2026-08-22: Poetry in Motion
- Log: 2026-08-22 Poetry in Motion
- Cast: Julian Marlowe, Ren Amamiya
- Where: Shibuya Station - Underground Mall
- OOC Date: August 22, 2026
- IC Date: December 29, 2012
- Summary: Vesper issues a friendly challenge in the form of riddles to The Phantoms... for the third time, after making the first two so overwrought no one had the time to puzzle it out. Joker deciphers the last, though, which leads to a meeting and a conversation in the Underground Mall during the Dark Hour. Vesper continues to be concerned for these youngsters challenging society all on their lonesome, and so offers his support, which Joker welcomes. It's always nice to speak to a non-shitty adult.
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
The Phan-Site. Love the Phantom Thieves or hate them, there's plenty of reason for discussion on the forum. At the current point in time, traffic is not the greatest it's ever been - obviously, the biggest explosions happen right after the Phantoms make the news following a major heist. While those are exciting times for most, there are some who prefer the more quiet times. Times when their individual posts are less likely to get snowed under.
One such forum-goer, who signed up a while ago but never actually posted before, choose this time to post what appeared to be a flowery poem of some sort, noting it was 'a challenge for the Phantom Thieves'. If there was indeed any sort of point to it, it was way too obtuse to make heads or tails of. If one even cared to take it seriously, which the replies certainly didn't.
A few weeks later, it happened a second time. Same poster, same overly intricate writing, different poem/riddle. And just a slight bit of smugness added since 'it appears the challenge was too great', as they put it. Obvious baitpost, nothing particularly notable aside from the apparent effort put into the post, assuming it was indeed supposed to make sense somehow.
Then, shortly after Christmas, a third post appeared....
Twice have I waited to no avail. What's wrong, Phantom Thieves? Are my riddles too difficult to piece together? Very well, I'll make it easier to understand this time. Consider it a sign of my increased investment. Can you see through my words and see my intentions? Once more, I'll be waiting.
I have walked three places unknown to the uninitiated
One that shifts like a world dreaming of its own sins
One built to flatter sovereigns never meant to rule
And one that lies beneath, endless tunnels twisting into the void
In each, wanderers dwell, possessed of strong will
Yet their steps suggest questions unasked, destination uncertain
Corridors may bend out of courtesy, shadows may part out of respect
But should light not wonder whether it can pierce the unending dark?
I see two roads that wind beneath different stars
Yet ultimately travel towards the same horizon
I see these roads cross, time and time again
And find myself wondering whether they might converge
Do you, dear reader, wonder the same? Then heed my parting words:
When the twenty-ninth petal is shed from the final rose
And the great city's heart pauses yet does not falter
Seek the junction where many journeys intersect
Beneath the district most enamored with its own reflection
Certainly, it could be ignored like the others. But puzzling out the wording is much easier than before, making it easier to tell that whoever this is, it's someone who's Aware, more than likely a Persona-User, who appears to reaching out a tentative hand in friendship. Of course, to even considering investigating further, one would need to piece together the meeting time and place, first...
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
There are many who try to call The Phantoms out to meet with them. The one who's been posting those riddles is far from the first, and surely won't be the last. (Indeed, there've been times, at least once or twice, when they have met with a poster. Since The Phantoms don't actually respond to posts, and those who get a meeting don't share about it either, there's no way for anyone to know this, though.)
Initially, the one who posted the flowery poem did get noticed--it's hard not to notice something like that--but it was indeed too obtuse to make sense of. Makoto might have been able to, but the Christmas Village had just been announced and she was simply too busy dealing with that to make the time for it. When the poem-poster tried again, then she was busy with studying for finals. Now that the Christmas Village and finals are over, and it's finally winter break...
...well, this time it's Ren who spots the post first, and they're no less impressed by how smug the poster is about it, but they actually read the poem this time. They had some ideas previously after the second poem posting, but... they were also busy with various things, and really in no state or mood to focus on what is functionally a sidequest. Now that life and love have settled for them too, they're ready and willing to do a brain teaser.
The first paragraph is easy enough to understand. This is a Persona User who's been to Tartarus (which Ren knows by reputation only), some Palace or another, and Mementos. The Palace part is the most telling. Ren mentally earmarks that for later.
The second is a little annoying. Maybe the poster is talking about SEES, and maybe not, but considering this is addressed as a challenge to the Phantom Thieves, at the very least it's about them. It's only a little annoying, though. The last time they essayed a Palace that had mixed groups and individuals show up to, they had been focused more on changing hearts than about learning more about the supernatural in general.
The third might be about SEES and The Phantoms. Ren thinks not, though. If this were a member of SEES, they literally have contact information for individual members of The Phantoms. There isn't really a need for this. It might not even be about SEES at all--simply about themself and The Phantoms, who have similar goals, and how they have met but not conversed.
In other words, it's someone the group has encountered, who has been to a Palace, who is friendly or at least has helped fight Palace Rulers alongside them, who they otherwise don't really know well. There's a few people like that. The Phantoms have already meet SEES and Cardboard Dragon, if not every single member therein, so it's not anyone they know is (or was) with one of those groups. Masao didn't seem the type to issue this kind of challenge; Hyousuke, even more so. Sgt. Suou would be much more straightforward if he did call them out, and the girl who calls herself Ixquic would probably fangirl at them instead. It could be that Tamaki woman, but given the dramatics involved here, Ren has a hunch it's the last option instead.
The final paragraph is the hardest. They suss out that it's about the Underground Mall from the last two lines--well, at first they think he means Mementos--but the first two are more opaque. When they realize it's about the time and the date rather than the location, though, thanks to Morgana's suggestion, it all falls into place.
So it comes to pass that Joker and Mona take a trip to the Underground Mall during the Dark Hour. Mona waits at the stairs as back-up, just in case, while Joker sneaks within, leaping from shadow to shadow. They need not leap from any Shadows, though, and so soon they emerge into the open, gloved hands in their pockets.
"You've as much love for dramatics as we do. Do pardon the late response," they call, their deep voice projecting and echoing through the empty hallways. "Won't you show yourself--Vesper?"
Look, if he's going to make fun of them for not figuring out the first two riddles, at least they can show off they figured out who was sending them.
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Before anyone is seen, they are heard. The sound of slow clapping, the slightly dulled sound giving away that the applause comes from gloved hands. There is no sound other than that, even as the figure steps out from the shadows at the far side of the mall. If there was any doubt remaining, there can no longer be any when the individual's crisp grey suit comes into view. Stopping after a few steps into the open, Vesper removes his bowler hat, and takes an elaborate, butler-like bow.
"Pleased to formerly make your acquaintance at last, Joker." With a playful flourish, he tosses his hat into the air, leaving it to land neatly back on his head, as if it were a matter of course. "For the leader of the Phantom Thieves to come out and meet me in person... I am honored."
Even though he doesn't see anyone else immediately, far be it from him to suggest they came alone. There are no others to be seen on Vesper's side - though it may be dangerous to assume, in his previous appearances, it certainly appeared as if he was working alone.
Regardlress, rather than overly smug, the self-proclaimed Supernatural Investigator's smile is rather more self-assured. "I do hope you were not offended by my little game. I had to balance not being too obvious for the casual observer with catching your interest. Unless I'm much mistaken, you strike me as the kind who enjoys a little... professional challenge. As for the obvious next question, my objective..."
Up goes his right arm, launching the umbrella that rested on it into the air. Catching it without looking, he plants it down in front of him, proceeding to rest on it like one might a cane. "I was hoping we might learn a thing or two about one another. Your stated objective is well-known, of course. But I find myself wondering, what truly is it that motivates one to become a Phantom Thief of Hearts?"
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Vesper had at least once implied he might have been with Cardboard Dragon--but that was only by saying "'we' stand with you" shortly after The Phantoms had met with them, and that alliance fell through, so Joker no longer wonders if that's so. Ogre had good things to say about him too, but as far as she could tell, he wasn't with any group--more an independent contractor of a Persona User than anything else.
Joker smirks at Vesper's hat and umbrella tricks, appreciating the continued theatrics, and shrugs at the apology. "It varies from member to member," they reply, because The Phantoms definitely have members who would prefer straight talk over fancy riddles. "More than that, I'm sure you can appreciate we're cautious when outsiders ask to meet with us."
They sweep into a bow of their own, though they have no props to accentuate it. "But likewise, pleased to formally make your acquaintance." They stand straight, tucking their hands back into their coat pockets. "We seem to have a similar sense of Justice, if your appearances in Kaneshiro and Kamiya's Palaces were any indication."
The question gets a thoughtful look. "Again, it varies from member to member. As for myself..." Their expression turns serious. "There are too many villains in this world that the 'proper' authorities either cannot or will not stop. As long as such people exist, I will continue to steal hearts and protect those they would crush underfoot."
In other words, they assert that their motivations are exactly what they've been saying on the tin, so to speak. It is more complicated than that, but getting into it would potentially compromise their true identity, and they're being honest besides.
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Whether it's an act or otherwise, Vesper pretty much has the look of one who is cool under pressure down pat. It's no different in this situation, exuding an aura of comfort in what most would likely consider a tense situation, at least a little bit. The relaxed sort of confidence of one who believes that if anything were to happen, he'd find a way to handle it.
In this case however, it wouldn't be wrong to view it as more genuine relaxation. He didn't come here with doubts. He's kept his eyes and ears well open during previous meetings, drew his own conclusions in regards to the Phantom Thieves. As many holes as there might still be in his knowledge, open hostility is far removed from his expectations here.
"A healthy dose of caution is always a good policy," Vesper readily agrees. "As is appreciation for individuality. Diverse individuals finding enough common ground to unite under one banner is a solid basis for any organisation."
The corners of his lips tuck ever so slightly higher, at the mention of similar senses of justice. "I did catch myself thinking the words 'I could not have said it better myself' at times, hearing your declarations towards the would-be 'kings'."
Listening calmly to the rest of Joker's words without betraying further emotion, Vesper stands up at their end, leisurely raising the umbrella to point its tip at Joker. "Indeed, I believe we can add another instance of full agreement in phrasing there. However..." With a flick of his wrist, the umbrella goes up, way up... while Vesper takes a thoughtful pose, a hand on his chin, one of the few sections of his face his white opera mask leaves exposed.
"I yet fail to see what, in the end, you seek to accomplish, however. Is it merely a matter of personal satisfaction? Or..." Vesper stretches out his arm, catching the falling umbrella to return it to its previous, dangling position. "Do your ambitions extend towards swaying public opinion towards meaningful, lasting change?"
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Indeed, while Joker is a little more tense than Vesper, they also don't expect any hostilities here. He doesn't seem like the kind who'd think changes of heart inherently problematic. He could surprise them, but it's enough for the tension on their side to remain only a little.
Joker nods in agreement with Vesper's agreement. The two of them do seem similar in more ways than their style and their core element, to say nothing of how both their Personas are noted thieves. Likewise, they smirk back when Vesper admits he echoed the sentiments they and their friends had made to Palace Rulers in the past.
The way in which the two seem most similar, though, is Vesper's poker face. Joker's very good at keeping a neutral expression, but this man gives them a run for their money--especially these days, in which they feel freer to emote. They keep their eyes from following the umbrella when Vesper tosses it up, instead keeping them fixed on him, though they do note how well he continues to catch it. "Both," they reply. "We've made new enemies over the course of our missions as well. You know our deadliest one: the man in the black mask, who attempted to assassinate Shadow Kaneshiro before he could return to his self in the real world. We call him Ruin, a codename which he has acknowledged.
"We strongly believe he's the perpetrator behind many if not all of the recent mental breakdowns and psychotic breakdowns over the past two years, though we know not how he does them. We intend to find out, however--and put a stop to his terror... as well as his masters', for whom he swings his blade, however disrespectfully. You may have heard of them? They are known as the New World Order, apparently led by the Silver Lion, as Ruin once let slip."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Vesper did note the many similarities... but also some differences. It is for that reason that he posed the question he did, being of quite possibly the most importance in determining where the division lies. Being the kind to keep his own cards close to his chest, he had likewise expected Joker to do the same, provide a terse answer at best... but this is where Joker surprises him.
That's a lot more information than he strictly requested, freely given out as if... well, as if they were allies, really. Is that an acknowledgement he is meant to take away from this? The first surprise, and the first moment of uncertainty both.
Not that it shows on Vesper's mask of perfect neutrality, whether covered by the literal mask or not. "Ruin..." is the first, singular word spoken in response. An apt moniker, from what he's seen. Without the alternative, he might have opted for 'Devil', himself.
He remains silent then, certainly not about to cut the goldmine of information short. Though it would feel disingenuous if he didn't admit, "I am aware of the New World Order, and had my suspicions in regard's to this Ruin's affiliation... yet little else of what you say was previously known to me. Honestly, you make me feel ashamed to call myself a Supernatural Investigator." He chuckles, all the same. He'll have to try and reciprocate at least a little bit.
"Given your awareness of his activities, I don't suppose I'm telling you anything new by saying that it was Ruin who ended the Joker Killer's life?" It was at least something the Phantom Thieves didn't appear to be involved in, as far as he could tell. Phoenix was there, but Vesper is not entirely sure what their relation to the Phantom Thieves is as yet, let alone at the time. Even if that should turn out to not be news, he can at least add his assessment to it. With an overdramatic shrug, of course.
"Doing the world a favor? Some might say so. Yet I believe it was a case of silencing at best... purposely creating a vessel for the Joka rumor to take hold at worst. Trading one crazed killer's life to create many more hardly seems like a good trade." Even so, he can't help but add with a slight smirk, "You have my respect for sticking to your own codename. The unfortunate associations can't be pleasant." Meaning that he, of course, doesn't believe there is any such association.
At the end of all that, however, he needs to circle back to the matter he originally questioned. "In regards to swaying public opinion, however..." He crosses his arms, leaving the umbrella dangling where it is. "Do you believe you can?"
He's quick to shake his head as if to stop any knee-jerk responses. "Genuine question, no offense intended. You must realize the magnitude of what you speak. Not to mention that opinions in regard to your methods are greatly divided."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Vesper /has/ been an ally in the past--and Joker and The Phantoms' experience up 'til now has taught them that they can't remain an insular group who only deals with changes of heart and nothing else. Besides that, the NWO and Ruin are not just their problems. It's worth it to Joker to warn someone who's been friendly about a dangerous organization and their maniac (feigned or real) of an assassin/enforcer.
Otherwise, Vesper's guess would have been on point. Joker's certainly been terse and cagey in the past; that might even be their default state of being--or was when they first Awakened. It's a little hard to say.
It's good to hear that Vesper wasn't completely in the dark about their information--and just as good that Joker's been able to teach him something new. Joker dips into another courteous little bow. "I have friends to assist me, while to the best of my knowledge, you work independently. I have something of an advantage over you."
As they rise, they nod at the information that Ruin killed the Joker Killer. "We prefer to call him the Old Maid," they remark, for reasons Vesper can no doubt guess at. "But yes."
Their eyes narrow behind their white domino mask at Vesper's suggestion that this wasn't just about silencing the son of Tatsuzou Sudou, but about spreading the Joka rumor--that the 'Joker Killers' that have multiplied since his death were as much part of the point of the assassination. They believe it, and it makes them uneasy.
At least Vesper's comment on their codename gets a breath of a chuckle. "He's gone, and I'm still here. The same will come to pass of those pour souls infected by his curse."
The associations have been unpleasant, though. One of the members of SEES even asked if Joker and the Joker Killer had anything to do with each other, right after Joker had gone out of their way to say not (perhaps a little too indirectly).
There is that last question, though. Joker does not make any outward reaction at first, leaving Vesper to make his add-on. "I do--and they have. We've met with other groups in our time, including SEES, and they made it plain that they don't approve of us," they reply. "However, whether we can sway public opinion or not, we must try. The only alternative is to let the status quo rot in place--and that's unacceptable."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
Indeed, Vesper has acted as ally to the Phantoms in the past... but is it not so that today's ally can be tomorrow's enemy? It's not how Vesper would prefer to see things, but it the way he was harshly urged to see them, reprimanded for showing too great a deal of good faith. And, unfortunately, past regrets leave him with cause for seeing the wisdom in those urgings.
As such, it may be the most open about his feelings he's been yet, when his smile turns rueful in response to the advantage Joker proclaims to have. "That... I won't deny it, but I would say... hitting a little below the belt, there." Perhaps, in time, he too will be able to forge bonds of that magnitude. This may, at its core, be an attempt to work at it.
He doesn't linger on it, regardless. It's becoming somewhat second nature not to dwell. Plenty of other matters of far greater importance, no sense in feeling sorry for himself. Many others too are gone, and he's still here. With that in mind, he agrees, "That's the spirit. Survival of the fittest, one might say."
To his last, most important question, Vesper had imagined many possible answers. He hadn't expected that SEES would be brought into them, however, for once letting his surprise show plain. "Really? SEES does not? My my, what a shame. Here I thought that your groups might see eye to eye. I wonder..."
Exactly what he wonders is left unspoken. He instead chooses to focus on what the more important, global part of the equation. With a casual hand gesture as he uncrosses his arms, he begins, "I do agree with you there. But from your phrasing, I can tell that you lack an actual long-term plan to succeed at this. This is not necessarily a bad thing, I just hope you are aware that any change, especially as sweeping as this, can only come gradually. If you are truly committed to that, I wish you the best of luck, genuinely. However..."
Something in his tone softens, as he continues, "Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but from what I've observed... all of you are quite young, aren't you? To think that you should feel compelled to spend your life, fixing society's rot that you had no hand in causing... ...well. Frankly, it makes me ashamed to be an adult."
The moment passing, Vesper straightens its tie. "Be that as it may... if this is the path you intend to follow, the least I could do is try and be of some assistance. Again, no offense intended, but it's a simple fact that, out there, there are many things easier to access when you are an adult. Should you need assistance of that or any other sort..."
Vesper shakes his left hand, suddenly holding a white card. "...I too have my own calling card, of sorts. Feel free to use it, if and when you feel the need." With a flick of the wrist, the card is sent Joker's way at high speed. Vesper has zero doubt Joker will be capable of catching it.
Vesper is clearly no artist, all that's on the card is a stylized letter V and a simple printed phone number. It works, for his purposes. "No one will answer the number, but leave a message, and I will be in touch."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Joker considers Vesper for a moment when he calls their difference in allies 'hitting below the belt.' "My apologies. That wasn't my intent," they reply quietly. "There's nothing wrong with working independently, but it does mean you have to do everything yourself."
Survival of the fittest, though? That's one way of looking at it. A brutal kind of way--at least, that's Joker's first thought. When they realize that he means more the title of 'Joker (Killer)' rather than those infected by the curse, that thought diminishes.
"We're hardly at each other's throats. We haven't fought, and we don't intend to fight them. However..." They shake their head. "We refuse to reveal our secrets, and not knowing how we change hearts, they refuse to trust us. Which is fair enough, I suppose. I acknowledge it can be dangerous to take a proclamation of Justice at face value."
They don't have to like it, though.
Vesper points out that The Phantoms don't have a long-term plan for enacting societal change. They do have plans for some things, but as far as that goes, it essentially really just is continuing to find targets and change hearts. Joker neither confirms nor denies, though--either on that, or on their members being young. They simply wait for Vesper to come to his point as they watch his face.
The point comes to be offering his aid as an adult. Though Joker maintains their poker face, inside, they're thoughtful. He is right on that mark. They have Umie as a contact, but, with all affection, Umie is a hot mess, only barely an adult herself. Vesper seems like he's further along. If it's a matter of life experience, then he does seem to have an advantage.
Joker does indeed catch the card, two fingers snapping up to catch it neatly between them. With a dexterous flip of the hand, they look it over. (Definitely not an artist. The Phantoms are lucky to have Fox on the team.)
"I see," they say. "Thank you for that, then." The card vanishes, slipping up Joker's sleeve, and they slip their hand in their pocket again. A common physical tic, it seems. "I'll share your information with my compatriots, then. Should we have need, we'll reach out."
<Pose Tracker> Julian Marlowe has posed.
No malice in the remark of Vesper's lack of people he feels he can count on for help, not that he had assumed otherwise. He'd be remiss not to point out how such things can come across, though. It may be a bit of the counselor in him. It certainly figures into his sympathetic view of the Phantom Thieves. Correct or not, they parse as Too Young To Have To Deal With This in his eyes. For once, he's in a position where there is more he could do to help than just give advice - and thus, he must.
No verbal response to it though, just a nod of acknowledgement. He does offer on the matter of SEES, "I rather suspect that they too keep their share of secrets, as do we all. That's simply to be respected, in my mind." Not that he can't see how it could be a problem there. More to the point, it won't be a problem with him.
Sometimes silence is more telling than words, which Julian knows better than most given his occupation. But this is not about giving life advice - even if Vesper's approach here is the same. Point out and assist with possible stumbling blocks where able, but in the end, let people follow their own path - so long as it is indeed one of their own free choosing.
All due affection indeed, but he too just cannot fully see Umie fully counting as an adult, certainly not a Responsible one. No shade, fully understandable considering the circumstances. Not coincidentally, Umie has one of Vesper's cards, too.
Joker's dexterity doesn't disappoint, and Vesper nods in acknowledgement. "Very well. Then with that, I shall take my leave. Thank you for meeting today, Joker. I look forward to next time." Given their respective paths, whether through the card or not, he's quite certain that there will be a next time.
He briefly lifts his hat in parting greeting, turns his back, and takes a few steps in the opposite direction... before stopping, not turning back around to speak.
"One final, well-intentioned piece of advice, Phantom Thief Joker. Never lose sight of the age factor in all this. Not your own, but also that of your targets. A sleazy teacher, a fraudulent artist, an actual known criminal... it's easy to believe they'd commit the crimes they admitted to, and thus consider the punishment deserved."
He pulls his hat slightly further down. "I observed far greater division in the discussions surrounding Eiji Kamiya. Those who did not see what we have... it can be difficult for them to fathom a boy so young to be capable of... all that." With a shake of the head, he adds, "I suppose what I mean to say is... take great care of your image. It is as easy as it is dangerous for figures in the public eye to have public opinion sharply turn against them. This is a weakness you share with your targets."
A casual raise of the hand is all he adds to this, before stepping back into the shadows.