2025-08-31: Cat's Cradle
- Log: Cat's Cradle
- Cast: Umie Akabane, Julian Marlowe
- Where:The Streets of Rengedai Ward
- OOC Date: August 31, 2025
- IC Date: July 04, 2012
- Summary: Still reeling from the events of the night before, Umie goes looking for information on Joker Killer through unorthodox means. There, she meets someone else who had a rough night: Vesper, an acquaintance from earlier. In sharing information, each makes the course of each other's night change a little, just in different ways.
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
"Wuaaahhhhh, he hoooo. You tricked me, he hooooo."
A masked figure in a rain jacket, hood up and adjusted so that it falls over the lower half of her face, showing a grim little smile. "I have a a few questions to ask you, Jack-san~ Then I'll free you."
The terrible, terrible form of bondage that Umie has the Jack Frost in?
.... a cat's cradle, as in, 'a loop of string, where you make a specific pattern by looping it around with your fingers'. The demon could, very easily, just loosen the tension their stubby little fingers are applying to the string and they'd be free.
Umie holds up a red fingernail. "Remember, if you loosen your fingers any, the cradle will break."
It was the wrong statement to make, as it escalates the situation a little too early.
"WUAAHHHHHHH, NOOO, all the babies will spill out, heho!! Jack Frost and Jill Frost will goo up the hill and hit their crown and tumble down! Heeumpty Houmphy-san will fall down and make a delicious omelet, heeho!!" Jack Frost hops around, his 'bound' hands up in the air, as he yells about all the terrible calamities that will befall everyone if he destroys the cat's cradle.
The demon's 'captor's expression is unreadable, given the long shadows the Dark Hour throws over everything, but by the way they hold their hands up, palms out, it's clear this was not what they were hoping fot. ".... uh... wait... shh, shh, be quiet, you're going to attract attention!"
"Teach me, teach me your magic, senseiiiii!"
"I will, if you just shut up!!! But this is important!!"
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Loud yelling on deserted late night streets, attracting attention? Naaaah, how likely would that be?
To be fair, a lot less likely at this hour, an hour that most people don't consciously experience. Unfortunately, any attention attracted during the Dark Hour is that much more likely to be the unwelcome kind, because of it. Umie appears to have lucked out, there isn't an immediate gaggle of shadowy beasties rushing over, at any rate.
But that doesn't mean nobody noticed at all. There might just have been a certain Supernatural Investigator nearby, looking into any clues that might have been left behind during a curious incident the previous day. A bizarre, mentally unstable Persona User, seemingly using a live person as bait to attract Shadows. A person who wouldn't say a thing about the incident, even after been rescued. Even if the chances of finding anything might be slim, slim chances had never stopped Vesper before. And though this wasn't exactly meant to be a patrol so much, when he hears shouting in the distance... he would never simply ignore that.
Umie will thus have a few moments longer alone with her... guest. Not in the least place because Vesper dislikes stepping into anything without having some kind of idea about what's going on. Moreover, he is the stealthy sort - and the rare sort that can escape Umie's notice besides. And so it may be that when he chooses to reveal himself, it seems as if the masked gentleman in the well-tailored suit is just suddenly standing there, having appeared out of nowhere. Waiting to be noticed, before raising his bowler hat in greeting.
"Good night for it," is his oddly calm greeting. He's not going to specify what 'it' is exactly, he's not sure if he can. "I would offer my assistance, but at the moment, I am undecided which party here might require it more."
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
For all the freedom the Dark Hour gives, it comes with an equal amount of danger. For anyone that stalks these particular night streets alone, there's usually a reason for it.
So if one presence comes, it's equally as dangerous as many. Thankfully, this time it's Umie's lucky day (or night)-- or Vesper's, depending. Or Jack Frost's. Maybe everyone will go home happy.
"Ask mee your question, ho! Ask mee quickly, he ho! The magic trick will wear off!" Jack Frost continues to hop around, his little stubby hands 'bound' up over his head.
"Okay, okay--"
While Umie's not on the level of someone like Fuuka, having some experience has made her more than a novice at some things. Just... with demons, mostly. So when she pauses, it's not to look behind her at the presence stealthily approaching nearby--
It's to adjust her mask: a plain affair, which tonight is white with... black polka dots transitioning into squares on the other side? (She's trying to experiment with Pop art.)
"Do you know anything about the Old Maid?"
"Don't be so heho rude! My mother was a saint, heho!"
Umie grimaces. "... I mean the, uh, Joker Killer."
"She wouldn't kill jokes either, he ho!! That's why I'm alive, heehoo~"
'Good night for it,' is the calm greeting that makes Umie suddenly shift onto her feet, the twin blade of her weapon out and at the ready in one hand, chain still leading into the pockets of her jacket.
She's not used to being sneaked up on, but she recognizes Vesper quickly enough, blinking once before slipping her weapon back into the wide pockets of her jacket.
"Don't sneak up on people like that!" she sputters, as if he hasn't had the chance to see her do similar.
It's a thought that seems to cross her mind, in fact, as she looks aside. "... Or actually, please do. I'll learn."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
To be able to feel lucky or happy about a situation, one does first have to understand what it's all about. Honestly, Vesper was pretty ready for this to just be a confusing day, going by what he ended up stumbling upon here.
That is, until he overhears the extremely interesting words 'Old Maid'. He has no idea if going about questioning supernatural beings directly like that is a viable strategy - it's absolutely not one he's ever considered - but it is one of the growing list of matters that he would like to have more information on. The jury is still out on 'lucky', but at least it's more likely to not have been entirely a waste of time, as his original quarry had left no trace that he was able to find.
He actually didn't recognize Umie at first, what with the new and, ah, original disguise. Unfortunately, hers lacks the cognitive effect that masks obvious things such as 'having heard that voice before'. Vesper doesn't know how that works either, but he's certainly aware that somehow, his voice doesn't give away who his alter ego is. It's been quite convenient.
By the time he speaks his greeting, he's learned enough to mix himself into this, or so he feels. He simply smiles, one of the few things his white, opera-styled mask leaves visible, at the sensibly guarded response to his greeting. "I beg your pardon, my fellow masked vigilante whom I have definitely not crossed paths with before." Oh, he so obviously knows. "If you wish to learn... as you may have heard, my rates for an apprenticeship are quite reasonable." He wouldn't say it like that if he didn't know Umie has heard him say that exact thing to Eikichi before.
But enough making fun. He glances over to Jack Frost, and the predicament he finds himself in. "...It doesn't seem your friend here knows much of value, more's the pity. Information on the Joker Killer does seem to be rather difficult to find. Although, while I couldn't say whether this approach is strictly wise to start with... perhaps you might have better luck with creatures associated with fire? The Joker Killer appears to have a fondness of that element."
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
Indeed, there's a noticeable difference between Umie and Vesper's abilities: wIth how notable their first 'meeting' was, as well as Umie being very cavalier in unmasking herself for her 'party' at Tartarus, Umie's cloaking abilities stand little chance of obscuring her identity. He could identify her, but despite her meeting Julian first, there's no sign of her knowing who Vesper is besides the masked gentleman in the bowler hat.
And Umie seems fine with only having that much to go on, for the purposes of trust.
And oh, she definitely does not believe Vesper one bit, judging by the eyeroll (a well-meaning one!) quietly sent in Vesper's direction.
Umie's logic, as it turns out, is very simple. ".... Fire types would burn the string. They're also more irritable, usually..."
"Awuaaaaaaa, can I hehoogo now?" Jack Frost freezes (ha ha) in place, making little ice cube tears.
Umie looks down. "Oh, uh. Here. Hold out your hands. Yeah. Just like that." As Jack Frost lifts up his hands to Umie, Umie inserts her fingers just so into the loops of string, removing the terrible binding while, at the same time, transforming it into a new pattern, as she tightens the string around her fingers.
"... Uwaaaaaa.... I have magic too, heeho...." Little pink marks appear on the snowman's cheeks... like magic.
The string is loosened as one hand comes out, coming to pat Jack Frost on the head, seeming to take extra joy in the way Jack Frost shifts from boot to boot. "Of course you do. Now go and don't tell anyone about this, or the magic'll go away."
"AuAAUAUA, I'll be magic foreverrrrr!" The Jack Frost runs away with a puff of dust, likely about to tell the next demon he sees exactly what happened.
That's a problem for Future Umie.
"... Seems we're operating in similar circles, Vesper-san. Should we do a little information exchange? You ask me, I ask you?"
With her fingers now going back to her loop of string, she does a few twists and, with a few loops of her fingers, it's now back to a cat's cradle. One eye is winking behind her mask. "Or should it be the other way around? It's usually polite to let a lady go first, after all..."
Oh yes. She's trying this trick again.
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Trust always carries a certain measure of risk, as Vesper is well aware. He readily affords people the benefit of the doubt, and some measure of trust, but... there are limits. He's more comfortable keeping a bit of distance. Besides, a bit of mystery helps to keep things interesting, doesn't it?
He's not generally quick to judge either, although Umie's logic does flummox him. To start with a plan and decide the target based on that, rather than the other way around... what's he supposed to say to that? That wouldn't be lying, or come off as patronizing? Maybe... maybe he should just let that one go.
Thankfully, Jack Frost draws attention away from their interaction. Vesper doesn't mingle himself into it, planting his umbrella down and leaning on it as he watches on. It is interesting, seeing this interaction between the two, as they weren't two fundamentally different beings. He'd struggle to act as naturally about it as Umie does. He would assume it to end badly every time, but this... this is sooner heartwarming. Very curious. Maybe there is something to this approach after all.
"...An interesting way of going about matters, Akabane-san," he finally says, figuring there's no reason to keep pretending. "Perhaps we both still have much to learn." He absolutely does, he's not nearly as experienced as he likes to portray himself.
Pulling his hat down slightly, he repeats the suggestion that follows, "An information exchange? Oho. You continue to surprise me. Fair play I suppose, I did surprise you first."
Tossing up his umbrella, he catches it with his right arm, to dangle off of it like it did before. "Very well then, if there's aught you wish to know... I am rather curious to hear what questions you would ask of me. I'm not opposed to answering, within reason. Naturally, I will not be divulging any details in regards to my identity, or those of my clients. So long as that's understood... if I can answer in good conscience, I will."
Look like he's not about to ask the first question, it appears to have worked this time!
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
Oh no, Vesper. The wells that power Umie logic run deep. It's a special sort of planning that can only happen when every little thing has been 'let's try it and find out'.
A heart-warming interaction comes from many, many more where it has gone badly; Umie's choice of Jack Frost wasn't out of error alone.
"I've had a lot of practice," Umie says, with a lopsided, smug grin; the cat's cradle transforms into another formation, and then another. "But it's not my first choice. It could've gone very badly; if he didn't seem to already be charmed by me, I could have ended up an icicle." There's still so much to learn. "Maybe I should look into taking a few apprentices of my own?"
The mysteries of other Persona-users continues to spiral ever further; the smaller demons Umie is used to dealing with could seem like open books in comparison. But even that is a lie-- "I probably shouldn't though; if you've noticed, the demons in Palaces operate differently," she smoothly shifts, turning the topic to where she's seen Vesper last. "It's subtle. I'm still figuring it all out. A shadow there isn't a shadow in Tartarus either..." And back to a cat's cradle. "But I'm giving information for free now."
"Is it that surprising?" Umit tilts her head, and chuckles. "I mean, you *did* show up in Kaneshiro's Palace. Be careful, you might have people wondering if you're a Phantom Thief yourself, you know?" The question is a test of sorts, trying to see how Vesper responds. "But more importantly," she continues, her expression growing serious. "You tried to help that girl that was lost in Tartarus, and then, came in to help with Kaneshiro. I can be wrong with people's intentions, but that speaks to me like you're someone I wouldn't mind helping, just a little bit. Information is power, but I've already proven myself to be a terrible rumormonger... so."
She seems amused when Vesper agrees, if for his reasons. "Agreed. Identity is important; if I ask anything in that direction, it won't be intentional."
"There is one thing specifically, though." She folds her arms. "You're probably one of the first people I've met with the get-up: mask, outfit, weapons. Yet, when I look at all the examples I've encountered, there's been similarities that exist: your masks seem tied to your Personas and don't seem to come off with regular attacks. Same with outfits. Weapons appear automatically."
She puts a hand to her chin. "I've considered whether this was due to some place like Peacock Silk, but a business like that... I don't know. That'd mean a lot of identities in one place, wouldn't it?"
Umie, you need to get to your question. "My question is..." She hesitates, forming a gap in her casual, relaxed pace. "... I... really don't even know what to ask for. Did a simple children's game do all this too?"
It's a reveal, if accidental: Umie is referring to the Philemon game. But would Vesper know that?
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Umie isn't doing much to sell Vesper on her way of doing things, that's for sure. Practice makes perfect, yes, but he's not fond of heading into any venture without a decent measure of information-gathering beforehand. It may mean less opportunities to put plans into action, but surely the effect on the success rate would compensate. It's supposed to be 'better safe than sorry', not the other way around!
He bites his tongue on the lecture - he's not fond of those in spite of his alter ego's profession - nor does he comment on what he thinks on the possibility of Umie taking on apprentices. He likewise stifles a sigh of relief when she discourages that a bit herself.
"...Indeed," he agrees, on something that feels like a better topic of discussion. "Tartarus, Palaces, and Mementos as well... they each seem to operate on different principles, following their own patterns. I find myself most intrigued by Palaces as of late... they appear to function on some form of narrative, which can be exploited by inserting oneself into it." That's how he managed to gain some headway on his own in Kaneshiro's Palace, before hitting a roadblock he needed assistance for.
He chuckles, at the suggestion he might be mistaken for a Phantom Thief. "I'll take that as a compliment." He did seem eager to band together with them, back then, even though he was clearly apart from their group. Reasonable enough to assume he doesn't think poorly of their activity. Although... "...I should remind you, however, that I act on behalf of a client."
As if to demonstrate, he withdraws a business card from his coat's breast pocket. The way he flashes it, all that can really be seem of it is the stylized letter 'V' printed on it. "I will freely admit to having a personal interest, and I am discerning in the cases I choose to take on, but... you should bear in mind that at times, I'm simply doing my job." It would be best if others think of it that way, he thinks.
As for the question... with his conditions agreed upon, he calmly awaits while Umie gets to her point. Though he remains silent throughout, at the mention of weapons that just appear, his umbrella slides off his arm, remaining dangling from his fingertips. Yes, of course that counts as a weapon.
It nearly drops at the mention of a 'children's game', requiring him to grasp the handle firmly. He sure wasn't expecting that to be the eventual question. "I'm sorry? I don't... know what you're implying, I'm not in the habit of playing children's games." He's probably played a whole lot less of those in his life than most people have, all things considered. And he had absolutely no idea of one being involved with all thise.
"...I will say, your observations are most astute. But if your question is how exactly I obtained these abilities, I'm afraid I have more questions than answers myself. They simply... came to me in a moment of need." No need to hide anything there, when the full truth of what he knows is that limited.
He is tempted to ask Umie about that strange children's game assumption in turn, but... at the moment, there's something he's more directly concerned with. The reason why he was out here, in fact.
"In turn, let me ask you this. Yesterday, in Hirasaka, there was an incident involving a woman wearing black bridal garments, with a Persona acting as a cage that she referred to as Gretchen. Do you know anything about this incident, or that woman?"
He figures it may be a long shot for Umie to know 'Yumi', but... he doesn't mind indirectly informing others of the incident.
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
There's a bit of apprehension on Vesper's part; Umie can detect just a little of it. Does it dissuade her from moving forward? Of course not. If anything, it makes her smile just a little cheekily, though it, like her quip, are dropped before they become anything more.
Hopefully Umie's penchant for making plans on the fly and acting on them suddenly will not lead to any future problems whatsoever. (Narrator: it has, and will continue to do so.)
"There's been more than one?" Umie says, immediately seizing on the plural of Palaces, rather than letting it be a simple matter of phrasing. It's a concept that's already managed to throw her off, even if it makes sense, logically. "What the heck is going on...?" Her hands settle into the pockets of her oversized coat as she contemplates, openly. "
"... You like them too, huh." Umie lets out a sigh, releasing some tension. "No, no worries." She already knows somewhat how that client is, but she's not about to disclose that openly. "But this will make me reconsider whether you do things out of the kindness of your heart..." She's joking; her smile indicates as much; especially since he disproves her quip moments later.
"Noted." If the business card is for Umie to take, Umie reaches out and picks it from Vesper's hands. "Alright. Who knows? I may need your services someday. I think you've stumbled across the sort of success rate I have with my little operations."
Ah, she admits her failures, at least-- or, maybe, she's just that stubborn to make it work. "I'll try to make sure it's something you'd be invested in."
The children's game draws a reaction she wasn't expecting. "W-well," Umie begins, momentairely flustered by Vesper's response, "I mean, the one where you chant--" She groans; something of the strange gremlin girl seems to emerge, rather than a young woman trying to put on airs. "Not you too... I swear, all of us Sumaru kids did it at some point! It's perfectly normal!"
Oh no, this city really *is* that weird.
".... I see." Umie's expression, despite it being partially masked, seems to soften, slightly. "... So you look for your own answers, too."
She breathes, bringing up a hand. "So far, it seems like... there's three methods... no, four. The game, yours, the Evokers..." She mentioned a fourth; her fourth finger doesn't lift, however. "... Oh, it's three, miscounted," she corrects, lackadaisically.
As for Yumi? The expression on Umie's face, when he describes the notable garments she wore, speaks that he might have a potential lead.
".... I don't entirely know, but she was involved in the Sumaru TV incident weeks earlier. Probably nothing appeared on the news, but you may want to seek out some of the SEES types, like Ara--" No. Shinjiro's in jail. (She remembers the Evoker on her, wrapped in cloth. .... Why would Shinjiro decide to trust her with something like that, after what she did...?)
"Ririka Kawase is someone you should seek out. She was there. She'd have an even better handle of what happened than I would. There's usually another person with this 'Yumi', though... dressed similarly, but like a groom."
"They were involved in a scuffle at Ebisu Beach, as well. As far as I know... you may be dealing with the NWO, Vesper-san. I'd be very careful, for your sake and the sake of any clients that are looking into this."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Have there been more Palaces? If what Vesper has learned so far is any indication, he can say that much with certainty. "I rather suspect there are more Palaces out there at this very moment than either of us are yet aware of." This is going to be a growing concern, he's certain. A concern... or an opportunity. He'll leave it to Umie to consider the relation between the Phantom Thieves's claims, what happened in Kaneshiro's Palace, and Kaneshiro's recent news appearance. Surely what this may mean is no major leap of logic. He likewise offers no comment on what it implies, that he would approve even suspecting that much.
Vesper appears to waver a bit on whether he wants Umie to actually have that card, moving it further away... then closer, only to snatch it away again when Umie reaches out, like he was acting the part of some kind of magician. But no, that's not wavering. He's smiling. He was playing keepaway with that card on purpose! Once he's certain Umie's figured out what he's doing, he holds out the card more casually, letting her take it that time.
"It's best not to make your intentions too obvious even at the best of times," he counsels. "Just a bit of free advice." Which Umie appears to be in need of. Success rate aside, that much straightforwardness can be hazardous.
The card, as it happens, is dominated by that 'V'. It doesn't have any other information aside from a phone number. "Just to note - I will not answer when you call. Nothing personal, it's how the number works. I will receive your message, and be in touch if the matter is indeed of interest."
That's a really roundabout way of saying 'you're calling a burner phone that auto-forwards to voice mail', but when you're playing a part, you should play it all the way.
The matter of the children's game... seems to be some distress to Umie. What little can be seen of Vesper's face goes perfectly blank, as he calmly replies, "...I have never once lived in Sumaru, Akabane-san." He'll give her that one for free, unfortunately only validating the point of view that yes, Sumaru is weeeeeird.
How interesting through, that a simple game could be responsible for these powers. He was aware of two other methods... and the fact that there's more than three isn't lost on him. Miscounted indeed. He's not one to give away what he notices for no reason, but rest assured, Vesper Will Remember That.
It's fair enough to let it go for now, in exchange for the useful information he does receive. He invisibly raises an eyebrow at the hesitation, which raises higher still at the name that does come out. Ririka Kawase, again? That girl seems to find herself at the wrong place at the wrong time a lot... or would that be the right place at the right time? Curious.
"The NWO... is it?" So musing aloud, it sounds like he's aware of what that means. At least enough so for him to nod in understanding. "Thank you for the information, and I appreciate your concern, I'll exercise caution. This matter came across my path rather by accident, but even though it isn't my current focus... well, it pays to be prepared."
He glances at the sky, for a moment. Darn Dark Hour, giving no direct indication of when it's about to end. By his estimation, it can't be that long, however. Which means he should make himself scarce. His inclines his head in Umie's direction.
"Begging your pardon for cutting things short, but in light of this, I believe I should take my leave. Given the situation, I'd best not be seen poking around in the area further. I'm certain we will be in touch... won't we?"
He tips his hat in what he intends to be a parting greeting, with a slight, knowing grin. One thing he could say about Umie Akabane with certainty is that she can't help but poke her nose into things. In that respect, they aren't so dissimilar.
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
"Ah, right. If it's a cognitive space," for some reason, that word seems to describe so much of the realms' eccentricities more than any other, "it may as well be an ocean, full of things we've never seen but have never been able to look at."
Vesper's quiet on his thoughts, but Umie isn't as willing to keep hers private-- perhaps yet another flaw in the young woman's approach. "... Pandora's box."
The card slips from Umie's fingers, drawing a look of surprise. (Not that it's that hard to play keepaway with Umie... until she plays for keeps. This is not one of those scenarios.)
Looking up to gather clues from his expression, she slowly grins back, sensing the light-hearted humor. She shakes a finger. "And this is why I should've stuck with demons," she jokes. "But the advice is appreciated." The card is claimed that second time, Umie's fingers tensing as if Vesper was certain to do it again.
"I'd be concerned if you did, even if I'd be interested in seeing how your abilities could work over the phone." But even if they didn't, would she know who he is just by his voice? (Of course, the rational answer why doesn't seem to even come to Umie's mind.)
One eye closes in a slow wink as she holds the card betweenher index and ring finger. "If I come across anybody who may benefit from your services, I may spread the word, too, if that's fine... just with the caveat that they may not hear from you." The card disappears into the layers of pockets inside the lining of her jacket.
The topic of Sumaru breaks Umie's cool. "Well, I only moved here--" How long as it been? A decade? The fact that she stops likely shows that her response would have ended in failure. "Having rumors come true all the time makes you suspicious of everything!"
Yes, Sumaru City is weird. There's no way Umie can slink past that one.
Vesper seeming to understand the gravity of the situation puts Umie at ease, as well. "Given how there's always some connection somewhere... it's for the best."
'Begging your pardon...'
"Ah, yes." Umie's eyes widen. "Sorry, lost track. Yeah, get going. The carriage is going to become a pumpkin, before long." She angles her head towards a direction. "I'm heading that way. But be sure to doublecheck, in case I change my mind, will you?" She waves a half gloved hand. "Nice having a proper meeting with you, Vesper-san. We'll have to do this again, sometime."
It was feeling like a dour night, after what had happened the night before for her. It seems, it was that way for Vesper, as well. ".... Thank you," she says, when she thinks he's not around to hear. ".... I really needed that."