004 - Lucid Dreaming

[tabularasa_mods]

Lucid Dreaming Event Info Pt.1 ▲ Event Info Pt.2 ▼ Comments Please see the two info posts linked above for details on the nature of the event, the nightmares within, and the setting it takes place in. You may ask any unanswered questions in either post. If your character dies at any point during the dream event, please leave a comment in the death report thread to notify the mods.

As a final reminder, all characters will fall asleep for the full duration of this event whether you decide to take part or not. You may continue tagging threads that take place before the event, but everyone will fall asleep simultaneously.

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Falling Asleep, Waking Up
The shift happens without warning, much like the first time people appeared in the world. Perhaps you remember what you were doing in the last moments before a strange feeling of exhaustion overwhelmed you - or perhaps you remember nothing at all. Whatever it may be, you've appeared somewhere new. A seemingly ordinary train station, if not for the bizarre walls of flesh blocking the only exits. The only path forward is down into the pulsating depths, a humid breeze pushing at your back.

There may be others here with you, or you may be alone. Could there be more people trapped in this strange place? You won't find them just by standing around.

Nightmares
The screeching of a distant train will echo through the tunnels on occasion, shadows flicking through the translucent flesh of the walls. Sometimes, however, instead of fading away the noise will only grow louder, closer, until it sounds like the train should be upon you. It never appears, but something else always will.

The train is a siren call for nightmares, and you're unfortunate enough to be their victim. The shadows turn alive, twisting and growing as they rise up from the ground and begin to transform. What form they take varies, but the shadows of the mind know the true fears of those who walk among them. Are you prepared to face the darkness?

Volcanic Panic

The shadows congeal at the edges of the floor, and soon after a hot orange glow begins to fill the room - molten lava is pooling in from the other end of the tunnel. It rolls slowly forward, devouring everything it touches with an unquenchable searing hunger, leaving behind only the charred bones of its victims... although, strangely, the tunnels themselves appear to be completely unharmed.

Outrunning the flow of lava shouldn't be a problem, but there seems to be no end to it. How long can you run from something that never stops? Or worse, what happens if you find yourself surrounded? You'll need to find a way to higher ground before that happens.

A Radiant Plague

The shadows rise up into familiar shapes, and at first glance it'd be easy to mistake them for people. They may even share the faces and voices of people you know, stumbling towards you with wide, open arms... and empty, glowing eyes filled with an orange light. Something smells sickly sweet, and it's only once they're close enough to grab you that they begin to attack.

These are not your friends, and they'll do whatever it takes to make you one of them instead. Unfortunately, it's not an experience you'll be able to survive. Your only hope is to fight back before the plague can take hold, lest you become another mindless husk that knows only to further spread the infection.

Trust No One, Not Even Yourself

The shadows stretch and fill the air, choking everything in a thick blanket of darkness... before dispersing just as quickly as they'd appeared. A few moments pass and nothing else seems to be happening. You must've gotten lucky this time!

... Or did you?

Surely it can't be that simple. Nothing else here has been, so something must have happened just now. It's only you and the person you're currently traveling with... but are you sure that's really them right now? How do you know they haven't been possessed by another nightmare, waiting until you let your guard down to stab you in the back? Should you interrogate them to be sure, or start with restraining them and ask questions later? Wouldn't it be better to just kill them before things get out of hand? The sooner you strike, the safer you'll be when their true form emerges.

Yes, that must be the real explanation. It has to be them that's been possessed by a nightmare. What else could it be?

Joker’s Wild

There’s no limit to what form the shadows can take. The world may have its own perception of fear, but your nightmares are something only you could understand. What darkness lurks in the depths of your heart?

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code bases by tricklet

Comments

[menaretrash]

[ Ann's been lucky so far -- these stupid Shadows have been trying to form Ryuji and Yusuke, but she's not letting her emotions get the better of her right now. She knows these are not, in fact, her friends. They're Shadows, and nothing more. It's easier almost, she thinks, to set them aflame when they try to take on the faces and voices of her friends and loved ones. It makes her angry that they'd dare try to sully their visage and personalities like that.

She's just about to order Carmen to start incinerating again, when a roar startles her. She looks up and her eyes widen at the sight of a massive dragon, and for a split second she thinks she's finally met her match. This thing is big. Carmen takes a drag off of her cigarette and peers up at the dragon as well, not nearly as impressed as her other half.

She doesn't have time to think much on it, though, because a familiar voice rings out, far more real and true than any of the illusions the Shadows could muster, and she turns her head in that direction -- there he is, Seto Kaiba, in the flesh. ]

Kaiba-san! It's really you! [ A few Shadows creep a little too close to comfort, though, and for a few seconds she takes her gaze off of Kaiba and onto the encroaching creatures, extending an arm out to her side. She doesn't need to tell Carmen to attack; she knows, and is happy to fling huge balls of fire into the next wave that try to approach.

She's glad to see him, honestly -- it's one less person to have to worry about. That dragon, on the other hand... she eyes it wearily, though Carmen seems to once again be exceedingly indifferent to it. ]

...I'm gonna assume he's yours, right? [ ...The dragon. Please let it be his... ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Funny, that's not why it's been easy for Seto. Whereas she was getting miffed that anyone would dare use the images of her friends, Kaiba was just so done with the concept of friendship that he really didn't wish to see anyone that espoused it. It was lucky for all involved that these shadows were not in fact real.

Mirroring her own persona the dragon is not as impressed in the reverse. It's ready to engage in more combat and confident enough in it's own capabilities. It's owner is a little more unsure, taking in the strange sight before him. Kaiba doesn't initially notice Ann, just the crimson-clad figure in the elaborate ball gown accompanied by her chained captives. It's a striking figure, and one that could fit easily into duel monsters but he knows better.

This is no card he's ever seen, and Pegasus had to be running out of his private selection of ultra rare cards he spirited away from the public eye. Right?]

Takamaki? [Looking towards the voice and catching his first glimpse of her in full metaverse gear. He recognizes it from the previous month but- why... or how.... was she wearing it now? Guess it made about as much sense as his duel disk spontaneously functioning. Also, someone should have forwarded him the memo that he should be employing the use of her codename. Cough.]

He is. [Stating that fact proudly] No one else is in possession of this ultimate weapon. [He'd seen to that. Ultimate might have been a stretch, because he could literally draw his other dragons and fuse them together but... close enough.]

[menaretrash]

[ She's so busy paying attention to Seto, that she barely has time to realize a Shadow, this one in the shape of a certain Speedo wearing King, has gotten close to her, close enough to try and grab her. Far more flashy as Panther than she is as Ann, she's quick to back flip away just in time, landing in a crouched position. ]

Let's go, Carmen! [ Fortunately, her Persona is on it, turning her attention away from Blue Eyes for a moment to send a wave of flames at the Kamoshida wannabe and the Shadow students that follow him. They fly into him a LOT harder than they really needed to, and he, along with the 'students', shriek as they disintegrate into nothingness again.

Once the threat's been neutralized, she looks back at Seto, wincing at the use of 'Takamaki'. ]

Panther, not Takamaki. [ Blunt? Yes. But she's not taking any chances here, okay. ] This place is from my world -- part of it is, at least. Remember when I was explaining Mementos to you? Here it is.

[ She can hear it, more Shadows starting to form down the hallways, and she frowns. ] I'm glad he's yours, and I'm glad he's strong, because we're not going to be alone for much longer, I'm afraid...

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Upon seeing the repugnant form, Seto nearly launched into his own assault, staying his hand when Carmen takes the initiative. Oddly, he gets a sense of satisfaction seeing that imperfect copy brutally disfigured and dissipating into nothingness]

I call the next one. [The next Kamoshida, to be more specific. After what he saw nothing aside from a direct confrontation would sate his own desire for vengeance.]

[Raising an eyebrow] Do you really think no one can tell? [Pausing momentarily] .. That you have this whole secret identity so down pat that you would be able to fool literally anyone? [The hair style, the eyes, the build of her body- it was all clear to him] A real master of disguise right here. [Finally letting it drop he listened to what she had to say] You know- This is getting to be an unwelcome trend. [Just the amount of locations that could be directly linked to Ann and her friends was astounding]

He doesn't have to remain alone either.. [Though Kaiba looked wearily at their surroundings. One dragon was large enough, but three? A part of him was longing to make it happen...]

There must be someplace we can go where these pale representations won't be able to follow us. Come on! [Aiming for a hallway that he assumed to be new to both of them he rushed forward. Shadows were forming in this direction too.]

Blue-Eyes, White lightning!

[Not able to allow Ann to have all the fun, he called out to his dragon in a similarly dramatic fashion. The dragon opened it's maw, an orb of light forming at the base of it's gullet then without warning it launched it forward into a beam of pure destruction. The light cleaved through the shadows as if they were made of styrofoam, when everything dimmed to the usual levels the path was temporarily clear]

[menaretrash]

Gladly. [ Whether it's Kamoshida or not, if Seto wants to take some of these guys out, she's more than happy to let him have some fun, too. Besides, something tells her that dragon of his is itching to get a little destruction in, too. ]

No... but I don't know how much of this is still connected to my world, and I don't want my name floating around all willy nilly. There's a lot of things happening at home... I don't want to take that chance. Besides, I've bumped into a few people who didn't know it was me. [ LOOKING AT YOU, BLUE. ] Okay, whatever, can you not be sarcastic for a few minutes? This may not be serious to you, but it is to me. If this place somehow disappears and ends up back at home and an enemy catches wind of my name and I end up going home? [ She drags a single finger across her throat to simulate that yes, she'd be dead. ] So, please?

[ She sighs, placing her hands on her hips. ] Listen, I don't know how or why this place decided to just now pop up, but I can tell you that I don't want it here, either. This is the last place I'd want anyone to get stuck in, especially non combatants... wait, what do you mean he doesn't have to be alone?

[ Now that's an interesting statement she hopes Kaiba will elaborate on a little more. But, maybe after they find a temporary shelter. ]

That won't be easy... at home, this place is nearly impossible to navigate. It changes -- you come in one way, back track and it's all different. Even at home, though, the Shadows aren't quite like this! The deeper we go, the more dangerous and numerous the enemies become, so I'd suggest trying to stay on this level or go one up if at all possible...

[ Her gaze moves up towards his dragon again, and she's awe-struck. That attack is devastating, nearly blinding... and very effective. She has to turn her head away after a moment, because it's so bright and intense that it stings her eyes, but when the light dies down and the dust clears, the Shadows are no more. ]

Wow... that was amazing!

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[With that little detail decided he remained on the alert for the next wave of abominations to appear, their fate already decided]

[Her arguments were logical, for once, a clear indication that she was taking this situation seriously, though he would still find it peculiar to call her by her designated sobriquet.] I'm not sure, I've never tried it. [Not being sarcastic that is, his reply said with an accompanying smirk. Although he still wasn't being overtly supportive he did understand the implications, and how catastrophically poorly this could affect her future. So, he did something surprising- and complied.] Relax. I don't think that's going to be an issue- but the instructions are simple enough. I won't mess up. [Pausing a moment as he tried to wrap his lips around the word] .. Panther.

[The haughty gesture was mildly amusing, and not unflattering to her. He found himself tracing the curves of her form before he realized what he was doing and immediately diverted his gaze elsewhere.] Really? I thought you might prefer to take care of some unfinished business... just so it would no longer be hanging over your head. [Ann did bring up an interesting point. If the pair of them ended up in this hellish dreamscape, then the others could have too, not that he was overly attached to most of them might not be as well equipped to handle this] I still have 4 monster slots open.. [Just saying, as he gestured to his duel disk]

Oh.. greaaaat, I never get tired of labyrinths. [Nope, the sarcasm hadn't left him.] For now I'll defer to your judgment. You would know more about this than I. [So he would keep an eye out for a means to going up but he has a bad feeling that the altitude changes could be as confusing as everything else.]

[Ok, go on. Compliment his dragon more. The fact that Ann can see how magnificent his creature is in action, genuinely pleases him. I mean- not that he was unimpressed by Carmen, but... you know... dragons are just superior. Kaiba, no]

Heh- just imagine that multiplied by three.

[menaretrash]

Somehow, I think you'll be able to find the strength within to do it. [ For a few minutes, at least. And she's right. She does look relieved when he agrees -- and really, he's probably right, there's probably very little to worry about. But old habits die hard, and she won't dare take that chance. ] Thank you, Kaiba-san. I appreciate it, and yeah... I know you're right. I just... wanna make sure. My associates are around here somewhere, too, so...

[ ...She wants to make sure that they're taken care of, too.

She's not an idiot, she can feel his eyes lingering on her long before she bothers to glance back over at him, and she's glad for the red tint that this place naturally carries, because she can feel her face heating up with the slightest amount of embarrassment as she, too, glances off to the side. If that were anyone else, she might have made a comment on it -- but for some reason, when Kaiba looks at her like that? She realizes that she doesn't mind.

Best not to linger on that right now. ]

No, not quite... I'd rather take care of that business at home. Because I have a lot of that, both in Menentos and outside of it, apparently. [ She won't elaborate on that, either, because it doesn't matter. What does matter is making sure that Seto is taken somewhere relatively safer than this. ] If your dragon is that powerful, I can't imagine what else you've got up your sleeve...

[ Because that big ass dragon caused a lot of destruction in a very short amount of time. She hopes his dragon isn't like Carmen, though, in that it drains him every time he uses it... ]

Yeah, they're real fun. [ Except when they're not, like this. ] Thanks. So, here's the plan: I'm going to try and get you up a few layers, because while there are threats above, it's usually a lot less intense, and you should be good then. Once that's done, I'm going down to the last level on my own.

[ Because knowing Ren and Akechi, those two are down there as she speaks. And she knows that they're headed that way, she's got the text messages to prove it. Her eyes widen again as he mentions three dragons, though. ]

Three? That must be quite the firepower!

[blue_eyed_obsession]

It's not going to be easy- but there's nothing I can't manage. [Precisely that. We're talking minutes, not hours. Kaiba really didn't have any room to talk, since usually he was the one taking the unnecessary precautions and acting paranoid. What she was requesting was much more reasonable] ... Does that mean I have to refer to them with ridiculous names too? [ At least those he could have some fun with should he run across the others. He could provide the nicknames himself and they likely wouldn't be at all kind or flattering BUT they would conceal their true identities!]

[Somewhat ironically, he minded it more than she did. Not accustomed to being the oogling type he honestly didn't think he had it in him and he found the development alarming. If he hadn't wanted to completely bury the incident he might have even apologized for it but without her openly drawing attention to it he assumed himself to be in the clear. That didn't make it right, but it made it ignorable.]

Not the divide and conquer type? [Since there was the slightest chance that defeating some enemies here would lessen them in her own dimension.] You have no idea. [Pleased by that fact since he preferred having the element of surprise.]

[Thankfully, that didn't appear to be the case. Then again with Seto, you know he would try to mask his weakness if it did]

[That's a strange way to spell out 'they're never fun'.] ... [As he listened to her speak he couldn't help getting offended.] Deferring to your judgment was not a code phrase for 'treat me like a small child'. I thought we were falling back as a strategic maneuver to regroup and pool resources. I didn't realize it was intended to ditch me in a safe zone. [Stopping abruptly and wheeling on her because this was clearly the best time to argue]

... And you want to sideline that fire power when you already know what they're capable of! [LOOK- he didn't want to volunteer to play hero, but he didn't like the assumption that he would be content standing aside and letting others take that glory for themselves..]

[menaretrash]

See? That's the spirit. [ This is both horrifying and hilarious, honestly. The fact that she's been separated from her leader is making her a little more on edge than she should be, because in all reality, every time she's been in a Palace of Mementos, she's had Ren to fall back on and give her direction, as designated leader. And while she's more than confident (it's practically oozing off of her right now, thanks) that she can handle things here on her own and keep people safe, it's a little bit... unnerving.

His question brings her back, though, and she does laugh this time. ] I'm afraid so. They go by Joker and Crow... likely, when you see them, you'll know who they are. [ If he hasn't already figured it out. ] Joker is our leader. Uh, mine... Crow's not really part of our merry little band of literal thieves. Ah... I need to help track down Yoshizawa, too. But, that can come later.

[ She hums, finally letting Carmen fade out of existence for the time being to conserve her own energy, because for now, the halls are quiet. Well... quieter. She can hear the Shadows lurking further down, of course, so they're not entirely out of the woods yet. ]

Not quite, no. I prefer to take care of my problems at home and not make them a public problem like they are right now. [ She pushes her mask up to rest on top of her head, too, because there's no point in wearing the stupid thing when he already knows who she is.

She lets him get all that out, because yes, she understands his frustration. If the tables were turned, she'd be offended, too. ]

Hey. [ She sighs, pushing her hair out of her face. ] I'm not trying to ditch you in a safe zone, but when we first met, you said teamwork wasn't your forte... would you really be okay coming with me?

[ Right now is not the time for arguments, though, and she's not going to let this go much further. Too much is riding on the line here. She turns to face him fully, her expression turning both more serious and more fond than it usually would, because what she says next is completely and utterly genuine. ]

Kaiba-san, I promise, I want you to come with me if that's what you want. I know that you can hold your own down here, but also... I can't help but worry. I don't want you to get hurt. The further down we go, the worse it's going to get... the last thing I want is for you to get hurt, or worse down here. So, please don't be upset...

[ Because she doesn't think she'll be able to swallow that guilt, if something were to happen to him. She's still guilty over Shiho, whose not even here. If something were to happen to him, too? She doesn't really know what she'd do. ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Joker and Crow- Crow is new to him; recalling the image of Joker and the blond with the skull-shaped mask from before. He wondered briefly over what this other masked idiot might look like in person.] I'm sure I will. [One of them was definitely Ren. There was no denying that one. It seemed like most things from that alternate dimension revolved around Ren, or at least that was the impression Kaiba was getting.] No codename for her? Didn't she get inducted into the club or learn the secret handshake? [.. Or maybe she had no persona, and was roaming around with no defenses of her own]

[Conversely, he's reluctant to put away his dragon when it's been so long since he's been able to summon it]

That's something we have in common. [Admitting that easily enough]

Hey what? [Biting back a sigh, as he tried to give her the courtesy of having time to respond without interruption. What he received he hadn't bargained for] ... [The question felt loaded, and he had admittedly been distracted by the innocent gesture of brushing her hair aside. He really really needed some grounding to stop... whatever these peculiarities were. Say yes? No? Say something] I don't know why you're going in the first place. [A deflection and a weak one at that. She'd literally said there were others she needed to find] Let them find their own way out.. why take that unnecessary risk? [He certainly didn't want to stick his neck out for someone else, and why should she?]

[What.is.this?] Is this reverse psychology? [No don't say that. It was evident from the way she was addressing him that she was being sincere. but why? Why did she want him to go with her? And why did he care?] You ... don't have anything to worry about, nothing is going to happen to me. [Over confidence on his part?] .. Ugh... let's just go. Down. [He guesses]

P5 spoilers!!!

[menaretrash]

...Well. You'll at least know who one is. [ Crow, on the other hand... she thinks Kaiba will be able to figure him out real quick too, depending on his demeanor down here. If he's feral, then it might not be so believable that he's Akechi... that's a little concerning in itself. Well, she'll worry about that later, if they even bump into the dynamic duo. ] I don't... really know. I don't know Yoshizawa-san very well. Ren and Akechi are way closer to her than I am.

[ Yoshizawa is an enigma, honestly, and she is concerned for the soft spoken young lady. If she's on her own down here, that is probably not going to end well, depending on which level she's found herself on.

Right now, though, her concern lies with the here and now, and the here and now happens to be one Seto Kaiba. ]

Because I have to. [ She doesn't have to, no one's forcing her hand. But, she can't just be idle and let people run around in this madness, either. She heaves a sigh, and shakes her head again. ] Because there's no point in letting people run around and get hurt, or worse, when there's something I can do about it. Besides, is there really anything else to do?

[ She just... stares at him at that, and her shoulders slump a little bit. ] It's not reverse anything, it's giving you a choice. I'm not going to drag you into the depths of a literal hell if you don't really want to come. [ Glancing off to the side, she frowns. ] You have to promise that if it gets to be too much, you'll tell me. The further down we go, the more crazy it's going to get... at home, there was a literal God waiting for us when we reached the final layer. I don't know if he's down there, lurking, or if something worse is waiting in his place.

[ She glances back at him, then, because as far fetched as that probably sounds, he deserves to know the truth of what they could potentially run into, should they even make it that far. ]

You say I don't have anything to worry about, but I'm going to worry no matter what. I can't help it. You're worth worrying about, so...

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[The brunette was confident that would be the case. There were only so many people to choose from- the void had seen to that -unless this odd pocket dimension had allowed in more outsiders that is. He never had seen the feral side of Akechi, but he always had an inkling that the overly polite guy was capable of it] I see.

[From what he's seen, Ann has every right to be concerned. That girl hadn't impressed him as being all that resourceful, always relying on someone else to aide her. Likely an unfair assessment from the two times he'd seen her]

You don't have to do anything. There's always a choice. [At least she didn't start spouting off about how it was her destiny to save others.] It just sounds like you're trying to avoid survivor's guilt. [Putting it harshly] I don't have that hang up- everything in life is a battle, and there are always winners and losers. I intend to be on the winning side myself. [There were just too many unknowable factors involved in this scenario, and she was ready to rush recklessly into it]

Literal hell is an oxymoron since it implies there is a hell to begin with. [Mincing words and deviating away from the point] I might not know what's really go on here, but don't delude yourself into thinking there's anything divine about our opponents. Stop giving them that power over you. [Mocking the concept as a whole. Gods... really] I can handle it. [Not giving her the promise she was asking for] Whatever it is, once I'm committed to something I don't give up.

[That last part stunned him into silence for another moment. His lips parted like he was about to say something, his eyes meeting hers but then his just closed them, and reassessed his potential responses]

You.... don't know what you're saying. Sure, you might know something about me courtesy of that invasion into my memories but you really... [Was he implying that he didn't personally think he was worth worrying about? It was hard to tell] Look- let's just focus on the task at hand. Don't get soft on me.

[menaretrash]

If we do bump into them... I'd suggest maybe staying out of Crow's way. [ Because Seto's right: his usual polite attitude is a guise, one that he's likely to drop here, especially if he gets... too into the scenery. ]

You're right, I do have a choice. And this is my choice. [ He just has to go and mention survivors guilt though, doesn't he? That does make her bristle, and she levels a glare at him. ] This has nothing to do with that! I do have survivors guilt, yes, it's true, but that's reserved for one person, and one person only! This has NOTHING to do with that. This is just called being a decent person!

[ She huffs and looks aside sharply, both offended and a little hurt, trying to reign in her temper and finding that she's having a difficult time doing so. ] I'm glad you don't, that's nice. But don't just assume things about me like that.

[ Ah, this is going to be a mistake, dragging him with her like this, probably. She's silent for a little while, taking in a deep breath and exhaling slowly through her nose. Now is not the time to be annoyed and to let emotions get in the way. ]

Yeah, well, think what you want. But remember, this comes from my world, and I've seen literal hell and God. You may not have that in your world, but I have it in mine. So, keep that in mind, and proceed with caution, Kaiba-san.

[ She turns away from him now, so that she doesn't have to look at him -- somehow, it makes speaking like this a little easier, she thinks. He can't see the look on her face or read her if she's not looking at him. ]

I know exactly what I'm saying, and I mean it. I don't have to know anything about you to feel like you're worth worrying about. [ She doesn't like what he's implying about himself, here. Or rather, what it sounds like he's trying to imply. ] I think you're very much worth it. You're worth a lot of things. [ They may come from different worlds, different backgrounds, and different status and social statuses, but they really are more alike than she thinks he realizes. But she's not about to bring that up right now. ] Anyways, if you're so sure... let's get moving.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

... [That seems to confirm his earlier suspicions. Kaiba has learned so much about the others from his discussions with her.]

.. Potentially throwing everything away for an ideal. [Why did he keep running into people like this? Then he steps on the metaphorical landmine and is more surprised by it than he should be that it evokes this response. He actually takes a physical step backwards as she unloads on him.] Alright, already! Keep your voice down unless you want to attract every monster in this entire facility. [Deeming this an aggressive action based on it's masters posture, the dragon roared aiding in the noise factor as it turned it's attention to the woman clad in the red bodysuit. Hello, I'm still here.] Stand down. [He cautioned the great beast, to which the dragon snorted] I didn't mean to... that's not what I was referencing either. [Feeling the need to make that known, that he wasn't attempting to twist that one terrible incident against her now]

I didn't assume anything, I suggested that it was a potential motive for your reckless actions. [Since he did think this to be foolhardy]

[It certainly wasn't looking like this was going to be the most successful matchup in history, not with them taking turns offending the other or brushing on sensitive subjects. They'd have to make it work, since oddly- he didn't want her going it alone anymore than she did in the reverse.]

There are so many things I could take exception with in what you just said, but I can't see any benefit in arguing theory at this moment so I'm going to drop it. I'll be cautious, is that good enough?

[As cautious as he ever was which might be less than the ordinary person.]

[Essentially he was being reminded not to assume what she thinks or feels, and to stop trying to change either one] We're two different kinds of people- Panther. [Only a little hesitation before he used the codename] That's all I'm saying. [She was better than him, but he couldn't bring himself to put thoughts to words. Despite the things she'd been through she hadn't allowed it to change who she was are her core. He on the other hand grew cold, and bitter. There were the similarities, if he would bother to take them into consideration.] Mm... we've wasted enough time here. [Proceeding to walk down the corridor]

[menaretrash]

That's one way to think of it. Or, losing everything and everyone because someone didn't take the initiative to act on it. [ She's not going to stand down about that. There's a lot of talented, brave people here, but there are others who have no idea how to survive in a setting like this. She's not going to abandon them to this place. Her hands fly to her hips again, and she huffs, looking back over at his dragon as it roars. ] Please, the Shadows on this level are nothing compared to down further. But... you're right. [ She shifts a little bit, her ire dying down significantly as he makes himself more clear. She'll never not be sensitive about that incident, some wounds and guilt don't close so easily, and every time she thinks about it she wants to throw up. But, she also knows... he didn't mean it like that. ] ...Sorry. I didn't mean to snap.

[ She turns her gaze from his Blue Eyes back over to him again, before she looks off to the side once more. ] It's not. And my actions aren't reckless. If you don't want to come, you don't have to.

[ This is going to be an absolute mess, and even she recognizes that yes, they're going to have to knock it off and suck it up again if they even hope to get through even this level of Mementos and... whatever the hell its mixed up with right now. ]

...Yes, thank you. I just... don't want you to get hurt.

[ And that's all she'll continue on about that. ]

That may be... but you've got your convictions, and so do I. And I really don't think we're that different when it comes down to it. [ If he did say something like that, she'd laugh, because that's absolutely, 100% not true. She would never agree to that, and would have to say out of the two of them, he's the better. He doesn't get emotionally compromised, he's strong, and true to his word and his convictions, right or wrong. ] Agreed.

[ She walks alongside him, arms folded under her chest as she glances around, hearing the hisses of Shadows that are lurking around just up ahead. ] ...I know you don't believe in this God or whatever, but like... if he's here, or something similar, that may be our key to getting out of here and going home.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[How he hated when someone twisted his words in the reverse. Just don't expect him to acknowledge that she could be right about that in any way. No, he just snaps.] Don't be so dramatic. [One point to Ann Takamaki. There were so many clueless people in the void that didn't even seem capable of taking care of themselves on a day to day basis, much less in an environment like this. That still wasn't technically his problem, though he wasn't a total monster and likely would help those he came across, he just wouldn't be thrilled by it.] That may be but I still don't want them splattered all over me in the aftermath.. [No, he didn't and for once that's thrown him off his delivery. If there was one regret he had it was that he had spoken without thinking first in this moment. That and his explanation hadn't been fluid and eloquent.] You don't need to apologize..

[Ann hadn't really provided arguments to support her claims about this not being reckless... but sure.] I know. [Ie. he wasn't twisting his arm to go, and he would refuse if he so desired]

[That still baffled him- the fact that she was so concerned for his safety but he tried not to dwell on it.]

Heh- either way, this little debate isn't forwarding either of our goals. [He is what he has to be. If he didn't put aside his emotions long ago then he couldn't claw his way to the top. In business sometimes you had to be ruthless or you wouldn't be taken seriously. They had to believe that you would stop at nothing to crush them.]

We'll see, we can save the speculation for if and when this god of yours appears. [As they continue forward, the BEWD walking along behind them, it's talons scraping against the ground]

[menaretrash]

It's not dramatic... [ HE'S dramatic, jeez. She'll take that win with a grain of salt, at least, because right now is not the time to point and do a little victory jig. If he's willing to step up and help out, then she'll take that, because any help is better than none. Even if she literally just wanted to drag him to safety minutes ago. ] Yeah, I... I know. [ His coat is white, after all. She kind of wants to know how he keeps it so clean, actually. Questions for later. It's... strange to hear him say that, 'you don't have to apologize'... but it makes her smile slightly. ] Thanks...

[ Reckless is the middle name of any Phantom Thief, and apparently, Seto Kaiba is now an honorary Phantom Thief. Unfortunately for him. ] You know, usually... when you're down here, or in a Palace, you awaken a Persona. I wonder if that'll happen to you?

[ Unless... his dragon is meant to be his Persona. She could see that, really, and his outfit is already pretty dramatic... but if that happens, then they'll have to think of a codename for him, too, and she doesn't think 'Dragon' will suffice. Not flashy enough... ]

Speaking of that... thanks for coming with me. [ He's stronger and smart and if it wasn't for that little mean streak he tends to have, he's everything she wishes she could be. She'd love to have that confidence and fearlessness that he exudes in spades. ]

Yeah... what if it's something different, though? Like... whatever controls this world? I don't think we should try to take it on, if that's the case. I think if we find something crazy like that, we should come back up and maybe... share that info and see if we can't gather anyone who would be willing to try to take something like that on. [ They must look like quite the pair, her dressed like this, him being... who he is, and a giant dragon just sort of lumbering behind them. Something hits her, though, and suddenly she's got her phone in her hand. ] Hey, is your phone working again, too? We should exchange numbers, just in case we get separated.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[It was like the pot calling the kettle, like he's never been dramatic in his life. Surprisingly, he is willing to lend his assistance this time, just don't expect him to make a habit out of it.] ... [There was no doubt that he must be a rather fastidious person given the choice in attire. He wouldn't tolerate the slightest smug. They could really use a dry cleaner here. Ann was always apologizing, or voicing her gratitude but she needn't do either. They were just words, and a person could say anything. Still, he'd interacted with her enough not to question her sincerity.]

[At least he had the reckless part down pat] Even though I saw the process, I can't say I fully got what was happening. It seemed largely symbolic. I doubt it'll happen to me- I'm powerful enough without it. [Such a big ego]

[That would be a bit too plain as a codename, though he didn't have an alternative at the ready. Not Kaibaman]

Don't make it into a big deal.. it's the difference between taking a right hand turn or a left. [Downplaying the gesture as if it was just taking a walk down the street. Ann didn't seem to fully comprehend her own merits, which always baffled him. Perhaps she was far too used to people only focusing on her physical characteristics but she had more to her than that]

[At this next portion Seto abruptly stopped again and jerked a hand into the air palm side up] This is exactly what I was saying before! [He didn't mean to come off completely exasperated but.. he was completely exasperated] .. The only difference is you want to go out and gather more information first before a strategic retreat. At least now we're on the same page. [It was quite a procession. He starts walking again, but does get out his phone when she asks, raising his eyebrows when the thing boots up] It is working. Just don't use this for anything frivolous. [Famous last words... he gave her the number and waited for hers]

[menaretrash]

It's really confusing when it happens, and uh... a little painful, too. Feels like your whole soul is being torn from your body, if that makes any sense. [ Read: AGONY. ] Yeah... it seems to happen during times of really high stress. But, can't argue that, you're an unstoppable force all on your own. [ Big ego, are you hungry? Let her feed it a little bit, okay.

We don't speak of Kaibaman in this house ]

Yeah, but instead of turning left or right, you're going down. With me. [ If only it were just a walk down the street. She'd much rather be doing that with him right now, but... it is what it is, and she's in good company regardless. So, she can't really complain.

You know, except when he stops and whips his arm out like a soccer mom. ] Okay, okay, jeez! I was worried before, give me a break! I'm used to being a follower, not a leader, and I don't exactly want to lead you to your death, you know? [ She sighs heavily, before flashing him... A Look. ] Wow, like I'd do something like that... [ Her phone is ridiculously pink, and if he studies the background long enough, he'll see all sorts of girly things as her wallpaper. She puts his number in and gives him hers in return.

As she begins walking, though, she doesn't really get off of her phone right away. Hey, Seto... you've got a text message! ]