2025-08-28: Accepting Responsibility
- Log: Accepting Responsibility
- Cast: Ichika Kawase, Julian Marlowe
- Where: Eiji Kamiya's Palace
- OOC Date: August 28, 2025
- IC Date: July 02, 2012
- Summary: An unexpected new visitor arrives at Eiji's Palace. The Ogre meets Vesper - the two masked vigilantes discuss what they know and what they plan to do next, forging the beginnings of an alliance.
<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
The Metaverse is a strange place. But this place might not seem out of sorts in Yumezaki Ward... if it weren't in the residential district.
Instead of a nice house, this area is glitzy, glamorous, and full of... a huge high-rise venue. A hotel, fit for conventions and events, with a sign in big text:
The Kamiya Wedding
Soon
The building is off-white with many windows, and outside there are flowers, and many people (well, 'people') milling about. The entrance, of course, is sets of double doors that are wide open.
And the Ogre is there, far from the entrance, on the edge of the property, looking in thoughtfully.
The Ogre, as it happens, resembles the attire of an onna musha, with wide sleeves and pants, but instead of the traditional samurai armor she wears quieter, more modern plates like a soldier. Her clothes are in autumnal oranges, browns, and reds, and her armor is black with roses painted on as well as thorned vines threaded overtop. Instead of boots or the traditional footwear, she has futuristic-style shoes with carbon-fiber laces. She wears fingerless gloves of a synthetic fiber, and spikes on the backs of her knuckles. Instead of a helmet she has a headband with a long ribbon--and of course, a mask. The mask covers her upper face, but has a crack over the left eye, and has horns that extend upward, like an oni's.
She is alone, and the Palace hasn't noticed her presence.
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
It's odd, how quickly even concepts like the Metaverse are things one can grow accustomed to. Perhaps it's easier, for one who's come to expect abrupt changes in life, thus never taking the status quo for granted. Honestly, as far as twists of fate go, this one has been by far the most pleasantly exhilarating, right from the very start.
All told, the one who came to be known as Vesper has done more research than practical investigation into the matter, though the latter has led to most fascinating discoveries. Even if he has no idea where it came from, the Meta-Nav has proved to be an exceptionally useful tool in this regard. Kaneshiro's Palace served to learn the rules of how to gain access to specific locations... as well as what might be accomplished, once inside.
Kaneshiro's confession... there's no way that had been coincidence. Which means that the path forward was crystal clear. As he has always known, sometimes guidance is not enough. And those with the power to do more aught not hesitate, when they know how a problem might be solved.
In the Metaverse, the edge of reality ripples, heralding another who managed to gain entrance. Find a distortion, and speak the correct name and nature of the location... it appears there's someone else who managed to learn enough to be able to guess this much. Took a number of attempts, but perseverance is a virtue, the key to many things in life. Even the key to Palaces, as it turns out.
Out steps a man who might as well have stepped out of a sepia-toned television screen, given how out of place he looks in the sense of space as well as time. A gentleman wearing an impeccable three-piece-suit, in a style that hasn't been in vogue for at least half a century. Leather shoes and bowler hat feature a permanent shine as if recently polished, with a rolled umbrella dangling off the right arm as if a fashion accessory. All the greys, blacks and white make the one spot of color, a pink carnation adorning his lapel, stand out all the more. He, too, is masked: a stark white mask that might have suited an opera visit in days past, only leaving the eyes, mouth and neatly shaved chin visible.
Vesper freezes immediately upon entry, even before getting a good look at the Palace before him. It's hard not to notice that he isn't alone. But this demon-like figure... there's no doubt in his mind that it's another person. This may in fact be a person he might have heard about, from witness accounts at the Kasugayama incident. But it's best not to assume overmuch.
He clears his throat and adjusts his tie. "Well now... good day. I can't say I was expecting anyone else to be here... it isn't often I'm caught flat-footed like this." He briefly lifts his hat in greeting. "Vesper, Supernatural Investigator Extraordinaire. Pleased to meet your acquaintance."
<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
The edge of reality ripples, and the Ogre looks over in surprise. She immediately turns to face him--and then she sees a strange gentleman in an impeccable suit... with an umbrella. With a pink carnation. With--
"Uh?" the Ogre starts, and then he freezes. She frowns, and whatever could have happened is averted, because he speaks up first.
"...Hey," the Ogre answers gruffly. "Are you a cop?" she wonders. You have to tell her if you're a cop, Vesper. That's how it works.
Pause. "Well, whatever, either way. ...I'd say it's good to meet you but I'm not sure yet." She's kind of guarded. All the same, she walks closer to Vesper. "This far... they won't notice us."
"I checked." A pause. "I'm the Ogre. What're you investigating here? ...We might have common ground, or we might have a problem."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
If there's any alarm on Vesper's part, there's no indication of it. Despite his assertion of surprise, he doesn't act very surprised. Which is, itself, the act. You have to cut a certain figure in order to appear a consummate professional, an image which Vesper is very much trying to portray. ...It's fine if you're sweating a little behind the mask, as long as it doesn't show.
As far as the visible reaction goes, Vesper laughs softly and pleasantly. "Not that kind of investigator, young lady," which is a little bit of an assumption, but unless he's wholly mistaken in terms of gender, he figures most ladies wouldn't object to that form of address. "The private kind. The kind that investigates matters that they were hired to by an individual."
He too is on guard, even if he may not appear to be. He goes so far as to raise his hands as if to show he has no weapons at the ready, when the Ogre moves to step closer to him. "Fair enough, I wouldn't expect anyone to trust someone they only just met. Especially in a place such as this."
Given the situation, he'll keep the acknowledgement brief. "Charmed, Ogre-san." He briefly looks over to the Palace entrance. "...That would be what I'm here to investigate. And I suppose the easiest way to determine whether we're going to get along is to ask you straight out..." Bringing a hand to the rim of his hat, he pulls it a little bit lower.
"...Are your opinions of the one in control of this place... positive?"
Although he didn't directly confirm it one way or another, it's not hard to tell from the tone of voice that his opinions are anything but. And of course, saying it like that implies that he knows a thing or two about Palaces - and by the response, he may be able to gauge to which degree the Ogre is in the know. Simple things like leading phrasing is bread and butter for an efficient investigation.
<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
Ogre's not as good at the social game; her chief advantage is her gruff demeanor that conceals her feelings more generally, but compared to Vesper, her heart is much closer sleeveward than it is behind her hand.
But the laugh and the clarification helps. "Oh," Ogre answers. She doesn't seem to mind being called 'young lady'. "Guess you won't tell me who hired you..." She looks over Vesper.
No weapons. Ogre has no obvious weapons at the moment, either. But he is charmed. And Ogre... Hmm. The Palace being what he wants to investigate. "I prefer direct questions," she says. And then--
"No," Ogre answers, deliberately, firmly. "Or at least... More negative than anything. We... were friends, once."
"The real one, I mean. But he hurt... someone close to me." Technically true. Technically too true.
"I'm scouting. I'm planning to bring some people here to investigate the Palace. I've been in once before... But it's too tough for one person alone."
"...There's supposed to be all kinds of rules about how to find a place like this. So you know some stuff about this guy," it's not a question.
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Vesper certainly has social experience to fall back on. Having to wear a mask and act a part, it's almost second nature. As much as this would be a better world if there was no need for that, that's simply not how things can work at this time. Which isn't to mean one can't have friendly relations, of course. At a certain measure of arm's length.
"Quite right," he says on the one he's implied to currently be working for. "I'm afraid that's non-negotiable. A private investigator who betrays their client's confidence is worth less than dirt." Personal and professional opinion both, really.
Direct questions suit them both fine, that works out. And the answer... well, it certainly sounds like this could possibly be an ally, if that's the way she feels. An all too familiar story. It's altogether unsurprising that Eiji Kamiya would just be that kind of person. That only serves as confirmation that he's doing the right thing.
"I see. I'm sorry to hear that," is all he'll say on that matter. Clearly his motivations wouldn't be personal or anything. He was just hired to do a job. He needs to keep his professional distance. ...Just like his real job. Is this truly so different, in the end? Hopefully it is, at least in the way of how much he's able to accomplish.
"Ah," he vocalizes on the matter of scouting, which seems to perk him up some. "A wise course of action indeed. Knowledge is power, as they say - I certainly wasn't about to charge headlong into a situation without proper investigation beforehand. We may just see eye on eye on this matter."
Moreso than I expected, he doesn't add. Then he'd have to admit that he kind of went by appearances and assumed the Ogre would be the kind to charge in without thinking. That would've complicated matters.
The non-question is answered without fanfare, "I do. I took the information I was supplied with and did my own digging from there." It's always best if you can make claims without having to lie even a little bit. "Suffice it to say that I find your story easy to believe. I wouldn't be opposed to a team effort, so long as everyone's interests align. Which begs the question... what, exactly, is the ultimate aim of your venture?"
<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
"Fair enough," Ogre answers about whoever he's working for. "If it were me, I wouldn't want you telling. So I guess that's fair." She has some empathy, it would seem! But it is a familiar story... for a reason, in fact. He says he's sorry to hear it, and Ogre nods in return.
"I have before," Ogre admits. "It didn't go well. I'm not going to make that mistake a second time. I'm going in prepared, this time. We're going to make it work."
Ogre looks back to the Palace, and avoids turning her back to it. But she does focus on Vesper, for now.
"I see. Well, that suggests to me that you have a good reason to be here. So I'll take it."
"...Yeah. If our interests align," she uses his phrasing, "You could join us. But... that depends."
What is her aim?
"I hear that in these Palaces you can find 'real' things, too. I'm looking for evidence of the things he did--things that his father can't block, stuff that his power won't be enough for. Conclusive proof."
"...And failing that," she says, "Maybe kicking his ass will do some good."
"There's valuables there, too--but I don't think i have to give you the hard sell. Not if you're here for someone else."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
It just goes to show that you can never judge a book by its cover. Vesper does try to make a habit of not doing that, but well. Usually when in these sorts of places, if it looks like it would attack everything that looks at it funny, it usually does. There's always exceptions...
...And experience, too, is a fine teacher. "Failure is the foundation of success, as they say," he uses a Japanese proverb flawlessly, because of course this guy isn't at all new to this country or anything. "It would be to my benefit as well, were I able to learn from your experience." The more he hears, the fewer objections he sees to a mutually beneficial partnership. A very fortunate thing that would be indeed, he too knows from experience how hard it is to get very far into these places on your own.
But he does need to know in advance whether he can expect this to be a partnership that will last. Perhaps he wouldn't refuse outright either way, it's just good to manage expectations. From what he hears, though...
"I see, I see... that may be true. Though, I must urge you caution. The shape of this place is based on the perception of the one who controls it. It may be considerably difficult to see the truth beyond the warped shape it takes here."
That's one thing to bolster his preferred image with. He actually does have previous experience, and can use it to strengthen his case. To that end... he slips a hand into his pocket, and withdraws a golden coin, displaying it to the Ogre as he holds it between thumb and index finger. It features the face of someone who was in the news quite recently... Junya Kaneshiro.
"...I've dealt with cases like this before. And from what I've learned... 'kicking his ass' might indeed do some good, if you can make it that far. So long as you're aware of that, and are willing to accept responsibility for what might happen, I won't discourage it."
<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
The Ogre has heard that proverb. "All right," she says. "I can show you what I've learned. ...It's a lot of these people there--the people won't bug you, but the Shadows inside--that's what they're called--will. They turn into weird monsters, not like the Shadows you find late at night, in the... Dark Hour."
She shares a bit in advance. Still... Caution?
"Huh," Ogre says. "Perception, huh... Well, I might be able to see it. I know him... pretty well."
A pause. "Responsibility?' she wonders. "What do you mean?"
She looks to the coin, and blinks. "Huh... That's that guy--the one who the Phantom Thieves went after."
"...Tell me what you mean about what 'might happen'. I know the Phantom Thieves can do stuff to people, but..."
"I don't know how," she admits. "I'm not sure how I feel about it anyway."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Vesper doesn't appear particularly surprised to hear the Ogre's account of what it was like inside. Of course, that begins to make perfect sense once he makes clear he's been somewhere much like it.
"Indeed it is," he says upon the identification of the face on that coin, which he pockets again right after. "...I was there, that time. Many were gathered, united in their wish to bring Junya Kaneshiro down in a way that the police would never be able to. Including the Phantom Thieves. This is where the 'ass-kicking' came in." It still sounds like he struggles to say that, though there is a brief moment of amusement visible on his lips.
He sobers directly after. "...It would seem that the key is exactly that which the Phantom Thieves claimed. To 'confess your sins with your own mouth'. If the person in charge of a place like this could be convinced to do so, then it would seem their alter ego in the real world will end up doing just that." He's missing a few pieces to the puzzle in how said convincing process has to be accomplished, but that seemed to be the gist of it, from what he saw.
He does, however, have one more word of caution. "I also have reason to believe that the result will be more... drastic, should that person be killed in this world. This is why I'd urge anyone who ventures into these spaces the same way - be sure of what it is you want to accomplish, and carry that responsibility."
He smiles a gentle smile, after that moment of gravitas. "You've already accomplished much, however, by getting others involved. Kaneshiro was a man with many enemies, that matter was going to resolve itself one way or another. But this... this is of a far more personal nature. I was prepared to have no allies in this... I am relieved to be proven wrong."
<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
It is clearer and easier, with that in mind. And Vesper was there, to face Kaneshiro. "I see," she says. "So that's... what they do. They make him confess...' She's still not sure. She shakes her head, though. "...Well, the Phantom Thieves seem to be good people, but... I don't want them doing this on my behalf. I want to be part of it, myself."
"But maybe..."
Maybe it can work.
"Oh. So if we kill the Shadow..." She pales a little, under her mask. "I... I don't intend to..."
"..Killing him wouldn't..."
"No. I'll be careful not to, in that case. To accomplish what I want to."
"...Yeah," Ogre agrees about this guy. "I'm glad, too. In that case, let's test out this 'partnership.'"
"Meet me near the Kasugayama dorms at midnight. I'm going on patrol in the Dark Hour. If you come, maybe we can talk more somewhere safer... and maybe we can get a feel for each other before testing it out here."
"Sound good?"
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Vesper studies Ogre's reaction very carefully. It's not particularly subtle, the way those steel blue eyes seek to pierce the surface to see what's beneath. That's because this matters to him. He may work with others simply out of convenience, but he'd rather be able to feel okay with trusting them, also. He doesn't mind others mistrusting him as much, but having to operate with mutual mistrust would be... unpleasant, at best.
Thankfully, he only sees confirmation of what he already thought to see before. That little slip of emotion was plenty to betray that this is indeed a strongly personal matter. Appearances are indeed just appearances, the Ogre is most certainly not a monster. Or even a professional. Just someone who cares, enough so to brave personal danger to make a difference to another's life. There's no kind of person he'd rather have on his side.
"Glad to hear it," he says of her resolve. "As long as you hold onto that conviction, it won't steer you wrong."
Those eyes widen a bit behind his mask, at the suggestion that follows. "Oho! A test, is it? Truly an uncommon level of caution, I rather think most would take my at my word, at this point." That's no criticism - he sounds impressed. So his response is clear, given with a butler-like bow at the waist. "I would be happy to accept your terms. I admit to some curiosity, and am eager to see what these 'patrols' are like."
Probably not quite his style, but... he's nothing if not adaptive. Especially when it's for a good cause.
<Pose Tracker> Ichika Kawase has posed.
Ogre's reaction is plain; it's plain enough that she doesn't notice Vesper's scrutiny in turn, because she has a lot of feelings about what it would be to just delete Eiji's life from the social fabric. But it seems that it was enough; Vesper's assessment is right.
"Cool," Ogre says. "Seems like you know what you're doing... That'll make you an asset. I've got strong fighters and some reliable people, but nobody with a lot of experience in Palaces like this. I didn't even know what a Palace was until after I'd been to this one."
But a test. She grins, and that's visible underneath her mask. "Well, it's practical. If we can't work together, it doesn't matter how many nice intentions we have."
He bows. Ogre smiles. "Cool," she says. "Then I'll see you then. For now..."
"I think it's better if we go our separate ways and get out of here before they notice us. I have a bad feeling about sticking around."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
It takes effort for Vesper not to say something about how used he is to offering education, fitting though it would've been. You have to measure how cool the line you have in mind is against how likely it is to give too much away about yourself. More's the pity. ...Besides, he shouldn't get too full of himself, or he'll get called on it should it ever become obvious he doesn't actually have that much practical experience with the supernatural.
Then again, the way he speaks alone, people are likely to parse him as Older. There's no harm in acting the mentor in what ways he can, is there? It only feels right.
"Thank you for your candor," he says instead, "I'll seek to prove your assessment correct." And that test would be a prime opportunity! "True enough, we'll see how we 'vibe' together." Definitely unused to saying that word too, he's totally old.
Ogre makes a good point, which visibly disappoints him. "Ah, yes... I suppose we would look rather suspicious, having loitered around out here for this long. Very well, I'll cut my losses for today. Until tomorrow then, Ogre-san!"
He'll be exiting first, if he can help it... without sticking around to see if he can catch Ogre's exit. He respects the unspoken masked vigilante code - of not trying to unmask one another.