[ he hopes that his (apparently) being so close to this girl at least means she was there to support him. He knows how Akira always tries to take everything on by himself... ]
33?! You saw that many people die?! [ his fur stands on end a little, and he glances back and forth between the two of them for a second, as if looking for the punchline. It doesn't come, of course. They've dealt with crimes of all shapes and sizes, at this point, but certainly nothing like mass murder on this level. It's way out of their league. Certainly out of a lone Joker's league. ] ... Are you serious?
[ is he okay? no, he's definitely not okay. He can't just ask that. But what can he do? What does he even say to something like this? He's no good at this sort of thing in the first place... He gives Magilou a look of disbelief, then turns to Akira, concerned. ]
[it's a lot, morgana. and akira knows that. so he just nods his head solemnly, shifting his gaze.]
Everyone's alive now. [that was the condition of winning the game, after all.
but "okay," is not what he'd call it. not for himself, at least. plenty of others were fine once the illusion was broke and they knew they'd get home safely. for akira, though—well, the nightmare he can recall akira waking up from was the start of his trying to move on from those traumatic experiences.
[Magilou links her hands behind her back and rocks to the side, nodding in affirmation]
Alive, awake, very unlikely to go through the same thing again. Small comforts, right?
[now she looks at Akira, whom she knows is still struggling with this. despite it being a dream, despite it all being a very distant memory. people like Magilou-- selfish people, who closed their hearts off to such things so long ago-- could very easily move on without issue. but people like him, good people, who still didn't know how to come to terms with the actions took during the game?]
[that was a lot harder]
[she takes a step forward, towards Akira, and gently bumps her shoulder against his. that's a motion she's learned from him]
[ at least their deaths weren't permanent - it's a step above the Metaverse in that regard. It would feel callous to say that. Morgana is used to looking after Akira, but this is so far outside his wheelhosue that he's not sure what he should say. What can someone say in response to a story like that? ]
Akira... [ he looks up at him again, ears wilting. ] ... Damn it. Why do these things always happen to you? You never did anything wrong, but it's like the world is your enemy!
[ being angry is a lot easier than being sad for Morgana. He could apologize, but it wouldn't help a thing - instead, he channels his feelings into frustration and action. Magilou's actions towards Akira don't go unnoticed, but he can hardly ask about that now. ]
It's good you're safe, but we need to find a way to make sure that never happens again! If the Metaverse can be that dangerous, it's our job to stop it. I'll figure something out.
[magilou's gesture helps a bit; he knows she's doing her best in her own way for his sake—she's trying, and it counts for a lot.]
I don't know why. Low luck stat, I guess.
[it's a weak joke, and he knows it. either way, akira shakes his head.]
It's not something that can be stopped in the Metaverse. It wasn't the Metaverse at all—it might have been easier if it was.
[not that he really wants to discourage morgana here, but what he dealt with existed on such a different scale.] At least in the Metaverse, we can use our Personas.
[something he wasn't able to do on murder island, yaaay.]
. . . in hindsight, perhaps not asking about the nature of the dream, who was benefiting from our performance, and how they managed to get us all there anyway was probably ill advised.
[so now they literally. can't do anything to keep it from happening again. and from the way Hal spoke? it sure did happen a lot]
What? So we're going to let them get away? They might do it again, you know!
[ it's their job to stop this kind of thing! Or his and Akira's job, at least. He looks back and forth between the two of them, serious. People's lives are in danger - there has to be some clue they can chase after. Maybe they could find something in Mementos, or... something.
(The real root of the matter is that Morgana doesn't know how else to comfort Akira other than trying to solve the problem through phantom thievery - he's trying his best, in his way.) ]
It's not about letting them get away. I just have no idea how we'd find them. What happened to us was in a dream, with people from so many worlds that aren't anything like this or the Metaverse.
[it's okay, mona.
as okay as it can be.]
When I woke up from that nightmare, it was like no time passed at all here. There probably aren't traces of them—Magilou being here is the only thing I have to prove it even really happened.
[ well, that shuts him down pretty soundly, and just like that, he's out of good ways to help. Morgana looks defeated - and uncomfortable, and a little sad. This whole situation is much worse than he'd imagined; he thought that Akira had maybe gotten into a fight with one of their friends or something, not... witnessed tens of murders. ]
... Well, if everyone's all right, I guess it's okay, but... I don't like it. [ a pause. ] ... Are you all right, Akira?
[ it's lame, but it's the only other thing he can think of to say. He can listen. He really wants to ask about Magilou, and who she is, and what the heck she means when she says "worldhopping," but he just can't leave his best friend in this state. ]
[yeah, Akira's story is far from finished. . . but the other parts? the parts about his role, about the people he killed, about Haru, about how the Chiefs purposefully held her wellbeing over his head to get him to participate? she'll only tell that with explicit permission]
[she cants her head to the side to regard Akira with an even expression, but says nothing]
... We're here for you, you know. You were on your own in that place, but it's not like that here. You're our leader, so you should rely on us.
[ he won't press any more information out of Akira on his own; he's not the type. But the two of them do everything together, and Morgana wants him to know that they can carry this burden together, too. He sits down on his haunches on the counter, tail curled around his body, and looks up at his human friend with those blue eyes that are just a little too clever for a cat. When he's ready.
Until then... his gaze shifts to Magilou, and he twitches his whiskers. ]
I know, Morgana. And I'll tell you everything, because you should know what happened.
[...] In a few minutes.
[he'll get back to it, really and honestly. it's a declaration of intent; if nothing else, morgana and magilou both with probably make sure he stops stalling eventually.
[AHA!! as soon as Akira refers to her by her proper title, Magilou props her hands on her hips, squares her shoulders, and gives Morgana the sharpest smile she can manage]
That's right. ☆ Only the most feared witch on this side of the universe! Fresh from a three year stay in the isolated island prison of Titania, I am back to wreak havoc and chaos wherever I go!
[at least she isn't giving Morgana the long, fake name along with her introduction]
Island prison... ? What kind of shady character did you bring back with you?
[ A WITCH WHO WAS IN PRISON FOR THREE YEARS?? they're a bunch of thieves, so they probably can't talk, but havoc and chaos also aren't their goals, so?? He tilts his head at Magilou, then stands up, taking a few steps down the counter to peer at her. ]
... You've been coming here a lot... And you've been spending a lot of time with him. I can tell. Are you two actually...?
You know I've been in jail twice, right... we're all shady characters.
[morgana, please! they're all shady!]
She's... like us in a lot of ways, prison or not.
[an outcast, an outsider. someone who doesn't quite fit in and has a reason to be wary about other people. so akira just sighs softly, faintly amused.] A lot happened with us over those five weeks.
[yeah, they're ACTUALLY, but he knows magilou has her own hangup, so she can address that on her own.]
[ yeah but "island prison for three years" makes it sound like she killed a man and got put into alcatraz?! obviously, akira would never do such a thing . . . . . .
he squints up at Akira as he speaks - once again, he trusts his judgement, so he decides this girl is probably fine. Her goofy way of talking sort of reminds him of Futaba... Maybe that's why they ended up getting along. ]
I can't believe you went to some kind of crazy battle royale and came back with a new girlfriend... As expected of our Joker, I guess. Well, I won't judge you. [ Morgana licks his paw idly, eyes flicking up to Magilou. ] What's so witchy about you?
[he can't judge if she killed a man, he killed people too. and she killed him? it's all even and fair, even if they haven't gotten to that part of the story.
either way, akira just shrugs. coming home with a girlfriend from murder island is definitely like him, and he figures he should leave the witchy explanations to magilou. until she gets out of control, which he'll then temper a bit.]
. . . hmph. Don't embarrass me! After that experience, why shouldn't he have come home with something good, like an entertaining and villainous girl-- [haaaaa] -- friend such as myself?
[THAT IS DEFINITELY THE FIRST TIME SHE HAS EVER USED THAT TERM, thanks Morgana]
[hey guess what, having her artes back means that she has her powers of illusion back!! so with a snap of her fingers, a twirl, and a wave of her hand above her head, there's a sudden flash of light and]
[POP]
[a series of colorful balloons suddenly appear in the air above them all, before they burst into a series of sparkles and confetti!! which rains down on everyone, but mysteriously disappears before it hits the floor? weird]
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33?! You saw that many people die?! [ his fur stands on end a little, and he glances back and forth between the two of them for a second, as if looking for the punchline. It doesn't come, of course. They've dealt with crimes of all shapes and sizes, at this point, but certainly nothing like mass murder on this level. It's way out of their league. Certainly out of a lone Joker's league. ] ... Are you serious?
[ is he okay? no, he's definitely not okay. He can't just ask that. But what can he do? What does he even say to something like this? He's no good at this sort of thing in the first place... He gives Magilou a look of disbelief, then turns to Akira, concerned. ]
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Everyone's alive now. [that was the condition of winning the game, after all.
but "okay," is not what he'd call it. not for himself, at least. plenty of others were fine once the illusion was broke and they knew they'd get home safely. for akira, though—well, the nightmare he can recall akira waking up from was the start of his trying to move on from those traumatic experiences.
sorry, mona. this isn't a fun story at all.]
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Alive, awake, very unlikely to go through the same thing again. Small comforts, right?
[now she looks at Akira, whom she knows is still struggling with this. despite it being a dream, despite it all being a very distant memory. people like Magilou-- selfish people, who closed their hearts off to such things so long ago-- could very easily move on without issue. but people like him, good people, who still didn't know how to come to terms with the actions took during the game?]
[that was a lot harder]
[she takes a step forward, towards Akira, and gently bumps her shoulder against his. that's a motion she's learned from him]
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Akira... [ he looks up at him again, ears wilting. ] ... Damn it. Why do these things always happen to you? You never did anything wrong, but it's like the world is your enemy!
[ being angry is a lot easier than being sad for Morgana. He could apologize, but it wouldn't help a thing - instead, he channels his feelings into frustration and action. Magilou's actions towards Akira don't go unnoticed, but he can hardly ask about that now. ]
It's good you're safe, but we need to find a way to make sure that never happens again! If the Metaverse can be that dangerous, it's our job to stop it. I'll figure something out.
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I don't know why. Low luck stat, I guess.
[it's a weak joke, and he knows it. either way, akira shakes his head.]
It's not something that can be stopped in the Metaverse. It wasn't the Metaverse at all—it might have been easier if it was.
[not that he really wants to discourage morgana here, but what he dealt with existed on such a different scale.] At least in the Metaverse, we can use our Personas.
[something he wasn't able to do on murder island, yaaay.]
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[yep, totally piggy backing on his joke]
. . . in hindsight, perhaps not asking about the nature of the dream, who was benefiting from our performance, and how they managed to get us all there anyway was probably ill advised.
[so now they literally. can't do anything to keep it from happening again. and from the way Hal spoke? it sure did happen a lot]
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[ it's their job to stop this kind of thing! Or his and Akira's job, at least. He looks back and forth between the two of them, serious. People's lives are in danger - there has to be some clue they can chase after. Maybe they could find something in Mementos, or... something.
(The real root of the matter is that Morgana doesn't know how else to comfort Akira other than trying to solve the problem through phantom thievery - he's trying his best, in his way.) ]
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[it's okay, mona.
as okay as it can be.]
When I woke up from that nightmare, it was like no time passed at all here. There probably aren't traces of them—Magilou being here is the only thing I have to prove it even really happened.
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[Morgana probably doesn't get that, but Akira will. not that she's elaborating]
Well, until I figured out how to worldhop here, that is. Even the injuries we sustained while on that island are gone.
[the scratches on Akira's face, the gash in her arm. vanished, without a trace or a scar]
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... Well, if everyone's all right, I guess it's okay, but... I don't like it. [ a pause. ] ... Are you all right, Akira?
[ it's lame, but it's the only other thing he can think of to say. He can listen. He really wants to ask about Magilou, and who she is, and what the heck she means when she says "worldhopping," but he just can't leave his best friend in this state. ]
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but...
if nothing else, he owes it to morgana to be honest, more candid. and he knows that's what magilou wants for him, too.]
I could be worse but... I think it might be a while before I'm really "all right." But... I'm getting better.
[ maybe. probably. he probably needs to address the things that happened better but it's fine?]
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[she cants her head to the side to regard Akira with an even expression, but says nothing]
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[ he won't press any more information out of Akira on his own; he's not the type. But the two of them do everything together, and Morgana wants him to know that they can carry this burden together, too. He sits down on his haunches on the counter, tail curled around his body, and looks up at his human friend with those blue eyes that are just a little too clever for a cat. When he's ready.
Until then... his gaze shifts to Magilou, and he twitches his whiskers. ]
... So? Who's this girl? Is she an alien?
[ she's from another world, right?! ]
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[...] In a few minutes.
[he'll get back to it, really and honestly. it's a declaration of intent; if nothing else, morgana and magilou both with probably make sure he stops stalling eventually.
for now?]
A witch, actually.
[he's. completely serious abut that part.]
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That's right. ☆ Only the most feared witch on this side of the universe! Fresh from a three year stay in the isolated island prison of Titania, I am back to wreak havoc and chaos wherever I go!
[at least she isn't giving Morgana the long, fake name along with her introduction]
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[ A WITCH WHO WAS IN PRISON FOR THREE YEARS?? they're a bunch of thieves, so they probably can't talk, but havoc and chaos also aren't their goals, so?? He tilts his head at Magilou, then stands up, taking a few steps down the counter to peer at her. ]
... You've been coming here a lot... And you've been spending a lot of time with him. I can tell. Are you two actually...?
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[morgana, please! they're all shady!]
She's... like us in a lot of ways, prison or not.
[an outcast, an outsider. someone who doesn't quite fit in and has a reason to be wary about other people. so akira just sighs softly, faintly amused.] A lot happened with us over those five weeks.
[yeah, they're ACTUALLY, but he knows magilou has her own hangup, so she can address that on her own.]
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Oh my! A lady doesn't kiss and tell.
[YOU'RE NOT A LADY MAGILOU]
And a witch is strictly prohibited from speaking of matters of the heart, anyway. Witch's Code, Section 17, Line 183. Look it up.
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he squints up at Akira as he speaks - once again, he trusts his judgement, so he decides this girl is probably fine. Her goofy way of talking sort of reminds him of Futaba... Maybe that's why they ended up getting along. ]
I can't believe you went to some kind of crazy battle royale and came back with a new girlfriend... As expected of our Joker, I guess. Well, I won't judge you. [ Morgana licks his paw idly, eyes flicking up to Magilou. ] What's so witchy about you?
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either way, akira just shrugs. coming home with a girlfriend from murder island is definitely like him, and he figures he should leave the witchy explanations to magilou. until she gets out of control, which he'll then temper a bit.]
1/of like. idk. morgana why.
[at the word "girlfriend," Magilou makes a sort of. . . :/ face and links both hands behind her head. it looks!! very tsun!! see icon, basically]
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. . . hmph. Don't embarrass me! After that experience, why shouldn't he have come home with something good, like an entertaining and villainous girl-- [haaaaa] -- friend such as myself?
[THAT IS DEFINITELY THE FIRST TIME SHE HAS EVER USED THAT TERM, thanks Morgana]
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Which actually segues quite nicely into my next response!
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[hey guess what, having her artes back means that she has her powers of illusion back!! so with a snap of her fingers, a twirl, and a wave of her hand above her head, there's a sudden flash of light and]
[POP]
[a series of colorful balloons suddenly appear in the air above them all, before they burst into a series of sparkles and confetti!! which rains down on everyone, but mysteriously disappears before it hits the floor? weird]
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[she strikes a pose]
I am part malevolent mistress, part illustrious entertainer! A vile villain mixed with a magnificent magician!
I am the wonderful, the highly respected, Mazhigigika Miludin do Din Nolurun Dou!
okay done now i'm so sorry
i'm love magilou
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