Whichever you prefer."

[paradisefraught]

So...how was giving birth?

[takutomaruki]

[After a good while when Maruki was sure he didn't need anymore sleep, he was ready to speak with Morning right away as he was preparing to tidy himself up- only to be stopped by the text on the phone.

He shook his head a little, recognizing the grin behind the text.]

Hello to you too, Morning
and no I didn't give birth :0 I manifested Ancile-!.

An Angry Kasumi is knocking on your door!

[dreamingrose]

Perhaps it's out of nowhere, but Maruki may find his Palace suddenly being bombarded with noise. Particularly at the entrance of his Palace. A loud banging at the entrance, as a girl that looks eerily similar to one Sumire Yoshizawa slams her fist against the doors.

"Dr. Maruki! I know you're in there! I know you're the one responsible for what happened to my sister! Open up! I just want to talk!"

And by 'talk' she means give a stern what for and demand her sister be returned to normal! All of them!

"Let me IN!"

Re: An Angry Kasumi is knocking on your door!

[takutomaruki]

Hm.

Another quiet day today it seems. Maruki's still a bit miffed from his and Zaun's last two week's mostly failed experiments conducted in the safety of his lab. While he had only pointed at the direction of Igor to maybe have Zaun fulfill the idea of Hextech through the power of a wish, Maruki still held onto his notes- hoping he might be hit by some breakthrough to further support Zaun somehow.

Somehow.

Okay, maybe he could just-

---

What Kasumi would find is the door's would soon open automatically, with a cognition walking right past the slowly opening entrance as she would be greeted by an opulent long hall of white and candence linked with golden swirls, green tendrils warped around huge hanging cameras and a distinct monochrome palette that takes over the front main hall as well as the reception of the lab.

The place is buzzing with quiet murmurs and chatters of people crowded around billboards and following the signs further to check in with the reception. Everyone's welcome in the Psientific Model of Eden.

[dreamingrose]

"Let me-- huh?!"

Kasumi stops banging on the door as it finally opens, her eyes widening as she sees the long, white hall. It's such an opulent place, she's actually a little surprised.

"...Oh. I guess I'm allowed in...?"

So she slowly steps inside, looking around at the various billboards. She follows the signs towards the reception, not quite getting exactly what the heck this all is. Is this really a Palace...? It does have that weird feeling that Kamoshida's did, but she's not in her Phantom Thief outfit, and the cognitions certainly aren't hostile or anything.

So she finally she steps up to the counter, and decides to ask the receptionist...

"Excuse me, but is Dr. Maruki here? I need to have a word with him, it's important."

Her tone is serious, but not as loud or obnoxious as when she was yelling outside.

[takutomaruki]

The receptionist at the table hasn't raised its head yet, but as Kasumi would discern, it isn't hostile. It raises its head at her, watching her carefully before typing away at its keyboard as if logging a visitor.

"I don't see an appointment, miss," it starts. "But if it's really that important, we will ping him, and he will be right with you the moment he's free. You can help yourself to some snacks and the plant exhibit we have in the visitors' lounge in the meantime."

The cognition looks casual, nodding away as he hands over some handouts to other cognitions so they can get around to different parts of the lab. Maybe bruteforcing can be an option too...if patience has all but ran out...

[dreamingrose]

Really? She can't just see him immediately? She has to wait? Darn it!

"Fine, you can ping him, but please hurry! It's really important I talk to him!"

Kasumi just sighs, crossing her arms. Is she... pouting? Although, as she turns her head, she can't help but wonder where the other cognitions may be going. Hmm... Maybe she can get a look while she's waiting for Maruki...?

don't reply

[takutomaruki]

In the meantime if Kasumi so desires, she can help herself to the open snacks. That isn't just something passed at a willy-nilly!

That said, as Takuto found himself staring at Zaun's blueprints- hoping the answer is written somewhere, his eyes shift as

[midnightmaiden]

[Her head's spinning. Nothing makes sense. She was supposed to be fine, but nothing makes sense.

She was... she was...

But. No. It doesn't... That can't...

Her memories gnaw at one another, clawing and fighting, snapping and reconnecting. Everything hurts. Why. Why?

A text message appears in Maruki's inbox before long.]

help me

[takutomaruki]

[Maruki was mostly unaware of most of the events that had followed after he had found himself growing up. On one hand, he wished he had paid more attention around rather than being kept in Ancile's safety just so that things were easy to follow up but when is ever Igor a little more helpful in that part?

And alas, it seemed his ignorance had lead to a downright explosion- especially with him not reaching out to Yoshizawa again.]

Yoshizawa-san?
Hey, its alright. Nothing's going to hurt you but can you tell me what happened? Are you safe?

[midnightmaiden]

something's wrong

they did something to me

made me think i was my sister but smaller

it's the only thing that makes sense!

[She's not Sumire. She's not Sumire. She's not Sumire.]

[takutomaruki]

[Takuto thinks a lot about the decisions he's made regarding the identity change. While he still doesn't regret giving his own Yoshizawa-san a means to live when her identity brought her so much pain (which he tried to counsel out first), one big worry always was the practical aspects of it.

And this...well, he couldn't predict everyone suddenly becoming younger or older, depending on the scenario, but sincerely, what IS wrong with the velvet room?

You're right, Yoshizawa-san.

I am sure it's just a big misunderstanding from their side that made you see all these wrong memories but again, the Velvet Room has shown countless times that they can't be trusted.

Please, try to relax. Sit down and drink some water. Would you like me to come to you? Or if you prefer calling, we can arrange that.

[midnightmaiden]

i don't want to be alone right now

[It's too much. Her thoughts are just too much. But Maruki can make it better! He always does...]

tw: implication of suicidal behaviour

[takutomaruki]

I understand.

Don't worry, I will be there.

---

Takuto had helped himself to some of his own groceries and made a mental note to buy more along the way back, but from the way Yoshizawa was acting, negligence was probably not the only worrying sign he needed to worry about.

It's difficult because, really, at the end of the day, Takuto had specially renounced his title as a counsellor. He was happy as a researcher and was seemingly spending his time picking up more formal studies, technical and theoretical, to support his work. His being helpless as he was when he was a child was only further proof that he needed to continue doing better.

And yet here he was, at Yoshizawa's doorstep- feeling both unprofessional for ever coming to visit a patient's place but two, coming to realise that this was at the end his responsibility.

He rings the bell, a bag of numerous items in his left hand, while he awkwardly stood there, unbuttoning the topmost buttons of his coat and loosening his scarf around his neck just so.

[midnightmaiden]

It takes a lot for her to crawl out out of her room. The doesn't bother turning on the lights. When she opens the door, her eyes are red and puffy. There's an emptiness in her eyes that wasn't there before.

"Thank you for coming."

[takutomaruki]

There's a flicker of something that crosses the doctor the moment he takes in Yoshizawa's state.

A frenzied look.

Messy hair.

Eyes puffy.

Terrified.

He blinks lightly, hand to his head as he palms the headache. "Hahahh, well. Of course. Thank you for having me," he says as he tilts his head to take a glance at the apartment.

"How are you feeling?"

[midnightmaiden]

"I just want to forget..." Her voice trembles. Her eyes squeeze shut. "Nothing makes sense anymore! How... how could they do that to me? Were they trying to pressure me into believing the lies that everyone else keeps telling me?! No one wants to accept me for who I am!"

[takutomaruki]

Maruki's insides feel like mush.

He takes a deep breath, steadying himself as he allows himself in and lets Azathoth's retreating tentacles deal with the door as well as the bag in his hand to be set aside. He has bigger, more important things to worry about.

"The velvet room works in mysterious ways- we can never really know how exactly they manage to do anything and what they did to you...I can only imagine how conflicted and tired you feel, but I believe you. This is the you that makes you happy, right?" He asks as he hesitantly reaches out both hands and places them on her shoulders. He was almost going to hug her, just as he's always used to doing it with Ancile when she felt down in the middle of the night and woke him up for it. He needs to keep Yoshizawa afloat too, get her comfortable first before even considering what he can do.

[midnightmaiden]

"I... I want to be happy..." She tries to steady her breathing, but it's so hard. Her head's spinning. Her chest feels so heavy. "No one... No one's let me be happy here. They keep trying to tell me that I'm someone else. They don't understand what I see in you. None of them can accept your dream..."

[takutomaruki]

"Yoshizawa...san..." he draws out, heart feeling like its breaking into pieces as he sees her like this. He feels like she is clinging to him again, holding onto him as the doctors punctuate her triggers. Punctuate his presence...

Is this...

No.

His face falls, terror shadowing his gaze before he veils it with a gentle look. "I am sorry you had to go through that and I am touched...that you were so worried. Even if its the last thing I wanted for you, Midnight."

"But is this...really how things are? Are you...as Kasumi, happy?"

[midnightmaiden]

"I was happy before! It's this place that's made things worse!" She doesn't mean to shout, but the words erupt out of her all the same. "Back home, only a few people acted strange about me. Here, no one can see me for the person I want to be. They expect me to be someone else!"

[takutomaruki]

Maruki's gaze only briefly breaks, her yelling sending him into a heightened response where his chest feels just tight and all he wants to do is hug her and tell her that everything will be okay. Like how things were with Rumi and even now, Yoshizawa looks at him with answers.

"No, Yoshizawa-san..." he starts as he reaches out and places his hands on her shoulders. "I do. I want to see you grow and be the person you always wish to be- whether with my help or outside of my help."

"Can you be that person for yourself?"