Haaah, I can certainly see how it accomplishes that. Makes me wonder if watching someone bring forth their Persona has ever caused anyone else's to emerge.
[ Because while the trepidation of putting a reasonable facsimile of a gun to your head is one thing, they've just proven that watching it unawares brings on its own bevy of emotional stress. Of course, that doesn't make his speculation any more accurate--he still has little grasp of the finer points of this concept, at least for now.
Once Mitsuru shares Penthesilea's name and origin story, Lockon starts to circle the entity, taking in her appearance. ]
She's something else. Wish I knew more about the mythology aside from just her father's side of it.
[ He cocks his head to the side before asking his next question. ] So say a shadow was here right now. What would she do?
Her mother was allegedly an Amazonian queen. That's the extent of my knowledge.
[ A few seconds pass before Mitsuru's persona disappears, having found no need to stick around if there weren't actually any enemies around. ]
Since my arrival here, I've only been able to cast Bufudyne, an ice spell that freezes and damages a single target. Thankfully, I've found little need to use it.
Man, no worries. I'm the queen of late tags recently.
[ That little bit of supplementary knowledge about Penthesilea's mythical counterpart gets a nod. ]
I see. I imagine that means this version packs quite a wallop.
[ Even knowing that an abrupt exit was likely, Lockon still stepped backwards in a short-lived moment of wariness when the persona disappears into the aether. Even after all this time in Zodion powers of an unusual and more metaphysical nature still strike him as strange, and he shakes his head before turning back to Mitsuru. ]
Huh... Even as a limited ability, it sounds impressive, and not the sort of thing that most could weather easily. Though, like you, I'm glad you haven't had the need to test it.
Heh, I may just be a little easy to impress. 'Powers' weren't exactly a reality in my world. [ He pauses, because that's not quite right. ] Well, except in the case of a select few. Even then, it wasn't exactly the same.
[ And while he doesn't often share much about his past, Neil readily takes the change of subject when it's offered, if only because it really isn't his place to explain Innovades and Innovators. ]
My story? Let's see... before coming here I was a pilot of large machinery, the kind that could operate both in Earth's atmosphere and space.
Mm, it must be something else, being one of the few with the ability needed to protect others.
[ He's not sure if it's the sort of thing she'd see as a gift or a burden, since it sounds like very little choice was involved in it. But rather than pry, he moves on to answer her next statement. ]
Ah, does it really? I suppose it's a little easy for me to take for granted, since mobile suits have been around as long as I can remember. All the same, the technology has taken leaps and bounds even then, so there's always something new to be amazed by.
Unless innocent people are in danger, we go about our everyday lives. We're students, first and foremost. [ How they managed to balance grades and fighting shadows is impressive, mostly because Mitsuru's kept them in line.
She nods, trying to imagine huge robots flying around in space. It's a shame she won't ever actually see it. ]
The ability to pilot mobile suits... is this a special skill that only a few select individuals have, or does the average citizen fly as well?
Ah, that's good to hear! At your age you really should be enjoying what life has to offer.
[ Maybe a bit hypocritical to say since he buggered off at the end of his secondary school days to do questionable things, but that was a choice. So it's still nice to see this group of kids still gets the chance to be ordinary when life affords it. ]
Oh, it's definitely a more specialized type of machinery. I think an equivalent might be... possibly piloting a military craft, or maybe even a commercial plane? Either way, it does take years of training.
And you, Mr. Stratos? I believe that advice is also appropriate for you.
[ He didn't look that much older! ]
A soldier, then? I'd like to see this technology someday. The people of my time have made enormous technological leaps, but nothing so impressive yet. [ A fully sentient, fighting robot was pretty impressive, but SPACE? ]
[ That trace of melancholy in Kurogane's expression right after the mention of a family heirloom... there's obviously a story there. It's one Lockon's curious about and given the lead in... he's not so sure he wouldn't relate.
However, the vague way it's posited makes him think better of asking after it. So he simply returns the smile with a faint one of his own--one that doesn't claim understanding, but still offers sympathy. ]
But there's just something special about this one, hm? Is it here with you?
I gave that to that Time Witch for the right to travel to other worlds. Payment doesn't come cheap with that bitch. . .
[Yes, despite his worlds, there's something lacking in it all. The anger to be expected from such a demand. As begrudgingly as he had handed it over, Kurogane knew he would have done it again. . .and couldn't quite regret it in the face of all that's happened since.]
But, it's a choice I made, and a lot has come of it.
Ah... Sakura had told me about her. I knew there was payment involved, just not how steep it tended to be.
[ Though it seems like it was well worth it. Not just from Kurogane's last statement--Lockon's seen grousing like that with no real heat or ill will backing it. He's even used it himself, now and then.
As a result, his next statement is accompanied with a lopsided, knowing smile. ]
It sounds like you have no regrets. Must have been quite a journey.
I haven't a clue. I wasn't exactly concerned with any of his nicknames when I ran across him.
[ It's clear someone's feeling a little tetchy; it's likely been a while since Graham's seen Lockon looking so irritable. His eye narrows just a bit at Graham's phrasing. ]
So you knew of him.
[ Not surprising since Ali fought with the UN forces. Lockon didn't encounter Graham specifically but a man that was screaming about Flag Fighters literally ran into him. It's not hard to get that there could be connections.
For the moment, Lockon is riled up enough that he hasn't spotted Graham's nametag just yet. He's too busy looking into the other man's eyes, waiting to see if he has anything else to say on the subject. ]
[ It's a very valid question since these are some big claims. Fortunately (or rather, unfortunately) he has plenty to back it up. ]
The man was a mercenary and a terrorist. But it isn't just that... when I met him he seemed to have no remorse for any of it. Not even a greater cause backing him. Just a love of inflicting pain and being on top of it all. He's killed a lot of innocent people doing it, too.
[ The his jaw and the lines around his eye tighten as he speaks. It's the sort of thing anyone could get upset about, but there's something in the dry swallow that comes after "innocent people" that hints at something personal.
When he's done talking his eye flicks downward... finally catching sight of Maya's nametag. ] Ah...
[She notices it as he does so, and Maya's own gaze is quick to hone in on his after falling to view the same. She smiles, but it is an extremely wry one. Bittersweet, if a person could say anything remotely good about it.]
Aha... yeah. The man you speak of... he sounds like the one who did "that" to me.
[Did what? Killed her, in a manner of speaking. It was always hard to pinpoint one major instigator of her demise, yet Nyarlathotep, for one, was hardly close to innocent.]
[ The lingering traces of anger born of an old grudge had been evident in his eyes up until now. However, the sight of that bittersweet look causes the edges to soften, and he offers a rueful smile of his own. There's no pity evident--he knows being on the receiving end of that is less than pleasant--but there is visible regret that she had to go through that, as well something like understanding.
...Perhaps more understanding than he'd bargained for. His visible eye widens at the next revelation she provides. ]
...Did he, now? Would you mind if I ask what your answer was?
[Maya's watching the man -- Lockon Stratos' -- face again by this point. She appreciates the small, and what she also imagines mature, changes observed therein. No doubt it shows somewhere along her lips.]
[ Lockon isn't really sure what answer he was expecting. It's an unusual answer to hear from most people but... in a way, it seems to fit this woman. Possibly because she's seemed so calm during this entire exchange.
As he shakes his head with a light exhale that could pass for a chuckle, a small, rueful smile crosses his face. ]
I don't know if I'd say it's forgiving. [While she speaks, her shoulders roll slightly, and Maya stares subduedly at a point somewhere along his chin.] There are some things that man did that I'm not sure I'll ever be able to forgive.
Mingle Post Overflow
To Mitsuru
Haaah, I can certainly see how it accomplishes that. Makes me wonder if watching someone bring forth their Persona has ever caused anyone else's to emerge.
[ Because while the trepidation of putting a reasonable facsimile of a gun to your head is one thing, they've just proven that watching it unawares brings on its own bevy of emotional stress. Of course, that doesn't make his speculation any more accurate--he still has little grasp of the finer points of this concept, at least for now.
Once Mitsuru shares Penthesilea's name and origin story, Lockon starts to circle the entity, taking in her appearance. ]
She's something else. Wish I knew more about the mythology aside from just her father's side of it.
[ He cocks his head to the side before asking his next question. ] So say a shadow was here right now. What would she do?
this tag is so late im sorry bb
[ Mitsuru chuckles at the concept. ]
Her mother was allegedly an Amazonian queen. That's the extent of my knowledge.
[ A few seconds pass before Mitsuru's persona disappears, having found no need to stick around if there weren't actually any enemies around. ]
Since my arrival here, I've only been able to cast Bufudyne, an ice spell that freezes and damages a single target. Thankfully, I've found little need to use it.
Man, no worries. I'm the queen of late tags recently.
I see. I imagine that means this version packs quite a wallop.
[ Even knowing that an abrupt exit was likely, Lockon still stepped backwards in a short-lived moment of wariness when the persona disappears into the aether. Even after all this time in Zodion powers of an unusual and more metaphysical nature still strike him as strange, and he shakes his head before turning back to Mitsuru. ]
Huh... Even as a limited ability, it sounds impressive, and not the sort of thing that most could weather easily. Though, like you, I'm glad you haven't had the need to test it.
no subject
And yourself? What's your story?
no subject
[ And while he doesn't often share much about his past, Neil readily takes the change of subject when it's offered, if only because it really isn't his place to explain Innovades and Innovators. ]
My story? Let's see... before coming here I was a pilot of large machinery, the kind that could operate both in Earth's atmosphere and space.
no subject
[ She smiles, leaning forward a little. She may not be as excitable as others, but hearing about machinery like that is pretty freakin' fascinating. ]
Such technology sounds straight out of science fiction. It's incredible.
no subject
[ He's not sure if it's the sort of thing she'd see as a gift or a burden, since it sounds like very little choice was involved in it. But rather than pry, he moves on to answer her next statement. ]
Ah, does it really? I suppose it's a little easy for me to take for granted, since mobile suits have been around as long as I can remember. All the same, the technology has taken leaps and bounds even then, so there's always something new to be amazed by.
no subject
She nods, trying to imagine huge robots flying around in space. It's a shame she won't ever actually see it. ]
The ability to pilot mobile suits... is this a special skill that only a few select individuals have, or does the average citizen fly as well?
no subject
[ Maybe a bit hypocritical to say since he buggered off at the end of his secondary school days to do questionable things, but that was a choice. So it's still nice to see this group of kids still gets the chance to be ordinary when life affords it. ]
Oh, it's definitely a more specialized type of machinery. I think an equivalent might be... possibly piloting a military craft, or maybe even a commercial plane? Either way, it does take years of training.
no subject
[ He didn't look that much older! ]
A soldier, then? I'd like to see this technology someday. The people of my time have made enormous technological leaps, but nothing so impressive yet. [ A fully sentient, fighting robot was pretty impressive, but SPACE? ]
To Kurogane
[ That trace of melancholy in Kurogane's expression right after the mention of a family heirloom... there's obviously a story there. It's one Lockon's curious about and given the lead in... he's not so sure he wouldn't relate.
However, the vague way it's posited makes him think better of asking after it. So he simply returns the smile with a faint one of his own--one that doesn't claim understanding, but still offers sympathy. ]
But there's just something special about this one, hm? Is it here with you?
no subject
[Kurogane gives a small shake of his head.]
I gave that to that Time Witch for the right to travel to other worlds. Payment doesn't come cheap with that bitch. . .
[Yes, despite his worlds, there's something lacking in it all. The anger to be expected from such a demand. As begrudgingly as he had handed it over, Kurogane knew he would have done it again. . .and couldn't quite regret it in the face of all that's happened since.]
But, it's a choice I made, and a lot has come of it.
no subject
[ Though it seems like it was well worth it. Not just from Kurogane's last statement--Lockon's seen grousing like that with no real heat or ill will backing it. He's even used it himself, now and then.
As a result, his next statement is accompanied with a lopsided, knowing smile. ]
It sounds like you have no regrets. Must have been quite a journey.
no subject
[It's not something he could argue with really, though it still pissed him off at times.
Kurogane exhales, offering a faint smile in return. One heavy with knowing, but as the point had been made, not with regret.]
I've managed to accomplish some things on it. Besides, who knows what sort of trouble that mage would have gotten into. . .
no subject
Spent a good part of the journey watching his back, then?
because this convo doesn't sound gay at all now
To Graham
I haven't a clue. I wasn't exactly concerned with any of his nicknames when I ran across him.
[ It's clear someone's feeling a little tetchy; it's likely been a while since Graham's seen Lockon looking so irritable. His eye narrows just a bit at Graham's phrasing. ]
So you knew of him.
[ Not surprising since Ali fought with the UN forces. Lockon didn't encounter Graham specifically but a man that was screaming about Flag Fighters literally ran into him. It's not hard to get that there could be connections.
For the moment, Lockon is riled up enough that he hasn't spotted Graham's nametag just yet. He's too busy looking into the other man's eyes, waiting to see if he has anything else to say on the subject. ]
To Maya
[ It's a very valid question since these are some big claims. Fortunately (or rather, unfortunately) he has plenty to back it up. ]
The man was a mercenary and a terrorist. But it isn't just that... when I met him he seemed to have no remorse for any of it. Not even a greater cause backing him. Just a love of inflicting pain and being on top of it all. He's killed a lot of innocent people doing it, too.
[ The his jaw and the lines around his eye tighten as he speaks. It's the sort of thing anyone could get upset about, but there's something in the dry swallow that comes after "innocent people" that hints at something personal.
When he's done talking his eye flicks downward... finally catching sight of Maya's nametag. ] Ah...
:)
Aha... yeah. The man you speak of... he sounds like the one who did "that" to me.
[Did what? Killed her, in a manner of speaking. It was always hard to pinpoint one major instigator of her demise, yet Nyarlathotep, for one, was hardly close to innocent.]
He asked me if I hated him, once.
no subject
...Perhaps more understanding than he'd bargained for. His visible eye widens at the next revelation she provides. ]
...Did he, now? Would you mind if I ask what your answer was?
no subject
[Maya's watching the man -- Lockon Stratos' -- face again by this point. She appreciates the small, and what she also imagines mature, changes observed therein. No doubt it shows somewhere along her lips.]
... I said no.
no subject
As he shakes his head with a light exhale that could pass for a chuckle, a small, rueful smile crosses his face. ]
You must have a really forgiving nature.
no subject
But I've learned hate does nothing for me.
To Hanatarou
No more than the average person, I'm afraid. Maybe even less since I've spent a lot of my time in space the last few years.
In fact, the closest I've got to a pet is a robot--though I don't think I'd trade him in for anything furry or feathered, even if I had the choice.
no subject