♔ THE EMPEROR (002) [Video]

[emperor_with_no_groove]

[As big and wondrous as Asgard is, Akihiko won’t turn down the chance to explore a new place – maybe even find some additional challenges along the way.

Besides, in all honesty, it will be nice to get away for a while, and try to take his mind off of all the heavy stones weighing down on him.

Akihiko greets the network with a friendly grin, determined to show optimism and encouragement toward others, as usual.] Showcase our talents, huh? So they wanna see if we can win this war without our original powers.

[He lifts a clenched fist just then, in a display of strength and resolve.] Fine with me. Come on, guys! We can take this challenge! Let’s throw out some ideas. What’ve you all got in mind to show ‘em? And this Vanaheim place – have any of you ever been there before?

[He lowers his fist after a moment as his expression softens a bit.] Oh, and for people that wanna stay here, help us take care of things till we get back, okay? [There’s at least one person in mind that he isn’t sure about, as to whether or not he will want to go.] But don’t worry, we’ll convince ‘em for sure!

Comments

[livedtwice]

You're taking this seriously, aren't you? We'll definitely take care of things here while you're gone.

[emperor_with_no_groove]

Of course! Hell, who knows what they’ll decide to do if we don’t prove ourselves.

So you’re not coming, huh? Be sure to take care of yourself too, man.

[livedtwice]

I have family here, and I'm not sure I'd be able to display much of anything that they want.

[emperor_with_no_groove]

Family? Did they arrive recently?

Strength, most likely. But they'd probably like to know that we're not complete idiots either.

[notsogrimreaper]

[Ryoji was trying to make checking the network a habit, but when he'd spent the first day pretty much hiding out in Hel district, it was hard to introduce himself over something as impersonal as the network. Still, he's trying to get out there... and it's a lot easier to meet new people when the people posting aren't so new to him.

Ryoji smiles back softly.]

Just as enthusiastic as ever, Akihiko-sempai. Do you have a boxing routine you're planning to show off?

[After he's responded, he realizes that Akihiko may find his sudden appearance a little shocking, especially when their last interaction involved Ryoji being controlled by Nyx and morphed into a terrifying monster whose only purpose was to initiate the Fall... To say this could get awkward would be an understatement.]

[emperor_with_no_groove]

[Bingo, Ryoji! Please claim your prize at the table.]

Huh?

[By now, Akihiko really shouldn’t be surprised anymore. After running into both Minako and the other new guy, Minato, the gods in Asgard are clearly just having fun with him at this point. If messing with his head counted as “fun” to them.]

Ryoji…

[His body immediately tenses up, remembering their last encounter. It takes him a minute to cement the fact that here, Ryoji isn’t the Appriser, seeking to end the world through Nyx’s command. He’s normal, powerless… human. Technically, they aren’t enemies anymore, but it isn’t like Akihiko can simply discard his memories of their final fight either. (Though Nyx certainly tried to.)

Akihiko tries to control his reaction as best as he can, keeping his voice low while asking.] When did you… get here?

[His tone is neutral, at least. He feels somewhat wary of Ryoji, but he doesn’t hate him. He just isn’t sure about how to regard the other, now that their roles have changed.]

[notsogrimreaper]

[Please tell him his prize isn't a punch in the face...

Ryoji's grin becomes a bit more sympathetic as he notes Akihiko's expression and reaction. He was a little shocked to see Akihiko himself, but he was happy. Akihiko had stopped Nyx, defeated numerous amounts of Shadows... He was a hero. And Ryoji? Ryoji was the villain they had had to defend the world from. Anyone would be shocked to see someone they defeated back from the dead.

Ryoji is thankful that he at least is human now. Back to normal, in a sense... the only issue is the mental trauma probably won't ever entirely fade. At one point, he was the farthest thing from human. One created to destroy mortals. That was enough.]

Not too long ago. A few days, really, but it feels like longer almost. It's a lot to take in, isn't it?

[mirabilis]

That would depend on whether we get the appropriate tools. As for your second point, I can't say that I've ever heard of a Vanaheim.

[emperor_with_no_groove]

What tools do you need? We'll have to see what they've got, once we get there. Or you can ask that guy [god] on his post.

I see. This makes things even more interesting, then!

[mirabilis]

I'll have to see what I make. [ If it is something that she decides to make in the end ]

What about you? What do you have lined up for them.

[video]

[jivitadana]

[Akihiko was still the same as ever. It was also not fair; Minato knew more about Akihiko than the other way around. May as well make up for that.]

I think I know what you have in mind, Akihiko-senpai.

[video]

[emperor_with_no_groove]

[Yes, they should correct this immediately~

Akihiko still feels confused about the whole thing, but that isn't Minato's fault. So he will maintain his smile, and greet the other teen with some warmth in his tone.]

Hey, Minato. Oh, really? [Three guesses, and the first two don't count.] You sound pretty confident there.

[video]

[jivitadana]

[Yes, they are on their way! Minato knew he should start falling back into some usual patterns whenever he did talk to Akihiko. In some way, that was only fair.]

You've been training for moments like this.

[themortalhalf]

...You're gonna go then, huh?

[emperor_with_no_groove]

Shinji... [His smile is a little less sure now, but he nods.] Definitely. If they see enough talents, that should convince 'em. What about you?

[themortalhalf]

Don't think I've got anything to bring to show n' tell.

[foolsvessel]

It looks like a lot of people are going, huh? I wonder if I should go too... but I'm not sure what I have to show them. [ thee's a small laugh. unfortunately she couldn't show off her personas because that would be cool. ]

But nevertheless, field trip!

[emperor_with_no_groove]

Minako. [His smile is a little brighter, albeit twinged with sadness. Hard to let go of painful memories, after all.]

Hey, don't sell yourself short! You have a lot of talents too. [And he doesn't mean with just Personas either.] By the way, is there anything in particular that you're looking forward to?

[foolsvessel]

I guess...

[ But she isn't sure if they're worthy enough to show Gods. Everyone else would have something like hers, right? So it wouldn't be anything special. ] Ah, yeah, there is actually. I get to spend time with my old friends and explore a new place.

[lookingfordragon]

I think thats the place the elves came from.

I'm going to stay here, some odd things have been happening lately. Lots of new people have arrived too. With how my luck is my brother would turn up while I was away...
[Even if it was unlikely, they'd been separated too many times for her to take a chance.]

[emperor_with_no_groove]

Hey there! [A friendly greeting for someone he's talked to before.] Oh, really? You think they might be able to give us anymore info on the giants?

All right. But be careful, okay? I don't want anything bad to happen to you guys here.

[Ah, siblings! Right up his alley of interests.]

You think so? Do you want him to show up here?

[lookingfordragon]

Possibly, they are from this world and it looked like they knew what to do.

Kotomaru went back to normal because of the apples so I should be okay.

[She hadn't spoken to Fujimaru properly after Lady Konoka's death.]
I'm not sure, I haven't seen him in a long time. Everyone says this place is really dangerous but it doesn't seem any more dangerous than back home.

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[multifacets]

Someone's fired up and ready to go. Take plenty of pictures when you're there, okay?

We'll take care of things on this end.

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[emperor_with_no_groove]

Rise! You’re not going either?

[He hadn’t thought about taking pictures, but thanks for the idea!] Heh, I’ll have to go get a camera before we leave! It’d be a lot easier if they went digital…

Take care of yourself. Don’t let anyone harass you at the bar while I’m gone. [A bouncer’s gotta be protective of his bartender~]

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[multifacets]

Aw, are you worried about me?

[She automatically sends him a wink.]

Don't worry, I can take care of myself. Anybody who tries to harass me won't know what hit 'em!